THE CAROLS OF CHRISTMAS:
EXPERIENCING THE STORIES BEHIND THE SONGS
Part 1 - Mary, Did You Know?
Luke 2:30-38
December 3, 2023
Xavier Maryland, Campus Pastor – Missouri City Campus
Luke 2:30-38 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. 37 For the word of God will never fail.”
38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
Mary Didn’t Know Everything. She Knew Enough to Say Yes.
1. THE GOSPEL GIVES US ENOUGH TO SAY YES.
Romans 8:32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
Questions that Stop Our Yes:
How
When
What
Who
Why
2. GOD’S FAITHFULNESS IN THE PAST GIVES US THE CONFIDENCE TO MOVE PAST OUR QUESTION.
Luke 1:49-55 “For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. 51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. 52 He has brought down princes from their throne and exalted the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. 54 He has helped his servant Israeland remembered to be merciful. 55 For he made this promise to our ancestors,to Abraham and his children forever.”
3. Faith is Learning to Say Yes Before we Know the Answer!