Recently I preached on Christmas Grace
– The
Reason for Christmas and The Mystery of
Jesus as found in Luke 1:26-38. The following are notes from the study. The message can be found on our website: www.fbcredbank.com
An
angelic visit to Mary, concerning the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38)
1. The salutation
to Mary (Luke 1:26-37) She receives a heavenly visit.
a. The messenger
(Luke 1:26-28) The angel Gabriel appears to this virgin girl in Nazareth.
Mary is engaged to Joseph the carpenter.
b. The
message (Luke 1:29-33)
- Gabriel’s
assurance – He comforts Mary, saying she has found favor with God.
- Gabriel’s
announcement – Mary will give birth to Jesus, the Messiah, whose kingdom and
reign over Israel will never end!
c. The mystery
(Luke 1:34) Being a virgin Mary is perplexed, wondering how this can be
accomplished.
d. The method
(Luke 1:35) Gabriel tells her that the Holy Spirit will father the baby!
e. The miracle
(Luke 1:36-37) Mary now learns that her aged relative Elizabeth is already six
months into her pregnancy!
2. The submission
of Mary (Luke1:38)
“I am the Lord’s
servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants”.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your
salvation and
grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12
Are
you a willing servant of God?
Will you accept
what you don’t understand (a mystery) by faith?
