Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer: Discoverign Your Purpose Series

Classic TV Christmas

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Discovering Your Purpose This Christmas Season

Luke 1:26-38

INTRODUCTION

We all know the story of the misfit reindeer, Rudolph. Born with a bulbous bright nose Rudolph’s parents are worried that their son will be ridiculed by other reindeer. Pasting mud onto his nose, Rudolph’s father Donner, encourages his young son to just try and fit in.

Eventually his embarrassing attribute is revealed in all its ruby brightness. Instantly Rudolph becomes the outcasts and runs away to the island of runaway toys.

Among the misfits he finds a home and a love. Yet the horrible abominable snowman lurks in the background. He and his friends must rally their courage to save the others.

Finding his way back home Rudolph walks with new confidence, and when an unexpected fog sets in the misfit deer finally has a chance to shine.

Say it with me.

“Rudolph with your nose so bright won’t you guide my sleigh tonight.”

Brings back memories doesn’t it.

T.S. Watch this video clip with me.

Rudolph is the hero, he is able to be used to save Christmas. The misfit reindeer finds his purpose.

T.S. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer reminds us that . . .

 IF YOU WANT TO DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE KIND OF PEOPLE GOD USES.

Luke 1:26-38

26 In the sixth month, 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 be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name 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 the house of Jacob 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 upon 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 barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God."

38 "I am the Lord’s servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

NIV

I. GOD USES PEOPLE WHO DESIRE TO DO HIS WILL

38 "I am the Lord’s servant," NIV

1:38 Mary responded, "I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true." And then the angel left. NLT

She may have simple been saying, I’m your servant your attendant. Similar to the way a bellboy or housekeeping worker in a hotel is our servant or attendant.

A. Doulos -- Doulos

Mary picks and interesting word choice. Doulos.

But doulos has a deeper more profound meaning: To be devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests.

This type of meaning leads of a metaphorical meaning used through out the New Testament: one who gives himself up to another’s will whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing his cause among men

• Paul calls himself that in Romans 1:1.

• In 2 Tim 2:24 he refers to all elders and ministers as Doulos

• James the brother of Jesus Calls himself a Doulos of Christ. (James 1:1)

• Not only did Peter refer to himself as a Doulos 2 Pet 1:1, but he calls all believers to use their freedom as Doulos of God (1 Pet 2:16)

Mary is the forerunner of all those who give themselves up to the will of the forgiver for the advancing of his cause among men. God uses people who are willing to become Doulos. Want to find your purpose this Christmas. Ask yourself if you are willing to become Doulos

B. Kurios --Kurios

• Mary may just be using a title of respect. Like sir or madam. It would be the word used to the sovereign prince or a the Roman Governor. But taken with her use of the word Kurios, I believe Mary was saying this when she used the word Kurios 