CHRISTMAS: MUCH MORE THAN DOING GOOD THINGS

Church family,

Luke 1:46-55 (NLT) 46 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 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 thrones 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 Israel and remembered to be merciful. 55 For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”

This passage of scripture has been called The Magnificat. After the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary announcing she would conceive the Son of God, Mary went to visit Zechariah and Elizabeth. While she was there, Elizabeth (full of the Holy Spirit) spoke to her confirming what the angel had said. This passage of scripture is Mary’s response to that message. Her response – to magnify, glorify, and praise God!

Prior to Mary’s visit with Zechariah and Elizabeth you can see Mary’s faith expressed and her confidence in God displayed. When Gabriel had first appeared to her, she believed what He said was possible. Second, that belief led her to trust the Lord. Third, she surrendered to His purposes and rested confidently in the Lord – 1:38b (ESV) …let it be to me according to your word. After she received the message, she went quickly to tell Zechariah and Elizabeth.

Mary’s response to the news of the Savior is a picture of saving faith. During the Christmas season, we see many acts of kindness. There seems to be more awareness of treating each other with compassion. People attend events celebrating the season. Gifts are exchanged that appear to be expressions of goodwill.

Overall, we may say “These are good things.” But the question I ask is, is that really what the season is about, ‘Doing good things’? As a child of God, we should understand the deep significance of the Savior’s birth. His birth changed everything! This is the message that we see in Mary’s response to the news of the Savior being born. She deeply realized the significance of the Savior!

I trust you will take time this Christmas to read the story of His birth and reflect on what it means to you. How has it changed your life? Has it just caused you to do a few more acts of kindness or has this gospel changed your life?

Have a blessed Christmas as you celebrate the Savior!

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian