#ComeSunday #WorshipBulletin: Read the scripture and download the bulletin to prepare for 10:00 am Sunday worship and Weekly Bible studies!
Luke 1:26-38 (Common English Bible)
26 When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee, 27 to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 When the angel came to her, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” 29 She was confused by these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you. 31 Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and he will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. 33 He will rule over Jacob’s house forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom.”
34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen since I haven’t had sexual relations with a man?”
35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come over you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the one who is to be born will be holy. He will be called God’s Son. 36 Look, even in her old age, your relative Elizabeth has conceived a son. This woman who was labeled ‘unable to conceive’ is now six months pregnant. 37 Nothing is impossible for God.”
38 Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
Summary:
This scripture reminds us that Mary fully receives her blessing by sharing in love with Elizabeth’s blessing. A true gift of God is not just a gift for ourselves, but a shared gift with others.
The pandemic created new opportunities for Inglewood First UMC in ministry and we followed the Spirit in these strange and disorienting times, finding peace in God in the midst of trouble. This online worship includes a replay of portions of our “Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved” worship series from August.
Reflection Questions:
- What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
- What does this scripture teach you about love?
- What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?