Luke 2:28-32 NIV

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
 

Luke 2:11-14

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:11

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

From Background Notes [BN] for Dec 20th & 21st written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Christ was formed in Mary, but Christ also is formed in us.

Luke 1:38

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

From Background Notes [BN] for Dec 20th & 21st written by Pastor Bob Brown:

In her role as "handmaiden", the feminine form of the word for "servant", Mary submits to the will and purpose of God.

 

Luke 2:39

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.

From Background Notes [BN] for Dec 20th & 21st written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Placing Mary in Nazareth of Galilee was, to a large degree, to assign her a place on the margins of Jewish society. Galilee itself was nicknamed "of the Goyim [the Gentiles]"...

 

Luke 1:31

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.

From Background Notes [BN] for Dec 20th & 21st written by Pastor Bob Brown:

The name "Jesus" contains within it the notion that "Yahweh saves" or "Yahweh helps". To whom does this salvation extend?

Hebrews 10:39

But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

From Background Notes [BN] for Dec 13th & 14th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

If Christmas is to become the fulfillment of Advent, there must be people determine to do the will of God, and their persistence must be unaffected by time or adversity.