Embracing Humility: Mary's Example This Christmas

 

Summary

In this Christmas season, we gather to reflect on the profound moment of the Annunciation, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. The angel Gabriel's visit to Mary marks a pivotal point in history, fulfilling the long-awaited promise of a Savior. This event is not just a narrative of divine intervention but a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Mary, a humble young woman from Nazareth, is chosen to bear the Son of God, Jesus, whose name signifies "The Lord saves." Her response to this divine calling is a model of servanthood, commitment, and contentment in God's will.

Mary's story is a reminder of God's preference for the humble and the lowly, as He chooses not a princess but a servant to fulfill His purpose. Her reaction to the angel's message is not one of doubt but of faith and eagerness to understand and fulfill God's will. Her Magnificat, a song of praise, reveals a heart deeply rooted in the knowledge and love of God's word, echoing the scriptures she cherished. This season invites us to emulate Mary's faith, her commitment to God's word, and her contentment in His plan.

Mary's role is not to draw attention to herself but to point us to Jesus, the Savior. Her life exemplifies the call to decrease so that Christ may increase in us. As we celebrate Christmas, let us be reminded of our calling to be servants of the Lord, committed to His word, content in His will, and chosen by His grace. May this season be a time of renewal in our service to God, as we follow Mary's example and point others to Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Fulfillment of God's Promise: The Annunciation is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The long-awaited Savior, Jesus, is born through Mary, highlighting God's perfect timing and His commitment to His word. This reminds us to trust in God's promises, knowing that His plans unfold in His perfect time. [02:06]

2. Mary's Humble Servanthood: Mary's response to God's call is a model of humility and servanthood. Despite her humble background, she embraces her role with faith and willingness, teaching us that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in serving Him with a humble heart. [11:24]

3. Commitment to God's Word: Mary's Magnificat reveals her deep knowledge and love for God's word. Her life encourages us to immerse ourselves in scripture, allowing it to shape our faith and guide our actions as we serve the Lord. [14:38]

4. Contentment in God's Will: Mary's contentment in God's plan, despite its challenges, is a powerful example of trust and surrender. Her willingness to accept God's will inspires us to find peace and joy in our own callings, trusting that God's plans are good and perfect. [18:46]

5. Pointing to the Savior: Mary's ultimate role is to point us to Jesus, the Savior. Her life and actions direct us to focus on Christ, reminding us that our purpose is to glorify Him and lead others to His saving grace. This Christmas, let us decrease so that Jesus may increase in our lives. [24:30]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:21] - Introduction to the Christmas Season
- [01:10] - The Annunciation in Luke
- [02:06] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [03:27] - Gabriel's Message to Mary
- [04:50] - Mary's Visit to Elizabeth
- [06:50] - Mary's Magnificat
- [08:38] - The Significance of Jesus' Birth
- [10:07] - Elizabeth's Blessing
- [11:24] - Mary's Humble Response
- [12:46] - Mary as a Model Servant
- [14:38] - Mary's Knowledge of Scripture
- [16:20] - God's Strength and Timing
- [18:46] - Contentment in God's Will
- [20:54] - Chosen by Grace
- [24:30] - Pointing to the Savior
- [25:05] - Conclusion and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 1:26-56

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Observation Questions:

1. What was Mary's initial reaction to the angel Gabriel's greeting, and how did she respond to the message she received? [03:27]

2. How does Elizabeth's greeting to Mary affirm the significance of Mary's role in God's plan? [05:22]

3. What themes are present in Mary's Magnificat, and how do they reflect her understanding of God's character? [06:00]

4. How does the sermon describe the significance of Mary's humble background in the context of God's choice? [11:24]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Mary's response to the angel Gabriel demonstrate her faith and willingness to serve God's purpose? [04:50]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Mary's knowledge of scripture influenced her response to God's calling? [14:38]

3. How does the sermon interpret Mary's contentment in God's will, and what does it suggest about her trust in God's plan? [18:46]

4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of pointing others to Jesus, as exemplified by Mary's life? [24:30]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to serve in a way that seemed beyond your capabilities. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Mary's example of faith and servanthood? [04:50]

2. Mary's Magnificat shows her deep knowledge of scripture. How can you deepen your own understanding and love for God's word in your daily life? [14:38]

3. Consider a situation in your life where you struggle to find contentment in God's plan. How can Mary's example of trust and surrender inspire you to embrace God's will? [18:46]

4. The sermon highlights the importance of humility in serving God's purpose. How can you cultivate a humble heart in your service to others this Christmas season? [11:24]

5. Mary's life points to Jesus as the Savior. How can you intentionally point others to Christ in your interactions and relationships this week? [24:30]

6. Reflect on the idea of being chosen by God's grace. How does this understanding impact your sense of purpose and identity as a servant of the Lord? [21:46]

7. As we celebrate Christmas, how can you decrease so that Jesus may increase in your life, as suggested by the sermon? What specific steps can you take to make this a reality? [25:05]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing
The Annunciation is a profound testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The angel Gabriel's visit to Mary marks the culmination of a long-awaited prophecy, demonstrating God's perfect timing in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. This event reminds us that God's promises are sure and that His plans unfold in His perfect time, even when we cannot see the full picture. As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to trust in God's promises, knowing that His timing is always perfect and His plans are for our good. [02:06]

"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one promise from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled in your life? How can you practice patience and trust in His perfect timing today?


Day 2: Embracing Humility in Service
Mary's response to God's call is a profound example of humility and servanthood. Despite her humble background, she embraces her role with faith and willingness, teaching us that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in serving Him with a humble heart. Mary's story is a reminder that God often chooses the lowly and humble to fulfill His purposes, and her life encourages us to serve God with a heart of humility, trusting that He sees and values our service. [11:24]

"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" (James 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you serve others with humility this week, reflecting the heart of a servant like Mary?


Day 3: Immersing in God's Word
Mary's Magnificat reveals her deep knowledge and love for God's word. Her life encourages us to immerse ourselves in scripture, allowing it to shape our faith and guide our actions as we serve the Lord. By cherishing and meditating on God's word, we can develop a faith that is deeply rooted and resilient, just as Mary did. This commitment to scripture is essential for spiritual growth and for living a life that honors God. [14:38]

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate more of God's word into your daily routine this week? What specific steps will you take to let it dwell richly in you?


Day 4: Finding Contentment in God's Will
Mary's contentment in God's plan, despite its challenges, is a powerful example of trust and surrender. Her willingness to accept God's will inspires us to find peace and joy in our own callings, trusting that God's plans are good and perfect. Even when faced with uncertainty or difficulty, we can find contentment by surrendering to God's will and trusting in His goodness. [18:46]

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." (Philippians 4:11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to find contentment? How can you surrender this area to God and trust in His perfect plan?


Day 5: Pointing Others to the Savior
Mary's ultimate role is to point us to Jesus, the Savior. Her life and actions direct us to focus on Christ, reminding us that our purpose is to glorify Him and lead others to His saving grace. As we celebrate Christmas, we are called to decrease so that Jesus may increase in our lives, pointing others to Him through our words and actions. This season is an opportunity to renew our commitment to glorifying Christ and sharing His love with those around us. [24:30]

"For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake." (2 Corinthians 4:5, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the love and grace of Jesus? How can you intentionally point them to the Savior this week through your actions and words?

Quotes


In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph of the House of David and the virgin's name was Mary and he came to her and he said greetings o favored one the Lord is with you. [00:02:55]

And behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus and he will be great and will be called the son of the most high and the Lord God will give to him the Throne of his father David and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. [00:03:39]

And Mary said behold I am the servant of the Lord let it be to me according to your word and the angel departed from her in those days Mary arose and went with haste Into the Hill Country to a town in Judah and she entered the house of Zachariah and greeted Elizabeth. [00:04:41]

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord and Mary said my soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant and behold from now on all generations will call me blessed. [00:05:40]

For he who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is his name and his Mercy is for those who fear Him from generation to generation he has shown strength with his arm he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts he has brought down the mighty from their Thrones and exalted those of humble estate. [00:06:09]

He has filled the Hungry with good things and the rich he has sent away empty he has helped his servant Israel in remembrance of his Mercy as he spoke to our fathers to Abraham and to his offspring forever so far the reading of the word of God this is a a glorious moment isn't it. [00:06:33]

Mary living in the outback something kind of like Escondido California uh Mary living in Nazareth in Galilee far from any important place um a young woman engaged not expecting anything dramatic or glorious to happen to her and suddenly there's an angel uh an angel from the very Throne of God. [00:07:20]

Mary says to the angel all I want to be known as is as a servant of the Lord how tragic that part of the church has completely missed that reality and has made Mary Queen of Heaven Mary doesn't want to be Queen of Heaven Mary wants to be a servant of the Lord Mary wants wants to serve her Lord. [00:11:33]

Elizabeth said blessed is she who believed there would be a fulfillment of the word spoken to her how is Mary a servant she's a servant because she's committed as a Believer she asked a question of the Angel parallel to the question Zachariah had asked but Zachariah had asked in doubt and unbelief. [00:13:27]

Mary has long been a Believer she doesn't become a Believer at this moment I think the magnificant that she speaks out her her hymn of praise to God shows a heart that has long known and believed the word of God when you go home and have chance you can look up Hannah's words of of Praise in 1 Samuel. [00:14:31]

Mary is committed and Mary is contended and Mary is chosen it's an important theme here uh Luther W wrote a wonderful little Treatise on The Magnificat a very tender spiritual work I commend it to you and uh Luther in there reflects about how many contemporary Roman Catholic theologians in his time had focused on the Fiat. [00:20:08]

The real function of Mary in scripture is to be the mother of the Savior and then to point us to the Savior she never points to herself she points to the Savior and she says he is the way that's what hodegetria means she who points the way uh she points as the servant of the Lord to the Lord. [00:24:02]

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Transcript
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