Joy for the Troubled Heart

Luke 1:26-38

Matthew 1:18-25

Introduction

Our Christmas Holiday Sermon Series this year is “Joy to the Troubled World”. We certainly are troubled by the things that are happening in the world. Some of us are troubled by the circumstances in our own lives. Still others are troubled by sadness and disappointment. Whatever you may be troubled about this season I hope to preach a few messages that allows you to see the Joy beyond the trouble. When Christ came that first Christmas he certainly brought Joy to the Troubled World.”

Troubled by the Message

Luke 1:34 “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”

Mary was troubled, hesitant, confused, and Submissive.

Confused by the Message

Luke 1:29 “And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.”

The Bible says that Mary was troubled as she heard the first part of the angels message; specifically when the Angel said, “Hail, thou are highly favoured.” Why would anyone be troubled by this? It is safe to deduce that Mary was confused by this message. Why was she highly favoured?

Confused by the Possibility

Luke 1:34 “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”

She did not know how such a thing could be possible without her having known a man. She had not quite processed the idea that it was the Angel of God that was talking. It was difficult to process all that she was hearing. I am highly favoured? I am with child? Of course, the Angel did not judge her. He simply answered her question.

Submissive to the Declaration

Luke 1:35–37 “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

The Angel answered her question and then told her how it was possible; “with God nothing shall be impossible.”

Then we hear from Mary again. She accepts the calling of God upon her life and submits herself to HIS plan.

Troubled at first because of confusion and the passage ends with a message of great Joy. The message of the angel brough Joy to the Troubled Heart. Mary processed through her confusion and doubt and responded to the message of Joy with submission.

Troubled by the News

We are not told how Joseph heard the news. Did Mary tell her parents and relay it to Joseph through his parents? Did Mary’s father talk directly with Joseph? Did Mary herself tell Joseph of the message from the Angels? While we do not know the answers to these questions we do know that Joseph was made aware of Mary’s pregnant condition:

Matthew 1:18–19 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.”

Troubled by the Engagement

Joseph heard the news and did not believer her. He cared for her and loved her. He was willing to let her live the shame of what he thought she had done, but not die for it. However, he did not want to continue with the marriage. He was minded to put her away privately. He wanted to end the espousal period which would mean divorcing Mary. He believed she had betrayed him. He wanted out of the engagement. For him the choice was clear; divorce her and move on.

Troubled by the Angel

Seeing his mind was made up God was not yet done with the story of Mary and Joseph. He sent to Joseph an Angel to reassure him of the truth that Mary had shared with him. The angel came to him and troubled his sleep with his message of Joy.

Matthew 1:20–23 “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

Mary was not lying. Mary had not betrayed him. Mary was truly with child of the only begotten Son of God. Mary’s pregnancy was a fulfillment of prophecy. God was truly with them as he was present in the womb of Mary, his espoused wife.

Submissive to the Declaration

As Mary was submissive to the Plan of God for her life so was Joseph submissive to the plan of God for his life. He heard the news of the angel. He responded in obedience to his instructions:

Matthew 1:24 “Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:”

The news of lies and betrayal that had troubled him were turned to Joy by the message of the angel. He submitted to God’s plan and pressed forward with the marriage. He raised Jesus as his own and was a joyful servant of the Lord.

APPLICATION

Do you ever face news that is troubling, disheartening, or hurtful? Then when you have faced the trouble head on joy immerges unexpectantly from the shadows that overpowers your sorrow and truly brings Joy to your troubled heart. At this time of year many people face things in their life that brings trouble to their heart. Just as in the story of Joseph and Mary so it is true in your own life that the person that can bring Joy to your troubled heart is Jesus.

Different people have different troubles especially around the holiday seasons. Those troubles can always be solved by Jesus.

Troubled by Circumstances

Troubled by Discouragement

Troubled by Relationships

Troubled by Finances

Regardless of your trouble Jesus can bring Joy to your troubled heart. The question is not whether there is Joy to be found in Jesus, but whether you will find Joy in him by trusting him. As long as you live there will be something or someone to trouble your heart, but when you put your faith in Christ you will always be able to find Joy for your troubled heart.

Jesus brings Joy to the Troubled World by bringing Joy to the Troubled Heart.

Joy that Breaks Through the Fears

Luke 2:8-20

Joy that Confronts a Troubled World

Matthew 2:1–3