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Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection:
Read Luke 1:26-38.

1. Last week we reviewed that Advent is a season of waiting...waiting with excitement and expectation. Zechariah and Elizabeth reminded us to \\u201cexpect the unexpected\\u201d in the ways God works in our lives. How might this week\\u2019s passage reinforce the message to \\u201cexpect the unexpected\\u201d?

2. Pastor Mick invited us to see ourselves in Mary; that our story is more similar to her story than we might often think. What did he mean by that? In what ways might our stories be similar to Mary\\u2019s?

3. Pastor Mick described Mary in this passage as \\u201ccalled, confused and committed.\\u201d What did he mean by this? Have you ever experienced this progression of feelings in your own spiritual life?

4. Mary\\u2019s calling came through the grand announcement of the angel Gabriel (The Annunciation). Most of us don\\u2019t experience such a dramatic calling, but I think we all hear from God through inklings or nudges. Have you ever experienced such inklings or nudges from God? What was that like? How did you respond?

5. When we experience a call from God (inklings or nudges), we\\u2019re often a bit confused and overwhelmed, much like Mary. Mary asked some very legitimate, logistical questions of the Angel. What kinds of questions are appropriate to ask of God when He calls you?

6. Mary\\u2019s commitment was obvious by her response, \\u201cI am the Lord\\u2019s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.\\u201d When has your commitment to what God is calling you to do been equally obvious? When has it been less obvious? Why do you think that is?

7. Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-29. How does this passage make you feel in relation to Zechariah & Elizabeth and Mary & Joseph? In relation to your own life?

8. The angel tells Mary, \\u201cFor with God nothing shall be impossible.\\u201d (Luke 1:37, KJV) Does this verse make you feel more confident in answering whatever call God puts on your life? Why/why not?

Prayer for the Week:
Gracious God, humbly I come before you this day asking you to prepare my heart for the sole purpose of serving You. Give me eyes to see you, ears to hear you and a mindset to be obedient to you. Lord, help me to be more like Mary. Help me to answer your call without hesitation, with complete trust; and help me to say, \\u201cYes, Lord...Here am I, your servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.\\u201d I pray all of this in the strong name of Jesus. Amen.