The Forerunner is Born  

John is Born, and Jesus is Conceived!

Welcome to our study of the Book of Luke as we celebrate the Christmas season. We never want to leave Christ out of Christmas, and what better way to do that than by reading the account from Dr. Luke? As a physician, he would have been very detailed in his compilation of Jesus’ journey on earth.

For each chapter, we’ll look at the major stories recounted, then select an encouraging verse—maybe two. We’ll explore the context surrounding that verse. I’ll then share my thoughts and suggest some practical life applications.

I encourage you to join me: read the full chapter, share your favorite verse, and tell us why. Feel free to comment on whatever I share so we can learn from each other. Let’s keep Christ front and center this season!

Introduction:

Luke 1 is quite a lengthy chapter—80 verses, in fact—but not a single one is boring! It’s jam-packed with the fascinating details surrounding the pronouncements of the angel Gabriel. Anytime an archangel shows up, we must pay special attention.

The major events captured in this chapter are:

• John’s birth announced to Zacharias
• Christ’s birth announced to Mary
• Mary visits Elizabeth
• The Song of Mary
• The birth of John the Baptist
• The circumcision of John the Baptist
• Zacharias’ prophecy

Our Encouraging Verse:

Luke 1:37
“For with God nothing is ever impossible, and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.” (AMPC)

The Context:

This verse concludes the angel Gabriel’s proclamation to Mary. He begins by telling her not to be afraid. We can well imagine how frightened this young teen must have been, having an angel from God show up in her house! I would certainly have been petrified. Then, to hear him address her as “favored” and “highly blessed”? She must have been not just afraid but also perplexed, thinking, “Who, me?!”

Gabriel ends by reassuring her that what he has said is not impossible for God. Why? Because he just told her she would be the first human ever to conceive a child, not through a man, but by the Spirit of God! Say what now?! He needed to answer her question of, “How can this be?” She was a virgin, not yet married, just engaged to Joseph. Gabriel explains how she could become pregnant—not with an ordinary child, but with the Son of God.

And let’s not forget who is speaking here. This isn’t just a man of God (MOG), a prophet, or her rabbi. This is Gabriel, who boldly told Zacharias, “I stand in the presence of God!” (Luke 1:19).

This is the context of the verse—and why I chose it. 😊

My Thoughts:

This isn’t just one of my favorite verses in Luke 1 or the entire book of Luke—it’s one of my favorite verses in the entire Bible! The AMPC version especially highlights its profound meaning.

The Greek word for “nothing” here is a combination of two words: one meaning “no thing” and the other referring to “rhema”—God’s spoken word. It can be translated to mean, “nothing spoken by God will be impossible.”

This verse reminds us that God is omnipotent—all-powerful. He is fully capable of carrying out His word. Unlike humans, who can promise something but lack the resources or ability to deliver, this is Elohim, the Creator who speaks anything into existence. Let that sink in.

Throughout Scripture, we see God’s omnipotence on display. He spoke things into existence, He walked on water, He miraculously multiplied, He manipulated the sease, He raised the dead, He will wrap up the earth like a garment, that God! We read in the word :

• “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
• “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14)
• “Nothing is too difficult for You.” (Jeremiah 32:17)
• “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2)

In short: If He said it, He wants to do it, and He can do it. The end!

Practical Application:

1. Take your issues to God in prayer.
   Every single issue you face, EVERY ONE, can be handled by God.
2. Be with God.
   This verse speaks about what is possible with God. Not any old god, but Elohim Jehovah, the Creator. Align yourself with Him to experience His miraculous power.
3. Discern prophetic words.
   Every prophetic word you receive should originate from God. If it doesn’t, it may lack fulfillment.
4. Say “Yes, Lord.”
   Once you’re certain you’ve heard from God—whether through an inner witness, other confirmations, or another way He speaks to you—respond with obedience. Even if you don’t understand why He chose you, how it will happen, or when it will take place, trust Him.

Your Turn:

• Do you have anything to add about Luke 1:37?
• How can you apply it to your life?
• What was your takeaway from Luke 1? Did you have a favorite verse or section?

Do share! Let’s grow together.

See you tomorrow!
Peace & Love, Coach D

BTW, my Christmas vlog last year was all about Elizabeth in Chapter 1, so if you missed it, here it is 🙂