Bible Text: Matthew 3; Luke 7:18-23 | Pastor: Pastor Ken | Series: Experiencing Christmas | 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Learning from Zacharias and Elizabeth
Luke 1:5-25

God’s timing is not ours, but He has a reason for His timing

God can do the impossible and improbable.

You are never to old, to young…or unimportant to be used by God

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”
Learning from Simeon and Anna
Luke 2:25-32, 36-38 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

God is faithful to His word

God can restore joy lost and give meaning to life in the process
Learning from Angels and Shepherds
Luke 2:8-14 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them… And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

No one is to lowly or insignificant that God will not value them, sharing Himself, His life, plans, hope and future with them.
Learning from Joseph and Mary
Luke 1:26-38 & Matthew 1:18-25

God calls whom He choses to call.  It is not about position, influence, power, prestige; no it is more about character and heart and willingness.

God may use what He has developed in you in ways you may never expect.  Joseph’s righteousness allowed him to consider putting Mary away.  It also prepared him to acknowledge the sovereignty and leadership of God and be willing to follow it.

God showed Mary how to love herself, how to accept seeing herself as He saw her.  How to accept her calling.
Learning from John the Baptist
Luke 1:63-80, Luke 3:1-4, John 1:19-27, Luke 7:18-23,28-29

God calls whom He choses to call.  It is not about position, influence, power, prestige; no it is more about character and heart and willingness.  Luke 1:76; Matthew 3:4; John 1:23

God may use what He has developed in you in ways you may never expect.  John preached to the people, and he baptized Jesus. Luke 1:80; Matthew 3:13

God’s timing is not ours, but He has a reason for His timing. Luke 3:2; Matthew 3:1

Luke 1:63-80, Luke 3:1-4, John 1:19-27, Luke 7:18-23,28-29

God is faithful to His word. Luke 3:2; Matthew 3

No one is to lowly or insignificant that God will not value them, sharing Himself, His life, plans, hope and future with them. Matthew 3:4; John 1:19

God can do the impossible and improbable. Matthew 3:15

Luke 1:63-80, Luke 3:1-4, John 1:19-27, Luke 7:18-23,28-29

You are never to old, to young…or unimportant to be used by God. Matthew 3:4

God can restore joy lost and give meaning to life in the process. Luke 7:18-23, 28-29