Luke 1:26-38

• Of all the characters in the Christmas story, who do you most identify with, and why?

Read Luke 1:26-38

• Consider Mary's reaction to the angel's greeting: "Greetings, you who are highly favoured!" Why do you think this greeting troubled or disturbed her? What first impression of Mary does this give us?

• Why do you think Mary "found favour with God"? [1] What does that phrase mean to you? Do you think it applies to Mary for any particular reason - or might it also apply to you in some sense?

• The angel tells Mary to call her son 'Jesus' (which means, 'The Lord is salvation'). What do you notice about the descriptions of this child in verses 32,33 & 35. What impression would this description have given Mary?

Compare the angel's words with the words of Isaiah's ancient prophesy (which Mary might possibly have been aware of):

Read Isaiah 7:14 & 9:2-7

• How does the birth of Jesus fulfil this prophetic expectation? And how does Jesus subvert the expectations of Isaiah here in the way that he fulfils them?

• Reread the final words of Mary in verse 38. What would it have taken for Mary to accept this pregnancy? What risk is she willingly taking?

• How do we respond to God's instructions and demands on our safety, comfort, etc. What would it look like for us to be as willing as Mary?

Spend some time reflecting on Mary's faith and obedience. Pray for one another that we might all be able to say in our hearts and with out actions, "I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled."

[1] This phrase appears a number of times in the bible - it first appears in Genesis 6:8, in the story of Noah.