Introduction

Good morning, beloved family in Christ. It's that time of year again, isn't it? The chill in the air, the twinkling lights adorning our homes, the scent of pine and peppermint filling our senses. Yes, Christmas is upon us. But let's pause for a moment, shall we? Amidst the hustle and bustle of this festive season, let's take a moment to remember the true reason we celebrate. It's not the presents, not the food, not even the time spent with loved ones. No, the true reason we celebrate Christmas is because of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We gather here today to reflect on the magnificent message of Christmas, to recall Mary's momentous encounter, and to rejoice in the manifestation of God's promise. And as we do so, let's remember the words of the great preacher, Charles Spurgeon, who once said, "Without Christ there is no hope." Indeed, without the birth of Christ, there would be no Christmas. Without His sacrifice, there would be no hope for us.

Magnificent Message of Christmas

The Christmas story is a divine drama that unfolds in the most unexpected of ways. It's a tale that begins not with pomp and circumstance, but with simplicity and humility. It's a story that's not about the powerful and the privileged but about the lowly and the overlooked. This is the story we find ourselves in every Christmas season.

The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary is the first act in this divine drama. It's a moment of profound significance, a moment that sets the stage for everything that follows. Gabriel's words to Mary are not just a personal message, but a proclamation of cosmic importance. "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." These words are not just about the birth of a baby, but about the arrival of a Savior. This is the first aspect of the Christmas message that we need to grasp.

The birth of Jesus is a heavenly intervention! It's not just about a baby in a manger, but about God in the flesh. It's not just about the birth of a child, but about the incarnation of the divine. This is the mystery and the miracle of Christmas: God became one of us.

The second aspect of the Christmas message is found in Mary's response to Gabriel's announcement. "I am the Lord’s servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." These words reveal Mary's faith and obedience. Despite the uncertainty and the potential scandal, Mary submits to God's will. She embraces the divine plan, even though it disrupts her own plans. She accepts the heavenly mission, even though it comes with earthly risks. This is the challenge and the call of Christmas: to be like Mary, to say yes to God, even when it's difficult and demanding.

The third aspect of the Christmas message is found in the identity of the child to be born. "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." These words reveal the royal and messianic identity of Jesus. He is not just a son of Mary, but the Son of the Most High. He is not just a descendant of David, but the heir to David's throne. He is not just a child of time, but the ruler of eternity.

The fourth aspect is in the angel's assurance to Mary. "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." These words reveal the divine and miraculous nature of Jesus' conception. He is not just the product of human love, but the result of divine intervention. He is not just a natural child, but a supernatural child. He is not just a human being, but the Son of God. This is the wonder and the awe of Christmas: Jesus is the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Mary's Momentous Encounter

As we continue to reflect on the narrative of Christmas, we find ourselves standing on the threshold of a humble home in Nazareth, where a young woman named Mary is about to experience an encounter that will forever change the course of human history ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO