Sermon notes for the Third Sunday of Advent 12/13/2015

Let's sing along with Mary

Mari Ikeda


A. Trusting God even when we don't understand everything that is happening in our life


1) God gave a very special role to a village girl (26-34)

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"


2) "I'm your servant" (35-38)


35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her.


B. Rejoicing with people who share the same faith

1) Seeing God's work together (39-45)


39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!"


2) Praising God with joy (46-56)


46-56 And Mary said: 
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
   for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. 
 From now on all generations will call me blessed,
   for the Mighty One has done great things for me―holy is his name.
 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; 
   he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
 He has helped his servant Israel, 
   remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, 
   just as he promised our ancestors."
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.


Summary
The role given to Mary was a very special one, given only to her in all history of human, which was to give a birth to God’s son. Although it was an abnormal role that anyone would find it difficult to accept, Mary was able to accept it because God helped and guided her with his Holy Spirit, even if she might not be free of confusion yet. God also worked through and guided Elizabeth at the time, so that Mary and Elizabeth could encourage each other and trust in Him together. Let us also ask Holy Spirit to guide us and rejoice together for the Lord who is with us. 

For Discussion
1) Why was Mary able to accept the angel’s word?
2) Why did Mary travel to meet Elizabeth?

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