This document summarizes the biblical accounts of the births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. It describes how angels foretold that Zacharias and Elizabeth would have a son named John who would prepare the way for the Messiah. It then tells of how the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she would conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. Mary accepted this despite being a virgin, and gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, just as Gabriel had prophesied.

1. Christmas is all about the Son of God coming to earth to be born of a virgin , to live as a sinless man and to die for the sins of men. Romans 5 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

2. We will pick up with the story in progress in a city called Jerusalem. Zacharias

3. Luke 1:13-17 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John . 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. Seeing the angel scared Zacharias.

4. 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink ; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. 16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17 And he shall go before HIM in the spirit and power of Elias (Elijah) , to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the Wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

5. Who is this baby born to be ? John the Baptist Fierce Prophet Martyr Baptizer

6. Zacharias' wife Elizabeth was barren . She and Zacharias had prayed many years for children. They were now very old ; too old. God's Time God always moves for His people, Right on Time!

7. John was born for a purpose. So were each one of us. God has a baby born. When man wants a job done , he builds a machine.

8. A sign? Reflected displeasure with his unbelief . Mute He went home and told Elizabeth, “We’re going to have a baby , and we’re going to name him John .” He had to write it; he couldn't talk.

9. Six months later: In Nazareth Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. This troubled and puzzled Mary, But she didn’t doubt his Word.

10. She may have wondered why an ordinary girl like her would be receiving such a message from God. God uses ordinary people going about their ordinary days to accomplish His Will. Zacharias and Mary in this account. God uses anyone, who is willing and submissive , to accomplish His Will on this earth.

11. Psalms 139 (NIV) 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 14b your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

12. Luke 1:30-33 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His Name Jesus . 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: 33 And He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His Kingdom there shall be no end.

13. Mary didn’t question that it would happen. But she did wonder how ? She was betrothed to Joseph; not married . They weren’t fooling around. Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee , and The power of the Highest shall overshadow thee : therefore also that Holy Thing Which shall be born of thee shall be called The Son of God .

14. The Messenger and the Savior The messenger, announcing Jesus as Messiah. John 1:29 … “ Behold the Lamb of God, Which taketh away the sin of the world.”

15. Gabriel also told Mary about Elizabeth, and Mary simply accepted the entire message: Luke 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy Word . And the angel departed from her. Mary conceived , just as Gabriel prophesied. God always keeps His Promises; Right on Time !

16. Mary went to visit Cousin E , and stayed with her until John was born . Mary, Elisabeth, and John were all filled with the Holy Ghost. They named him John , even though the neighbors didn't like it. Z got his voice back and praised the Lord .

17. Luke 1:80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit , and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel. He ate locust and wild honey, and wore a camel’s hair robe. Any lesson here for raising our children? Tough conditions make a tough man, and a prophet of God must be tough.

18. About six months after John’s birth, Jesus was born . We’ll take up there tonight. Right on Time! Let’s celebrate the Birth of our Lord .