Christmas: Luke 1

Josiah

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Luke 1:26-38

1. This event is known as “The Annunciation.” In Luke, angels play an important role and here we see an angel giving the wondrous (and amazing) news to Mary. Traditionally, this is celebrated on March 25 (9 months before Christmas).

2. In Jesus’ day, a “matchmaker” and parents would ‘arrange’ for the marriage of their children (sometimes the man would arrange such for his own bride). While a bit of “courtship” was not unusual (there are several instances in the Old Testament – Jacob and Rachel, for example) but it was not our modern, western process of dating and courtship. In poor and agricultural societies (such as ancient Israel), it was common for the male to be significantly older since he had to be economically “established” – that being his primary quality. Girls were often barely past puberty at marriage – making for an age difference of 10-15 years on average (20 years was not uncommon). Girls would often be “arranged” as early as 8 and typically by 14. These “matches” were not legally or religiously “binding” on either party and while socially frowned on, where not infrequently broken. The next “stage” would be the betrothal. The girl was typically past puberty at this phase (such comes later in poorer societies were nutrition is not as now). It was an official, public and religious declaration of intent – and for all practical purposes, the couple was “married.” Ending this was considered to be a divorce (which was very easy under Jewish law and custom). But the “bride” would still live at home with her parents, there was absolutely NO sexual relations during this time. The “groom” would make final preparations – largely economic in nature. When all was ready, the two would “come together.” There would be a huge party (rather like our wedding reception) at which the couple would “excuse” themselves and consummate the marriage (well, pretend to – there was actually a “tent” set up for them at the party for this purpose). They were now “married.” Mary and Joseph were in this “engagement” period. They had given their pledges to each other but had not yet come together. This “phase” usually lasted a number of months and occasionally over a year. During this time, Jews themselves used confusing language – sometimes referring to them as married and as husband and wife, but sometimes referring to them as “engaged.” It was a transitional stage.

3. Mary (like Joseph) was a descendant of the royal house of David. Despite this, the family lived in common status. But no one could take away God’s promise from them, the promise that the Savior would come from their line (2 Samuel 7:16).

4. Mary’s response in verse 34 seems a lot like Zachariah’s in verse 18 – both seem focused on the biology of the whole thing. Elizabeth was too old and Mary wasn’t yet with a man. But while the response is similar, the faith is not. Mary’s response was not one of doubt, she simply wanted more details. Zach sees it as impossible, Mary sees it as a miracle. The angel answers the question (v. 35) in a way that seems more intended to reassure her rather than explain. “God will do it” seems to be his answer – one that Mary accepts in faith.

5. Mary’s question in verse 34 may seem confusing: “How will this be since I am a virgin?” The Greek suggests that Mary understood the Incarnation to be immediate (thus the ancient catholic tradition that the Incarnation happened on the same day as the Annunciation – both March 25, 9 months before Christmas). It seems she understood the fulfillment to be sooner rather than later; something immediate rather than years in the future. She was not - at that time - in union with Joseph (thus the question).

6. Verse 38 is stunning. While Mary’s “permission” is moot (the angel isn’t asking permission, the angel is making an announcement!), Mary’s response is stunning. She is likely 15 or so, from a very poor family, likely uneducation and far from “great” in terms of earthly status. And yet her faith is beautiful, simple and steadfast. He knows what she’s getting in to here – with the Incarnate God in her, with her relationship with Joseph and her parents and the village. But notice her faith!

Luke 1:46-56

1. This “hymn of thanksgiving” must have been told to Luke by Mary herself! It’s known to us as “Mary’s Song” or by the Latin Magnificat. It sounds a bit like Hannah’s Song in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 that also rejoices in a birth announcement. Mary sees the grace poured out in her own life (48-49) and in the lives of the humble (50-53). Most of all, she speaks of the Lord’s mercy in fulfilling His promise and sending the Savior (54-55).

2. Mary’s visit with Elizabeth lasted for a full 3 months. She likely stayed with her until the birth of John.



Thoughts? Discussion?


- Josiah
 

Lamb

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Whenever I read about Mary as the young virgin I try to think about who I was when I was a young girl and how I would have reacted. Even in modern times it would have been terrifying, yet Mary was strong. I don't think that even though I was strong in faith that I could have been as strong as she was.
 

psalms 91

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I believe that Mary is an example of faith and being able to overcome fear
 

visionary

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Girls were prepared for this from a young age. They were considered "long in the tooth" if not married by 18.
 
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