Christmas Joy

Luke 1:39-56
Darrin Mariott, Lead Pastor

Big Idea: In times of uncertainty, we can find hope, strength, and joy in Jesus’s
arrival.

Luke 1:39-56
39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed49 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 hearts52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate53 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 mercy55 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.

I. Elizabeth’s Joy (vv. 39-45)

A. In this chapter, the narratives of Zechariah and Elizabeth (vv. 5-
25), and Mary (vv. 26-38) are revealed. Despite the challenges,
joy is a prominent theme in this passage. There is a sense of
wonder and anticipation with what God is doing in and through
Mary and Elizabeth as He fulfills His promises and brings
salvation to a weary and waiting world.

B. In Elizabeth’s joy we see:

1. Humility (vv. 41-43; cf. Jn. 3:28-30).
John 2:28-30
28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”

2. Gratitude (vv. 43-44; cf. Ps. 97:12).
Psalm 97:12
12 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!

3. Faith (v. 45; cf. Lk. 1:18-20).
Luke 1:18-20
18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”

C. Advent reminds us of the priority of joy as we celebrate God’s
gracious gift of Messiah Jesus. But this joy is not something we
manufacture on our own. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit that we
experience as we yield ourselves to God in faith, humility, and
gratitude.

II. Mary’s Joy (vv. 46-56)

A. Mary is certainly unique and blessed in that she is called to give
birth to Messiah Jesus. But it’s also important to remember that
Mary was an ordinary young woman who had no cultural,
political, or social influence. She lived in an impoverished
region that was often forgotten and yet God called her to bear
the Messiah. This was purely an act of God’s grace which Mary
clearly sees and appreciates (v. 48).

B. In Mary’s joy we see:

1. Mary recognizes the central significance of the child – This isn’t all about her (vv. 46-49; cf. Lk. 2:11).
Luke 2:11
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

2. Mary has a deep gratitude for God’s grace and mercy.

3. God blesses those who trust in Him and obey His Word (vv.50-55; cf. Prov. 16:20).
Proverbs 16:20
20 Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

C. Mary was in a very difficult position. She is unmarried, yet
pregnant, and not with the child of her betrothed (cf. Matt. 1:18-
21). She nevertheless responds with humility, faith, gratitude,
and joy. May Christmas bring out these characteristics in us
even in the difficult times we may face.
Mathew 1:18-21
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”