As we move toward Christmas, I would like to spend some time in the Gospels and share my notes on the people and events leading up to and including the Incarnation. Let me begin by saying that the focus of the early Church was not on the day of Jesus' birth, but upon the Incarnation, Crucifixion and Resurrection. Westerners are holiday seekers and tend to celebrate days rather than deity.

My intent is to help us keep perspective regarding those events and understand that all that happened occurred in preparation for the "fulness of time" in which God would send His Son for the purpose of sacrifice. With that in mind let us continue.

The Birth of John the Baptist Lk 1:5-25; 57-80
Background Lk 1:5-25
The Parents “Zechariah & Elizabeth”
Every direct male descendant of Aaron was automatically a priest. There were divided into 24 sections. Only at Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles did all the priests serve. His wife also belonged to the lineage of Aaron too. Because of the number of priests, one might live an entire lifetime and never burn incense, which was chosen by casting lots. Our Sovereign God caused all to happen according to His plan.

The Problem “barren”
Obviously, these two never stopped praying and believing about having a child. It was bad enough to be barren, but to be a priest from and have a wife from Aaron made matters even worse.

The Prayer “heard”
We are sometimes very impatient regarding answers to prayer, but God always knows what He is doing, and why He is doing it. We must, in the words of Dr. Chou, “pray and obey.”

The Promise “children…will…turn”
This is a quote from the last sentence of the Old Testament.

The Proof “mute”
This same cherub had appeared to Daniel in 8:16 and 9:21

I have always loved the way God has everything prepared. He is organized and does all things decently and orderly. Praise His Name!

BLESSINGS!