The Characters of Christmas, Week 2, Mary and Joseph. December 15, 2024. Luke 1:26-38 NiV In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “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. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Matthew 1:18-25 NKJV Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. When Plans Change! Roll with It! God interruptions are often invitations. Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. When Plans Change! You are chosen by God. You Are Part of His Plan. God chooses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. 1 Samuel 16:7 Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. God is not looking for extraordinary, exceptionally gifted people, just devoted lovers of Jesus who will carry His glory with transparency and not take it for themselves. Psalm 139:17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! Humility. (NTCC Core Value) We carry the same attitude as Christ and embody a life of service. Luke 1:35 The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. When Plans Change! 3. Faith Overcomes Fear. Faith takes God at His Word. Faith (NTCC Core Value) We trust God is at work in all aspects of our life. Faith requires a response; faith requires action. Luke 1:38 Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to Your word. Matthew 1:24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Peace A gift given through the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) Not limited to your circumstances or environment. (John 16:33) Doesn’t always make sense. (Philippians 4:7) Protects your heart and mind. (Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:7) Silences fear. (Psalm 56:3-4) You have nothing to fear when your trust is in the Lord. (Psalm 56:3-4) Jude 20 Build EACH OTHER up in your most holy faith. When Plans Change! 4. The Power of Saying Yes The Power of Saying Yes. Aligns your life with God’s will. Hebrews 10:7 Behold, I have come - in the volume of the book it is written of Me - to do Your will, O God. The Power of Saying Yes. 2. Invites God’s power into your life. The Power of Saying Yes. 3. Opens the door to blessing and unleashes blessings on others. The Power of Saying Yes. 4. Leads to miracles and breakthrough. The Power of Saying Yes. 5. Honors God and draws you closer to Him. The Characters of Christmas. Disruption → Divine Purpose → Trust → Obedience.