Pastor Mike reviews Luke 1:26-56, describing the annunciation of the angel Gabriel to Mary about her conceiving Jesus as the perfect example of the joy of being remembered by God, and why we should follow Mary's total surrender to His will.

Joy is the key concept in Luke 1:26-56. There, it is described the annunciation of the angel Gabriel to Mary that she will conceive Jesus. In response, Mary breaks out into the Magnificat, a song of praise for magnifying God. Her overflowing joy stems from the fact that God has remembered his people Israel after a long period of silence and unfulfillment of the Messianic promise.

The Joy of Being Remembered by God

In this sermon, Pastor Mike analyzes four key reasons why Mary rejoices, which also apply to us today:

1. The Lord is with us.

God chose humble Mary and insignificant Nazareth to be the place of Jesus' conception and birth, showing his presence is not limited by earthly status. We too can rejoice that God is with us, even in our loneliness.

2. The Son soothes our fears.

Mary is troubled by the angel's message, but he reassures her that the promised son will reign on David's throne forever. Jesus is the answer to our "what" questions in life - he is the divine "who" who brings us God's presence. We must stay close to him as believers.

3. The Spirit provides for the impossible.

Mary questions how she can conceive as a virgin. Gabriel declares the Holy Spirit will overshadow her, and nothing is impossible with God. We too can trust the Spirit to overcome impossibilities and empower us as we relate to Christ.

4. God can be trusted to fulfill His word.

After 400 years of prophetic silence, God finally speaks again to herald the long-awaited Messiah. This climactic moment is the turning point in salvation history. We too can trust God to do what He has promised in our lives.

Mary's Joy as Response for God's Will

The sermon gives background on Israel's centuries of despair and unfulfillment waiting for the Messiah. It refutes false Catholic doctrines claiming Mary was sinless, assumed into heaven, and is co-redemptrix. Biblically she is the mother of Jesus, nothing more or less.

Application questions ask how we are relating to Jesus, what impossibilities we face, and if we will trust God to provide His Spirit's power. Pastor Mike points out how Mary begins by applying the joy of being remembered by God to herself, then shifts to rejoicing over God's mercy towards others who fear Him, and finally praises God for helping Israel in remembrance of His promises.

In conclusion, Revelation 3:20 is cited, where Christ stands at the door knocking to come into our hearts. Pastor Mike urges unbelievers to open their hearts and let Jesus in, and for believers to return to their first love in Christ. Just as Mary returned home after her encounter with God's message, we too must daily go with God's joy and trust in the fulfillment of His promises.