Away in a Manger: Mary

                                             Away in a Manger:  Mary

                                            Luke 2:16-35

Isaiah’s writings spoke prophetically of coming

Isaiah’s words encouraged then and now

The arrival of Jesus was an advent of God’s

 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

God’s initiating for all people was the catalyst behind Jesus’ birth    

 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10  This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11  Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9-11 (NIV)

Mary was the one to give birth to God’s son

30  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31  You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33  and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”  Luke 1:30-33 (NIV)

Mary’s love for Jesus continued to  

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19 (NIV)

Mary and Joseph expressed their love to God by faithfulness to the

 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. Luke 2:21 (NIV)

22  When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23  (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24  and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”  Luke 2:22-24 (NIV)

Simeon was waiting for the of Israel    

Simeon prophesies about Jesus were  

 30  For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31  which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
32  a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:30-32 (NIV)

 “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35  so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:34-35 (NIV)

Like Mary, may we too and Jesus’ great love