Series: Christmas Brings…[#2]
JOY
Luke 1:26-38
Welcome
“The Joy Of The Lord”
Hymn 87 “Joy To The World” (Vs. 1&4)
Offering
Hymn 100 “Angels We Have Heard On High”
Children’s Choir “Ain’t No Rock”
“You Are My All In All”
Introduction:
In school I learned about a type of word combination. It is called an oxymoron. An oxymoron is a combination of contradictory words. Our story this morning is an oxymoron. It is about a pregnant virgin. A virgin can’t be pregnant, or can she?
Luke 1:26-38
Special Music “Mary Did You Know?”
Drama: “Draw Me, Lord” (Written by Chris St.Clair II)
“Draw Me, Lord”
An account of the meeting between Mary and Elizabeth as recorded in Luke 1:39-56. The scene opens as Mary is walking down the road to Elizabeth’s house, talking to herself.
MARY: I hope Elizabeth is home. I can’t wait to see her and tell her what has happened. I just hope she believes me. I can hardly believe it myself. I’m pregnant and I’m going to be the mother of the Son of God! Just listen to me! What if she thinks I’m crazy? Well, I am talking to myself. Oh no, what if Joseph thinks I’m crazy? I’m sure he already thinks something is up since I just left town without so much as a word of goodbye. That probably isn’t going to look very good when I tell him I’m pregnant. What am I going to do if Joseph doesn’t believe me? How am I going to take care of this child if he won’t marry me anymore? I can’t exactly get a job that will buy me a home and provide food for the both of us – at least not a job that should belong to someone who is going to have God’s Son. Oh, what am I going to do?
(Coming to Elizabeth’s door, she pauses and takes a deep breath, she begins praying) Lord, I don’t know how any of this is going to work out. But I do know that you wouldn’t allow me to carry Your Son if You weren’t going to take care of Him. Please just….I mean, You don’t have to…but it would be nice if You could show me something that would let me know everything is going to be taken care of. I mean, I know it will, but….It would be nice if You could show me something. (Finishing her prayer, she knocks on the door) Elizabeth? Are you there?
ELIZABETH: Mary? (Now coming into view, as if opening the door) Mary, I knew it was you! As soon as I heard your voice, it felt like the baby inside me began leaping for joy. I know why you’ve come, and I know about the baby you are carrying. Of all the women in the world, God has chosen you to carry His Son! You are so fortunate for believing what the Lord has promised.
MARY: (Dumbfounded) But how…? I don’t understand how you could… I’m so confused,
ELIZABETH: I know Mary. It must be hard for you. I can only imagine all of the worries and doubts that come with the blessing you’ve received. I know it must be scary being pregnant and not even being married yet.
MARY: What if Joseph doesn’t believe me? (Mary collapses into Elizabeth’s arms, crying)
ELIZABETH: I don’t know, Mary. I can’t tell you that. But now matter what, I believe you. I believe you. (Elizabeth continues to hold Mary and begins to pray). God Most High, take care of Your chosen one now. Comfort her. Hold her in Your arms and draw her near to Your side.
(The choir begins singing, “Oh, Draw Me Lord.” Mary and Elizabeth remain essentially frozen until the musical interlude. Then Mary begins speaking again (from Luke 1:46-49))
MARY: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble estate of his servant. From now on, all generations will cal me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name!
(The music continues as Mary and Elizabeth sing the verse together and the choir joins for the last line of the song)
Joy Is Found
Many people today are searching for joy. The kind of joy they are looking for is not found in the world, but in God. God’s joy is not dependent on circumstances or happiness. God’s joy comes from faith and hope.
Mary, although she found herself in a difficult situation, had joy. How is that possible? No one would believe that Mary was a pregnant virgin. Her punishment by the Law could be death and although Joseph was not going to have her killed, she still would be an outcast for the rest of her days.
But through all of this, Mary found joy. How? Mary trusted in what the angel had told her. Whether it sounded crazy or not, if God said He was going to do this, then why be saddened or scared? She found strength in the joy of the Lord.
John 15:10-11
It is through trusting and obeying God that we find the joy of the Lord.
Adult Choir: “Trust And Obey”
Isaiah 55
Joy Is Offered
We find in Isaiah 55 that the joy of the Lord is offered to all who will accept it. You first must find God, before you can find joy.
As verses 6-7 tell us, don’t wait too long. If God is burdening you of your life that is thirsty for hope, peace, love, and joy; then come to the Living Water. Today, call upon the name of the Lord.
Conclusion:
When God touches your life, you will go out in joy and be led by peace. For Christians Christmas should bring hope and joy. What does Christmas bring for you?
Invitation “All Who Are Thirsty”
