Worshipping Christ (Christmas Cantata)

This morning we will be looking at Mary’s response to God in the first chapter of Luke. We’ll be reading Luke 1:47-55 which you can find on page 44 in the back section of the Bible under the chair in front of you.

Many of us in this room have heard the account of Mary dozens of times but it is appropriate for us to be reminded of her introduction in this book.

Luke 1:26-33 - 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.”

So, Mary was a young girl whom the Lord chose to bless with the gift of being the one to give birth to the Messiah. She conceived a child by the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit, which shows that the Child is different than all other Children and that this Child will be born for a greater purpose than all other children.

And at the culmination of all this truth, Mary gives us a hymn, a song, something quite fitting for our time here at a Cantata. This song is often referred to as the Magnificat and it is a praise to the Lord for what He has done.

READ PASSAGE

With our time remaining this morning, let’s look at…

3 reasons why our hearts should worship Christ

I. The Lord Is Powerful

Luke 1:46-47 - And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.”

Mary exalts the Lord for his power in multiple ways.

She praises the Lord for the great power He has displayed in His sovereignty over Israel.

God has been with Israel from the beginning and he has shown his power by saving them from famine, destroying armies that threaten their security, and by providentially providing a land for them to dwell in.

Luke 1:51-52 - 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.

Mary is clearly a young woman who knows the Scripture because she can look back on the nation of Israel and see the powerful hand of God that displayed mighty deeds in many ways.

Not only is Mary able to see the hand of God in the history of Israel but she is able to see the power of the Lord in her own life.

Luke 1:49-50 - 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.

Mary understands that it is God alone who could orchestrate the Christ coming from Mary’s womb. It is not by chance that she has the privilege of carrying the Savior of the World, it because God in His power planned this very detail.

And not only can Mary see God’s power working in her life, she can also see that…

II. The Lord Is Merciful

Luke 1:34-38 - 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.

Mercy is God’s compassion on those who are in a miserable state and we’re all in a miserable state because we are sinners.

The Lord was merciful to Israel on many occasions. There were times where He showed mercy in their protection but there were also plenty of times when God showed mercy by simply choosing to spare them from the full consequences of their sin, destruction.

Luke 1:54-55 - 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.

And not only does Mary see the mercy and compassion that God has had on the nation of Israel, she also clearly sees it in how God has treated her.

Luke 1:48 - For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.

The power and mercy of the Lord can be seen throughout the entire Bible. You can see them in little interactions God has with specific people and you can see them in great examples, but all of God’s power and His mercy come to the climatic moment where?

III. The Lord Is Savior

Luke 1:47 - And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

Mary understands that she is a sinner and is in need of a Savior, and God is providing that Savior.

The miracle of Christmas is the God has sent the Messiah to save His people from their sins and that Messiah is God Himself.

Hebrews 2:14-18 - Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.

Gospel Call

Romans 10:9-10 - …because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.