Joy

Mary’s Magnificat

Christmas 2021

The Joy of Christmas

Today, in keeping with the Advent theme of “Joy” We will look at the story of Mary. I invite you to turn to Luke chapter 1.

Warren Wiersbe, in His New Testament Commentary, writes: “(Quote) When it comes to Mary, people tend to go to one of two extremes. They either magnify her so much that Jesus takes second place, or they ignore her and fail to give her the esteem she deserves. Elizabeth, filled with the Spirit called her “the mother of my Lord” and that is enough reason to honor her” (End Quote).

I certainly do NOT believe that Mary is to be worshipped, yet I think that we can learn much from this blessed and favored woman, particularly when it comes to finding joy in the midst of painful circumstances.

In Luke 1 the Angel Gabriel has visited Mary, delivering the news that she, a virgin—betrothed to Joseph—will bear a son, who will be called “Son of the Most High.”

In verse 38, Mary says, 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.

Our focus will then be verses 46-56, in what is called the Magnificat, or the song of Mary.

Luke 1: (ESV)

Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat

46 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

50 And his mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate;

53 he has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

55 as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

Through this passage of Scripture, I want us to see, mainly, how to experience the true joy of this season (and continually)— regardless of our current circumstances.

The old and familiar Christmas song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”, and for many people these words ring true. Yet, I am very mindful, that, for some, this season seems to accentuate pain…or loss… or disappointment… or suffering.

This year, our world has mourned over sickness, shutdowns, job loss, and social isolation. Where is the Christmas Joy in this?

Christian Joy is not necessarily being chipper and bubbly… it is much deeper. It is an inner contentment and satisfaction, because we know that God will use these experiences to accomplish His work in and through our lives.

As I read this passage of Scripture, I am struck by Mary’s sense of joy, even though her life was certainly not perfect.

You may think, “well of course she was joyful” she found out she was going to have a baby! But, this, this would have been bittersweet news. Yes, it would be an honor to be used of God in such a way. But can you imagine, explaining this to your family. She is a teenager at this point and is betrothed to Joseph; she is certain to be misunderstood.

Why so joyful?

I see at least three characteristics in Mary’s life, that surely contribute to her joy. And these are traits, we must emulate, if we are to experience the joy of this wonderful season.

Three Principles for Experiencing Joy

I. Obedience to God

○ 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.

○ Mary, without knowing how everything would work out, without knowledge of what this would do to her relationship with Joseph… says “Let it be to me according to your word.”

There is great joy when we obey the Lord.

john 15:9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Think about Children - How often do we say, “Your life would be filled with so much more joy, if you would just obey mom and dad!”

The same goes for us— life will be filled with so much more joy if we simply obey.

a. Disobedience to God is a sin.

James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

b. Disobedience reveals a lack of trust in God.

Simply put, we want the best for ourselves. So, if we trust that God’s plans are to help us, bless us, work all things together for our good, then we would simply trust his plan and obey.

In Disobedience, we are saying, “God, we know better.”

I love Mary’s willingness to submit to the will of God. She is willing to put her life and her dreams on hold, to be used by God for a greater purpose.

(I am reminded of that Great Hymn, Trust and Obey)

“Trust and obey, trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus. Than to trust in obey.”

There is great joy in obedience to God.

II. Maintain an Accurate View of God

You know you are joyful when you burst into song!

(As a kid, I would hum the entire time I was eating mom’s cooking… because I was in such a state of bliss...songs would just flow from me.)

Luke 1:46-55 is known as the Magnificat or “The Song of Mary”

When visiting her relative, Elizabeth, Mary becomes so overwhelmed with joy as she considers the goodness of God, that she bursts into song.

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I am convinced that, when we get an accurate view of God, when we consider His goodness, we can’t help but sing...which is a sign of incredible joy! Let’s look at her song...

a.) Mary’s song is God centered… her aim is to magnify the Lord, not herself!

46… My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

Mary’s joy is God-Centered!!!

“2 Timothy 3:2 says that in the last days, ”people will be lovers of themselves.”

These are the days in which we are living; and there is nothing more miserable than being self-seeking, self-indulging, narcissistic.

Let’s Consider Mary’s Understanding of God:

1) She sees God as Omnipotent (All-Powerfu)l -

49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,

2) She sees Him as Holy

49 And holy is His name.

Mary knows God is perfect. He is set apart.

3.) Mary sees God as Merciful

50. And His mercy is for those fear Him

He shows compassion on those who deserve otherwise.

***!!!Psalm 103:10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,

Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,

So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;

If this isn’t reason to sing, I don’t know what is!

4) Mary Sees God as a Rescuer!

52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate;

53 he has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

55 as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

If we would just keep an accurate of God in our hearts, we would be overflowing with joy.

Mary maintains an accurate view of God.

Maintain and Accurate View of Self (third principal that contributes to Christian joy)

○ So many people come to God—not because they necessarily want Him, but because they just want His help… and there are certain parts of their lives that they don’t want him to touch. Essentially, they attempt to use Him. “Lord, get me out of this mess… help me accomplish this task… fix this relationship. They are looking for God to become their servant.

A) Mary Sees Herself as a Servant

○ 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant[f] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

○ 48...he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

○ Mary does not have a high view of self… she sees herself as a humble servant, blessed by God’s unmerited favor.

○ The only people who can truly magnify the Lord… the only people who can truly experience the joy of the Lord, are those who recognize their lowly estate.

B) Mary sees Herself in Need of a Savior

46 And Mary said:

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

Mary saw herself, as someone imperfect, in need of a Savior. A non-sinner wouldn’t need a Savior!

This refutes the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Some believe that Mary was exempt from the stain of original sin…

However, the Bible in no way makes room for this. All of us have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God!

Mary is chosen by unmerited favor!

Mary is joyful because she maintains an accurate view of God and an accurate view of self.

Tim Keller tells the story of a lady who had a profound impact on his life in the 70’s; she spoke at a camp in Colorado and said this:

"If the distance between the earth and the sun (92 million miles) was reduced to the thickness of a sheet of paper, then the distance between the earth and the nearest star would be a stack of papers 70 feet high and the diameter of the galaxy would be a stack of paper 310 miles high. That’s how big the galaxy is. Yet the galaxy is nothing but a speck of dust, virtually, in the whole universe.

The Bible says Jesus Christ holds this universe together with the word of his power… Is this the kind of person you ask into your life to be your assistant?"

Part of the reason we don’t experience joy, even as Christians… is because often we have too low of a view of God and too high of a view of ourselves.

When we have, though, an accurate view of God and self, we aren’t calling the shots. We realize His ways are higher than our ways and thoughts above our thoughts.

We trust Him, no matter what we are going through.

To experience joy this Christmas, we must obey the Lord, keep an accurate view of God, and an accurate view of self!

Closing:

The Bible gives those who are in Christ, great reason for joy, despite circumstances. Let joy arise as I remind us who we are and what we have in Jesus. These statements that I am about to share all come directly from the Bible.

My salvation is fully accomplished - John 19:30.

I have passed from death unto life - John 5:24; 1 John 3:14.

I have been quickened by God - Eph. 2:1,5; Col. 2:13.

I have been made fit for heaven - Col. 1:12.

I have the forgiveness of sins - Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14.

I am made nigh by the blood of Christ - Eph. 2:13.

I am redeemed through His blood - 1 Pet. 1:18,19; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14.

I have been delivered from the power of darkness - Col. 1:13.

I have been delivered from the wrath to come - 1 Thess. 1:10.

I am a child of God - John 1:12; Rom. 8:16; Gal. 3:26; 1 John 3:1,2.

I am a son of God - Gal. 4:5-7.

I belong to Jesus Christ - Gal. 3:29; 5:24.

I am an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ - Rom. 8:17; Tit. 3:7.

I possess all things - 2 Cor. 6:10.

I am a new creature in Christ - 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:10; 4:24; Col. 3:10.

I have been renewed by the Holy Spirit - Tit. 3:5.

I am accepted and highly favored in the Beloved - Eph. 1:6.

I am light in the Lord - Eph. 5:8.

I dwell in Christ - John 6:56; 1 John 3:24; 4:13,15,16.

Christ dwells in me - John 6:56; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:24; 4:12-16.

My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit - 1 Cor. 6:19.

I have an anointing (unction) from the Holy One - 1 John 2:20,27.

I have been called with a holy calling - 2 Tim. 1:9.

I am chosen in Christ - Eph. 1:4; Col. 3:12; 1 Thess. 1:4; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 17:14.

I am complete in Christ - Col. 2:10.

I am beloved of God - Col. 3:12; 2 Thess. 2:13.

I am a child of promise - Gal. 4:28,31.

I am a sheep in His flock - Luke 12:32; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 2:25.

I am a member in His body - 1 Cor. 10:17; Eph. 3:6; 4:25; 5:30.

I am a stone in His building - Eph. 2:20-22; Heb. 3:6; 1 Pet. 2:5.

I am a branch in His vine - John 15:1-7.

I am a child of His kingdom - Matt. 13:38; Mark 10:14,15; Luke 17:21.

I was identified with Christ in His death - Rom. 6:3-6,8-11; 2 Cor. 5:14; Col. 2:12,20; 3:3.

I was identified with Christ in His resurrection - Rom. 6:5,8,11; 2 Cor. 5:15; Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:12; 3:1.

I can walk in newness of life - Rom. 6:4.

I can serve in newness of spirit - Rom. 7:6.

I can live unto righteousness - 1 Pet. 2:24.

I am identified with Christ in His suffering - 2 Tim. 2:12; Phil. 1:29; 1 Pet. 2:20; 4:12,13; 1 Thess. 3:3; Rom. 8:18; Col. 1:24.

I am being perfected - Phil. 1:6.

I am not of the world - John 17:14,16.

I am sanctified in Christ Jesus - 1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11; Heb. 10:10; Jude 1.

I am holy - Col. 3:12; Heb. 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 20:6.

I am clothed in His righteousness - Rev. 19:18.

I am faultless in Christ - Eph. 5:27; Col. 1:22; Jude 24.

I am perfected forever - Heb. 10:14.

I am not my own - 1 Cor. 6:19.

I am a citizen of heaven - Phil. 3:20.

Christ has made me free, free indeed - John 8:32,36; Gal. 5:1; 1 Cor. 7:22.

I am free from sin - Rom. 6:7,18,22.

I have a sound mind - 2 Tim. 1:7.

Christ has given me an understanding - 1 John 5:20.

I have the righteousness of Christ - 2 Cor. 5:21.

I have all sufficiency in all things - 2 Cor. 9:8.

I have all things that pertain to life and godliness - 2 Pet. 1:3.

I have all the armor and weapons I need - 2 Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:10-17.

I have God's all-sufficient grace - 2 Cor. 12:9.

I have grace to help in time of need - Heb. 4:16.

I have God's power - Eph. 1:19; 3:20.

I have access to the Father - Eph. 2:18; Heb. 4:16.

I have a great High Priest - Heb. 2:17,18; 3:1; 4:14-16; 8:1; 10:21.

I have an unfailing Intercessor - Heb. 7:25; 9:24; Rom. 8:34.

I have a righteous Advocate with the Father for times when I sin - 1 John 2:1.

I have peace with God - Rom. 5:1.

I have rest for my soul - Matt. 11:28,29; Heb. 4:9.

I am led by the Spirit of God - Rom. 8:14.

I am enabled during trials and temptations - 1 Cor. 10:13.

I am given assurance by the Spirit - Rom. 8:16; Heb. 6:18.

I am given comfort by God - 2 Cor. 1:3-7.

I am not distressed - 2 Cor. 4:8.

I am not in despair - 2 Cor. 4:8.

I am not forsaken - 2 Cor. 4:9.

I am not in darkness - 1 Thess. 5:4.

God is my Sufficiency - 2 Cor. 3:5.

God is my Strength - 2 Cor. 12:9,10; Phil. 4:13.

God is my Helper - Heb. 13:6.

I belong to a Sovereign God who works all things together for my good - Rom. 8:28.

My God is for me - Rom. 8:31.

My every need is supplied - Phil. 4:19.

I am His workmanship - Eph. 2:10.

I am sealed by God - 2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13.

I am kept by the power of God - 1 Pet. 1:5.

I am more than a conqueror: a super-conqueror - Rom. 8:37.

I have victory through Christ - 1 Cor. 15:57.

I have overcome the world - 1 John 5:4,5.

Satan cannot touch me - 1 John 5:18.

I have a living hope - 1 Pet. 1:3.

I have a glorious future - Rom. 8:18; 2 Thess. 2:14.

I have been given eternal encouragement and good hope through grace- 2 Thess. 2:16.

I will sit with Christ in His throne - Rev. 3:21.

I will be with my God forever - Rev. 21:3,4.

I have lasting joy in Christ: John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

May it be according to your Word, Lord.

(Prayer)