GRACE – "I DON’T DESERVE THIS!" (Luke 1:26-38)

In Jewish tradition and law, engaged couples were practically considered husband and wife. Joseph, a descendant of David, had a message of hope about the Messiah (Jeremiah 23:5-6). People awaited His coming because our righteousness isn't sufficient for heaven; we need the righteousness of God through Jesus. This righteousness is pure, holy, and perfect, transferred or imputed into our spiritual bank account through grace, not earned. The appearance of angels in the Bible was always accompanied by fear due to their nature as superbeings. The key word here is "favored." God chooses us by His sovereign choice, and "favored" signifies grace or kindness, unrelated to Mary's qualifications. Mary becomes an even better example for us, an ordinary person with hope in Jesus. The name of the Messiah, "Jesus," was clear; He came to save people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). This mission remains true today. Jesus, as God and the king of the Jews, is not an earthly king with a limited reign; He is God Incarnate, rescuing us from sin. Mary's question, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" was a matter of life and death for her, but the angel clarified that it had nothing to do with her, Joseph, or anything but the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is holy and sinless because He wasn't subject to the sin nature from Adam; He was purely the work of His Heavenly Father. Mary responded to God's grace by surrendering to His will. Just as Jesus physically lived in Mary, the Spirit of Jesus spiritually lives in believers today (Galatians 2:20). We must receive God's GRACE.  

GOOD NEWS – "I MUST TELL SOMEONE!" (Luke 1:39-45) 

Mary undertook a journey to see Elizabeth (vv.39-40) and shared the good news with her. Elizabeth acknowledged that the Messiah was her Lord and blessed Mary and Jesus in her womb. When someone comes to know Jesus, we should rejoice as angels in heaven do over one sinner who repents. It's crucial to share the good news with those who don't know Jesus. Believing in grace and putting our faith in Jesus brings true blessings. We must share the GOOD NEWS.

GLORY – "I WILL PRAISE GOD ALWAYS!" (Luke 1:46-56) 

Mary admitted her need for a Savior like anyone else. God, holy and intolerant of sin, is benevolent enough to send His Son. When we recognize our helplessness and hopelessness without Him, we experience His mercy from generation to generation. Prophecies about the future are expressed in the past tense because God's word and promises are sure to happen. Mary foretold God's help to Israel, a certainty that Jesus will come to Jerusalem, fight the final decisive battle, and reign on earth forever. Christmas signifies Jesus' first coming, but He will return, and every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). We must always give God the GLORY.