1 How to Have a ‘Mary’ Christmas Luke 1:46-55 Message 1 in our 2-part series: The Characters in the Christmas Story Sunday, December 14, 2008 Speaker: Doug Virgint

2 How do we define “Christmas” ?

3 Shopping ? Shopping ? Gifts ? Gifts ? Presents ? Presents ? Days off ? Days off ? Family ? Family ? Alcohol ? Alcohol ?

4 How do we define “Christmas” ? Elizabeth said: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1: 42,43)

5 How do we define “Christmas” ? Zechariah said: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David… (Luke 1: 68, 69)

6 How do we define “Christmas” ? The angels said: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2: 13, 14)

7 How do we define “Christmas” ? The shepherds said: “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2: 20)

8 How do we define “Christmas” ? Simeon said: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." (Luke 2: )

9 How do we define “Christmas” ? Anna said: “There was also a prophetess, Anna … Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2: )

10 How do we define “Christmas” ? The wise men said: “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2: 2)

11 How do we define “Christmas” ? Even wicked King Herod said: “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” (Matthew 2: 8)

12 How do we define “Christmas” ? But what did Mary say ? "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,

13 How do we define “Christmas” ? “for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

14 How do we define “Christmas” ? “He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."

15 How to have a “Mary” Christmas Let us consider : 1. Mary’s knowledge of the Bible 2. Mary’s worship 3. Mary’s knowledge of God 4. Mary’s salvation

16 How to have a “Mary” Christmas Let us consider : 1. Mary’s knowledge of the Bible 2. Mary’s worship 3. Mary’s knowledge of God 4. Mary’s salvation

17 Mary’s knowledge of the Bible Hannah I Samuel 2: 1 My heart rejoices in the LORD … because I rejoice in your salvation (KJV) because I rejoice in your salvation (KJV) Mary Luke 1: 46 – 47 My soul glorifies the Lord My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

18 Mary’s knowledge of the Bible Hannah I Samuel 2: 2 There is none holy like the Lord Mary Luke 1: 49 holy is his name

19 Mary’s knowledge of the Bible Hannah I Samuel 2: 4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. Mary Luke 1: 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

20 Mary’s knowledge of the Bible Hannah I Samuel 2: 5 Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, But those who were hungry cease to hunger. Mary Luke 1: 53 He has filled the hungry with good things; And sent away the rich empty- handed.

21 Mary’s knowledge of the Bible Mary was a simple girl from a poor family Mary was a simple girl from a poor family She was probably no more than 13 to 15 years old She was probably no more than 13 to 15 years old It is doubtful that she had much formal education It is doubtful that she had much formal education But her mind and heart were so full of the Old Testament Scriptures that when she broke out in praise her words closely paralleled God’s word. But her mind and heart were so full of the Old Testament Scriptures that when she broke out in praise her words closely paralleled God’s word.

22 Mary’s knowledge of the Bible Some applications: Do you know the Bible ? Do you know the Bible ? Are you making sure that your children and grandchildren know the Bible? Are you making sure that your children and grandchildren know the Bible? Is Rosemount Bible Church ensuring that its children and young people know the Bible – are memorizing theScriptures? Is Rosemount Bible Church ensuring that its children and young people know the Bible – are memorizing theScriptures?

23 How to have a “Mary” Christmas Let us consider : 1. Mary’s knowledge of the Bible 2. Mary’s worship 3. Mary’s knowledge of God 4. Mary’s salvation

24 2) Mary’s worship A) It is internal … It comes from what the heart comprehends It comes from what the heart comprehends – not a performance or outward action – soul exalts - spirit has rejoiced

25 2) Mary’s worship B) It is intense … It arises from what the mind understands It arises from what the mind understands – my soul exalts (magnifies) (mega) – spontaneous exultant joy – Mary’s worship was based on her understanding of what God had done for her. – Mary’s worship was based on her understanding of what God had done for her.

26 2) Mary’s worship C) It is habitual … Changes in circumstances do not affect true worship – exalts – present tense – continual tense – not just Sunday morning – not just when we go to church

27 2) Mary’s worship D) It is humble, coming from a humble heart Think of Mary’s words: … regard for the humble state … of his bond slave … he has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart … he has exalted those who were humble She speaks of God, not of herself To become humble we must contemplate God

28 2) Mary’s worship D) It is humble, coming from a humble heart Mary was humble : … despite the marvellous visitation by angels … despite the wonderful special knowledge … despite the special task entrusted by God … despite the realization that she would enjoy a remarkable reputation

29 How to have a “Mary” Christmas Let us consider : 1. Mary’s knowledge of the Bible 2. Mary’s worship 3. Mary’s knowledge of God 4. Mary’s salvation

30 3) Mary’s knowledge of God Think of Mary’s names for God: … the Lord (kurios) (Adonai) authority … the God (theos) (Jehovah) (personal eternal being) … mighty one (dunatos) (el shaddai) (power) … holy (agion) separate, different, pure, sinless

31 3) Mary’s knowledge of God Mary spoke of what God had done: A) for her: - has done great things for her - mercy extended B) for other believers: - filled the hungry - lifted the humble - helped his servant Israel C) to unbelievers - scattered the proud - brought down rulers - sent the rich away empty

32 How to have a “Mary” Christmas Let us consider : 1. Mary’s knowledge of the Bible 2. Mary’s worship 3. Mary’s knowledge of God 4. Mary’s salvation

33 4) Mary’s salvation I deliberately left out one of Mary’s names for God: “Saviour” What did she mean by this ? That he would carry out a social deliverance? That he would carry out a political deliverance?

34 4) Mary’s salvation “Saviour” Let’s remember the context … The angel had said to Mary : She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

35 4) Mary’s salvation And Mary called Jesus my “Saviour” … … because she knew she was a sinner, she had offended the holy God she needed forgiveness … her sin had made her unclean before a holy God and she needed to be cleansed … her sin was a debt her debt needed to be paid

36 4) Mary’s salvation Mary knew that by herself: … she could not merit forgiveness … she could not cleanse herself … she could not pay her debt

37 4) Mary’s salvation Mary’s son was born to die … … and on the cross he made possible: forgivenesscleansing payment of our debt and that is the true meaning of Christmas !

38 Some applications: Do you growing in your knowledge of the Bible ? Do you growing in your knowledge of the Bible ? Are you a person who regularly worships God ? the true God ? Are you a person who regularly worships God ? the true God ? Are you growing in your knowledge and appreciation of the true God ? Are you growing in your knowledge and appreciation of the true God ? Have you, like Mary, received the true God’s salvation ? Have you, like Mary, received the true God’s salvation ?

39 Receiving salvation like Mary: 1. Acknowledge that you are a sinner who has offended the one, true, holy God. 2. Admit that on your own you can do nothing to pay for your sin and satisfy God’s demands. 3. Recognize that on the cross, Jesus Christ paid the penalty and the debt for your sin and offers salvation 4. Receive the salvation freely offered by God in Christ, and determine to follow him faithfully ?

40 Have a truly “Mary” Christmas The Magnificat Luke 1: