As we celebrate Christmas, we conclude our series on the miraculous births in Scripture by reflecting on the most significant birth of all: the birth of Jesus Christ. Over the past weeks, we’ve seen how God intervened in miraculous ways in the lives of Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist. Today, we see these lessons culminate in the birth of our Savior.

What connects these miraculous births is not only God’s hand at work but also the faith and responses of the women in these stories. Through the lives of Manoah’s wife, Hannah, Elizabeth, and Mary, we see examples of humility, faith, and trust in God’s sovereignty.

The Birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-56)

1. God’s Message to Mary (Luke 1:26-38)

Mary’s life changed forever when the angel Gabriel brought her a message: she would bear the Son of God. Though Mary was initially puzzled, she responded with faith and humility. In Luke 1:38, she declares, “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

Despite the challenges she would face, Mary fully entrusted her life to God and humbly accepted His plan for her. Her response reminds us that faith is not passive—it is an active trust in God, even when His plans seem overwhelming.

2. Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45)

Mary’s first act after learning the news was to visit her cousin Elizabeth. This encounter was marked by joy and recognition. When Mary greeted Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy, and Elizabeth proclaimed, “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord” (Luke 1:45).

This moment highlights Mary’s faith in God’s promises. She trusted that what God said would come to pass, and her faith was celebrated by Elizabeth.

3. Mary’s Song of Praise (Luke 1:46-56)

Mary’s response to God’s work in her life is a beautiful song of praise, often called the Magnificat. Her song exalts God’s greatness, faithfulness, and mercy. She rejoices in the privilege of being part of God’s plan to bring salvation to the world.

Big Idea: Entrusting Our Lives to God

Mary’s story challenges us to follow her example. She entrusted her life to God and humbly accepted the steps He directed for her. This is a theme echoed throughout Scripture. From Esther to Daniel to Paul, the Bible is full of examples of individuals who trusted God with their lives and submitted to His sovereign will.

What Hinders Us From Trusting God?

To live like Mary, we must identify and overcome the obstacles that hinder us from fully entrusting our lives to God:

1. Letting Sin Reign in Our Lives (Romans 6:13):
   Sin distracts and separates us from God’s will. To trust Him fully, we must daily commit to living as instruments of His righteousness.

2. Letting Suffering Be About Us (1 Peter 4:19):
   Suffering is part of life, but when we focus solely on our pain, we lose sight of God’s greater plan. Entrust your soul to a faithful Creator, even in the midst of hardship.

3. Letting Life Be About Me (1 Corinthians 6:19-20):
   In a self-centered culture, it’s easy to forget that we belong to God. He bought us at a great price—through the sacrifice of His Son. Living for Him means surrendering our desires and priorities to His will.

Application: Living in Trust and Humility

As we reflect on Mary’s faith and humility, let’s ask ourselves:

• Are we daily presenting ourselves to God as instruments of His righteousness?

• Are we allowing suffering to grow our faith rather than hinder it?

• Are we living for God’s glory rather than our own comfort and desires?

Mary’s life reminds us to seek first the Kingdom of God and trust that His plans are always for our good and His glory.

Small Group Questions

1. What stands out to you about Mary’s response to the angel in Luke 1:38? How can we cultivate a similar attitude of trust and humility?

2. How does Elizabeth’s recognition of Mary’s faith encourage you in your own walk with God?

3. In what ways does Mary’s song of praise (Luke 1:46-55) inspire you to worship God in your life?

4. What obstacles—sin, suffering, or self-focus—do you need to surrender to entrust your life fully to God?

5. How can you remind yourself daily to live for God’s Kingdom rather than your own desires?

6. Share a time when trusting God’s plan led to unexpected blessings in your life.

7. What specific steps can you take this week to humbly follow God’s direction, even when it’s difficult?

As we celebrate Christmas, let’s remember the example of Mary and the hope that comes through the birth of Jesus Christ. May we entrust our lives to God and humbly walk in the steps He has prepared for us.