Bible Study Lesson from Luke 1: 11-15
People everywhere are celebrating the holiday season but many don’t have any idea of how Christmas began.
This story telling about the birth of John the Baptist plays a serious role in the coming of Jesus into the world.
My family and I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
The Christmas Story & John the Baptist
And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.
Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him.
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.
You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. – Luke 1: 11-15 NASB
God’s Promise of a Son to Zechariah
Who was John?
* The name John means ‘the Lord is gracious,’ and Jesus means ‘the Lord saves.’
Both names were prescribed by God, not chosen by human parents so there was a definite purpose in these two names as we will later learn.
Why Did God Send Christ?
God has always saved His people throughout the Bible ( Remember Israel in Egypt?) .
But sending Jesus is His ultimate and final way of showing His great love for you and me. God will not withhold salvation from anyone who sincerely comes to him and asks.
Why Do We Celebrate Christmas?
As we enter into the Christmas season let’s take a moment of pause and reflect on the real reason we celebrate. Many people have asked the question; “Why do we celebrate Christmas” and the answer is really simple.
We are celebrating the birth of Christ – He came to earth to live among us, to die on the cross, and to rise on the third day so that we might be forgiven from sin.
Remember Family – Remember God
Christmas presents, family and friends gathering together are precious, but God’s promise of everlasting life through Jesus Christ is awesome!
He leaves under the tree gifts of love, peace, forgiveness, joy, comfort, compassion ..
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16.
A special treat – Watch the “Little Drummer Boy” as performed by Ritchie Petrie on the “Dick Van Dyke Show”.
Read Today’s Verses Here:
New American Standard Bible
New King James Version