Message Title: Mary's Song
Date: December 13, 2020

New to PCC? OR maybe you just want to connect? Text “CONNECT” to:
650-332-4438 to access more information

Mary's Song = the Magnificat

And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Luke 46-47

What are the truths she allows to grip her?

1. She sings of God's character

Context of Mary's life
--She heard from the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:26-38
--She will be an unwed mother - life ruined
--Elizabeth's song to her

2. God is Mighty
--There's a difference between knowing and trusting!
--Renewing of our minds that God is ALL-MIGHTY

3. God is Holy
--Holy means God is free from sin, opposed to sin, and will never get used to it. What are we used to?
--God is our rescuer

4. God is Merciful
--Without mercy, it would be hopeless for us

This week, rejoice that:
--God is mighty - His power is at work within us
--God is holy - not be controlled by circumstances
--God is merciful - in Christ, He withholds what we deserve and gives the gift of Himself

PCC BENEDICTION
May you jump into the arms of Jesus and may He push out into the world. May you be healed as you participate in the healing of others. Not because you must, but because you may. This is why we were born!

BEYOND SUNDAY
During this Advent Season, PCC is wanting to help a weary world rejoice by giving you, your family, and/or friends a daily focus to help you experience the hope, peace, joy, and love of God. Our series, A Weary World Rejoices, will focus on the 5 songs found in the Gospel of Luke. Those who sang these songs prove that in troublesome times there are still such good things to sing about God. This week we look at Mary’s Song and how it is God’s character, not our circumstances, that allows us to rejoice.

Monday, Dec.14 - What do you remember about Mary and the culture in which she lived? How could this have affected her attitude about being chosen to bring the Lord into this world? Listen to the song, Mary Did You Know, by Pentatonix. Reflect on the words, and share how God is speaking to you.

Tuesday, Dec. 15 - After Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel she could have plummeted into self-doubt and second thoughts. Instead she hurries to Elizabeth’s house to share her experience. As Pastor Gary Gaddini informed us, it was in this encounter that God confirmed her calling through Elizabeth’s song. We need community more now than ever before. Reflect on a time when your community was there for you, confirming your purpose or your calling. How might God use you today to encourage others in their walk with Him? Reach out to someone today with a phone call, note, text, or email.

Wednesday, Dec. 16 - Read about Mary’s visit with Elizabeth in Luke 1:39-45 and Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55. Mary does not let her circumstances, her fear of the future, or her concerns about what others might think of her rob her of her song. Is there something drowning out your song today? Identify and list those things. Present them to God.

Thursday, Dec. 17 - Mary is able to sing out in the midst of her uncertainty because she is focused on the character of God. List the attributes of God you see in Luke 1:46-55. Add additional attributes of God that come to mind. Which attribute is standing out to you today and why? How does focusing on God’s character affect your life today?

Friday, Dec. 18 - Using the attributes of God that you listed yesterday, write out your own song to God. Be honest. Include your doubts and fears, then end with God’s attributes. Parents and grandparents can do this as an activity with your children. You can get creative and step out of the box a bit. We know that Mary was a teenager. What would her song look like today? Help your children identify God’s attributes and then create a modern-day song that Mary might have sung today.

Saturday, Dec. 19 - Mary was given a tremendous responsibility and calling to bring the Savior into the world. Her response was, “I am the Lord’s servant.” She accepted her calling, not knowing the road ahead or counting the cost. Ponder this idea and think about how God might be talking to you today. It is now our responsibility to tell the lost and weary world about our living God who brings hope and salvation. Who might you invite to church for our online Christmas Eve service? Christmas Eve online at 3pm/5pm Contemporary or 7pm Traditional. Who is God putting on your heart to cultivate a relationship that needs to hear the Good News?

Advent Opportunities
1. To get these daily devotionals sent to your phone, text “advent” to 650-332-4438.

2. Get involved with PCC Christmas Community Outreach to support local schools, police, and children. (see link below)

3. Join us for Christmas Eve online at 3pm/5pm Contemporary or 7pm Traditional. (see link below)

For PCC's Remaining Calendar Year:
June 1 - December 31, 2020

Giving Update
Budgeted Giving: $4,072,377
Giving to Date: $1,604,226
Still Needed: $ 771,327