CHRISTMAS STORIES DECEMBER 1, 2024
MARY
SCRIPTURE
God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 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. 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.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “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[b] the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:26-38, NIV

ATTACKS ON CHRISTMAS

1/ Some have replaced Savior sayings with secular sayings.


2/ Some have replaced Christ with Claus.


3/ Some have replaced Messiah with myths.


4/ Some have replaced the Sacred theology with skewed theology.


5/ Some have replaced Immanuel with “intelligence.”

In an age of skepticism, you should be able to have some type of answer for your hope.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16, NIV
TRUSTING IN CHRIST

1/ Trusting in Christ demands accepting reality.

“…I am a virgin…” Luke 1:34

“There are only two religions. The religion of human achievement or the religion of divine accomplishment.” Skip Heitzig


2/ Trusting in Christ demands accepting Grace.

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28


3/ Trusting in Christ does not dismiss all doubts.

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” Luke 1:34


Doubt is different than unbelief. One asks questions, the other makes accusations.


Without faith it’s impossible to please God… Hebrews 11:6


Faith is strengthened through proofs.

Faith is strengthened through God’s prophecies.

Faith is strengthened through God’s presence.

Faith is strengthened through God’s people.


4/ Trusting in Christ does not dissolve all difficulty.

Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yetdid not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. Matthew 1:19


5/ Trusting in Christ demands faith.

“May your word to me be fulfilled.” Luke 1:38b
6/ Trusting in Christ demands surrender.

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. Luke 1:38a


7/ Trusting in Christ is displayed in life change.

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother… John 19:25


8/ Trusting in Christ is displayed in praise.

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name. Luke 1:46-49