Christmas Songs - Joy to the World - Luke 1 - Decembeer 13, 2009

Bible Study – Christmas Songs – Joy to the World – December 13, 2009

This is lesson two (2) in our series of study entitled “Christmas Songs.”

Our scripture is Luke 1: 46-55.

It is interesting how this week’s lesson is a continuation of last week’s study. I asked you to ponder the idea of the human spirit being like the egg and when GOD’S SPIRIT unites with our spirit, conception takes place. Carry this thought with you as you study today’s lesson when Mary rejoices in the favor that GOD has shown to her by choosing her to bare HIS SON, JESUS. When GOD’S SPIRIT unites with our spirit though rebirth, many new believers rejoice in their hearts to express the unspeakable joy of salvation. It is a celebration of knowing that you belong to GOD through relationship.

I must quickly add that not everyone has this same expression of joy when they are saved. For some, salvation is like the dawning of a new day, we watch it but it is difficult for us to pinpoint the exact moment the day has dawned. Many believers know they are saved but it is difficult for them to pinpoint the exact moment. My moment of salvation was uneventful at age nine (9) or ten (10) years old. I struggled for many years holding on to the world with one hand and GOD with the other. I was torn but in my thirties, on my way to work one morning, I gave up and asked the LORD to take my life, the good and the bad, and to give me the strength to live the Christian life. In that instant, I knew that I was a child of GOD. It was a joyful experience. There have been times of experiencing the presence of GOD that have been overwhelming and there have been times I was away from GOD walking in the weeds. But one thing for certain, GOD never left me in the bad times.

If you have not experienced the joy of the LORD in your life and you know that you have asked HIM to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life, ask HIM to reveal any barrier that is blocking your relationship with HIM. Seek HIM by seeking to build an intimate, loving relationship with HIM. When you get to know HIM you will experience the joy of HIS presence in your life. If your motive is for the experience there is a problem but when your motive is to obediently serve HIM, it is an overwhelming journey. It is all about our heart. Remember what we studied in the book of James.

“Joy to the World” is a Christmas carol written by Isaac Watts (1674-1747) based on Psalm 98:4. He was expressing unspeakable joy, which relates to the joy Mary, the mother of JESUS, experienced when she understood that GOD had chosen her to bare HIS promised Messiah, JESUS. Watts wrote hymns based upon his spiritual awaking as he studied and understood the Bible.

As you read the words to “Joy to the World” think of the joy being expressed by Mary in her praise:

Joy to the world! The Lord is come:
Let earth receive her king:
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room.
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing. (1)

(1) “Joy to the World! The Lord is Come,” Isaac Watts, The Baptist Hymnal, [Nashville: Convention Press, 1991, No. 87.

What is joy versus happiness? Joy comes from the same root word as “grace.” Joy does not depend upon chance but upon GOD’S sovereignty and HIS unspeakable grace. Happiness depends upon good, warm, positive, feel good circumstances surrounding us. One can lose happiness when circumstances change whereas, joy is not dependent upon circumstances. We will see the joy that Mary expresses in our scripture. She was not in the best of circumstances, meaning a young unmarried mother who could be stoned because she was pregnant but her joy was in GOD. GOD gave her a choice and she said yes to serve GOD.

Our scripture was written about 60 A.D. by a physician, Doctor Luke. He was commissioned by Theophilus a man of means. Luke 1:1-4 will give us insight why Theophilus, a Christian, wanted this documented version of the life and times of JESUS compiled by a respected, detailed oriented doctor. Luke was a Gentile, thus the only non-Jewish author of a New Testament book. This could be another reason Theophilus hired him to compile this documentary. Theophilus wanted the truth about JESUS from an unbiased source.

Let’s read Luke 1:1-4:

The Dedication to Theophilus

1 Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled[1] Or events that have been accomplished, or events most surely believed among us, 2 just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us. 3 It also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.[2] Or informed

Let’s review the events leading up to our scripture:

Herod was king of Judea.

There was a Jewish Priest named Zechariah who was married to Elizabeth, who was Mary’s cousin.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were devout believers and wanted children but they could not have a child. Plus by this time they were getting old but they were still praying for a child. But in essence, they had given up on the idea. Does this remind you of Abraham and Sarah? GOD wants HIS work to be beyond our ability to claim it when it happens. It is HIS power that is at work and HE wants all people involved with HIS plan and purpose to see that HE is in control. This is very important to those who obediently serve HIM. HE leads, we follow.

It was time for Zechariah’s priest division to serve. Zechariah was selected by casting lots to serve in the temple and burn incense. Again, GOD is in control. Incense was burned twice a day. When the people saw the smoke from the burning of incense, they knew it symbolized their prayers ascending to heaven. It was during the burning of incense that Zechariah encountered the angel, Gabriel, standing at the right side of the incense altar. Zechariah was shocked. Gabriel reminded him that he had been praying for a child and told him that Elizabeth would bear a son and he was to name him, John. But Zechariah questioned their ability to have a child because of their age. It is not good to question GOD. So GOD gave Zechariah a sign of HIS power in this matter, which resulted in Zechariah not being able to speak until the baby was born.
Elizabeth was in her sixth (6) month when Gabriel visited Elizabeth’s cousin, Mary. Again, timing is very important to GOD to carry out HIS plan and purpose. Gabriel told Mary that GOD had chosen her to bear HIS son and she was to name HIM, JESUS. Mary had a choice and she agreed to be obedient to GOD’S request. Gabriel told her about Elizabeth being pregnant. Mary must have been surprised because of their ages.

She visited her cousin Elizabeth and when they greeted each other, Elizabeth’s baby leaped in her womb. This seemed to be an expression of joy, common bond and confirmation. JESUS and John the Baptist were cousins and both were on a mission appointed by GOD. JESUS was divinely conceived, whereas, John was conceived the old fashion way by the power, plan and purpose of GOD. When Elizabeth greeted Mary, Elizabeth was filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and exclaimed “Why am I favored that the mother of my LORD should come to me?”

Mary had two (2) confirmations to what Gabriel had told her: (1) Elizabeth was indeed was pregnant (2) Elizabeth’s greeting that she was indeed the mother of the promised Messiah.

After this confirmation, Mary was overwhelmed with joy which erupted in her song called the Magnificant, which the scripture in our study.

We discussed in our last study that our salvation is somewhat akin to Mary’s experience. GOD came to her and chose her to be HIS servant. She willingly accepted. By the same token, GOD approaches every person and asks him/her to accept CHRIST as his/her SAVIOR. Each person has a choice. Those who accept CHRIST as their SAVIOR can experience the overwhelming joy of the rebirth in their spirit. Now compare that moment of becoming a Christian to Mary’s joy. (Keep in mind not everyone experiences this moment of joy at conversion. If you did not, do not worry. In committing your life to HIM and building a loving, dynamic, intimate relationship with HIM, you will.)

Our study this week will have a different format. It seems to work better.

Let’s read Luke 1:46-55:

Mary’s Praise

46 And Mary said:
My soul proclaims the greatness of[21] Or soul magnifies the Lord,[22] 1 Sm 2:1–10 47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, 48 because He has looked with favor on the humble condition of His • slave. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 because the Mighty One[23] Ps 89:8; Zph 3:17 has done great things for me, and His name is holy. 50 His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him. 51 He has done a mighty deed with His arm; He has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts; 52 He has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. 53 He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, mindful of His mercy,[24] Because He remembered His mercy; see Ps 98:3 55 just as He spoke to our ancestors, to Abraham and his descendants[25] Or offspring; lit seed forever.

As we discussed earlier, Mary was celebrating the joy of GOD choosing her to serve HIM. I understand that many young women of that period of time dreamed of the day they might be chosen by GOD to bear the promised Messiah. The events surrounding Mary’s visit with Elizabeth had confirmed the facts she had been told by the angel, Gabriel. She knew GOD had given Isaac to Abraham and Sarah, HE had given a child to barren Elizabeth and she was to bear the promised Messiah. She knew that GOD was the power WHO created the miracles.

This was a time to celebrate and express the joy that was in her heart. It was a moment when Mary realized that GOD had chosen her, a young woman coming from humble circumstances, for such a blessed honor. In her wildest dreams she would not have believed she would have been chosen. Mary was called to serve GOD. Faithful believers are called to serve every day. The ordinary are called to be instrumental in the plan and purpose of GOD doing the extraordinary. We respect them and their obedience but we do not worship them. By the same token, we rejoice in Mary’s obedience but she is not to be worshiped. JESUS made it clear in John 14:6:

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Mary was rejoicing in her heart, her inner most being, the joy of knowing GOD. She was a believer in GOD and HE had confirmed HIS activity in her life. This was exciting and made GOD even more personal to her.

Have you ever seen something of such overwhelming beauty and tried to put into words what you were feeling in your heart? Words are inadequate but you are moved to express yourself. Beautiful music stirs my soul and I want to express what I am experiencing but every attempt falls short of expressing its beauty. I am sure you have things in your lives that touch your very soul. Think of Mary trying to put into words what she was experiencing in this overwhelming moment. I believe this is why GOD tells us that we cannot see HIS face and live. Such an encounter would blow our minds trying to express all the beauty and emotions we would see and feel.

Let’s look at each of the verses of Mary’s song:

Verses 46-47 - “My soul” and “my spirit” mean from the depths of her inner most being. She knew that what happened to her was from GOD. Every part of her being was magnifying HIM. Some translations use the word “magnify” in place of “proclaim.” Magnify carries the idea of “enlarging” or “extolling.” GOD cannot be made any greater than HE already is but believers can grow and mature to behold HIS greatest and yield themselves to HIM more. They behold HIM in a different way than they ever have and it is overwhelming and joyful beyond words. Mary experienced this and was expressing herself with all she could in her soul with her spirit.

Mary referred to GOD as her SAVIOR. This revealed the depth of her faith in GOD as being personal. GOD was more than head knowledge to her. She had a deeper understanding of GOD as never before and her already personal relationship with HIM was confirmed in her heart as never before. It is fitting that GOD chose Mary because JESUS would be the SAVIOR of all who seek a personal relationship with HIM.

Verse 48 - She rejoiced because GOD found favor in her even though she came from humble circumstances. Again, GOD takes the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary. She measured up for the task but even though she was chosen, she still considered herself a slave to GOD. She did not get the big head and puffed up with pride because she was chosen. Mary had a humble heart toward GOD and GOD knew her heart.

She realized that because GOD had chosen her to bear the promised Messiah, all future generations would know what she had done and she would be called blessed. Mary was special but not more special than any believer who is called to serve GOD. She is not to be worshipped.

Verse 49 – She acknowledged the awesome power of GOD, the Mighty One. The power of GOD was limitless. Mary saw GOD as powerful and HIS power accomplished HIS plan and purpose as promised in the scriptures. She saw GOD as Holy. HE is morally pure, righteous, keeps HIS covenants, metes out justice to all regardless of their stature, position or wealth and is separate from mankind, yet accessible to all who seek HIM.

Knowing that GOD’S power is limitless when you are serving HIM is a comforting thought as you obediently journey with HIM. Mary saw that GOD’S power was at work in her life to fulfill scripture and it was accomplished in a Holy moment because she was still a virgin.

Verse 50 – She expressed GOD’S great mercy, which embraced compassion and kindness. GOD recognized that humans were in need of salvation. They cannot save themselves. HIS mercy and grace is extended to all humans through the promised Messiah. Yet GOD’S desire is for all humans to show HIM respect. She used the word “fear.” Fear is not to be afraid of HIM but to reverence HIM. HIS desire is for mankind to see that the promised Messiah was sent to earth because GOD so loved them and to give mankind hope. The Messiah fulfilling HIS mission would free those who believe in HIM from the bondage of sin and death.

Verse 51 – She recognized that GOD through a mighty deed had reached down to mankind by sending the promised Messiah. Such a mighty deed revealed the heart of GOD. HE knew the very best efforts of mankind were inadequate to save themselves. The promised Messiah shattered any effort of the proud, wealthy, prominent or self-righteous to earn their way to heaven. Salvation always has been a matter of the heart and not outward actions. Remember our study of James, GOD desires for our talk to match our walk.

Verse 52 – By GOD sending the promised Messiah as a human, GOD 100% human, yet 100% divine, no earthly ruler can claim to be GOD. The Messiah is King of kings and LORD of lords. GOD has taken the ordinary, a lowly, poor, unassuming young woman to bear the Messiah, the extraordinary.

Verse 53 – By sending the Messiah GOD will satisfy those who hunger for spiritual nourishment. Those who think they have all the spiritual food they need will go away empty because they refuse to accept the promised Messiah.

Verse 54 – By sending the Messiah to Israel, GOD has favored HIS chosen people to be a witness to all nations. Because GOD sent HIS promised Messiah to Israel it showed HIS love and mercy toward Israel. Mary used the word “mindful.” This does not mean that GOD was forgetful and had to be reminded of HIS commitments. Mindful means GOD remembers HIS commitments and does not forget. The only thing GOD forgets is our confessed sins.

Verse 55 – GOD is not fickle. HE honors, forever, the covenants HE makes with HIS people. Mary recalled the covenant GOD made with Abraham and his descendants and rejoiced that it was still very much alive in her lifetime, some 2,000 years later. HIS covenant would be fulfilled in the child she would bear. This revealed the depth of Mary’s love and understanding of GOD and the scriptures.

To say the lease Mary was one joyous young lady.

The covenant GOD made with Abraham extends to all who believe in JESUS as their SAVIOR. The Apostle Paul addresses this in Galatians 3:27- 29:

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to the promise.

What makes us one with CHRIST? Faith! It was the faith of Abraham that GOD accrued as righteousness to him. It is faith in CHRIST that makes all believers righteous and heirs of the promises of the covenant.