Introduction

Welcome, dear friends, to our gathering of hearts and minds. It's a pleasure, as always, to be in your company as we seek to grow in our understanding of God's word. Today, we are turning our thoughts and attentions to the first chapter of Luke, a rich and profound passage that speaks to us about humility, obedience, and submission.

Luke 1:26-56 tells us [read text].

This is a passage filled with miraculous wonder, divine intervention, and human submission to the divine plan. It's a passage that prompts us to consider our own hearts, our own obedience, and our own willingness to submit to God's will in our lives.

In the words of the great Christian author, J.I. Packer, "Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord." Indeed, as we will see in the life of Mary, knowing God and submitting to His will can lead us down paths we could never have imagined, into experiences that challenge us, change us, and ultimately bless us.

As we prepare to delve into these truths, let us bow our heads in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your word, for the truths it contains, and for the lessons it teaches us. As we study your word today, open our hearts to receive your truth, open our minds to understand your will, and open our spirits to be transformed by your love. Guide us, Lord, as we seek to understand and apply these truths in our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

So, dear friends, are we ready to humble our hearts this holiday season? Are we prepared to honor God's plan in our lives, even when it seems impossible or incomprehensible? Are we willing to heed His call to submit, trusting in His wisdom and His love? These are the questions we will consider today as we reflect on the life of Mary and her extraordinary obedience to God's plan. I look forward to sharing this time with you, to learning with you, and to growing with you in faith and understanding. May God bless our time together.

Humble Hearts in the Holiday Season

As we gather together during this holiday season, our hearts are often filled with joy and anticipation. The twinkling lights, the festive music, the gathering of loved ones – all these things stir up a sense of excitement and celebration. Yet, amid all the merriment, we need to remember the true reason for the season.

The birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is a story of humility. It's a story that begins with a humble young woman named Mary, living in the small town of Nazareth. Mary was not a queen or a princess. She was not rich or powerful. Yet, she was chosen by God to be the mother of His Son.

Mary's response to this divine calling is a powerful example of humility. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her and announced that she would conceive and give birth to a son, Mary did not boast or brag. She did not seek fame or fortune. Instead, she humbly accepted God's will, saying, "I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled."

This humble acceptance of God's will is a lesson for us all. In a world that often values power, wealth, and status, Mary's humility stands as a stark contrast. She reminds us that true greatness comes not from worldly success, but from obedience to God's will.

Yet, humility is more than just an attitude. It's a way of life. It's about putting others before ourselves, about serving rather than being served. It's about recognizing our own limitations and relying on God's strength.

This is the kind of humility that Mary demonstrated. Even after she became pregnant, Mary continued to live a life of service. She traveled to visit her relative Elizabeth, who was also expecting a child. Despite her own circumstances, Mary took the time to care for Elizabeth and to rejoice with her.

This act of service is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility in our relationships with others. It's easy to become so focused on our own needs and desires that we forget to consider the needs of others. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to love and serve others, just as He did.

But humility is also about our attitudes. It's about recognizing our dependence on God and trusting in His plan for our lives. When Mary was told that she would give birth to the Son of God, she didn't question or doubt. She didn't try to negotiate or bargain. She simply trusted in God's plan, even though it was beyond her understanding.

This kind of trust is a powerful expression of humility. It's about acknowledging that we don't have all the answers, that we can't control everything. It's about surrendering our lives to God, trusting that He knows what's best for us.

Finally, humility is about recognizing our place in God's grand story. We need to be understanding that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves. When Mary received the news that she would give birth to the Son of God, she didn't see it as a personal achievement. She didn't see it as a chance to elevate her own status. Instead, she saw it as a fulfillment of God's promise to His people.

This understanding of her role in God's story is a powerful demonstration of humility. It's a reminder that we are not the center of the universe, that our lives are part of a much larger narrative. It's a call to live our lives in a way that honors God and advances His kingdom.

Transition. As we celebrate this holiday season, let's strive to follow Mary's example. Let's strive to live with humility, to serve others, to trust in God's plan, and to recognize our place in His story. Let's strive to have humble hearts, not just during the holidays, but every day of our lives.

Honoring God's Plan in Our Lives

As we move forward, we see that Mary was at the center of God's divine plan ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO