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The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1:46–55)

ACT ONE: The Waiting (Luke 1:5-7)

Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in the sight of God… but they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. Luke 1:6a,7

They were waiting for the Messianic prophecies to be fulfilled, from verses like Genesis 12:2,3; 2 Samuel 7:16; and Malachi 4:2-6.

ACT TWO: The Answer (Luke 1:8-25)

The angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John… And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah…” Luke 1:13,17

ACT THREE: The Response (Luke 1:57-79)

His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come to his people and redeemed them…
…And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God…” Luke 1:67-68;76-78a

Zechariah’s aha moment: What we need most is a

Reveal Answer

“The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.” – Max Lucado

Everyone thought their problem was
• Political
• National
• Moral
Their real problem was
•

Reveal Answer

What will your response be?

QUESTIONS
For personal reflection or group discussion

1. What about the sermon stood out or impacted you the most?
   

2. Read Luke 1:5-7. Do you have something in your life that you have wanted to happen for a long time, but it hasn’t, so you now assume it will never happen or is impossible? Is it possible that there is something God has for you to learn in that wait? Do you have any idea what that might be?
   

3. Read Luke 1:76-77. Zechariah outlines John’s role as preparer and ambassador of Jesus. While John may have been the first to fill this role, it’s also the role given to every believer! What could this look like in your life?
   

4. Read Luke 1:78-79. Zechariah describes Jesus as the sun breaking at dawn (quoting Malachi 4:2). In what ways is Jesus like the light of the sun to you?
   

Please pray for our Christmas services, that God would be glorified and many would hear the good news!

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CHRISTMAS WEEKEND SERVICES

Christmas Services postcard invitations are available in the lobby.
All Christmas info at* TLC.ORG/CHRISTMAS**

• Candlelight Services:
  Dec 23 4:30, 6pm; Dec 24 3, 4:30, 6 pm

• Remembering Service (for those grieving a loved one)
  Dec 23 7:15pm, Monschke Hall

• Servicio de Velas
  Dec 24 6pm, Monschke Hall

• Christmas Morning Family Service
  Dec. 25 10am; Free Christmas brunch!