Themes: {Announcement, Incarnation, Life Eternal, Joy}
{Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46-55, Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:1-12 & Luke 2:4-20}

Luke 1:26-38
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:46-55
And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; And sent away the rich empty-handed. He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever.”

• God acts mightily in Redemptive History – without our counsel, permission or approval {Luke 1 verses 31-33 and 35}.
• We are greatly affected – reflect deeply upon the implications of the cost of glorifying Christ in your life {Luke 1 verse 27}.
• Our correct response:
• Great Obedience to the Word of God at Great Personal Cost
• Obedience to EVERY WORD that proceeds from GOD/EVERY TIME – Approval of God
• Feelings/Experiences/Cost – Approval of self
• What others think about us – Approval of men
• Exaltation of the Lord
• Rejoicing in God our Savior
• Humility
• Thankfulness
• Worshiping the holiness and mercy of God/Praise of His faithfulness, in holy fear