The Eyewitness of Christmas: (Part I)

THE EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT OF MARY

Luke 1:26-38

It has been said that some time ago an inquiring photographer stopped six people on the streets of New York and asked them this question: “What is the most important event in history?”  He got some interesting answers:

1. The settlement of Jamestown by the English.
2. The defeat of the Saracens at Tours.
3. The defeat of the Japanese at the end of World War II.
4. The invention of the wheel.
5. The invention of the atomic bomb

But the sixth answer was given by a 14-year-old schoolboy.  He replied that the greatest event in human history was:

6. The birth of Jesus Christ.

Without a doubt, majority of the people of the world would agree with the insightful response of the wise young man. The birth of Jesus Christ is the greatest event ever because it opened the door for the Almighty God to enter our world and live with lowly people like us and accomplish His ultimate purpose of giving up His life for our sins. Because of Christ’s coming, those who have believed and followed Him have enjoyed so many blessings in life, including the prospect of living in heaven for eternity.

Unfortunately, there are many who remain to be skeptics about the birth of Jesus. Perhaps, many would even go through all the motions of celebrating Christmas, yet fail to really appreciate the essence of the season. But, if a person is just open-minded, there are sufficient proofs about the birth of Jesus.

I want to state clearly that there should be no problem in establishing that event. I know that we cannot be sure about the time, whether December 25 is really accurate or not. However, we can be absolutely sure that Jesus was born on earth. One of the strongest arguments for it is the presence of eyewitnesses or the testimonies of people who actually saw the event. When we examine the Gospels, we can find some individuals who played major roles when it happened more than 2000 years ago. During this series entitled, The Eyewitness of Christmas, I would like to highlight some of them and show some important lessons from their lives.

For a Jewish reader of the Gospels, they understand the weight of eyewitness accounts. The Old Testament Scriptures declares:

The birth of Jesus Christ has definitely more than two or three eyewitnesses. More than establishing His birth as a fact, we can also learn significant lessons from people who participated in this greatest event. This is what I want to really emphasize on this series beginning this morning.

It would be proper to begin with Mary, the young girl whom God has chosen to be the earthly mother of the Messiah. Why did God choose her? When you contemplate the fact that God has the whole world of women to choose from, why choose a poor Jewish girl named Mary? Perhaps, if we can discover, why God chose her, maybe we can emulate her and be used of God in ways we never thought possible.

I recognize that there are two extreme perceptions about Mary that we should avoid:

Magnify her – She was truly a privilege woman to be chosen to as Christ’s earthly mother (v.30), but she was never equal to God. Mary herself acknowledged her own sinfulness by admitting that she needed a savior.

Minimize her – Yes she was an ordinary woman, but she lived an extraordinary life because she presented herself usable to God.

I firmly believe that all of us who desire to seriously experience the blessings of God can learn so much from her life. So, why her? There are three major characteristics of Mary that made her stand out:

I     HER HUMILITY

Obviously, Mary was not chosen because of her education, or her socio-economic level, or because of her maturity. None of these things. She was uneducated, poor, and a young girl between 13-15 years of age. But she has reflected great humility before God.

Notice verses 26-30, angel Gabriel appeared to her and greeted her with these unusual words - "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." With these words, her response reflected her humble attitude. While others would have readily acknowledged their worthiness, Mary was deeply troubled.

She was humble before God. Someone has defined true humility as not to think low of oneself but to think rightly, truthfully of oneself.

In other words, humility means that you recognize who you are, a sinner; what you have, nothing; and where you would be without God, nowhere.

This seems to be a pattern among many of the people whom God has greatly used in the Bible. Take Moses and Jeremiah for example. When God unfolded His plans for them both were so terrified about the idea and gave their personal excuses. Moses reasoned He cannot speak, while Jeremiah said, he was very immature. Then, we have Mary.

I believe men and women who find themselves inadequate in serving the Lord are compelled to turn their lives over to the power of God instead. Someone asked Francis of Assisi how he could accomplish so much? He responded:

“This is why: The Lord looked down from heaven and said, “Where can I find the weakest, littlest, lowliest man on earth? Then, He saw me and said, “I’ve found him. I will work through him; he won’t be proud of it. He’ll see that I am only using him because of his insignificance.”

As we call attention to humility, Jesus Christ himself provided us with the greatest example:

Jesus was willing to take a humble position, our form, so He could align himself in God’s plan. Is it possible that God is not using us because we are so full of ourselves? God requires humility and Mary was willing to humble herself before God.

II    HER FAITH:

The greeting of the angel to Mary was followed by the announcement that she would have the privilege of bearing the Son of the Most High in her womb. Taking into account this message, though it was extraordinary, this was also too good to be true. If the angel’s initial statement troubled her, how much more were these shocking words?

Well, Mary was aware that the only way she can conceive was through marital relationship. Notice her inquiry in verse 34 - "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" But Mary was not left to wonder and speculate because the angel gave a direct explanation in the next verses -

I trust you would really appreciate the faith of young Mary here. It is true that the angel explained that God has the power to do it, and in fact, something supernatural is also happening to her cousin, Elizabeth. But think about it. How many times do we hear promises from God and yet we have struggled to believe? Here at our church for example, how many times have you heard Malachi 3:10 - Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Often, we give our own excuses for not believing that God can deliver.

Faith often is the attitude that says, “God said it, I believe it, and that settles it for me.” Mary reflected the very same response. She believe God is great and to Him nothing is impossible. Let’s make some practical applications, today with all the uncertainty, how many of you would be willing to believe a very plain promise in Matthew 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. All of us should say, , “God said it, I believe it, and that settles it for me.”

III   HER OBEDIENCE:

When there is faith, obedience will come after. Mary did not argue, she did not struggle, and her response was extraordinary - "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Clearly, this reveals for us the basis of God’s choice for Mary. The reference for being a servant expresses the attitude of submission, instead of resistance. She could have resisted easily because of the following:

A. Personal plans – Just like any young person, she may have some personal plans about her life, and God’s plan for her can disrupt everything. What if she doesn’t want to be pregnant yet? Or would she be willing to set her plans for God’s plan?

B. Personal Pains – Besides the physical pains that pregnancy will bring to a young girl, the emotional pains that can come from being misunderstood by Joseph, or her loved ones, or from the criticisms of friends and neighbors.

C. Personal Performance – The thought of measuring up to the tasks, or coping with all the pressures, she could have easily said, “I can’t make it” or” I’m not adequate.”

How many people do you know have been hindered to serve the Lord because of the same reasons? Mary was willing to say – “I am your servant, do what you please.” Have you ever told God that you are willing to do whatever He wants you to do?

As you study the life of Mary, you will see that it cost her to follow the Lord’s call. God is not like the modern packaging people. He does not disguise the implications of following Christ in fine print. God says that He will put it right out there for us. It will cost us something. Would you still be willing? I hope that the cost will not keep us to pursue what God desires for us. God is a worthy master. Think about it. Indeed Mary took the risks, but God gave her the privilege to give birth to the Messiah. She had all the benefits of literally having the Son of the Most High God in her home and in her life. How awesome is that? Believe me, following God, though hard and tough it may be could bring awesome blessings into our lives. Here’s what you must believe when you obey: