Sermon Snippet – Unexpected Blessings at Christmas
INTRODUCTION – Even though the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was predicted throughout the Old Testament, the birth of Jesus still surprised even the godly people in Israel. Only our Savior God can do the expected unexpectedly. Let us briefly consider some of the unexpected blessings associated with that first Christmas.
1. THE SAVIOR’S PROMISED TIME IS COME
The angel Gabriel makes a startling announcement to Mary (Luke 1:26-38). First, the timing of this singular event was unknown to all but God. Now He, through an angel, reveals that the birth of the Savior would occur in nine months. This revelation is initially to just one person, not to millions or even to thousands or hundreds. No public relations firm was hired; no massive advertisement campaign was launched; no well-known people were enlisted to drum up interest. Second, the manner of the Savior’s birth is supernaturally singular. The Virgin Birth is an essential aspect of the Christian faith. Only One Who is both fully human and fully God can be the perfect substitute that we need as a Savior. Galatians 4:4-5 combines both the unexpected timing and manner of Jesus’ nativity: “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” The consistent family imagery throughout the Christmas account is also unexpected but blessedly reassuring.
2. MARY IS CHOSEN
Mary’s youth is logical: young women are more likely to have safe deliveries. However, Mary’s station in life was surprising. Her unmarried status was a problem, yet it was also necessary, for the Virgin Birth. What is noteworthy is that Mary was not wealthy or well-known. Society would not have seen her as a likely candidate for the privilege of bearing the Messiah, “for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (I Samuel 16:7b). The extraordinary spiritual life of Mary is revealed in her extensive knowledge of the Old Testament (fifteen discernible references to Scripture in her song of praise in Luke 1:46-55); in the construction of this hymn itself, and in her personal understanding of her need for this Savior that she would bear (“My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour” – verse 47). Mary’s selection by God was most unexpected, but now we see the divine logic in His choice.
3. ELISABETH IS BOTH BLESSED AND A BLESSING TO MARY
Mary’s situation is uniquely difficult. God provides a family member to understand her, an older woman who is insightful and inspiring (Luke 1:39-45). Through God’s powerful providence, these two ladies are able to share great good news – and it is not great until it is shared with people who care and provide confirmation to each other of the miraculous intervention of God in their lives. The unexpected pregnancy of Elisabeth provides context to the unexpected pregnancy of Mary. This relationship becomes a mutual blessing. The kind heart of God is revealed in all of these unexpected details.
CONCLUSION – These unexpected blessings at the first Christmas did not make all of the difficulties disappear. Horrible Herod would seek to kill the infant Jesus, and the devout prophet Simeon would predict the violent death of Jesus (fulfilled on the Cross decades later). No, the troubles were not swept away by the blessings, but the unexpected broke through in blessing into many lives. Our hardships are unlikely to vanish in the next month – unless Jesus returns, of course – but there will also be unexpected blessings. May we look forward to what our Lord will do in our lives this Christmas.