The Songs of Christmas

Scripture References: Luke 1:46-55 (The Magnificat); Philippians 2:5-8; Genesis 3:15

Intro: This sermon explores the profound significance of Christmas songs, reflecting on why the Incarnation—God becoming human in Jesus—is the most sung-about event in history. The implications are far-reaching, changing everything. We delve into the very first Christmas song, Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1), to understand how we too can "magnify the Lord."

Key Points:

1. The Impact of the Incarnation: God entering human mess changes our view of God, ourselves, life, and all relationships. Paul even used Christ's humble incarnation (Philippians 2) as the model for church unity. This profound reality demands song.
2. Mary's Song: The First Christmas Carol (Luke 1:46-55): After receiving the angelic announcement and visiting Elizabeth, Mary erupts in praise. Her song shows us how to magnify God: 
   • Focus on Magnifying God: Her song begins, "My soul magnifies the Lord." We are all magnifying something—giving it primary focus, shaping our desires and identity around it. Mary chose to make God central.
   • Magnify through Surrender: Mary surrendered her life plans, reputation, and safety ("Let it be") to God's unexpected and disruptive plan. She trusted Him despite the immense personal cost and uncertainty. Magnifying God requires yielding our agenda to His.
   • Magnify through Confident Faith: Mary's song is not a gentle lullaby but a bold, prophetic, "punk rock" declaration. She speaks in the past tense of God having already scattered the proud, brought down the mighty, lifted the humble, and filled the hungry. She confidently proclaims God's kingdom promises (echoing Genesis 3:15 and promises to Abraham) as accomplished realities through faith. This bold trust in God's character and future victory magnifies Him.

Conclusion: The Incarnation is an event of such magnitude that it must be sung about. Mary, the first to carry the incarnate Christ, shows us how to respond: magnify the Lord through courageous surrender to His will and bold, confident faith in His promises to ultimately set the world right through Jesus.

Call to Action: Consider what you are currently magnifying in your life. Choose to magnify the Lord above all else. Practice daily surrender, yielding your plans to God's purposes. Cultivate confident faith by remembering and declaring God's promises, trusting His ultimate victory even amidst present struggles.

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The Songs of Christmas
From the Christmas Eve Eve service at the Fox Theater
with Travis Aicklen