Sermon Title: Christmas is Real: In Control
Scripture: Luke 1:39-55 (NIV)
Contributed by Nancy Buschart
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” —Luke 1:46-50
In the first Sunday of Advent, we considered the faith of Mary, Zechariah and Elizabeth. Today, we linger with Elizabeth and Mary and consider the narrative in Luke 1 through the lens of the sovereignty of God.
According to theologian John Frame, God’s sovereignty is “the fact that he is the Lord over creation; as sovereign, he exercises his rule. This rule is exercised through God’s authority as king, his control over all things, and his presence with his covenantal people and throughout creation” (Frame, The Sovereignty of God, thegospelcoalition.org). God’s control, God’s authority, and God’s covenantal presence are revealed in the narrative of Mary and Elizabeth. Let’s consider each one.
God’s Sovereign Control: God’s plan, his intentions for the world he created, will always come to pass in his time and in his way. The timing of the incarnation is a marvelous demonstration of God’s sovereign control over all of history, including salvation history. “In the time of Herod king of Judea…” (1:5), a particular time in the history of Israel, the angel Gabriel came to Zechariah. Gabriel tells him that he will wait in silence for his own son to be born “until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time” (1:20). The timing of Mary’s pregnancy overlaps Elizabeth’s pregnancy because God’s salvation is unfolding in these specific days in history. Further, we can imagine the throne room of heaven where the angels have waited and watched for ages for God to enact his salvation. When the Father, the Son and the Spirit say, “Now!” the angels spill out of heaven to announce the birth of the child to waiting, watching shepherds. The angels brought “good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (2:10-11). God’s sovereign control is evident in salvation history from the beginning to the end.
God’s Sovereign Authority: Although God’s sovereignty is often envisioned as his control over creation, the complexities of sovereignty are found also in God’s Lordship. He is Ruler and King. “What the Lord commands, his creatures must do,” writes John Frame. Mary acknowledges God’s authority over her life. “I am the Lord’s servant…” (1:38), she declares. And then she rejoices, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name” (1:48-49).
Furthermore, since the beginning of Genesis God’s sovereign presence has been continually evident toward his covenant people Israel. Mary sings that God has been present “from generation to generation” (1:50) and “to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors” (1:55). God’s sovereign, covenantal presence is also powerfully real for individuals within the house of Israel. It’s clear within the wife of an obscure priest. “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit” (1:41-42). Mary, too, knew the Lord’s powerful, sovereign presence. “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (1:35).
God’s sovereignty—his control, his authority, and his covenantal presence—invite us to worship through our own “Magnificat.”
Consider –
╬ At the end of the Annunciation the angel Gabriel left Mary with the words, “For no word from God will ever fail” (1:37). How do these words express God’s sovereign control, authority, and covenantal presence?
╬ It is tempting to want to be a “control freak,” attempting to order our lives, our circumstances and the people around us. Being controlling is often a defense against a fear of the unknown or to prevent pain from suffering or loss. It separates us from Jesus. If God is good, if God loves and is present with his people, what would it be like to relinquish your illusion of control to your sovereign God? Until it is worth the risk, trying to control will continue to separate us from our Lord and Savior.
╬ Father, Son and Spirit, thank you that Christ has Come. Enliven our imaginations to see you with the eyes of faith and to worship our sovereign Lord, our Savior and our God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.