Passage: Matthew 2:1-12 Speaker: Pastor Lukus Counterman Series: Christmas 2014
Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Luke 1:26-38 describes Gabriel’s announcement to Mary of Jesus’ birth. The heavenly messenger explains the promise of a miraculous conception, which will produce the Messiah. The emphasis of the passage is not the manner of Jesus’ birth, but rather the gracious work of God in fulfilling his promise to deliver his people. The story highlights Mary as a listening, humble, willing servant who comes to see that God has the power to bring his plan to pass. With God all things are possible. But as God reveals his plan to Mary, this begraced young woman submits and embraces God’s will for her life. It was not easy for Mary to trust God in a situation that was unexpected, seemingly impossible, and potentially costly, and yet Mary humbly responded (Luke 1:38) “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” May the Lord teach us today from the example of Mary, and may he empower us with his grace to humbly embrace his will as she did.