The Wonder of Christmas

A Message of Wonder

Text: Luke 1:26-45

An Angelic Visitor

The Messenger from God (vs. 26-27)

Was named Gabriel

Was sent to a city in Galilee, called Nazareth

Sent to a virgin named Mary, engaged to Joseph

A Message from God (vs. 30-31)

“Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you.

Do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God.

You will conceive in your womb a son, and you will call him Jesus.”

Footnotes: Amos 3:7 “Surely the Lord God does nothing Unless He reveals His secret counsel To His servants the prophets.” God often announces His activity in advance

so that His people will know that it is God and not just

a coincidence. Consider the implications of these three points:

The Messenger finds Mary: God knows where you live!

Mary’s engaged to Joseph: God knows your circumstances!

The Message from God: God has plans for your life!

A Messianic Announcement (v.32-33)

He will be great

He will be called the Son of the Most High

The Lord God will give Him the throne of David

He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.

His kingdom will have no end.

Footnotes: HIS KINGDOM WILL HAVE NO END

Iceland is the longest lasting human government in existence at about 800 years!

England is considered to have essentially the same political system since 1509, or 513 years.

The Empire of Japan: minimum 1703 years to date

Byzantine Empire: 874 years (from 330 to 1204 AD)

Holy Roman Empire: 844 years (962-1806)

Ottoman Empire: 624 years (1299-1923)

Roman Empire: 503 years (27 BCE-476)

Mary’s question, “How can this be?” (vs. 34)

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason, the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35)

Footnotes: Mary was a virgin and she could not understand how this could happen.

She was not doubting the way Zacharias had.

Note: To overshadow was to come as a cloud perhaps referring to the OT understanding of God’s presence in a cloud. See Mt. 17:5, Luke 9:34, Mark 9:7 (The cloud overshadowed them at the Transfiguration) Also Ex 40: 34-35 When the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Further confirmation given:

That Elizabeth is going to have a son. (v.36)

The point of the message: Nothing will be impossible with God

Expressions of Faith In the Presence of Wonders

Mary:

“Behold the servant of the Lord; may it be done unto me according to your word.” (v.38)

Elizabeth:

“Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (v. 42)

The Wonders of His birth

His birth fulfilled a multitude of messianic prophecies of the OT.

His birth was announced by angels.

His birth was noted in the heavens with a star of unique character.

Recover the WONDER of Christmas

“Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2-4