Sermons on Diligent Mary:

Scandalous Christmas

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Dec 22, 2007

Joseph, the step-dad of Jesus, was faced with a very tough decision: What to do with a pregnant fiance. Joseph journeyed far in his spirit to come to a place where he could make a home for Jesus with his wife Mary.

Sermon for CATM and for Retirement Suites by the Lake –December 22 and 23, 2007 Advent IV – Joseph Made a Home for Jesus – Matthew 2:18-25 Advent: Love A Salvation Army woman was informed by a policeman that a local ordinance would prevent her from ringing her bells to invite contributions. She ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

One Hundred Percent

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Apr 7, 2004

Mary gave 100%. What she had she did. What she possessed she gave. Have you given Christ your all? What are you doing with what you have? Are you giving 100%?

100% MARK 14:3-9 INTRODUCTION: On the evening prior to what is called the Triumphal Entry or Palm Sunday, our Lord Jesus Christ was a dinner guest in the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany about two miles southeast of Jerusalem along with Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha. At the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:3-9

Denomination: Baptist

Over The River And Through The Wood Series

Contributed by Jeff Armbrester on Dec 22, 2004

The theme is final preparations. This worship experience will focus on the excitement and stress of the final week before the big event. Mary and Joseph had to make a long journey to Bethlehem. We have last-minute shopping and dinner plans to make. And in

The Crandles are not as bad as we thought. They have decided to have a Merry Christmas by putting forth the effort to get along and enjoy each other. What about you? How are your Christmas plans coming? Are you getting excited? Or, is worry and fear getting a grip on you? As you travel “Over the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Methodist

God's Grace When He Disrupts Your Life

Contributed by Sean Lester on Dec 24, 2013

When God's plan intersects with yours, life can be seriously disrupted. In this story, Joseph the husband of Mary reminds us that our lives are arranged by God and that often isn't easy. But, God's grace is also evident.

God’s Grace when Disrupting Life Text: Matthew 1:18-25 Concise outline: When God's plan intersects with you plans, the disruption to your life can be dramatic and traumatic, as was the case with Joseph. But, we also see God's grace at work in the midst of the shattering the happiness ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Pentecostal

One Thing

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Nov 8, 2010

Getting to know God must become our single greatest pursuit if we truly want to honor Him with our lives. Mary chose connecting with Jesus above serving. Both are important but one flows out of the other.

One Thing Luke 10:38 - 42 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Faces Of Christmas - The Face Of Faith Series

Contributed by Scott Kircher on Dec 17, 2010

What can we learn about Faith from Mary? She exhibited faith in a way that glorifies the Lord. She found favor with God, but her circumstances did not seem great and yet she found contentment and peace.

The Face of Faith - Mary The Faces of Christmas Series Luke 1:26-45, 2:1-7 Faith Accepts altered Expectations (Luke 1:38) Faith Believes without Seeing (Luke 1:45) Faith finds Contentment despite Circumstances (Luke 2:1-7) Intro Slide Has anyone ever had dreams of their future? Not real dreams, ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Horoscope Of Jesus

Contributed by David Smith on Jan 8, 2007

What must Mary have thought when she first opened the door and found a group of Iranian astrologers, there to celebrate the birth of her son? These characters seem so inappropriate in the Christmas narrative, but maybe that’s the point?

The Xmas season is over! We’ve wished each other a Merry Xmas AND a Happy New Year, and now the festive season is PAST. The holidays (for most of us) are over. The time for singing carols and wishing peace and goodwill to all is finished. The presents have been handed out. The cards have all been ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

His Hidden Face Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 16, 2021

Jesus had the ability to hide Himself so His identity was not known. Mary Magdalene had the same problem. She was at the tomb of Jesus, and He spoke to her, but she did not know Him, for she thought He was the gardener.

Paul Harvey in For What Its Worth tells of the young lawyer who was sitting in his office waiting for his first client. When he heard the outer door open he quickly tried to sound very busy. As the man entered his office the young lawyer was on the telephone saying this: "Bill, I'm ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Empty Cross, Empty Tomb ... Full Heart Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on May 14, 2019

Mary Magdalene was an empty cup and an empty cross and empty tomb filled her up. And if you are an empty cup this morning, let me tell you how an empty cross and an empty tomb can fill you up.

Have you ever tried to help someone who doesn’t want to be helped? Pretty frustrating, amen? Just ask Jesus. It’s hard to help someone who doesn’t want help … difficult to heal someone who doesn’t think they’re sick … impossible to fill a cup that’s already full ... impossible to teach a mind ...read more

Scripture: John 20:11-18, John 3:16

Denomination: United Methodist

The Spiritual Motherhood Series

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Dec 1, 2023

To become mothers of Christ, we must internalize and make Mary's prayer our own: "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).

The spiritual motherhood of Christ is an exalted state attained by embracing a resounding "yes" to God, even in the face of seemingly impossible demands, echoing the divine calling that turned Mary into a virgin mother. To become mothers of Christ, we must internalize and make Mary's ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Other

Make The Most Of Our Visits With God

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Jul 21, 2025

Abraham and Sarah, and Martha and Mary received the one thing they needed—God’s presence in their lives through his Word. Let’s ask God the Holy Spirit to do the same thing for us today and every day.

God came to visit them. In two of our Scripture readings for this Sunday two pairs of believers hosted God in their homes (well, to be exact one was a tent). Abraham and Sarah welcomed the LORD God who took on a human body to be able to visit them on a personal level. They heard God’s promises ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:1-14

Denomination: Lutheran

There Is Something About That Man Named Jesus Series

Contributed by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid on Nov 16, 2019

Greetings In The Holy Name Of Jesus Yahshuah, My sisters and brothers, there is something about that man named Jesus.

There. Is Something About That Man Named Jesus by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14, Luke 2:21, Luke 2:46-48, Luke 2:49  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Friends

Christmas: Why Did Jesus Come To Us? Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 12, 2021

I’m really glad God came up with the idea of Christmas. But what did God have in mind when He created Christmas? What motivated Him to bring Christmas to us?

Christmas is really enjoyable on so many levels. But a widow names Stella has an unusual experience on Christmas. Stella’s first Christmas as a widow brought incredible loneliness. One day her doorbell rang and she was greeted by a messenger holding a box. “What’s in the box?” she asked. The ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:8-13, Genesis 12:1-3, Revelation 7:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

Parting Gifts

Contributed by Gordon Pike on May 1, 2019

In an effort to give us the perfect gift, God did not send a general or a politician or a preacher. He took on flesh and gave us Himself. In the words of the late great preacher Wallace Hamilton: “God came walking down the stairway of Heaven with a baby in His arms.”

Mary prepares dinner while her son, Jesus, plays at her feet. Joseph is putting away his tools as he wraps up his day. Suddenly there’s a knock on the door. When Joseph opens the door, he and Mary and Jesus are confronted with a strange and interesting sight … a group of oddly dressed men who ...read more

Scripture: John 19:38-42, John 3:16

Denomination: United Methodist

Receiving The Promise Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 24, 2018

I pray by the time we’re done today, every heart here will prepare Him room and receive the King of Christmas.

Receiving the Promise Luke 2:1-28 Rev. Brian Bill December 24, 2018 Joy to the World Written over 300 years ago, “Joy to the World” is now the most published Christmas hymn in North America. I love these words: Let earth receive her King Let every heart prepare Him room I pray by the time ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-28

Denomination: Baptist