2. Third Week of Advent: Joy!
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’” Lk 2:10

3. Third Week of Advent: Joy!
The Christmas story of “good news of great joy” did not begin with good news or joy

4. “the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.  You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. . . For nothing is impossible with God.”
(Lk 1:28-32,37)

5. 47 “Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord
47 “Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 48 For HE TOOK NOTICE of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One is holy, and HE HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR ME.

6. 50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him
50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. 51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. 52 He has brought down princes from their thrones and He exalted the humble.

7. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. 54 He has helped his servant Israel and remembered mercy. 55 For HE MADE THIS PROMISE to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever [which includes me right here and right now!]

8. I have joy because:
HE TOOK NOTICE of me
HE HAS DONE GREAT THINGS for me
HE HAS MADE THIS PROMISE to me

9. 1. Know me and my situation 2. Have already done great things for me
Dear God, You know my problems. You know what seems impossible to me. I welcome JESUS in to my life. I have faith that You:
1. Know me and my situation
2. Have already done great things for me
3. Will complete your promises to lift me up