Series: Rhythms of Christmas:
What are rhythms? A strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound.
Thesis: Christmas always has a rhythm to it! Something happens at this time of year – some call it the magic of Christmas or the Christmas Spirit. But Christmas brings a rhythm with it.
Scriptures has a rhythm to it:
Ephesians 5:18b-20: Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
James 5:13: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms".
Mark 1:21-45, 2:23-3:6, 6:1-6, 4:26-29 and 13:32-37These are passages in the Bible that mention rhythms of work, rest, and worship.
Introduction:
The world around us brings a rhythm with it- if you are at the ocean there is a rhythm to the waves – have you ever listened to the rhythm of the waves? Your heart has a rhythm to it and if it gets off its rhythm you will know it. (I know what it feels like to get your heart out of rhythm that’s why I have a Pacemaker in me) There is a rhythm when you are listening to clocks – especially the ones that do the tick tock - tick tock - tick-tock sounds. (Reference Grandma Kolling’s clock) You need rhythm to be a good dancer. Truth is if you lack the connection with the rhythm of the music then you will mess up as a dancer. Being in rhythm is essential!
There is also a rhythm to playing music and if you get off rhythm people will know it immediately. Just ask any musician or concert attender! You should have experienced the music of Christmas.
This month you have heard and experienced the rhythms of Christmas: Have you noticed all the new Christian Christmas Music this year. The Holy Spirit is moving. There have been bells ringing and people singing! Share what you experienced at Jewel! I have smelled and tasted the rhythm of Christmas in the holiday meals and off course the cookies – how about you?
I have been listening to the Spirit of Christmas, my heart has been connected with the true rhythm of the Spirit this season. That rhythm and its beats have been speaking and declaring Jesus this season! I really discovered the rhythm of Christmas through studying the life of Mary this last week.
The rhythms of Christmas have been ushering in the Christmas Spirit and the message of Jesus birth. I pray you have embraced the rhythms of the season –I have seen others fight against it saying, “Bah Humbug!” But the rhythms of the Christmas spirit will play repeatedly declaring the true meaning of Christmas- I pray His Spirit will influence and take root in your hearts as you listen this season.
I pray that you will be in sync to the Christmas rhythm and experience it through the Christmas story of Jesus. We need to experience the rhythm of Christmas through His divine rhythm and learn how those rhythms can be synced up to the soundtrack of our life today. Jesus is the only source to sync us into a rhythm with God and the Holy Spirit!
God wants you to enter the true rhythm of Christmas and experience the most amazing rhythm of life itself – Jesus personally and intimately!
Point of the series and message: My goal in this message is for you to get into rhythm with the Spirit of Christmas! Today I would like us to get into the rhythm of the birth of Jesus and into the heart and mind of Mary.
Have you ever pondered what Mary went through?
T.S. - Let’s explore our Christian Christmas Song Classic which we just sang.
Sermon: Did you Know? Do you know?
Scripture text: Luke 1 - The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Luke 2:19: But Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.
This verse appears after the birth of Jesus in the stable – after the visitation of Angels and the shepherds and hearing their messages and praise of Jesus!
I want to focus on the word “Ponder” for a moment – pondering helps us connect to the rhythm of the Christmas story: It implies more than just casually thinking about something; it suggests deliberate and thoughtful consideration. The "heart" signifies the core of one's being, where thoughts and emotions are deeply held. The Greek word for "ponder" is sumballo (sum-BAHL-oh), which is derived from the Greek words syn ("together") and ballo ("to throw"). Sumballo has multiple meanings, including: To consider, To confer, To meet, To encounter, To dispute with, and To contribute.
To look at this verse we could say Mary was pulling together everything the Angel said to her – what Jospeh said – what they had just experienced in Jesus birth – with the angels – the star – and what the Shepherds had told them – She is pulling together all the pieces to the puzzle of who Jesus is and tossing them around in her heart and mind.
What do you think was going through Mary’s heart and mind at this point in time? Ponder that thought for a moment?
This scripture text could be translated, as “Mary treasured all these words, and threw them together, in her heart.” Yes, threw them together. Like a baker throws together ingredients into a mixing bowl. It feels a bit more chaotic and confusing, than when I think of the word “ponder.” Does it not! I don’t think Mary had it all figured out – do you?
But think about it for a moment: In just 9 months, Mary had experienced so much change – so many revelations and supernatural encounters – along with hardship and pain. It had to be overwhelming for her and Joseph: Think – ponder for a moment what she went through?
• Mary was a teenager when the messenger delivered the news to her – changing her entire life.
• The angel Gabriel appeared and spoke to her and that troubled her, but the angel told her not to be afraid. What troubled her? Ponder that for a moment?
• She suddenly found herself pregnant by the Holy Spirit supernaturally - ponder that!
• Her fiancé, who was understandably upset, planned to break up with her, but the angel spoke to him in a dream and so Joseph stayed by her side!
• They had to leave home to travel to Bethlehem – because of the census, to a strange city by donkey when she was 9 months pregnant- ponder that ladies!
• They can’t find a place to stay, and then have to stay in a stable - a barn. How would you like to have a baby in a barn?
• In that strange stable, she goes into labor and gives birth to Jesus.
• Again, angels appeared praising God.
• And a bright star showed up in the sky!
• And then a bunch of shepherds showed up telling what they just experienced in the field!
• And when Mary finally got Jesus to sleep in came the little drummer boy- well maybe not.
It is a lot to take in for Mary. And the scriptures tell us she was “throwing all of this together” in her heart. Mary had to be asking: “What does all this mean God? What does this mean having a baby supernaturally?” Mary had to be exhausted when it says she “pondered” - “Her body is aching from the delivery of a baby – in pain – trust me I watched my wife go through this 4 times!” It is a painful ordeal!
Illustration: A FEW YEARS AGO, IN THE MIDDLE OF Covid at Christmas time, I got to possibly understand Mary’s few months of everything changing. I could understand her throwing everything together in her heart and mind and pondering what God was doing. I thought Lord I do not understand everything about the Covid pandemic, but I am going to trust you Lord! And I think at some level, we all can think back to Covid and relate to what Mary had to take in – in a brief time everything changed. All the change and the pain. Do you recall that time – now think of everything Mary is going through!
Sermon: Do you Know?
Thesis: The story of Mary and the birth of Jesus leaves us with questions to ponder. Would you agree? “Mary, Did You Know” the song which we sang today asks some of those thought-provoking questions. But I am also asking you today this “Do you know?” – the message of Christmas – the story of Jesus!
Let me ask it again: Do you know? Jesus? His story and who He was – is – and will be and are you in rhythm with the Christmas Spirit and the message of Jesus?
Background on the Song: Mary Did You Know” is one of the few Christmas classics that was written in the last few decades. Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene wrote the popular Christmas song in 1984. Lowry wrote the lyrics and Greene the music. The song’s lyrics wonder if Jesus’ mother could grasp the incredible power that was held in her tiny newborn. But despite the Biblical backing, the song has raised a bit of controversy in recent years. But there are Biblical truths we can glean from this newer classic Christmas song?
While writing the program that year, Lowry meditated on the Christmas story found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke and especially pondered the person of Mary, the mother of Jesus. He asked questions now posed in the song: Did Mary know her Son was as special as He was? Did she know that her son had come to save humanity, including her? Did she know that her baby would be able to heal, to calm storms, to walk on water? Did Mary know that she was kissing the face of God? Love personified.
Lyrics to "Mary Did You Know?"
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will someday walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.
Oh, Mary, did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.
Wow what great questions and things to ponder in our hearts and minds today!
The Christmas song was well received became a hit, the song became beloved by many, and it has been sung by many including: Michael English, Kenny Rogers, Kathleen Battle, Clay Aiken, Pentatonix, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Jeremy Camp, Kutless, Jordan Smith even sang in on The Voice and received a stand ovation and then went on to win the voice.
Surprisingly there are those who criticize the song as unbiblical – ponder this – trust me you will shrug your shoulders? 😊
Some Catholics disapprove due to the line, “Did you know that your Baby Boy has come to make you new? This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.” This notion that Mary needs deliverance (from sin and the penalty of sin) defies the Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. According to Father Robert McTeigue, “In other words the lyrics depend upon the dogma of the Immaculate Conception being false. If Mary needs a Savior, then she cannot be the vessel of the Incarnation. And “No-Incarnation” = “No-Christmas.” How ironic that a song sung with so much gusto as a hymn logically precludes what it claims to celebrate!”
But Romans states this in Romans 3:23: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Including Mary!
Recently the Washington Post article by Ruth Everhart said that some reject the song because of its emphasis on Mary’s virginity – which is not good – because it “is part of the purity culture, which is destructive for rape victims.”
Have you turned your head yet and pondered that thought?
Others have complained that Mary did indeed know that she would bear the Christ child, the Messiah, and therefore the song’s questions are redundant and unnecessary. Joy Clarkson explains this in a Christianity Today article title “Yes, Mary Knew.”
Wow – Those kind of reactions to this Christmas song make me ponder what Mary may have been struggling with and rolling over in her mind and heart – right – have you turned your head yet to “Ponder” like Mary?
But amidst all the controversy and discussion, there is Biblical truth to the story and to the song?
T.S. - What encouragement can we glean from these song lyrics and questions? The answer to me is highlighted in 5 truths about things Mary knew:
I. 5 Biblical Truths that Mary most likely Knew:
a. Listen again to our Christmas Story: “But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.’ … The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God’” (Luke 1:30-33, 35).
i. The Five – I knows of Mary: (From an Article I read cited below)
1. Mary knew that she had found favor with God.
a. The Angel Gabriel told her so – a messenger of God.
b. Jospeh knew because of the dream from God and His message about Mary.
i. Joseph’s Response to Mary’s Pregnancy (Matthew 1:18-25)
2. Mary knew that she would bear a son who would be named Jesus, meaning Savior.
a. “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
b. She would have known all the teachings and promises of a Savior – coming through the Jewish line to save the Jewish people but I am not sure she understood He would save the world. That his birth, life, death and resurrection would impact billions.
c. That 1,000 of years later Jesus would be setting people free from their sins.
d. I am not sure she would understand totally He would deliver her – her other children from their sin – that He would deliver the nation of Israel from sin and even the world!
3. Mary knew Jesus was the Son of God, the Son of the Most High – Gabriel told her so.
a. Let me help you understand the Meaning of Most High:
i. In the Bible, the term "God Most High" is used to describe the Lord, the Creator of the earth and heaven, and to convey God's superiority, power, and authority. It means that no other god, idol, or created being should be worshiped above the Lord.
ii. The term "God Most High" is often translated from Hebrew words such as:
1. Elohim (or El) Elyown: Literally means "the most God"
2. Yahweh Illay: Means "the highest LORD"
3. Al or el: Used alone to mean "God Most High"
iii. The term "God Most High" appears in many places in the Bible, including - Genesis 14:18, Psalm 47:2, Psalm 91:1, and Daniel 7:18.
iv. Mary heard Gabriel say this – the angels told the Shepherds this and the wise men knew – but did Mary totally comprehend this?
1. When she looked at Jesus, she looked at the face of God!
2. What do you think?
b. But trust me I believe Mary struggled with how that would play out in the life of Jesus – Jesus is God most High! In the flesh – her baby – her child – her teenager!
i. I know Mary knew a lot about Jesus more than nay of us here could know – she knew in John 2 – He could do miracles – for example when she went to him at the wedding in Cana and they ahs run out of wine she said Jesus they need your help – he said its not my time – maybe all his disciples had drunk up all the wine – but Mary told the servants “Do what ever he tells you!” And Jesus listened to his mother and did a miracle!
ii. But here is another thought: In Mark 3 Jesus family came to him to try to stop him from what He was saying and doing - Do you recall when Jesus started his ministry his brothers and family wanted him to stop him – some even thinking he is out of his mind:
1. Mark 3:20-35: Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. He ignored them and addressed the crowd that those around him were his family.
2. Jesus responded strongly to family!
3. Those who follow the will of God are His family – not those who oppose the will of God to preach and teach the truth.
4. Can you ponder what must have gone through the heart and mind of Mary – watching and observing her son?
4. Mary knew that Jesus was from the kingly line of His ancestor David and that God would give Him David’s throne, an eternal kingdom that will never end.
a. But the kingdom she perceived was not what Jesus did!
b. I am sure she is thinking about an earthly reign. Like the One King David had.
c. But Jesus knew his kingdom was not of this world – He told Pilate that!
d. I am not sure Mary understood that truth.
5. Mary, more than anyone, knew that her pregnancy was a result of the Holy Spirit and the power of the Most High.
a. She knew how she got pregnant!
b. It’s was a miracle – a supernatural event!
c. But can I propose that Mary at times may have struggled with recalling how it all started – you know having those moments – the truth is we can forget the supernatural events in our life as time goes on. This is why we need to keep our hearts fresh in the Spirit.
ii. So, did Mary know? Yes, she did to a degree, but that does not and should not distract that she still missed things as to who Jesus was. She did not see the full picture.
1. I don’t think she understood everything until Jesus rose from the dead!
iii. Let us recall our song lyrics again - The questions are rhetorical and could easily be answered with a “yes.”
1. Application: Even when we know the Biblical answers, we still ponder the questions, and it’s a good exercise to do.
2. Quote: “Regardless of how much Mary did or did not perfectly understand, we can be sure the young Jewish girl asked many questions of God, the Father as she cradled God, the Son. How is that even possible? One of many great questions.”
3. Application: Do you have questions – ask God!
a. In the words of the author, Mark Lowry, “As my mind went back to the manger scene, I began to think about the power, authority and majesty she cradled in her arms. Those little lips were the same lips that had spoken worlds into existence. All of those things were contained in the young child lying quietly on her bosom. Even now, he was the very one who had given life to his mother, Mary.” Extraordinary!
b. Thoughts above taken from:
i. Message thoughts from Kristi Walker has been a missionary in Berlin, Germany for over 19 years working with CrossWay International Baptist Church. She is the author of three books: Disappointment: A Subtle Path Away from Christ, Convinced: Applying Biblical Principles to Life’s Choices, and Big Picture: 66 Books, 1 Message.
ii. Ponder These Things Ponder These Things – Test Driving Theology Posted on December 26, 2020 by tbuegler
c. The scriptures say according to Kristi: “But Mary treasured these words…and pondered them in her heart.” When I hear this familiar part of our Christmas story…an image comes to my mind. I picture Mary, holding the baby Jesus, rocking him. It is so peaceful…she’s smiling… reflecting on this new life in her arms…contemplating the words of the angels and the shepherds. It is a serene image. It is calm, it is quiet.
II. The second thing that we can learn from our story of Mary, is trust - Do you know – You can trust Him – Jesus! Yes, Jesus!
a. Trust is a must!
i. “Trust is woven into every detail of life. In every conversation we have, every online order we place, every news article we read, trust is being built or diminished.” David Horsager
1. We need to trust Jesus to get into the rhythm with Him and His Spirit!
ii. Dr. Cloud states, “Trust fuels the abundant life where a lack of trust robs one of the abundant life!”
iii. Dr. Cloud speaks in his book “Trust” on the 5 key factors which move us forward in trust or pull us away from the trust factor of life.
1. Trust - You can trust someone when you feel your needs are understood, felt, and cared about.
a. Jesus knows you better than you know yourself!
2. Trust - You can trust someone when you feel their motives are for you, not just for themselves.
a. Jesus died to self to follow the will of the father – he never served his own self-interest. He died for you!
3. Trust - You can trust someone when you feel they have the ability or capacity to guard and deliver results for what you have entrusted to them.
a. Jesus can do anything – He has proven that over and over to us.
4. Trust - You can trust someone who has the character or personal makeup needed for what you entrust them with.
a. Jesus was the only sinless person to have lived, and he is always trustworthy!
5. Trust – You can trust someone who has a track record of performing in the ways you need them to perform.
a. Just look at Jesus track record of billions of changed and transformed lives.
b. Scriptures on Trust:
i. Jeremiah 17: 7-8: But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
ii. Romans 15:13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit"
iii. Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths"
c. Story – Illustration:
i. A pastor on sermoncentral.com stated: Not long before his death, one of my favorite authors, Henri Nouwen wrote a book called Sabbatical Journeys, in which he wrote about some friends of his who were trapeze artists, called the Flying Roudellas. They told Nouwen that there is a special relationship between the flyer and the catcher on the trapeze. This relationship is governed by important rules, such as “The flyer is the one who let’s go, and the catcher is always the one who catches.” As the flyer swings on the trapeze high above the crowd, the moment comes when he must let go. He flings his body out in mid-air. His job is to keep flying and wait for the strong hands of the catcher to take hold of him at just the right moment. One of the Flying Roudellas told Nouwen, “The flyer must never try to catch the catcher.” The flyer’s job is to wait in absolute trust. The catcher will catch him, but he must wait. Nouwen said, “… Waiting is not a static state, it is a time when God is working behind the scenes, and the primary focus of his work is on us.” My friends, I cannot pretend to know what your life is really like. I get to hear tidbits. But I don’t know all of your joys…I don’t know all of your sorrows. I am, however, pretty confident about one thing: At some point this past year, you have felt like a flyer. And maybe…just maybe, you still do. You have felt like the person who has let go of the trapeze, and you’re hanging out there in midair. Maybe you are focused, expectant and calm. But maybe…just maybe you feel like you’re flailing around out there, and you are reaching, feeling out of control, trying so hard to catch, because you’re not certain that you are going to be caught.
1. Can you relate - Is this you? Because to be totally transparent, there have been days that I’ve felt like this. There have been some days, especially in the past, when life has felt out of control.
ii. But here’s the truth we need to hear today:
1. Quote from Buegler: God is at work. God sent a star. God sent light. And the light exists to show us the way…and the light exists to remind us to trust. And the light has a name. The name is Jesus. You may feel like a flyer, out of control…but God is going to catch you. Remember the first words the angels spoke to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy. Unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” We treasure God’s promise, and we ponder it…we throw it together in our hearts with everything else going on in our lives. And we remember: Look for the star, for it will bring you to the child Jesus, and trust that God is with you, and that no matter what, God will catch you. God will catch you. Look, and trust.
Conclusion:
Back to my question for us to ponder today
Do you know – The true message of Christmas – it’s about Jesus? – Christmas is about who you know not what you know!
Mary knew things about Jesus we most likely don’t even know.
I don’t think Mary grasped the magnitude of who Jesus was! I am not sure many do today in our world after the birth-life-ministry-death and resurrection of Jesus!
Application We need to trust and believe in Jesus – to get into rhythm with His Spirit- Mary placed her faith and trust in the son she delivered because when He was born – She came to understand that he was born to be the sacrificial lamb for the sins of the world – even hers – Mary was there at the end – she saw him die and she experienced that pain but she was also there when he raised from the dead at the tomb!
Jesus said this to her and John on the cross-John 19:26-27: He said to Mary that John would be like a son to her, and he told John that Mary would be like his mother! In other words John take care of her!
But this is not the end Mary and her son – she is there at his resurrection when her, the other Mary and Joanna go to the tomb and see the stone rolled away see Luke 24 and John 20.
After Jesus ascension Mary lives for another 11-16 years her death dates vary from 41ad to 43ad to 48ad - traditions say she died a natural death with some of the disciples gathered around her. Most place her age around 60. Most believe, she died in Ephesus.
But to get into the rhythm of the Christmas Spirit you have to trust Jesus! Trust God! You have to throw yourself out there and let him catch you! You need to see the into the heart and mind of Mary and learn the truth from her story!
