IN THE WRITINGS OF THE DIVINE PHYSICIAN ARE THE STRANGEST STORIES OF SUPERNATURAL

1. Luke, the scientist, tells of angelic beings, unborn babies communicating, & of virgin birth
2. In a day of Woman's Lib- let me speak to you of the glory of womanhood - no man can achieve
3. Coming events cast shadows before them- and as this event gave hope to Mary & Elizabeth - so we should today claim a "Blessed Hope" that will see us through dark days ahead.-

I.- A VIRGIN OF NAZARETH - Luke 1:26-27

The Angel has seen the glory of Heaven, the great Temple, now message to Nazareth - no shirking duty

A.- GABRIEL, A CHIEF ANGEL OF GOD, WAS SENT TO NAZARETH, A DIRTY LITTLE HILL COUNTRY TOWN - v26

1. North of Jerusalem about 60 miles, surrounded by small hills- a town hated by many Israelites
2. Men would never have written this story in this way- It is so unbelievable-has to be from God
3. A city that combined religion (priests) with worldliness- trade center of 3 caravan routes- ancient

B.- THE ANGEL WAS SENT TO A VIRGIN, ESPOUSED TO A MAN OF DAVID'S LINAGE CALLED JOSEPH.-v. 27

1. Luke is a doctor- he uses a Greek word-(Parthenos) a clear, obvious, scientific meaning
2. Espoused -married but not consummated-strict custom!  Sacred and precious
3. Espoused to Joseph- of house of David, but poor, no dowry, no home yet, but honest, faithful

C.- AND THE VIRGIN'S NAME WAS MARY v. 27b -NO RECORD OF AGE, PHYSICAL BEAUTY, OR DESCRIPTION

1. The name of Mary- so simple, yet the music of this name rings in the heart- most beautiful
2. A simple Israel girl -But she found favor with the Lord! How?  Can we find such favor today?
3. God's grace turned her devotion into the greatest blessing of of all humanity!  What of yours?

Every spiritual woman since Eve expected this, joy in heart of every pure woman today!

II.- A MESSAGE FROM AN ANGEL Luke 1:28-38

It is a tribute to the devotional life of this girl that she was quiet enough to listen to angel

A.- "HAIL, THOU THAT ART HIGHLY FAVORED, THE LORD IS WITH THEE, BLESSED ART THOU..." V. 28

1. Hail- a familiar greeting of "Peace", "Joy"- be with you. The Word is (Cairo) -rejoice!
2. "The Lord is with thee" - in a mud hut in a hated mountain town - Here is quality of life!
3. "Blessed art thou".-Things are not always what they seem at the moment! troubles coming-

B.- "FEAR NOT, MARY; …THOU SHALT CONCEIVE … A SON … JESUS...SON OF HIGHEST...THRONE... DAVID" 31,2

1. So vast the span between God and man-He always begins with this when He comes to bless
2. Note the promise given -conception, son, Jesus, Son of God, King forever, David's throne ! Wow
3. Mary's answer v.29 troubled, at first in mind v.34 no doubt, but how? Could you even talk?

C.- THE MYSTERY OF THE TRINITY- "THE HOLY GHOST...THE HIGHEST...THE SON OF GOD" - v.35

1. That which is hidden to the greatest men- sweetly given to humble maiden- note v.37
2. Mary's use of the Old Testament phrases in poetry -she was student of Word.- SHE KNEW THIS MEANING
3. She asked no sign- but Gabriel shared a little gossip -Elizabeth 6 months along! Barren

Mary's response- a surrender to the will and purpose of God- v.38 - the cost? Did she know?

III.- TWO GLORIOUS WOMEN OF ISRAEL Luke 1:39-45

Here is a mysterious fellowship of John and Jesus before birth - men cannot understand - Luke did

A.- THE MYSTERIOUS GREETING AND SALUTATION OF JOHN THROUGH HIS COMING MOTHER - V.41-45

1. Mary went with haste- hill country south of Jerusalem- Hebron - 80 miles - Doubt? Joy?
2. Elizabeth's babe leapt -Spirit spoke through her v.42 -such words of praise and glory
3. How did Elizabeth know? Where did Luke get it? But note- no jealousy or envy but praise! -

B.- THE MAGNIFICANT - ONE OF GREATEST PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE RARELY USED - GLORY TO GOD! v 46-55

1. I am sorry sometimes that we are not more liturgical- this is a beautiful Christian hymn
2. No unknown tongue here! Most ecstatic experience of history!  Mary praises God!  Reaches YOU.
3. "My Soul doth magnify, spirit rejoiced in Savior" 46-47 beauty beyond comparison
4. v.48-49 The humility of this young girl, history's greatest moment- states facts humbly
5. v.50-55 the pronouncement of the blessing of God upon all humanity - gentle, sweet, wonderful

But also the curse of God upon the proud, mighty, and worldly rich - Which for you?
v.54 -God has remembered mercy. In a day under the Roman heal God was moved to mercy -NOW?

 ELIZABETH SAID v.45 "BLESSED IS SHE THAT BELIEVED" - CAN YOU CLAIM SOME OF GOD'S PROMISE IN THIS?

1. Are you blessed enough to believe in Jesus as your Savior? Your will or His?  Choose!
2. Is Christ born in your heart?  If so, then like Mary & Elizabeth- share fellowship- Church Membership
3. What would it take for YOU to find favor with God? Would it be worth it to claim it?

You can join Mary if you are not too proud to submit your will to God!  Now!