In this powerful exploration of Advent, we discover that biblical hope is far more than wishful thinking—it's a confident expectation in God's promises. Drawing from Luke 1:26-38, we encounter the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary, a message that fulfills centuries of prophecy from Isaiah, Micah, and David.

The virgin birth isn't just a miraculous event; it's the theological cornerstone of our salvation. Jesus had to be fully human to sympathize with our weaknesses and temptations, yet fully divine and without sin to serve as our perfect High Priest. This hypostatic union—God becoming flesh—means that nothing is impossible for our God. When we face our deepest shame or greatest struggles, we can remember that where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.

Mary's response becomes our model: 'I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word.' We're called to walk with that same confident expectation, trusting that the God who invaded our world 2,000 years ago continues to do the impossible in our lives today.

This Christmas season, we celebrate not just a baby in a manger, but Emmanuel—God with us—who came to take away the sin that separates us from our Creator.

Discipleship Questions

1. How does the biblical definition of hope as 'confident expectation' differ from our everyday use of the word, and how might adopting this biblical perspective change the way you approach God's promises?
2. Mary responded to God's impossible call with 'I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.' What would it look like for you to respond with this same surrender when God calls you to something that seems impossible?
3. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus came not just as a moral teacher but specifically to deal with sin. How does this understanding of Jesus's purpose affect your view of the Christmas story and your relationship with Him?
4. The pastor shared that 'nothing is impossible with God' in the context of forgiveness, no matter what sin or shame we carry. What barriers in your heart might be preventing you from fully believing this truth about God's grace?
5. The virgin birth demonstrates God doing the impossible to fulfill His promises. What 'impossible' situations in your life right now need you to exercise confident expectation in God's power?
6. How does understanding that Jesus is both fully God and fully human (the hypostatic union) deepen your appreciation for His role as our High Priest and Savior?
7. The sermon notes that God chose Mary not because she did something great, but because He was doing something great and included her. How does this truth challenge or comfort you regarding your own worth and calling?
8. Isaiah prophesied that the child would be called 'Emmanuel' meaning 'God with us.' In what practical ways do you experience or need to experience God's presence with you during this Advent season?
9. The pastor mentioned that the presence of children in church during this message about the arrival of a child was meaningful. How does the inclusion of all generations in worship reflect the message of hope and new life that Jesus brings?
10. Mary had no idea of the trials ahead when she said yes to God's plan. How can we cultivate the same faith to walk in obedience to God even when we cannot see the full picture of what He is calling us into?