The Faces Of Christmas, Faith Series

THE FACES OF CHRISTMAS

FAITH

Luke 1:26-38

‘For no word from God will ever fail.”

INTRODUCTION

Christmas is a time of FAITH.

Nowhere is this truth seen than in how Mary responded to the news that God had chosen her to be the mother of the Son of God.

We see the wonder and the wisdom of God’s Sovereign plan.

It was not to a wealthy, well known popular princess. But to a lowly, humble poor country girl, that God chose to use as the vehicle for Christ’s entrance into this world.

The lesson we learn from Mary’s response, is that God honors those who humbly surrender to His call

What do we know about Mary?

Luke 1:26-38

English Standard Version (ESV)

26In the sixth month the angel(A) Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named(B) Nazareth,27(C) to a virgin betrothed[a] to a man whose name was Joseph,(D) of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary.

Half of the world magnifies her to the point where Mary takes precedence even over Jesus. The other half of the world, puts her in the sidelines, and forgets about her after Luke chapter two.

What we know about Mary is,

• She was young. Mary was pledged to be married. At that time, it was customary for girls to be engaged at 12-13 years of age (around the time of reaching puberty). One reason was to ensure girls maintained their virginity until marriage. It’s very possible that Mary could have been as young as 12-13, or as old as 16 when Gabriel visited her. You and I might think this girl is too young for God to use her, but apparently God didn’t think so. But also

• She was poor. We read Luke 2:22-24 that Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to the temple to be circumcised. They were required to bring one of two offerings: either a lamb for a burnt offering and a dove or a pigeon for a sin offering. If a lamb was too expensive, the parents could bring a second dove or pigeon instead. Mary and Joseph brought the two doves, because they couldn’t afford a lamb. You and I might have thought this family is too poor to provide for Jesus but apparently God didn’t think so. Mary was young, and poor, but also

• She was from Nazareth. Apparently, Mary was a young girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Nazareth was a town with a bad reputation. Remember what Nathanael said when He learned Jesus from Nazareth?

John 1:46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” …

You and I might have thought No way. No telling what this girl grew up seeing and hearing and doing in a bad town like that. Apparently, God didn’t take this into consideration in choosing Mary to be mother to His Son.

Mary was young, poor, and from Nazareth—all characteristics make her seem unusable by God. But God chose Mary for one of the most important jobs He ever asked anyone to do.

As the story unfolds, we take note of MARY’S SURPRISE.( 26-33)

28And he came to her and said, "Greetings,(E) O favored one,(F) the Lord is with you!"[b] 29But(G) she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for(H) you have found favor with God. 31And behold,(I) you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and(J) you shall call his name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of(K) the Most High. And the Lord God(L) will give to him the throne of(M) his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob(N) forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

Mary was perplexed and afraid at Gabriels greeting. First of all, it isn’t every day that you are visited by an angel. After all, that was reserved for people like Moses, Abraham, and Elijah. Who was Mary, but a simple teenage girl from the sticks.

Then there was Gabriels greeting,; "Greetings,(E) O favored one,(F) the Lord is with you!"

The King James adds the words, Blessed art thou among women.’

Warren Weirsbe asks three probing questions:

Why would an Angel be sent to HER? In What ways was she highly favored by God? How was God with her?

First of all, the choice of Mary highlights God’s Sovereignty in choosing. His choice of Mary had little to do with her background, spirituality, age, or gender. It had everything to do with His providence in extending his grace to whomever He chooses.

There would have been many others who might have had the response, “well its about time God. I knew it was only a matter of time before you noticed me,’