Christmas Lesson Series - 1
Luke 1:5-25, 57-80
 
The Christmas story is one of the church's favorite traditions. But over the years, commercialization and materialism have swallowed up many of the truths about this marvelous Good News. Instead of focusing on Jesus, many Christmas celebrations are focused on presents and food. This lesson will set up the scene for the Christmas story, preparing the way for the coming Christ.

Some religious leaders were called hypocrites in the Scripture. How does Luke 1:5-10 describe Zechariah the priest and his wife Elizabeth?

Let's identify with Zechariah and Elizabeth. What kind of emotions would you feel if you could not have children?

Read Luke 1:11-13. What were Zechariah's first two reactions to the angel (1:12)?

·  He was __________ - It is interesting to note that Zechariah was startled by God's messenger angel. When you come to worship, do you expect to meet with God?

·  He was __________ - Why was Zechariah afraid? Think of other times when people met God or his messengers.

The names of both John and Jesus were chosen by God, not by their parents. John means "the Lord is gracious," and Jesus means "the Lord saves."

Read Luke 1:14-17. How do these verses describe John?

Who was the first person to find out that the Lord was coming to Earth (Luke 1:17)?

Read Luke 1:18-25. Why did Zechariah have a hard time believing what the angel told him?

To whom did Elizabeth give credit for her pregnancy (Luke 1:25)?

Read Luke 1:57-80. What was the first thing Zechariah said when he was enabled to speak (Luke 1:64)?
What else could he have said instead?

What was the reaction of their neighbors and relatives (Luke 1:58, 65-66)?

What was John's role in the Christmas story (Luke 1:76)?

Lesson 1 Worksheet Scripture: Luke 1:5-25, 57-80

1. Zechariah and Elizabeth were ____________________ in the sight of the Lord (Luke 1:6). This is how I should live my life.

2. I should not be ____________________ as Zechariah was when he saw the angel. Instead, I should ________________________________________ when I worship (Luke 1:12).

3. ____________________ was the first person to find out that the Lord was coming to Earth (Luke 1:17). The first person I told the Christmas story to was / will be...

4. God answered Zechariah and Elizabeth's prayer at the ______________________________ (Luke 1:20). This is when God will answer my prayer.

5. John's role in the Christmas story was to ____________________ and ____________________ the way (Luke 1:76). Like John, I can...