Download “In the World” for December 24, 2023 here.
REVEALING THE GENDER
An expectant woman from Texas had celebrity help in discovering her baby’s gender this fall. Larissa Silva of Weslaco, Texas, attended a Jonas Brothers concert in San Antonio, hoping that the music group would do the honors during the show. The three brothers, all young fathers themselves, have been kindly announcing babies’ genders throughout their current tour, and Silva and her husband were able to arrange for them to do so for their baby. After the band sang “Little Bird,” a song dedicated to their daughters, Joe Jonas opened the envelope that revealed the findings of the ultrasound and announced, “It’s a girl!” The crowd cheered uproariously, and the lights turned pink.
REVEALING THE SAVIOR
The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and announced that she would be the mother of the Son of God, who would be the Savior. Despite the incredible nature of this news, Mary gladly submitted to the will of the Lord. Gabriel told Mary that her Aunt Elizabeth was also expecting, so Mary journeyed to the hill country to share the news with her aunt. But as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s voice, the baby growing inside Elizabeth—who would be John the Baptist—leapt inside her. In two senses, John would be among the very first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
- What’s the most interesting gender reveal you’ve ever heard of?
- What would be your ideal Christmas celebration, if you could have your best dream come true?
- Of what significance might it be that a woman was the first to be told of the Savior’s birth and that a woman was the first to witness the risen Christ?
Additional Resources
These videos and materials are for your personal use. If you show videos in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.
- Music Video, Traditional: “Carol of the Bells” arr. Richard Hayman
- Music Video, Multicultural: “Little Drummer Boy (African Tribal Version)” by Boye’
- Music Video, Contemporary: “Little Drummer Boy (African Tribal Version)” by Boye’
- JesusWalk Commentary on Luke 1
- Faithward Comments on Mary and Elizabeth
- GotQuestions Article “Who Is Elizabeth?”