OPENING SCRIPTURE:

For unto us a CHILD IS BORN, Unto us a SON IS GIVEN (Isaiah 9:6 NKJ)

• The whole Theology of Christmas hinges upon that one scripture – God Became Human
• God chose a process for Mary to bring about The Promise.

MARY’S STORY

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named NAZARETH, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the HOUSE OF DAVID. The VIRGIN’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. (Luke 1:26-29 NKJ)
• God spoke after 400 years of silence. He chose to speak to Mary. Why did God choose Mary?

Mary’s Birthplace

• Mary was from Nazareth, Jesus came and dwelt in Nazareth. Fulfilling what was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called A NAZARENE.” (Matthew 2:23 NKJ)

Mary’s Lineage

• Mary was of the right lineage. Luke chapter 3 traces Mary’s lineage all the way to King David. That would qualify Jesus, her son, to bear the title Son of David.

There shall come forth a Rod from the STEM OF JESSE, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. (Isaiah 11:1)

Mary’s Virginity

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, THE VIRGIN shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)
• The only way for the incorruptible seed of Holy Spirit to produce a sinless man.

Mary’s Engagement

• It had to be a man from Bethlehem. Bethlehem had to be the birthplace of Jesus.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me THE ONE to be RULER in Israel, WHOSE GOINGS FORTH ARE FROM OF OLD, FROM EVERLASTING.” (Micah 5:2 NKJ)

God is a God of process. He always attaches His Promise to The Process.

Then the angel said to her, “DO NOT BE AFRAID, MARY, FOR YOU HAVE FOUND FAVOR WITH GOD”. (Luke 1:30 NKJ)

• Favor or promotion does not come without process.

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:30-33 NKJ)

• The process always involves faithfulness and obedience.

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” (Luke 1:34 NKJ)

• The 1st phase is the engagement. It would be a 12-month process. A time for preparation.
• The 2nd phase was the actual wedding day.

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God … FOR WITH GOD NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE.” (Luke 1:35-37)

• Mary had to be reminded that God was in control.

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! LET IT BE TO ME ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38 NKJ)

• I am a servant of God.
• This is key to God’s plan for our lives. Being a servant of God. Being a follower of Christ.

CONCLUSION
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message?