Advent

During Advent, we pause to rememeber when Jesus was first born into the world and remind ourselves that Jesus will return. Advent can mean "arrival." We know that God arrived into the world in Jesus and we know that Jesus will return. We celebrate that hope during this season.

Sermon Outline

I. Mary

II. Mary knows.

III. Everything changed

IV. This is how God is recreating the world.

V. You are invited.

NEXT STEPS:

1. Read Mary's song closely.

2. Make a list of the words and ideas that you wouldn't expect.

3. Pray over Mary's song, that the desires for the world she expresses would become your desires.

GROWTH GROUP / PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. What do you know about Mary? Is there anything that is surprising to you about how the gospels present her?

2. What lessons can we draw from Mary's unwavering trust in God's word despite the extraordinary circumstances she faced?

3. How does this song from Mary reveal humility, faith and an understanding of God's plan? What surprises you about Mary's song?

4. What significance does this song hold in the context of God's concern for the "outsider" or "downcast?"

5. Mary's song celebrates God's reversal of societal norms and the exaltation of the humble. How does Mary's hymn challenge conventional ideas of power, wealth, and status?

6. What implications does this have for our understanding of God's values and our pursuit of justice and equality?

We encourage you to use Facebook, Instagram, and other social media to share images, quotes, links, or what you've learned from this week's message and YouVersion message notes. Social media can also be a great way of inviting your friends to worship and special events.