Christmas at the Movies | Part 3

(Luke 1:46 – 56) My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all

generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me -

holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to

generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those

who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their

thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but

has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be

merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our

ancestors. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned

home.

What can we learn from Mary’s prayer and A Christmas Carol?

1. God cares even when others don’t.

(Luke 1:48) He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

(Psalm 34:18) The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are

crushed in spirit.

2. The ground is level at the manger and the cross.

(Luke 1:52) He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the

humble.

(Acts 10:34 – 35) Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God

does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and

does what is right.

(Luke 2:8 – 18) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping

watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the

glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to

them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the

people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the

Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in clothes

and lying in a manager.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared

with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on

earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and

gone into heaven, the shepherd said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see

this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off

and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they

had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told to them about

this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

(Galatians 3:28) There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there

male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

3. God loves and cares about the poor.

(Luke 1:53 – 55) He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away

empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham

and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.

(Luke 4:18 – 19) The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to

proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the

prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim

the year of the Lord’s favor.

4. Caring makes a difference.

(Luke 1:54 – 55) He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to

Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.