Angels make an appearance to shepherds in the field to announce the birth of Jesus. In our podcast, we will also notice the parallels between the story of Jesus and the Exodus. 

David gives an invocation to praise and gives us three reasons why we should praise God. 

Caesar Augustus issues a decree that everyone should return home for a census. Joseph and Mary have to come to the city of Bethlehem and the House of David. Jesus who is the bread of life will be born in the "House of Bread" (Bethlehem) and he will be laid in a feeding trough. Early we see that Jesus will offer up His body for us. Luke will end his two-volume set with Paul in the city of Rome preaching under Caesar's nose. 

Even though we don't know everything that the future holds, or everything that God us up to, HE is still worthy of our praise.

Mary's great confession of servitude to God is followed by her first encounter with Elizabeth since they have both become pregnant by the power of God.

The angel Gabriel comes to announce to the young girl Mary that she will be with child and give birth to the Savior. Jesus is the fulfillment of many prophecies such as Isaiah 9:6-7. 

The Psalmist reminds us of the blessing we have in forgiveness. Confession is key to a healthy spiritual life before the Lord. 

Zechariah's prophecy ties together many loose ends that were left at the end of the OT. John the Baptist will be the prophet God's people have been waiting for and he will come to prepare the way for the coming One. 

In response to the birth of his son, John the Baptist, Zachariah breaks forth in praise and prophecy. His prophecy weaves together many OT passages and he builds a theologically thick foundation for the purpose of his son John. 

John, the cousin of Jesus, is born to Elizabeth and Zechariah. They name him John to the chagrin of their neighbors and family. The mute Zechariah communicates that is name is John to then receive his voice back.