Guardians Of Ancora Bible Plan: Messages From AngelsIhe Atụ

A MASSIVE UNDERSTATEMENT…

The Gospel writer Matthew records the most momentous event in history in what is almost a throwaway line. In a single sentence he states, ‘But before they were married she (Mary) learned that she was going to have a baby by God’s Holy Spirit.’

No mention in this Gospel of the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary – God’s messenger sent to a humble teenager with the most amazing news. No detail about the encounter with a heavenly being who spoke of miracles and promises fulfilled. How Mary, an unmarried virgin, would become pregnant with the Son of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

And yet, that understatement from Matthew says it all. God was coming to earth in human form. When he did arrive, his birth would be heralded by heavenly choirs, praising God and providing a foretaste of heaven for those who would accept this tiny baby as their promised Saviour.

Back to earth, and Mary’s response is one of humble obedience and complete acceptance of God’s extraordinary plan involving her. Now there’s a challenge for us!

TALKABOUT

When they appear to ordinary people, angels in the Bible often say, ‘Don’t be afraid!’ Why do you think they say that?

TALKING WITH GOD TOGETHER

Mary immediately agreed to what the angel said when he gave her God’s message. Sit quietly together for a few moments to think and pray: ‘Dear God, I wonder what you want me to do for you.’

PLAYING GUARDIANS OF ANCORA

Switch on your device and decide what to play. Have you completed the Bible Quest ‘Messages from Angels’? You might like to replay, to make sure you have achieved all the ‘stars’ in each chapter. Did you light the Spire?

Time now to explore more about the Bible story. If you were in Nazareth, in the first century AD, who would you have been? Take a Personality Quiz to find out (tap on the ‘?’ button at the Spire). Compare answers, as a family.

If your device is online, visit the Theatre of the Saga (touch the ‘video camera’ button at the Spire) and watch or listen to more stories of Jesus, especially ones about the events of the first Christmas. There are 100+ to choose from!

Explore the ‘city map’ of Ancora (tap the ‘globe,’ bottom-right of the screen) and see what else you can find.