In the first chapters of Luke we learn about the angel Gabriel bringing the message of hope to two unlikely couples. The first couple is Elizabeth and Zechariah — good people but getting on in years and Elizabeth was barren. (Luke 1:5-7). Gabriel says they will have a son John who will “turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, and to make ready a people for the Lord.”
Gabriel later tells an even more unlikely couple that they also will have a son. The couple are not even married and Mary is a virgin.
Gabriel reminds us that God brings hope to the most unlikely people and places. I have been in some very unlikely places, I bet you have as well, and yet there was always hope. Advent is all about God brings hope and a new life where there is emptiness and hopelessness.
During this week we will explore the hope of Advent, and so we begin by asking ourselves three questions: 1.) Have you ever felt like Elizabeth or Zechariah because of emptiness or loss. 2.) Who has brought you hope like Gabriel? 3.) Have you ever played the role of Gabriel in another’s life?
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