“A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."

Go Deeper — What promises of God do you want to transmit to your children and your children’s children? Why not make a list of those promises and share them with your family during this Advent season?

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“... and everyone went to their own town to register.”

Go Deeper — Compare your journey now from what it was 5 years, 10 years, 15 years ago. How have you grown in that time? And if you haven’t grown the way you would like, ask God to show you what you need to change so that when you get to your destination you will accomplish all He has for you to do.

Read Further — Do you trust God to travel with you or do you feel alone on the highway? This short series, The Road to Trusting God may help.

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“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.”

Go Deeper — Read about Caesar Augustus’ life and accomplishments on the Internet. Think about how and why Jesus, and not powerful political leaders, is the only One Who can save us..

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“And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, saying, ‘His name is John.’ So they all marveled.”

Go Deeper – Consider the desires of your heart and the words you are speaking about them. Declare today, in writing and with your mouth, the promises of God over those things and bring new life through your words.

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“Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”

Go Deeper — Read Romans 8:1-4. Maybe commit it to memory to remind you that God fulfilled the requirements of the law so that we could be free in Him.

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“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.”

Go Deeper — Be open to God’s requests in your life even when they might not make sense.

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“And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Go Deeper — Think about what specific promises God has given you to stand on, both as an individual and as part of the body of Christ.

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“Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!”

Go Deeper — Write or print off the words of The Magnificat (Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55). Use it as a prayer every night this week. Ask God to reveal Himself in a new way through this Scripture.

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“Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’ Then the angel left her.”

Go Deeper — Read through the gospels and look for Mary’s responses throughout Jesus’ life and death. “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

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“After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. ‘The Lord has done this for me,’ she said. ‘In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.’”

Go Deeper — Do you experience reproach from others who think that you have fallen short, or do you feel shame because they don't believe you have measured up? Release this to the Lord, and trust His greater purpose in allowing this pain or disappointment in your life. Rejoice in what He has done in your life, and celebrate it with others, focusing on the positive instead of the negative.

Read Further — Do you have an unfulfilled dream, or have you given up on your dreams? This short article might give you hope.

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