2. 2. Mary: Willing Servant
Luke 1:26-56
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3. Mother of Jesus The second Sunday of Advent Mary: mother of Jesus
Council of Ephesus 431 AD
Title “theotokos” – “bearer of God” confirmed
Lesser title “Christotokos” – “Christ bearer” rejected
Nature of Jesus – Fully human, fully divine.

4. Mother of Jesus . . .
Mary’s role central to Jesus’ identity
Mary prominent in the very earliest Christian art:

5. The reality of Evil . . . Two forms:
Evil endured – misfortune that comes upon us
Evil committed – malice of one to another
Some is outside human influence:
Natural disaster, disease, death …
Other is directly from human action:
Bickering, selfishness, malice …

6. All religions propose solutions
The reality of Evil . . .
Questions
Where does it come from?
How can I overcome or escape it?
All religions propose solutions

7. 1. A Willing Servant A young virgin …
Normal custom – she is about years old.
Describes herself as of “humble estate” (v 48)
Angel sent with a strange commission (v 28-33)
Mary is willing: “I am the Lord’s servant” (v 38)

8. 2. An Object of Scandal She visits Zechariah & Elizabeth
Mary is in disgrace (Matt 1:19)
She has to endure social scorn
Ironically Elizabeth calls he “Blessed …” ( v 42)
She has their comfort and understanding
Just a young teenage girl – has to endure these trials

9. 3. A Fulfilled Promise Elizabeth’s prophetic greeting –
“the mother of my Lord” (v 43)
Mary’s status is elevated by the Son she will bear
Mary celebrates what God is doing (v 46-49)
God has chosen to work through her for salvation
If not right now – “all generations will call her blessed”
God is working “for” her

10. 3. A Fulfilled Promise . . .
God is acting just as he promised (v 55)
He would bless Abraham’s descendants … … and through them, all people (Gen 12:1-3)
From the beginning, God was planning salvation
Salvation was at hand.

11. Living It Think about how Mary could be so joyfully willing?
She is looking at the promises of God.
The angel had been clear (v 31-33)
Her son would be “the Son of the Most High”
Eternal ruler of a Kingdom without end.
Jesus taught that all are invited to be part of it by faith.

12. Why decorate a tree at Christmas?
Living It …
Why decorate a tree at Christmas?
Began Strasbourg 1500’s
Spread in Germany by 1750
1841 – at Windsor Castle
1848 – Picture in Illustrated London News
1850 – Godey’s Ladies Book