Preaching Through the Liturgical Year and Other Occasions

ADVENT

THAT’S THE REASON WHY WE SING

The First Christmas Song

Luke 1:39-55, In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth….And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant…

INTRODUCTION

The Song of Mary, called THE MAGNIFICAT is only recorded in the gospel of Luke. It is a song sung spontaneously by Mary in response to the prophecies spoken to her by her cousin Elizabeth, who at the time was pregnant with John, the Baptist. John the Baptist was the forerunner for the Messiah.

Mary was told by the angel Gabriel that she had been chosen by God to deliver the Christ child and bring salvation into the world through the birth of a baby. Of course Mary is shocked by this news being that she was a virgin and engaged to marry the carpenter Joseph.

Yet as she carefully listened to what the angel said to her, she felt overwhelmed by the honor and joy that now is hers alone. Because she humbly accepted this great blessing and responsibility, all women – from time eternal – would call her blessed. Therefore, out of gratitude and happiness, Mary composes the first Christmas song.

We’ve all grown up listening to all types of Christmas songs ranging from, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, to Rudolph the Red-nosed reindeer, to Blue Christmas without you. Yet the Magnificat, Mary’s song, has inspired faith, praise, and hope, for generations past, present, and in the future. Let us now examine more closely the reason why Mary sings and what you have to sing about this Advent season.

1)

Luke tells us that Mary sings BECAUSE SHE IS HAPPY TO RECEIVE GOD’S FAVOR. Read vv 46-49, And Mary said, my soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me and holy is his name.

When the angel Gabriel informed Mary of her new status as the Mother of God, he also told her that her cousin, Elizabeth, was pregnant. Knowing the age of Elizabeth and how much she wanted to have a child, Mary immediately set south to visit Elizabeth and share in her good news.

The hill country was 100 miles south of Nazareth, where Mary and Joseph lived. Yet she was so excited about the good news that the distance did not deter her enthusiasm in any way. Elizabeth was overjoyed to see Mary and when they embraced in greetings, the baby in Elizabeth’s belly leaped in recognition of the Lord in Mary’s belly.

This encounter then caused Elizabeth to be filled with the Spirit of prophecy and she began to prophesy to Mary about her blessed status and favor with God. Elizabeth commended Mary for believing God was going to fulfill his promises to Israel through the son she was carrying.

Then as Mary listened carefully to Elizabeth’s prophecy, she too became filled with the Holy Spirit and broke out in song, "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant, surely, from now on generations will call me blessed for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name."

This is what Christmas is all about. Why do we sing? One songwriter wrote, I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, his eye is on the sparrow, that’s the reason why I sing. (Kirk Franklin)

The joy of Christmas is not about how many gifts are under the tree, but rather how much joy is in your hearts, your minds, and your lives that give testimony to a dying world that He lives!

Just as Mary recognized what the birth of Jesus meant for the deliverance of her people from oppression of the wealthy and powerful rulers over Palestine, we too this Christmas season can rest assured that God is still in control. Just let him in your life so God can use you in His service and in His plan to bring salvation to all peoples: your family, your friends, and your job, everywhere! This is a reason to sing.

Life may not be perfect for you right now, but sing anyhow! Raise your voices to the rooftop so the devil and your haters won’t know what you’re going through. For when the praises go up, the blessings come down. That’s the reason why we sing.

2)

Luke continues to share with us in his gospel "Why Mary Sings?" in vv 50-53, SHE SINGS BECAUSE SHE RECOGNIZED GOD’S MERCY IN HER LIFE. Read vv 50-53, "His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty."

As Elizabeth continues to prophesy about Mary’s chosenness, Mary reflects also on the announcement from Gabriel she received earlier in the week. For she was very much humbled by her selection as the one who would bring the Messiah into the world. She felt unworthy and couldn’t quite wrap her mind around the enormous blessing that was hers to share with the world through all eternity. She, a teenager, engaged to be married, was chosen to be the Mother of God! That’s mercy! That’s favor! That’s a reason to sing!

Why me, she thought to herself? Surely I am no better than any other Jewish woman. Why me, my past is not perfect, I do not have royal DNA. I’ve done nothing great to catch God’s eye. Why me?

But Elizabeth’s words help clear up her confusion. Elizabeth praises her for her faithfulness and devotion. Her submission to God’s will made her worthy. She didn’t say, No to the angel or to the Holy Spirit. She didn’t resist although being pregnant and not yet officially married would put her in a compromising position and subject her to possible stoning by the Jewish people.

No, no, her faith in the God of her ancestors led her to accept the will of God for her life. So because she recognized that this was about God and not about her, she began to sing praises to His name.

Church we may not feel worthy, but God looks at our heart, our love and devotion for Him. That’s what attracts God’s favor. Nothing we do or say. God’s mercy endures to all generations. God is looking for new Marys, and new Josephs to be willing to do His will whatever the assignment, whatever the cost. If God has chosen you to complete some task or service in His name, don’t run away from it. Just say like the prophet Isaiah, Here am I Lord use me.

This Season of Advent is as much about mercy as it is about love. God knew we were incapable of obeying His laws. So rather than send us all to a dying hell, God came Himself in the form of a Son, through a virgin, in a city called Bethlehem. That’s the reason why we sing.

Jesus’ birth is God’s final show of mercy. If we do not accept Jesus now, we are all out of options! There’s nothing left. All must come through Jesus if you want to be saved. You cannot be saved through Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Confucianism, Humanism, Greek philosophy, science, technology, wealth or power. Only through Jesus’ birth can we find salvation. Only through this baby whose birth we will celebrate on December 25. For Jesus said in John 3, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me."

God’s love for you and for me is wrapped up in His mercy. Mary recognized God’s mercy in her life. That made her sing praises and rejoice in her heart and in her spirit. Can you see God’s mercy in your life? Does it make you want to sing? Shout? Throw up your hands? Love your enemies? Help your friends? Then say like Mary, "My soul magnifies the Lord." This is the reason why we sing.

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Then finally Luke tells us that Mary sings BECAUSE GOD IS FAITHFUL TO HIS PROMISES. Read vv 54-55, "He has helped His servant Israel in remembrance of His mercy, according to the promise He made to our ancestors, to Abraham, and to his descendants forever."

Mary is not the first woman in the Bible to sing a song of praise unto the Lord for His mighty acts. Miriam, Moses’ sister, also sang a song when God delivered the Hebrew children from Pharaoh and Egyptian slavery. (Exo 15:20-21) Hannah sang a song of praise when she finally conceived a child with God’ help. (I Sam 2:1-11) All these songs are grounded in praise of God’s present action towards His servants, as they are a part of the promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Now in vv 54-55 Mary remembers how God has helped her people Israel, even though they constantly turned against God. But God’s mercy kept them from utter destruction. For even when God was ready to wipe them off the face of the earth, as God did with Noah’s generation, and wanted to do again with Moses in the wilderness, God’s love and mercy kept God committed and connected to God’s chosen people, Israel.

So as God remembered His promises, His faithfulness once again allowed God to do yet another great miracle. This time this miracle will open the door to salvation, not just for Israel, but for all peoples, all nations, all races, and ethnicities, all shapes and sizes, both male and female, rich and poor, educated and untrained.

God’s promises are extended to us all through the birth of His Son, Jesus the Christ. Christmas reminds us that God didn’t quit on us! God has not turned His back on us. God has not forgotten about you or what you are going through on a daily basis. God’s promises are realized and experienced through God’s love and mercy towards us.

God is not man that he should lie. If God said it you can bet your life on it. So sing people of God. Sing because God has shown favor on you. Sing because God has bestowed new mercies every morning on each and every one of us! Sing because God’s promises are real, they are everlasting, and available to all and to every generation hereafter that accepts the birth of God’s Son – Jesus, as Lord over their lives. THAT’S THE REASON WHY WE SING!

THE THREE WHYS OF CHRISTMAS

Matthew 1:22-23; 2:1-3 "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel’ (which means, God with us).

INTRODUCTION

The idea of Christmas is not strange or new to us. Its celebration has become a tradition, even a habit. Many of us go through the motions and traditional practices connected with that special day without thinking twice about it. But how easy it is to prepare for this day, then the day arrives, and we never stopped to think why there is a Christmas. Why is this holiday celebrated throughout most of the free world? Why, why, why? Well, there are three Whys of Christmas and three answers to those whys.

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Our first why asks, WHY WAS JESUS BORN INTO THIS WORLD? Read v 21, "She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." I have a real problem with people who want to disconnect the Old Testament from the New Testament. For you see, the Old Testament is our history of how sinful we were before Jesus came. It serves as an example, a model for us not to make the same mistakes. If you read the Old Testament you would realize to what great lengths God had to go to show love to His children and get them to follow Him. No matter how many times God forgave them and delivered them from their enemies, they would turn around and sin again. So when God reached His limits God realized something drastic had to be done. God had already destroyed the world once before – remember the Noah story? He vowed never to destroy the world again by water. The rainbow is a sign of that covenant promise. Then again God wanted to destroy the Israelites in the wilderness and save only Moses and his family, but Moses talked God out of it. God loves His creation. God just wanted creation to love Him back!

I can imagine then that God decided to offer a human sacrifice instead of destroying all that was made, again. This human sacrifice would be the scapegoat for all sin. So God began to call the role in heaven to see who was qualified for such a mission.

* I can imagine God called Abraham. Abraham said, Lord, you know I would really be honored to go for you, but remember when I was in Egypt, I lied and said that my wife Sarah was my sister, for fear that the king would kill me and take her away from me. Your people won’t follow a liar. God thought about this for a while and decided not to send Abraham.

* I can imagine God called Moses. Moses said, Lord, I, I, I, really would like to go, even with my slurred speech, but you know I killed an Egyptian for fear that he would reveal my identity as a Hebrew, and your people won’t follow a murderer. God thought about what Moses said and agreed with him. So Moses couldn’t go.

* I can imagine God called Elijah. Elijah said, Lord I would go, but when I was on earth, I allowed Queen Jezebel to instill fear in me and I ran and hid in a cave. Your people won’t follow a coward. God remembered, all too well, the situation. So Elijah was eliminated as a candidate to save us from our sins.

* I can imagine God then called David, a man after God’s own heart. But David said, Lord, I stole another man’s wife and had him killed to cover it up! I’m an adulterer and a murderer. Surely your people follow me!"

So God had called all God’s strongest men and none of them were worthy to be sacrificed for the sins of the world. But who would go? Who could go? It was at that point that the Word spoke up and offered to go and save God’s creation. The Word, the Logos, spoke to God and said, Father, I was with you from the beginning. Let me go. For you and I are one. Allow me to be the Lamb of sacrifice. So God agreed. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son and that whoever believed on Him shall not perish, but shall have everlasting life. (Jn 3:16) And that’s the first why of Christmas. Jesus came that He might be so high, no one could find fault in Him.

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The second why of Christmas asks, "WHY WAS JESUS BORN IN A MANGER?" Read v 22, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet…"

We’ve all been taught that Jesus was born in a manger or an animal’s water trough because there was no room in the Inn. But it goes deeper than that. Isaiah had already prophesied about His lowly birth and Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament scriptures. You see had Jesus been born in a royal palace or a mansion, or a white house, the poor, the needy, the ghetto dwellers, the prostitute, the murderer, the ex-con – all might have been too lowly to receive Him. God’s purpose for sending Jesus was that all might be saved – not just the rich, high and mighty. So Jesus came lowly so that we would have no excuse to accept Him.

In His lowliness no one is too wretched to feel His powerful love. No one is so unclean that His blood cannot make us whole again. That manger, that stable is an eternal signpost for the disinherited to know that Jesus’ birth included them too! Doesn’t that sound like good news? Aren’t you glad about it? For had He not come in such lowly surroundings, you and I might have missed out on His love.

It doesn’t matter what you used to be or what you are today. It doesn’t matter where you live – in the projects, in the suburbs, or an expensive condominium on Park Ave in New York City. Christmas is God’s gift to you. Jesus’ birth came as lowly as it could in order to include us all. The songwriter said it perfectly, There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus, no not one, no not one.

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Our third and final why of Christmas seems to be the most perplexing of them all: WHY DO WE STILL REJECT HIM? Read 2:3, "When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him."

You know, I can almost understand why the Jews rejected Him because He surprised them by His lowly birth. I can almost understand why the Greeks rejected Him because the concept of Jesus to them was foolishness and folly. But what I can’t understand is why we reject Him? God did us a favor by sending His Son Jesus to us over 2000 years ago. Jesus came offering only love, peace, and salvation. Why is it so hard for us to receive Him? Why do we constantly reject His love and the righteousness He gives to us? God has been good to us. God has taken care of our every need and some of our wants as well. Will we accept Him this Christmas season and serve Him with fervor, or give in to the commercial attitude and spending practices that have become associated with the Christmas holiday?

Christ has come to us as our Savior, now. Don’t let the manger or the stable fool you. Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus is the healing of the nation. Jesus is the Lily of the Valley and the Bright and Morning Star. Jesus has come. But He’s coming back again. Don’t let it be said it’s too late. Don’t let the door to the ark of safety be shut with you standing on the outside.

There’s a story told about a young man who was trying to cross a busy highway. Just when he thought no cars were coming, he stepped out. But at that very moment, a car he didn’t see came speeding towards him. A man standing a little ways behind him grabbed him in the nick of time to safety and saved his life. The young man thanked the older stranger and they parted ways.

Later on, the young man got involved with a bad crowd and got arrested. One day he came before the court to be sentenced for his conduct. The young man looked up at the man sitting on the bench and recognized him as the man who once saved his life. He thought he would get a break and called to the judge and reminded him of his heroic deed towards him so long ago. He asked the judge if he would cut him some slack and just give him a warning this time. The judge looked at the young man and said to him, Son on the day I pulled you back from that speeding car, I was your savior. Today I am your judge!

That’s what Jesus will say to us if we don’t receive Him now. Tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us. Don’t try to clean up your life. Only Jesus can do that. Accept Jesus now while He is still your Savior. For tomorrow He may be your judge.

Let us enjoy this Christmas season as a time to find eternal salvation for our souls. Let Christ be born in you right now. You know why He came, and why He came as He did, lowly in a manger. Don’t be a victim of the third why – don’t be a fool and reject Him. God bless you!

WHEN THE GROOM WANTS TO CHANGE HIS MIND

MATTHEW 1:18-24, (18-19),Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.

INTRODUCTION

We live in a world today where people frequently change their minds. We change our minds about our hair color and hairstyle, we change our mind about where we want to live and work. We change our minds about being single or married. We change our minds about our car choices. We change our minds about where we want to go to school, to church, to shop. We change our minds about what we want to eat and what we want to wear. We probably change our minds 100 times a day. And of course it is a woman’s prerogative to change her mind.

Changing your mind does not necessarily have a negative connotation attached to it, unless it is in connection to a committed relationship, such as two people engaged to be married. It is still on the law books in many states that if you call off a wedding, you can be sued for a breach of contract. This is a concern of our text today.

In the Gospel according to Matthew, we find many references to the law in the Old Testament. Matthew sees Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament law and throughout his gospel highlights every instance to prove his point and show how the old law is superseded now by the birth of Jesus. For Matthew the story of Jesus is a way of talking about God. Unlike the other gospel writers, Matthew tells the story from Joseph’s point of view because in his mind the man has the responsibility to act on this news about his fiancée’s condition.

Let us then listen to Matthew’s account about a groom who at first wanted to change his mind, but in the end chose to be obedient to the word of the Lord.

1)

As we read chapter 1, we learn the first reason why Joseph wanted to change his mind was because, HIS FIANCEE WAS PREGNANT AND HE WAS NOT THE FATHER! Read vv 18-19, Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.

Joseph and Mary are engaged. Among Jewish people, engagement was a legally binding contractual agreement that could only be dissolved by death or a divorce. Before the Romans conquered Jerusalem in 70 C.E. adultery in the Jewish community was punished by stoning the guilty party to death. The Romans forbid this violent act under their rule and as a result the Jews created a writ of divorce instead.

Now Joseph and Mary were not living together yet. During the first year of engagement the woman lives with her parents. Then, after a year and once the groom has finished building their home, a wedding ceremony is held and the groom can claim his bride. There is no intimacy or touching before the wedding ceremony.

This helps us to understand the shock of Joseph when he learned Mary, his betrothed wife – was pregnant! How did this happen? Who was responsible for touching his pure virgin wife before their wedding night? You know you think you know somebody and then boom, they pull the rug right from under you.

You could have knocked poor Joseph over with a feather when he heard this news. He thought she was one of the good girls. She came from a good Jewish family, so what went wrong? What was he going to do now? He still loved Mary. But how could he accept this situation? How could he ever trust her again?

So with a heart of compassion, rather than bring formal charges against her publicly in front of witnesses, Joseph decided to change his mind and not go through with the wedding ceremony. He would give Mary a private writ of divorce. She would have a hard enough time when all the community found out about her situation. He did not want to add to her pain and humiliation.

Joseph’s decision went against the law of Deuteronomy 22:23-27, If there is a young woman, a virgin, engaged to be married, and a man meets her in town and lies with her, you shall bring both of them to the gate of that town and stone them to death… So you shall purge the evil from your midst. Yet it was the best solution for him and for Mary to just let it go. The text tells us that he was a righteous man, which meant he always kept the law. But for him, to be compassionate was much more important in this situation than to adhere to a strict interpretation of the law.

There are times in our lives when we are faced with difficult decisions that make us want to run and hide, instead of dealing with the situation head on. But whatever choice we make, remember to let love be your motive and guide. For if we make good decisions but for the wrong reasons, somebody will get hurt and God will not be glorified.

Yes Joseph wanted to change his mind, but his love for Mary was greater than his disappointment in her.

2)

The second reason Joseph wanted to change his mind is because, AN ANGEL CAME TO HIM IN A DREAM. Read v 20, But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’

Joseph had made up his mind what was the right and just action to take – he would privately divorce Mary. So he went to bed that night, probably sad and depressed over the news about Mary’s condition. He felt like his whole world was falling apart. He probably tossed and turned all night long, wondering if he had made the right decision to divorce Mary. So as he struggled between his commitment to the law, and his love for Mary, God intervened and sent an angel to inform Joseph about the real deal. The angel came to tell Joseph what was really going on. Joseph probably would not have believed Mary, would you?

Yet, seeing an angel was so shocking that Joseph was probably even more convinced that divorcing Mary was the right thing to do. But to his surprise, the message from the angel was positive! This message cleared everything up! Now he knew that his beloved Mary had not been unfaithful to him and she had not violated their engagement contract. This was all a part of God’s plan to bring salvation into the world. Mary was chosen by God because she was a young woman ‘almah in the Hebrew and a virgin parthenos in the Greek. She was to be the vessel of delivery for the Promised Messiah.

But did Joseph want to take on all this drama? All he wanted was a wife and some kids and to live a quiet life in the city of Nazareth. He was content to just be a lowly carpenter. Maybe now was the right time to get out of this marriage contract. Let somebody else step into this role as the surrogate father to the Christ child. Does he really want to raise a child that is not his biologically? All these questions and concerns must have been running through Joseph’s mind all night long.

God often comes to us in dreams. Sometimes we are so preoccupied with living that God cannot get a message to us until we are unplugged and lying asleep in our beds. Then God can enter into our subconscious and speak to our spiritual side, revealing His will and His word directly to our hearts and minds. Sometimes God has to feed us intravenously, bypassing the cluttered mind and administering the correct dosage of His word directly to the problem for healing and comfort. When we awake the next morning, we feel like our prayers have been answered and everything is going to be alright.

Sometimes we get into situations and relationships that we regret and we try to get out of them by cutting ties with that person because we have changed our minds about having them as a part of our lives. Then God speaks to us – through another person or in a dream – telling us not to abandon the situation, but to trust Him. Sometimes we have to stand still and see the salvation of God at work so we will be blessed.

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Then finally we learn that sometimes we change our minds because, WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE SITUATION. Read vv 21-23, She will bear a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and they shall call Him Emmanuel, which means God is with us.’

The message from the angel reveals to Joseph that what is about to take place is out of his hands as well as Mary’s. They were both chosen for this mission. Mary was first told by the angel Gabriel, but joyfully consented to participate in God’s plan of salvation. Now it was Joseph’s turn to accept or reject the hand that is being dealt him by God. Does he go through with the wedding ceremony and let God use him, or does he say no to the will of God for his future? Joseph was a groom who wanted to change his mind. He had no control over the planned events for they were already set in motion – Mary was pregnant! There was no turning back for her. Could he take this journey with her? Was he man enough to choose the spirit of the law over the strict letter of the law? Should he reach out to Mary with his love and support?

Joseph had no control because God was in control. God chose Mary. God sent the Holy Spirit to impregnate her. God sent the angel to tell Joseph who the real father was. God told Joseph what to name the baby at His birth and blessing ceremony. God, through the angel, told Joseph what this baby’s mission was through his name, for Jesus means Yahweh saves and Emmanuel means God is with us. The name Jesus was a very common name. It was a sign that reflected His mission to the lowly as well as the upper classes.

Yet Joseph was a necessary part of the plan. Why? God needed Joseph to adopt Jesus as his son. This adoption in turn would put Jesus in the family line of King David. This was God’s way of remembering the promises made to David that he would always have a descendent on the throne. The lineage of David ended after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The Persians and the Greeks did not allow a king to rule over Judah. Then when the Romans conquered Jerusalem, they placed a descendent from the tribe of Levi to rule over the Jews, King Herod the Great. David was from the tribe of Judah.

But now Jesus was Israel’s new king. He was not a military or political king, but the King of kings and the Lord of lords. This baby Jesus will deliver His people and the whole world from the grip of sin that entered the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve. This Jesus, Mary’s little baby, will restore the relationship between God and all humanity. This Jesus is the Lily of the valley and the Bright and Morning Star. This Jesus is my joy in sorrow and my hope for tomorrow. This Jesus was born in a manger because there was no room in the Inn. This Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead. This Jesus died on a cross so my soul would not be lost. This same Jesus, got up early on the third day with all power, is coming back again, not as a baby, but as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!

Do not let the struggles and trials and tribulations of life make you change your mind about following Jesus. Jesus is a sure thing, for He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Him (Jn 14:6).

Matthew told us that when Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord instructed him. God’s word to Joseph brought an end to his turmoil. He married Mary, adopted Jesus and raised Him as his own son, thereby passing on the lineage of David through Him. The people of Nazareth were probably confused and rumors spread throughout the town. But Joseph was willing to take the blame for Mary’s pregnancy. He was obedient to God’s will for his life.

When we are obedient to God’s will and God’s word, we will also receive God’s protection and many blessings. When this groom wanted to change his mind, he did not. Instead he turned it over to the Lord and the Lord worked it out. God will do the same for you. May God’s will be done in your life this Advent Season.

RECEIVING THE FAVOR OF GOD

LUKE 1:26-30, 38, In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored One! The Lord is with you.’ But she was perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.

INTRODUCTION

Our text records the announcement to the world that the Son of God is about to be born. God will take on flesh and dwell in our midst. But this wasn’t going to be just any birth by any woman. No, this birth was designed to show, as v 37 states, that nothing will be impossible with God.

The Gospel of St. Luke tells the story in such a way that it is obvious to the reader that in order for God to pull off this seemingly impossible feat, the scene had to be just right. The characters chosen to participate in this historical event must have impeccable credentials. Nothing could be left up to chance. Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah must be fulfilled. But who would be the chosen vessel to carry the Savior of the world in her womb? Who could God show this much favor to?

We find the answer to this question in our text. Let us listen closely for a word from the Lord.

1)

The first word received from our text is that GOD CHOOSES WHOM GOD WILL FAVOR. Read vv 26-27, "In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary."

Nazareth was a small town about 15 miles from the Sea of Galilee. The city is mentioned almost exclusively in biblical records, nowhere in secular historical accounts. This implies that Nazareth was a small, insignificant town, in Jesus’ day. It was situated on the side of a hill and had only one small spring running through it. Our first mention of it is as the hometown of Joseph and Mary, two lowly people planning to be married.

So God did not go to the big city to find a woman of great means and stature to bear His son. Perhaps if Jesus had been born in this way the Jews would have accepted him. But that was not God’s plan. God looked low so Jesus could live a humble life and be available to the lowliest of people.

God’s choice was Mary. She was young. She was a virgin. She was engaged to a carpenter named Joseph. She was from Nazareth, what society today would call the wrong side of the tracks. She was the one chosen to receive God’s favor on this day.

What does God’s choice almost 2000 years ago say about us and our relationship with God? It says that with God all things are possible. It says that through Christ I can achieve anything. It says that there is nothing too hard for God. Nothing Satan can throw at us can conquer our souls or dash our dreams. It doesn’t matter where you come from, where you started you journey. It doesn’t matter if it’s the right or the left side of the tracks, working in the cotton field or sitting on the throne as a Nubian Queen. Tracks are just a tool that helps the train move from one destination to the next. They will not determine your destination or future. If God is for us, who can be against us? Receiving God’s favor.

2)

The second word we hear from the Lord is that GOD’S FAVOR IS ALWAYS ACCOMPANIED BY GOD’S PRESENCE. Read v 28, "The angel said to her, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’…"

The angel Gabriel greets Mary and calls her favored one. But her new title is connected to a promise, "The Lord is with you." Now Mary was a bit concerned about this greeting because she is aware of the legend told about an evil angel who killed the bridegroom on his wedding night. Gabriel sensed her fear and assured her that his news was good news.

The words, "The Lord is with you are familiar to readers of the Old Testament. The phrase is also used when Hannah seeks God’s presence so that her womb may be opened and she may give birth to a child (I Sam 10:18). Not only does God’s presence imply pregnancy, it also assures power and victory. The Lord is with you" was spoken to the valiant Judges of Israel who fought battle after battle trying to conquer the land and make a place for God’s chosen people in Canaan—the Promised Land (Jud 6:12).

Then in the New Testament, Matthew, when he tells the story, brings it to a new level by declaring in 1:23, "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means God is with us."

Receiving favor from the Lord includes His presence. His presence guarantees His power. His power guarantees our victory. It doesn’t matter what you are going through today, God is with you! God is always just a prayer away. Receiving God’s favor.

3)

The third and final word we receive from our text today is that GOD INFORMS YOU OF YOUR NEW STATUS SO THAT YOU CAN ACT ACCORDINGLY. Read vv 30-33, 38, "The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most high, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her."

Mary was still confused about what was going on. Was she dreaming? Was an evil spirit trying to possess her body? Was she loosing her mind? We’ve all been there spiritually as well as mentally.

The angel Gabriel tells her point blank Mary, for you have found favor with God. After announcing her new status to her, Gabriel proceeds to give her the assignment attached to her new status as highly favored. She shall conceive and bear a son – while still a virgin! But not just any son, the Son of the Most High God!

Mary listened carefully to her assignment. She did not hesitate to accept the task placed upon her. She states in v 38, Here I am, the servant of the Lord, let it be with me according to your word.

You know in the late 60’s there was a T.V. show called Mission Impossible. The secret agent would be given instructions on a tape recorder detailing the mission to be carried out. At the end of the tape the voice would say, Should you choose to accept this assignment, the message will self destruct.

Well Mary chose to accept the assignment. She had no idea what she was letting herself in for. She was favored by God but she left the ghetto town of Nazareth for Bethlehem, in the cold of winter, summoned along with her husband to be counted in a census taking venture by the government. She was nine months pregnant, riding on a donkey, when her labor pains began. Where was the favor?

When they arrived in Bethlehem there was no room in the Inn. Where was the favor? After they left Bethlehem they returned to the ghettos of Nazareth and to the life of a low-income struggling family. Where was the favor?

Her beloved Son was treated poorly by those in power, yet those in His same social and economic class, loved him dearly. Where was the favor? Eventually Jesus rubbed the right people the wrong way and they arrested Him, beat Him, tried Him, and hung Him on a cross. Where was the favor?

Where was the favor of God for Mary as she lived through all of this? It was there. For God’s favor does not consist of this world’s riches. Rather it can be found in the frustrations of some expected success. We try and try and try again to achieve, encountering challenge after challenge, day after day. But we keep hanging in there. Why? Because we know we are favored by God. It is God’s favor that gives us the courage and endurance to finish the task and reach our goals in life.

God’s favor is with us when we struggle against evil forces trying to steal our joy, and block our salvation. God’s favor is with us through every trial and temptation. God’s word gives us the faith that helps us do the right thing. For you see God’s favor is not about our material blessings. It’s not about how well we dress. It’s not about how much education we have. It’s not about our social, economic, or political status. It’s not about what position we hold in the church. No! God’s favor is about God’s presence with us. That’s why we can move from the cotton fields of Alabama, through the Jim Crow laws of the South, through the separate but equal laws of the federal government, through the Civil Rights Movement right up to the White House in Washington, D.C.

The powerful of this world will never understand the tenacity and stubbornness and determination of those who look weak on the outside, but possess a close walk with God. And they never will because its all about God’s favor and God’s presence in our midst. It’s not a physical thing, but a spiritual mindset.

Sometimes in life we don’t understand why and how God is working through us. We don’t feel worthy of His favor because of our past sins and shortcomings. But God has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. God has given us an assignment to complete before we leave this earth.

God’s favor was extended on Calvary to the whole world – to whosoever believes in His Son, Jesus the Christ. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior over our lives, God’s presence dwells with us, protecting us, keeping us. That’s why we sing the song, I need Thee every hour. Receiving God’s favor. God bless you!

CHRISTMAS

GOING DOWN FOR THE COUNT

LUKE 2:4-7, So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn.

MICAH 5:2, "But you Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come from me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from