Author: Steven T. Cook
Note: Creation Moments exists to provide Biblically sound materials to the Church in the area of Bible and science relationships. This Bible study may be reproduced for group use.
The Christmas story is too well known! Even unbelievers can probably outline this great event’s occurrences. Of course, we may think that is what we are to be accomplishing, spreading the Good News of God’s Son come to live with us. That is in fact the goal we have before us, to reach all mankind with God’s Word and salvation available in His Son Jesus Christ.
Yet, at the same time, the Christmas story is too well known. Without reading further, can you think of any reasons this could be true?
The Christmas story is too well known in that the miraculous parts have come to seem common. That which God worked to make an impact and draw us to himself has become “Ho Hum.”
To better understand this, please read Luke 1:26-41. Although this isn’t the Christmas event, it is the necessary foundation for what would happen.
Before talking about the miracles in the text, we need to be sure we all know what miracles are. Perhaps you might come up with some possible definitions before continuing. In Christian theology, miracles are an extra-ordinary working of God in the world, in a manner that goes beyond normal experience, in order to glorify or reveal God.
What then is the first miracle we encounter in Luke 1:26-41? Could it be the angel’s visit? Although angels are mentioned often in the Old Testament and occasionally in the New Testament, they do not regularly appear to people.
How can we be sure an angel appeared to Mary? How could Luke know about this? Read Luke 1:1- 4.
Mary brings forth a question regarding the great miracle of Christmas. How can I have a child, let alone a son (are we passing over another miracle, in the telling of the sex of a child not yet conceived?), when I am not married? Who is to be the child’s father? Will this fatherhood occur in the natural manner?
We see how important this miracle is by the time and effort the adversary uses to try to discredit it.
One cult has “god,” an exalted man, coming to Mary in his human form to bring about the conception. What in vs. 35 prevents this naturalistic approach?
Read also Matt. 11:22-23 for further information regarding Mary’s condition during this time.
Rationalists, in the past half century, have suggested that Mary had been raped by a Roman soldier. Read Matt. 1:18-19. In the small town of Nazareth, could Joseph have divorced Mary privately if rape had been involved? (Read Deut. 22:25-27 for the Judaic law in this case.)
What other miracle is mentioned in these verses? Compare Luke 1:7 to see how Elizabeth’s pregnancy could be a sign for Mary. To consider another miracle regarding Elizabeth’s pregnancy, read Luke 1:20, 63-64.
You may desire to close this study by reading Luke 1:46-55 (the Magnificat).
Footnotes:
1988 Bible Science Newsletter.
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