Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. Christmas Series of Pulpit Messages

2. Theme: Joy

a) The Gift of Joy

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you;
And that your joy may be full”   John 15:11

b) A Joy that no one can take away

“Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again
And your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take away”   John 16:22

c) Fullness of Joy

“Until now you have asked nothing in My name.
Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”   John 16:24

3. Joy is one of the greatest gifts we can have in life

FINDING JOY

1. Did she find Joy because she was betrothed?

a) Mary was betrothed to be married   (Luke 1:27)

b) No Joy was recorded

2. Did she find Joy when an angel visited her?

a) The angel greeted her with great regard

“Rejoice, highly favoured one. The Lord is with you;
Blessed are you among women”   Luke 1:28

b) Did she find Joy at this greeting?

No!

c) How did she actually feel?

“But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying,
And considered what manner of greeting this was”   Luke 1:29

i) She was troubled

ii) She did not understand

iii) She was afraid

3. The Angel Gabriel had to explain greater detail

a) He had to allay her fears first

“Do not be afraid”   Luke 1:30a

b) He had to teach her important truths (knowledge)

i) Mary had found favour with God   (Luke 1:30b)

ii) She will conceive and bear a Son to be called Jesus   (Luke 1:31)

iii) He will be great   (Luke 1:32a)

iv) He will be called Son of the Highest   (Luke 1:32b)

v) He will have the throne of David   (Luke 1:32c-33)

4. Did Mary find Joy yet?

a) No!

b) She had questions!

“How can this be, since I do not know a man?”   Luke 1:34

i) There was a lack of knowledge

ii) There was uncertainty

5. Further instruction was given by the angel to Mary

a) Holy Spirit power   (Luke 1:35a)

b) The Baby is the Son of God   (Luke 1:35b)

6. A word of personal encouragement

a) Elizabeth, a relative was pregnant   (Luke 1:36)

b) She had conceived in her old age   (Luke 1:36b)

c) She was now 6 months pregnant   (Luke 1:36c)

d) Truth to be believed in

“For with God nothing is impossible”   Luke 1:37

7. An important response

a) Humility

“Behold, the maidservant of the LORD!”   Luke 1:38a

b) Submission

“Let it be to me according to your word”   Luke 1:38b

c) Was Joy found yet?

Not quite!

A VISIT TO ELIZABETH

1. Mary visited Elizabeth   (Luke 1:39-40)

2. Elizabeth was filled with the Spirit   (Luke 1:41)

3. Elizabeth’s word to Mary

a) “Blessed are you among women”   (Luke 1:42a)

b) “Blessed is the fruit of your womb”   (Luke 1:42b)

c) “Blessed is she who believed,
for there will be a fulfilment of those things
which were told her”   (Luke 1:45)

4. The significance of what Elizabeth said to Mary

a) She confirmed what the angel Gabriel said

b) She counselled Mary to believe that
what was said would be fulfilled

THE GIFT OF JOY

1. “My soul magnifies the LORD”   (Luke 1:46)

2. And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour”   (Luke 1:47)

3. Mary had finally found Joy

a) In God

b) In knowledge

c) In understanding

d) In faith

CONCLUSION

1. The Gift of Joy

A great and wonderful gift

2. It is to be found

a) In knowledge and understanding

b) In believing God and the salvation He gives
in the Lord Jesus Christ