A Tangled Christmas

Introduction

Norman Rockwell — usually idyllic pictures of life; however, even Rockwell understood the sometimes tangled nature of Christmas.

We want it to be perfect, but sometimes the Christmas season does not go as expected and leaves us as tangled as the Christmas lights at the beginning of the year.

This was true not only for the Christmas season of 2020 but also with the advent of the very first Christmas season (or before).

I imagine prior to the first Christmas this season was tangled for Mary.

Mary is the focus of our passage but Jesus is the focus of Christmas.

We believe Mary is significant God’s story of redemption but not because she is superhuman but because she IS human.

*The significance of Mary’s life was found in her relationship with her Son and willingness to follow God’s leading in her life.*

Mary was troubled. (29)

Luke 1:29 (ESV)

29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.

Angel greets her — “Favored one” — Graced — She hadn’t done anything yet! God’s grace isn’t earned — it’s given.

“Greatly troubled” — perplexed

What was she troubled about?

Everything going great but now something huge is about to happen

Luke 1:29 (ESV)

29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.

Not sure what God is about to do but she knows it is going to cause a disruption.

Mary has a natural human reaction — fear.

What she is about to hear form the angel will turn her life upside down.

If she goes through with God’s plan it is going to change everything:

- the direction of her life

- her relationships — What will Joseph think?

- her reputation.

What if Mary had not gone through with it because it might be difficult? — because she might be scared?

What if God asked you to do something but other people wouldn’t understand?

In fact, they may think the opposite of you from what is actually the case?

—

Angel tells Mary she will conceive, have a son. She’s to name him Jesus. He will be a king — a greater king than king David. He will have titles that are reserved for God.

—

Mary was puzzled. (34)

Luke 1:34 (ESV)

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

Mary was essentially married to Joseph. The only thing that hadn’t taken place was the consummation of the marriage.

What if Mary had not gone through with it because it didn’t make sense?

Even though Mary lived in the 1st Century Palestine she understood biology. She was present that day in health class.

She had a lot of legitimate questions — not the least of which is HOW?

How would she take care of a newborn baby?

How will she provide for the baby if Joseph leaves her?

How will this child become king?

The angel’s answer raises as many questions as the original statement.

Luke 1:35 (ESV)

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.

Angel wraps it all up in this truth:

Luke 1:37 (ESV)

37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”

She didn’t have to know the answers to all her questions, she simply needed to know the God of all answers.

What questions do you have?

Mary was obedient. (38)

Luke 1:38 (ESV)

38 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.

Obedience required:

Humility (to God)

Surrender (to the Word)

Action

Luke 2:21 (ESV)

21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

• Mary’s response: all yours. Let it be to me according to your will and your word.

You can only be in 1 of 2 positions to Jesus: full surrender or rebellion.

Conclusion

What does your Christmas season look like this year? Ideal Rockwell painting? Tangled?

God is not sending Jesus for perfect people (in fact, just the opposite).

Not sending Jesus to people who have no troubles or worries.

Not sending Jesus to those who have life all figured out.

*The significance of YOUR life is found in your relationship with the Son and willingness to follow God’s leading in your life.*