EP 37: The Coming of Christ

Welcome to the fourth and final part of The Advent Collective! Today, we are going to examine the special events leading up to the coming of Christ, reflect on the story of Christ's birth according to Luke, and spend time in prayer to help prepare our hearts all the more for Christmas day. Grab your note-taking essentials and let's dive in!

Welcome

Hey Sis! Welcome back to another episode of the Daughter of Delight podcast. Today’s episode marks the fourth and final part of The Advent Collective. To sum things up for you real quick, in part I we covered what Advent is and why it matters, in part II we took a look at one of the many Old Testament prophecies that foretell the coming of Christ, in part III we dove into the lives of the “other” Advent characters, Zechariah and Elizabeth, and today we are wrapping things up by considering the story of Christ’s beautiful, miraculous and truly life-changing birth. 

Thank You!

But first, let me just say how tremendously thankful I am for this podcast community. It has been an absolute blast to step back in time and journey through the story of the first coming of Christ with you these last couple of weeks. I hope that you have enjoyed it just as much as I  have!Go ahead and grab your Bible, your notetaking necessities, a cup of your go-to coffee or tea, and get comfortable. I am going to cover as much as I possibly can over the course of the next 30 minutes or so. 

Review of the Week

While you grab what you need, let’s look at our review of the week! AESONG0612 says this podcast is, “So heart touching and so refreshing to listen to! Praise be to God.” Simple and oh so very sweet. One of my prayers for the podcast is that it would be like a breath of fresh air and that God would use it to feed your ears, and mine, with nuggets of His wisdom. Thanks for letting me know that you are enjoying the podcast, sis. It means more than you know that you took the time to pause and encourage. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

The Advent Collective Part IV: The Coming of Christ

Today’s episode is my favorite episode of The Advent Collective. We are going to reflect on the angel Gabriel’s special visit to Mary and Mary’s special visit with Elizabeth. If you want to make the most out of today’s episode, I highly encourage that you give part III a listen if you have not already done so. Speaking of which, if you can recall from last week’s episode, we planted ourselves in Luke 1. We will be doing the very same today, and I am going to get things started for us by reading verses 26-38 from the ESV translation. Here we go!

Luke 1:26-38

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed[a] to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”[b] 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”[c]35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[d] will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant[e] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

About Mary

Okay...this is truly the most magnificent story. And the best part about it is that it actually happened!Let’s talk about Mary for a moment. We don’t know too much about her because the Gospel is the story of Jesus, not the story of Mary, but here’s what we do know!

She Was Young

Mary was probably 15 or 16 years young when she gave birth to Jesus. According to Jewish customs at the time, a young woman might become betrothed to a young man as early as 12 years of age.Who else thinks this sounds absolutely ridiculous? I mean, when I was 12 I’m pretty sure I was still playing with Polly Pockets! Betrothed doesn’t mean they were legally married. Well, at least not yet. The consummation of Mary and Joseph’s wedding through ceremony and physical intimacy wouldn’t happen until they were legally married many months or even years later. I still cannot imagine knowing who I would be spending the rest of my life with at 12 years young though! My, how times have changed.

She Found Favor

Next, we learn that she found favor with God. Meaning, she was a recipient of His grace. Like us, Mary was a nobody. Mary lived in an unclean village where gentiles residerd and she wasn’t officially married to Joseph at this point in the story, so she probably lived with her parents.Mary was spiritually nothing without God and an improbable recipient of His grace. She found favor with God because God first found favor with her. This is a beautiful truth and great reminder for us today that God is always mindful of His mercy for His people, and my question for you is this: Are you? Are you always mindful of His mercy upon you? 

She Was a Virgin

Third, we learn that Mary was a virgin.  Talk about a total plot twist, sis! A virgin would give birth to the Savior of the world. It’s only fitting that Jesus would enter into incarnate life in a way that proclaimed the glorious role He was coming to fulfill. His unique birth sets Him apart from literally everyone. 

A Genuine Question

And, out of genuine curiosity, Mary asks aloud in verse 34, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (ESV) At first glance, Mary’s question here can seem like it portrays the same lack of faith Zechariah had when he asked for a true sign that he would have a son in his old age.But this is not the case.  Mary had accepted the news Gabriel announced, she just had a genuine desire to know how exactly it would happen. She didn’t ask for a sure sign like Zechariah- which is very interesting to me when I consider the age difference. Mary was still a child, yet she recognized her encounter with an angel of God was enough to trust that this was indeed going to happen. Now that’s some childlike faith right there.  

Mary's Response to the Coming of Christ

Once Garbiel explains that it would be made possible by the Holy Spirit, Mary responds with words of submission, trust and faith. Take a look at verse 38 with me:“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant[e] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her” (ESV).  I just love her response here.Especially when I take into consideration that Mary knew this pregnancy could ruin her reputation. She wasn’t even officially married yet! She knew she could lose everything. 

But God

In His grace, the Lord opened Mary’s eyes to see beyond her circumstances; to realize that she was a part of something so much bigger and so much greater than she could ever imagine. And instead of responding in fear, she responded with faith in her Father’s plans for her life.Mary knew God would be with her every step of the way. She would give a virgin birth to the Savior of the World. And this Savior, Mary’s son, would be her Savior, too.Sis, do you trust God to see beyond your circumstances? Do you trust that every detail of your life has been woven together by the Creator of all things? Like Mary, may we faithfully submit ourselves into the faithful hands of our good and gracious Father.

Mary's Special Visit with Elizabeth

After Mary discovers she will be the mother of the coming Messiah, she leaves to visit Elizabeth. Yep, the same Elizabeth we talked about last week, who would birth John the Baptist, the very person God would use to pave the way for Christ Jesus.

Luke 1:39-40

Take a look at verse 39 with me:39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 

A Long and Arduous Journey

Let me give you an idea of what Mary’s journey to Elizabeth entailed. First of all, Elizabeth and Zechariah were in Jerusalem. Mary lived in Nazareth, which was north of Jerusalem. Mary’s trek to Elizabeth would have been a 70-mile journey. We also have no idea if someone went with her or if she took on this trek alone. Remember, she wasn’t yet married to Joseph at this point. So, the question begs- Why? Why would Mary take the risk of such a long and arduous journey? 

Only Elizabeth Would Truly Understand

I personally think it was because she knew only Elizabeth would truly understand...she knew Elizabeth wouldn’t judge, because God had just recently made Elizabeth’s old and barren womb fruitful with the life of John the Baptist. She probably also wanted to witness Elizabeth’s beautiful and miraculous baby bump Gabriel had told her about and celebrate all that John and Jesus would go on to do for the Kingdom of God. At this point in the story, Mary has officially made it to Zechariah and Elizabeth’s house. Their greeting is one of my absolute favorite parts of this story. Let’s take a look at it and you’ll see why. Here I go, starting in verse 41:

Luke 1:41-45

41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be[a] a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”Did you catch that? Baby John joyfully leaped in Elizabeth’s womb at the voice of Mary! This was undoubtedly a leap that was prompted by the Spirit of God. It was a leap that prompted Mary and Elizabeth both to look to Jesus!Can you imagine the awe, the wander, and the unpredictable amounts of joy this special moment brought to the hearts of Mary and Elizabeth? 

Elizabeth Blessed Mary

Elizabeth could have been jealous or resentful of the fact that Mary was a young, pregnant virgin after all of the years she had lived with a barren womb. But this was not the case. Instead, she shouted, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”Elizabeth blessed Mary. And she also expressed humility before her! Look at verse 43:“And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”Sis, in the presence of the Lord, the Spirit leaps and shouts for joy!This was the exact celebration Mary had traveled 70 miles for. Baby John leapt. Elizabeth shouted. And Mary responds in song. Look at verses 46-47 with me:

Luke 1:46-47

46 And Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,Alright, who else is singing the Magnificat now? This was Mary’s song:My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! Are those not some of the most beautiful and truth-filled words you have ever heard? 

Connecting the Dots

These words that Mary sings are a praise-filled expression of God’s mercy on her. And let’s not neglect the opportunity to connect the dots here: God’s mercy on Mary expresses His mercy for all of His children. That being said, although it seems like Mary is the main focus of this story and today’s episode, she is not.And here’s what I mean by that…

The Primary Actor in Story of the Coming of Christ

The primary actor in this story is the Holy Spirit. Because of the power of God’s spirit in us, we are enabled by it to truly delight in God- like Mary and Elizabeth, and, most importantly, like Jesus. God makes the impossible, possible through His life-giving Spirit. We are going to spend the rest of our time together today dwelling in the verses that recall the birth of Christ Jesus. Then, I am going to end in a special Christmas prayer. So, here’s what I want you to do. If you can, get in a quiet place and close your eyes as I read through Luke 2:1-21 for us. If you can’t get in a quiet place, take some deep breaths and do your absolute best to focus in on this absolutely amazing, out of this world, one-of-a-kind story. Quick sidenote: If you can recall in last week’s episode, I mentioned that Zechariah would go from priest to prophet. I wish we had all the time to cover everything I would like, but I want to encourage you to read about the birth of the forerunner of Christ, AKA John the Baptist, in verses 57-66 and to check out Zechariah’s awesome prophecy in Luke 1:67-80. This is the section right before the birth of Jesus.For now, let’s hop right to Luke 2 starting in verse 1:

The Coming of Christ

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed,[b] who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.[c]

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.Finally, skipping down to verse 40:40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.Mm. And the favor of God was upon him. Amen and amen.

A Special Christmas Prayer For the Coming of Christ

With the Christmas story fresh on our hearts and to wrap up The Advent Collective, I am going to end this episode with one of the most beautiful prayers. I found it online, added some personal touches of my own to it, and will absolutely be hanging on to it for the years to come. Would you pray with me, sis?Our God and Father, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all things visible and invisible.We thank you that you are Great and Mighty, yet willing to dwell immanently with those who are contrite and humble in heart.Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son of God, you who were begotten of your Father before all worlds, god of God, Light of Light, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; By whom all things were made.We thank you that you, Lord Jesus, did not despise the virgin’s womb, but came down from heaven and was incarnate, enfleshed by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man.When we consider your birth Lord Jesus, the manger in which you were born, we ask with the shepherds, with the Magi, and with Mary, What Child is this? and we worshipfully ponder this mystery in our hearts! We realize it is Christ the King, the Messiah, born to free sinners from their sins and make them children of the living God.When we look for God’s glory revealed to us, we look in the face of a baby in a lowly cave, born of humble parents, in a dark and broken world of sin and misery. We see the fullness of God’s glory in the face of Christ Jesus.This omnipresent God, omnipotent and all-powerful God who is in all places at one time was made present in a crying infant to those who adored him.This all-powerful God showed forth all of his power in a small, weak and helpless little baby. This all-knowing God became flesh and dwelt among us as a baby, learning to understand the world around him, and teaching men that the true path to peace and the true way to God was through humility.Help us to learn as your people that we are to find love, joy, hope, and peace in the simplicity of faith, the carrying of our cross daily, the lowly circumstances, and weak occasions whereby we experience your strength and power.We thank you that you were crucified for your people, those you have loved from the foundation of the earth, and on the third day you rose according to the Scriptures, and you ascended into heaven and now sit at the right hand of God our Father.We thank you O Jesus, Messiah, Son of David, Eternal Son of God, the One named Jesus who has come to save his people from their sins, King of kings and Lord of lords, Lamb of God, Lion of Judah!Joy to the world! The Lord is come! Let heaven and nature sing! Let all creation praise God’s indescribable gift to us! Let us rejoice in the work of salvation and redemption secured and accomplished in human flesh on behalf of those whom you love.Come again, Lord Jesus to fully set your people free, to redeem us fully so that we might be part of a new heavens and a new earth, living joyfully in your presence forever!O, Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, we thank you for your presence, your power, your transforming grace that makes us like Jesus Christ.Please help your people to be reminded that your glory dwelt in human flesh so that we might have peace from the Prince of Peace.Forgive us for getting caught up in our materialistic, secular culture, where Christmas without Christ has become a commodity to be sold; Giving in order to get, forgetting that you are worthy of our praise and it was your gift in Christ that is the world’s only hope.We pray for Your peace, the peace found in being united to the risen Christ, knowing that he will come again and renew all things and righteousness will cover the face of the earth as you have promised. Comfort your people this Christmas, O God, as we remember that Christmas, and the Advent Season, is the time in which you came to save mankind, by extending a familiar hand of flesh for sinful sinners born in Adam, in order to redeem and rescue them from this world of sin and misery.By the power of your Holy Spirit, may we as your people desire and live in anticipation for the return of your risen, enthroned Son, the King of the Church, and we pray these things in His Name and for His sake!In the Name of the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three-in-one, one-in-three, eternally existing,Amen.Merry Christmas, sister in Christ. Merry, merry Christmas. 

Thank You

Thank you for joining me for today’s special Advent episode on the coming of Christ!I pray the Lord used it to prepare for Christ’s birth this Christmas season. Speaking of which, I also pray you have a very merry and very blessed Christmas this year. It may look different than most years, but the meaning remains the same. May you find true joy in this very truth. Soli deo Gloria! 

More

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out parts I, II, and III of The Advent Collective as well!Want more encouragement? Check out this Daily Delight!