Text: Luke 1:545

Topic: How God sent his grace to real people with real problems.

Introduction:

• To fully understand Christmas, we must put two stories side by side.

God's grace was shown to Zacharias and Elizabeth.

• Luke 1:5
• The names Zacharias and Elizabeth together mean, "The Lord keeps his covenant."
• To show that he can open Elizabeth's womb, God shuts Zacharias' mouth.

God's grace was shown to Mary.

• The angel Gabriel is the link between the two stories.
• Mary questions the possibility of the prophecy, just as Zacharias did.
• Elizabeth was Mary's proof that nothing is impossible with God.

God orchestrated Jesus' birth to bring grace to us.

• The masterful plan of God was at work bringing both stories together.

Conclusion:

• We have great reason to praise God for sending us his son.