The Announcement Still Stands (Advent Week 1)

From the Garden of Eden to the town of Nazareth, God has been making announcements—and every announcement invites a response. Adam and Eve responded with hiding and distrust. Mary and Joseph responded with faith and obedience. At the cross, God made the ultimate victory announcement; and today, that same message still stands and calls us to respond.

REVIEW: God’s announcement tests what I trust and reveals where I put my confidence.

READ: Luke 1:45 –
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her!” (CSB)

DISCUSS: When God speaks through His Word, do you tend to respond more like Adam and Eve (hiding, blaming) or like Mary and Joseph (trusting, obeying)?

REVIEW: God promises the hope of redemption even in our rebellion.

READ: Genesis 3:15 –
“I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”

DISCUSS: How does it encourage you to know that God promised a Savior right in the middle of humanity’s worst failure? Where do you need to cling to that hope right now?

REVIEW: The cross is heaven’s victory announcement.

READ: Colossians 2:13–15 –
“And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive with him and forgave us all our trespasses. He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them in him.” (CSB)

DISCUSS: What changes in your daily life when you really believe that Jesus has already defeated your spiritual enemies and canceled your record of debt?

REVIEW: The announcement still stands—and another is coming.

READ: Matthew 25:6 –
“In the middle of the night there was a shout: ‘Here’s the groom! Come out to meet him.’”

DISCUSS: How does knowing Jesus will return one day impact the way you respond to Him now? What would a “Mary and Joseph” response look like in your current season?

ASK

If God is still asking, “Where are you?”—how would you honestly answer Him today, and what step of faith or obedience is He inviting you to take?

PRAY

Jesus, thank You that from the Garden to the manger to the cross, You have been pursuing us with grace. Thank You that Your announcement of salvation still stands. Help us move out of hiding and into the light. Give us Mary’s faith and Joseph’s obedience. Teach us to trust that Your cross is enough, that Your victory is final, and that You are coming again. Let our lives say, “Let it be to me according to Your Word.” Amen.

INVITATION TO RESPOND

This week, respond to God’s announcement in a concrete way:

• Step out of hiding: Bring your sin, shame, or fear into the light with God—and with a trusted believer.
• Trust the cross: When condemnation rises, remind yourself that your record has been nailed to the cross and canceled.
• Live like Mary and Joseph: Say “yes” to whatever God is asking of you, even if you don’t see all the details.
• Stay ready for His return: Order your priorities, habits, and relationships as if the Bridegroom could come at any time.
• Share the announcement: Tell someone this week what Jesus has done for you and invite them to respond to Him.

The first announcement—the Gospel of Jesus—has already been made, and the cross has secured the victory. The next announcement is still ahead: “Here’s the Groom!” Now is the time to respond in faith so that when He comes, you’re ready.

‍