Because we still sin, we pray that God would keep us from temptation and to deliver us from evil when that temptation comes. He gives us ordinary means of resisting temptation: watchful prayer, knowing God’s word, and other Christians to hold us accountable. If/when we succumb to temptation, we find mercy for our past sins and grace for our future walk at the foot of the cross.

Facing a moral debt that we cannot pay, those of us who are in Christ are forgiven through his death on the cross. In turn, we forgive others as we have been forgiven.

In praying for our daily bread, we are moved to consistent dependence on God to provide our own needs and the needs of our community.

The first three petitions of The Lord's Prayer are all synonymous with "Let Your Kingdom Come." We look forward to the day when God's authority is recognized on earth, but until that day, we bring the kingdom about with our actions.

Simeon and Anna were representatives of Israel who were waiting for God's salvation to come. When Jesus arrived, Simeon could die in peace, even though God's full redemption hadn't yet come.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

- Is there a fact you learned, question you had, or truth you were reminded of during today’s sermon?
- Why did Mary need to be purified?
- How is Jesus God's salvation?
- How can we see God's salvation today?
- How does this sermon inform our Joyful Worship, Humble Growth, Radical Hospitality, or Generous Service?

Why is the birth of a baby 2,000 years ago “good news of great joy for all people”?

Note: This sermon has a uniquely somber tone because it was preached hours after a church member died.

Questions for Discussion and Reflection

- Is there a fact you learned, question you had, or truth you were reminded of during today’s sermon?
- Is it possible for any of us to please God on our own?
- What's the best news you've ever heard?
- To what response is God calling you to this evening?
- How does this sermon inform our Joyful Worship, Humble Growth, Radical Hospitality, or Generous Service?

Questions for Discussion and Reflection

- Is there a fact you learned, question you had, or truth you were reminded of during today’s sermon?
- What three things did God promise to Abraham?
- What two dangers do we face when trying to reconcile the spiritual and physical aspects of this song? Which danger are you more tempted by?
- Who are the true people of God?
- How does this sermon inform our Joyful Worship, Humble Growth, Radical Hospitality, or Generous Service?

Jesus is the ultimate divine king, the one who is great, the Son of God. In this passage, we see that John the Baptist, Mary, and the kings of the Old Testament are signposts meant to point to Jesus, not the destination themselves.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

- Is there a fact you learned, question you had, or truth you were reminded of during today’s sermon?

- What Old Testament character(s) does Mary remind you of?

- How is Jesus greater than Mary, John the Baptist, and/or David?

- How does the kingship of Jesus affect how we view other objects of worship today?

- How does this sermon inform our Joyful Worship, Humble Growth, Radical Hospitality, or Generous Service?

Just as God answered the prayers of Zechariah and Elizabeth by providing them a son, God answered the prayers of the people by sending a prophet who would herald the coming Day of the Lord.

Discussion Questions

- Is there a fact you learned, question you had, or truth you were reminded of during today’s sermon?

- How would you react if an angel appeared to you on the biggest day of your life?

- Who are counted among God’s people on the Day of the Lord?

- What is your prayer?

- How does this sermon inform our Joyful Worship, Humble Growth, Radical Hospitality, and/or Generous Service?