A Child Is Born, A Son Is Given

 Wishlist

“A Christmas series that brings the wonder, joy, and meaning of Christ’s birth to life.”

Introduction:

Good morning friends. Welcome again to Eastern Shore Baptist Church. We are in the second week of a 5 week series entitled Wishlist. By the way, Merry Christmas. Christmas has always been my most favorite time of year. It is a time that is filled with so much hope, so much joy, so much expectation. 

Today’s message is entitled “A Child Is Born, A Son Is Given”. That phrase, “a Son is given” is a familiar statement around Christmas. Think about that for a second. I have three children. All three boys. They were born but they were not given. Many of you have children. You experienced their conception. You were there through the various stages of their growth. Then, when the time was right, they were born. Born but not given. 

Yes, children are a gift, but we don’t often use the word “given” in relation to our human children. Why? Let’s be honest, not all children are planned by their parents. Some children are…how do we say…surprises. 

So, why do we say “given” when we talk about Christmas? A child was indeed born. We know that to be true. Mary conceived a child, His name was to be Jesus. His earthly father was a man named Joseph. He was born, but this child was different than all other human children. Jesus would not just be born, He would be given. 

Something cannot be given unless it is planned. You see friends, Jesus’ birth was not a cosmic accident. The gift of the infant Messiah was preplanned, ordained by the ages, and wonderfully executed. 

Centuries before Jesus was born, it was foretold that His mother would conceive while being a virgin. 

Isaiah 7:14

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

We even knew where the Savior was to be born. He would not be born in a palace or a castle. He would not come to us by way of a ritzy, booming metropolis. No! Jesus would be born in Bethlehem of Judea. 

Micah 5:2 

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel…”

Rewind to the very first book of the Bible. Adam and Eve have sinned. God the Father, speaking to the serpent, tells him that one day one would come to demolish the stronghold of evil and proclaim victory to the world. 

Genesis 3:15

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

I could go on and on but I think that you are getting the picture. Jesus was not just born He was given. He was more than a child, more than a baby. His birth marked the entrance of man’s salvation into the world. 

Today’s Message:

“A Child Is Born, A King Is Given”

Do me a favor this morning. Fill in the blanks under “Today’s Thought”. Jesus’ birth promises a new path to God and a new perspective for living. 

Remember brothers and sisters, life was very different for humanity before Jesus’ entrance into the world. The world was a very dark place. God seemed distant. It was a world filled with sacrifices, rules, regulations, and man made traditions. 

Follow this! 

Do that! 

Don’t do that! 

Don’t go there, and definitely don’t speak to that person. 

You lived life never ever knowing if you had done enough. You would lay on your death bed wondering if you had been good enough to tip the scales of God’s justice away from wrath to God saying “well done”. There was no grace, little mercy, and lots of fear. 

Jesus being born promised a new way and brought with Him a new plan. It was no longer about what you did or what you didn’t do. It was now about what Jesus did for you on the cross. It was not about how hard you could work but it became about the work of Christ on the cross. It was no more about paying for your own sins, transferring your guilt to an animal. No! Jesus paid for our sins. We transferred our guilt to Him and He paid for them once and for all. 

Jesus’ arrival gave us hope, joy, peace, and fulfillment. He delivered a new perspective for life. Instead of living for ourselves, God now lives in us and works through us. Instead of hoping to catch of glimpse of God through the veil of the Holy of Holies, the Holy Spirit now is housed in our very spirits. The one day of the year where the priests made sacrifices to God on the alter, where they prayed for the forgiveness of the people’s sins, this was called the Day of Atonement, had now been exchanged for our ability to go confidently to God anytime, anywhere, and we could not bring anything to Him. 

All because of Jesus. 

Today’s Thought:

Jesus’s Birth Promises A New Path To God And A New Perspective For Living!

Tim Keller understood the gravity of Christ’s coming. Listen to what he stated in his book entitled “Hidden Christmas”.

Today’s Quote:

“The incarnation is the universe-sundering, history-altering, life-transforming, paradigm-shattering event of all time. God came to earth, and nothing will ever be the same. Christmas and the incarnation mean that God went to infinite lengths to make himself one whom we can know personally. Christmas, therefore, is the most unsentimental, realistic way of looking at life. The message of Christianity is, ‘Things really are this bad, and we can’t heal or save ourselves. Things really are this dark—nevertheless, there is hope.’” 

-Dr. Timothy Keller’s “Hidden Christmas”

Because of Jesus…there is always hope. 

Background and Context:

Alright, church, let’s set the scene. The story in Luke 1:26-33 takes us to a little town called Nazareth—an ordinary, quiet place where no one expected extraordinary things to happen. It’s six months after Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin, became pregnant with John the Baptist, and God sends the angel Gabriel to Mary, a young woman engaged to a carpenter named Joseph. Mary isn’t royalty. She’s not living in a palace or running in powerful circles. She’s just a teenager from a humble home, probably going about her everyday life when this divine interruption takes place.

The angel appears with a message that flips her world upside down. Gabriel says, “You have found favor with God. You’re going to have a child, and not just any child—the Son of the Most High.” This isn’t your average baby announcement. This is a declaration that the Savior of the world is coming through her. Gabriel tells her that her son, Jesus, will inherit the throne of David and reign forever. The long-awaited Messiah, the King of Kings, is about to step into history, and He’s coming through Mary—a girl no one would have picked, but God chose her.

Now, here’s what’s wild: Mary doesn’t freak out and run away. She listens. She questions, sure, but she stays. She’s told that Jesus will be great, that His kingdom will never end, and that God is about to use her life in the biggest way possible. This moment is more than a history lesson—it’s a moment of hope, not just for Mary but for us today. What Gabriel told Mary about Jesus is the foundation of our faith and should inspire how we live. Because if this is who Jesus is—the eternal King, the Savior, the Son of God—then our response, like Mary’s, should be surrender, trust, and bold obedience.

Statement of Belief:

We believe the Bible is inspired, infallible, and authoritative. It is vital for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. God’s Word brings life, peace, and protection, and it profoundly touches the human soul. As a unique and powerful book, let us stand in reverence and respect for it.

Today’s Scripture:

Luke 1:26-38 ESV

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, [27] to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. [28] And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" [29] But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. [30] And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. [31] And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. [32] He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, [33] and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." [34] And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" [35] And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy-the Son of God. [36] And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. [37] For nothing will be impossible with God." [38] And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

The Angel’s Information Is Our Inspiration!

First…The Angel’s Message Concerning Fear vs. 30

So friends, this interaction between Mary and Gabriel is one of the most fantastic experiences in all the Bible. This is one of only a handful of times we see people rubbing actual shoulders with angels. Let’s fill in a blank this morning. First, the angel’s message concerning fear. After all, that was the first thing that Gabriel said to Mary. 

And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

Before we dive into the message of the angel, let’s talk about angels for a second. 

First off, there are several types of angels in the Bible. We know from Scripture that there are different sorts of angels and they have different purposes. They have different reasons for being. We have the Cherubim. Theses Angela are the guardians of God’s presence and His holiness. We see these angels in the Garden of Eden. Then there are the Seraphim. These angels are the worshippers who proclaim God’s glory, like in Isaiah’s vision. We also see these angels in John’s Revelation. Next we have the Archangels. These angels are not to be trifled with or under estimated. These are the leaders among angels, like Michael, who are involved in spiritual warfare. We are introduced to Gabriel in Luke 1. Gabriel’s primary purpose, at least in Scripture, is to deliver messages to people from God. He is mentioned in Daniel 8 and 9. Then we see him again in Luke. 

What else do we know about angels? We know that they are imposing figures. We know their appearance is something all together unworldly. Angels aren’t the cute little babies with wings you see in Hallmark cards. These are mighty, supernatural beings created by God to carry out His will. When angels show up, they’re often messengers of life-altering news or instruments of God’s power. Their appearance alone is overwhelming, described as brilliant, shining, or like lightning. No wonder the first thing angels often say is, “Do not be afraid!” They’re not trying to scare anyone, but their sheer presence demands respect.

Angels in Scripture are awe-inspiring beings who demonstrate God’s power and purpose in remarkable ways. They serve as protectors, as agents of judgment. There is one story in 2 Kings 19:35 that illustrates the unbelievable power of angels. Just one angel, not two, not three…one angel struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night. The Assyrian army, at least in that day and age, were the most terrifying military fighting force in the world. One angel decimated their forces. What about the angels that engage in unseen spiritual battles? Gabriel is described in Daniel 10, where he fought against demonic forces with the help of Michael. Angels also rescue and deliver God’s people, as seen in Acts 12, when an angel freed Peter from prison. They reveal divine plans. Again we see Gabriel announcing to Mary the miraculous birth of Jesus. Around God’s throne, angels like the seraphim worship Him in glory, declaring His holiness. Angels are exceedingly large, extraordinarily awesome, unbelievable fearsome warriors. Angels can move between realities, spiritual and physical. They are insanely fast. They can cover huge distances in an instant. Their ability to move quickly allows them to carry out God’s commands without delay, whether it’s delivering a message or intervening in human affairs. Their speed is beyond anything we can imagine. Go back to the angel who laid waste the Assyrian army, all 185,000 of them. Revelation 5:11 tells us that there are thousands upon thousands of angels. Think of it in terms of humanity. There are roughly 8 billion people in the world. If we use the simple equation of 1 angel to 180,000 people, it would only take 43,000 angels to destroy the whole of humanity. 

While this is a hypothetical and sobering calculation, it showcases the sheer power of angels as God’s servants. It’s important to remember that angels act only on God’s command. Their immense power isn’t for destruction unless God wills it, as He did in specific instances like Sodom and Gomorrah or the Assyrian camp. Thanks be to God, angels are often sent to protect, deliver, and carry out God’s redemptive purposes for humanity.

I think that you are now getting the picture as to why Gabriel led his message from God by telling Mary to “fear not”. 

Fear not indeed! 

God did not send Gabriel to destroy humanity. Gabriel was not sent to lay waste. His was not a mission of destruction. Gabriel came bearing the greatest news the world has ever heard. A Savior was coming. He was already on His way. I don’t know how it happened. I don’t understand the physics and biology of it all. Somehow, someway, the shadow of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, generated human life in the womb of Mary. This mysteriously gifted life would bring life and light to all humans. 

Think about it: Mary was about to receive the most life-altering news imaginable. She’d be carrying the Son of God—the long-awaited Messiah. Her world would turn upside down, her reputation might be at risk, and her future would look very different. But Gabriel’s message was this: “You don’t have to be afraid because God is with you. You’ve been chosen. God’s favor is upon you.”

Now, what does that mean for us today? Let’s be real—we all face moments of fear. Maybe it’s fear of the unknown, fear of stepping into something new, or fear of what others might think. But here’s the deal: the same God who sent Gabriel to Mary is the same God working in your life. When He calls you to something, He doesn’t leave you to figure it out on your own. His favor, His presence, and His power go with you. Just as Gabriel said to Mary, “Do not be afraid,” God is saying the same to you today.

What fear is holding you back right now? Is it fear of failure, fear of the future, or fear that you’re not enough? Gabriel’s message reminds us that when God steps into our story, fear doesn’t get the final say. His plans are bigger, His power is stronger, and His promises are sure. So, like Mary, let’s say, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Because when we trust Him, fear loses, and faith takes over. God’s got this—and He’s got you!

I love how Isaiah puts the message of courage in the face of uncertainty in Isaiah 41:10. 

Isaiah 41:10 AMP

“Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].”

The Angel’s Information Is Our Inspiration!

First…The Angel’s Message Concerning Fear vs. 30

Next…The Angel’s Message Concerning Favor vs. 30

Remember folks, the angel’s information is our inspiration. First we have the angel’s message concerning fear. Next, we have the angel’s message concerning favor. 

Go back to verse 30. 

Luke 1:30 ESV

And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

For you have found favor with God. Let’s cover a few details about Mary. How in the world did this young, teenage girl, find favor in the eyes of God?

What was so special about Mary? 

Mary’s life was marked by her faith, humility, and willingness to surrender to God’s plan. She was young. There was nothing special about her. She lived in an unremarkable time. It was not a time of great advancement, industry, or technology. She did not come from anywhere special. Nazareth, at least by today’s standards, wouldn’t have been considered a one stop light town. By worldly standards, she was common, ordinary, un-special. What made Mary special was her heart. When the angel told her she would bear the Son of God, Mary didn’t shrink back in fear or doubt. Instead, she responded with obedience, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Her willingness to trust God, even when His plan seemed impossible, demonstrated a level of surrender and courage that reflected her deep relationship with Him. 

I’ll tell you something folks, I deeply admire Mary. I do. Mary was in her late 40’s most likely when Jesus died. As Jesus was on that cross, where was Mary? She was right there. Mary stood courageously, bravely, and boldly at the foot of Jesus’ cross. When everyone else fled, when Jesus’ friends left in fear, Mary stood stalwart. She was strong, resolute, unmoved by fear. 

You see friends, she was able to stand for her Son at the cross as fear swirled around her because she had faced fear before. She knew fear. When she became pregnant with Christ, Levitical law called either her banishment or for her to be stoned. Unwed pregnancy wasn’t just frowned upon during this day and time, it demanded severe punishment. 

Notice that this news of Mary’s pregnancy did not send Mary running for the hills. No way no how. Mary is someone that we could all learn a lesson or two from. 

I say all of this because there are lots of misconceptions about Mary. There are some mainline denominations that declare that Mary was perfect. She was not. Romans 3:23 states very clearly that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s perfect standard. That would include Mary. We also know that Mary was not perfect because she said so. In Luke 1:47 we hear Mary herself say, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Why would she rejoice in her Savior if she didn’t need saving? Brothers and sisters, there is just no Scriptural evidence that points to Mary being sinless. None. Zero. Trust me. I looked. Let me say this and I hope that you hear me, Mary’s role was special but it was not sinless. Another reason that I know that Mary was not perfect, that she was not sinless, is because she died. Physical death is the ultimate sign of sin. Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages, the payment, and the punishment for sin is death. Mary died and so will you and I. One last thing, Scripture repeatedly affirms that Jesus alone is without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:22). While Mary was undoubtedly a godly woman chosen by God for an extraordinary purpose, the focus of the Bible remains on Jesus as the one who was fully human and fully divine, living a sinless life to atone for humanity’s sin. 

Still she was favored! No denying that! The Greek word being used for “favor” is “chairs”. It means grace, kindness, goodwill, or in this case…favor. If you go to your Greek Lexicon, you will see these words, “charis conveys the idea of a gift freely given, unearned and undeserved”. You see brothers and sisters, Mary found favor with God not because of anything that she did. She found favor with God because God is a good, graceful, merciful and charitable God. Mary found favor because God grants favor and love to us His children. It was not that fact that Mary found favor, she did. But that’s not the entire story. It’s that the whole of humanity found favor and that favor would flow through her to all of us. 

The use of charis reminds us that God’s favor isn’t about our qualifications—it’s about His grace. Just as Mary was chosen by God to bring Jesus into the world, we, too, are recipients of His grace through Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace (charis) you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”

Gabriel’s words to Mary echo in our lives today: God’s favor and grace are with us—not because we deserve it, but because of who He is. His charis empowers us to live boldly, trusting that He equips us for whatever He calls us to do. So, just as Mary stepped into her calling with faith, we can walk confidently, knowing that God’s grace goes before us, surrounds us, and strengthens us.

Brothers and sisters, the message of Christmas is that you and I are highly favored, loved, and adored. This is the gift of Jesus at Christmas. 

Salvation! 

Psalm 84:11 NKJV

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.”

The Angel’s Information Is Our Inspiration!

First…The Angel’s Message Concerning Fear vs. 30

Next…The Angel’s Message Concerning Favor vs. 30

Lastly…The Angel’s Message Concerning The Future vs. 32-33

So, we hear the angel’s message concerning fear, then favor and now we hear the angel’s message concerning the future. Go back to verses 32 and 33. 

On July 22, 2013, the world celebrated the birth of Prince George Alexander Louis. This little boy, born to William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, captured the attention of millions. News cameras flashed, headlines announced his arrival, and books have already been written about his life, even though he’s just 11 years old. His birth was significant because one day, he’ll sit on the throne of Great Britain. His christening was steeped in tradition—royal robes, water from the River Jordan, and every detail perfectly orchestrated. It was a big deal.

But as remarkable as Prince George’s birth was to Great Britain, it doesn’t hold a candle to the birth of Jesus Christ. While Prince George might one day reign over a country, Jesus was born to reign forever. The angel told Mary in Luke 1:32-33, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” That’s not just any king—that’s the King of Kings. Jesus didn’t come to reign over a country but to bring hope, joy, and salvation to the whole world.

Now, let’s not miss what this means for us. Jesus’ birth wasn’t just for the people of His day; it was for all people, for all time—including you and me. Revelation 21:3-4 reminds us of the ultimate hope His reign brings: “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” That’s the future Jesus’ birth set into motion—a future where sin, suffering, and death are no more. That’s worth celebrating!

Isaac Watts penned “Joy to the World” back in 1719, a song meant to proclaim the joy of Jesus’ second coming. 

But over time, it’s become one of the most beloved Christmas hymns because it reminds us of the joy Jesus brought when He came the first time. That joy isn’t just for a season; it’s for eternity. No royal birth, no earthly tradition, no other story compares to the birth of Jesus Christ. His arrival brought good news of great joy for all people (Luke 2:10). So let’s celebrate!

God bless you friends…Merry Christmas! Tell His Story This Week!