Listen to last week’s sermon entitled 4 Messages from the Virgin Birth found in Luke 1.

As we embark on the season of celebration and reflection, the timeless Christmas narrative comes alive once more. In sermons, plays, concerts, and festive songs, the familiar story unfolds, weaving together the elements of angels, wise men, shepherds, and, of course, the Virgin birth.

The Virgin Birth – Beyond a Footnote.

To discuss Christmas without delving into the Virgin birth is akin to narrating a story without its most pivotal chapter. Far from being a mere footnote or a quaint fairy tale, the Virgin birth is the heartbeat of the entire narrative. In contemplating the Virgin birth, individuals take varied stances—some embrace it wholeheartedly, some mock it, and others remain indifferent. Glen Scrivener aptly encapsulates this diversity, noting that

Christians believe in the virgin birth of Jesus, while atheists believe in the virgin birth of the universe. Choose your miracle.

For those who anchor their faith in the infallible word of the Bible, the Virgin birth is a cornerstone. It signifies the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, as exemplified in Isaiah 7:14. It confirms Christ’s identity as the Son of the Most High, as articulated in Matthew 1:20-23. Moreover, it represents a sinless conception, where the divine intersects with the ordinary, and the extraordinary meets the ordinary.

Four Insights from the Virgin Birth Sermon:

1. If God Is For You, Who Can Be Against You.

Drawing inspiration from Luke 1:26-38, the sermon emphasizes the challenges faced by Mary and Joseph—cultural pressures, religious skepticism, and political threats. However, the resounding message is encapsulated in verse 28:

Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!

This serves as a reminder that if God is for you, societal opinions and challenges pale in significance.

2. Christianity is Everything But Ordinary.

The narrative underscores the extraordinary nature of Christianity. The concept of a virgin birth challenges individuals to accept a reality beyond human understanding. This is a call to embrace the extraordinary nature of the Christian faith and live counter-culturally in reflection of God’s radical love.

3. Surrendering to God’s Will.

Mary’s profound surrender to the angel’s message,

Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word,

challenges contemporary notions of strength. Surrendering to God’s will demands immeasurable courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to obedience.

4. Don’t Rely on Men for What Only God Can Do.

The Virgin birth serves as a potent reminder that God, recognizing humanity’s inability to meet His standards, took the initiative to become the Savior. By bypassing the natural process of human conception, God demonstrates His extraordinary response to humanity’s profound need for redemption.

Watch the full sermon below: