If Mary were here, what would she say to us?

If Mary were here,what would she say to us? Luke 1:39-55

Introduction Sunday School teacher challenge: The next Sunday one of the boys brought in his letter to God: “Write a Letter to God” Dear God, We had such a good time at church today, wish You could have been there! Joey

Is God Here? “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, and holy is his name.” • Mary did not make that mistake – She knew that God was at work in her life and in the life of her cousin, Elizabeth. • Elizabeth knew it too – notice her greeting to Mary: • Mary answered Elizabeth with this song; “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb…”

If Mary were here, she would say… • Life is hard – the Family’s early travel “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be taxed with Mary his wife, being great with child…”

Mediterranean Sea The Land Of the Samaritans 120 12 Day Trip 95

Mary should have known that her life would be NO picnic. But how could she have? • She never would have imagined the harrowing experiences surrounding the birth of this child; • Even today, there are similar stories; • Some years later, Mary and Joseph with their toddler are forced to flee to Egypt to escape King Herod’s wrath; • Two major trips; two different lands – Moving is NO fun!

Martin Luther’s Comment The next 12 years, Mary and Joseph had five more children and lived in Nazareth. Life Can Be Very Hard

You may not recognize this man… Isaac Watts • Puny and sickly at birth; • Later, as a Pastor, he was often too sick to perform his duties; • So, he wrote letters to his members; • Complained about the poor hymns of the day; • He wrote some 600 hymns; • He finally died in 1748; “Joy to the World”

If Mary were here, she would say… • Yes, life is hard, but GOD is GOOD! • Like Mary, we are humbled by God’s attention and love for us. • Like Mary, we respond with gratitude and praise – God is Great & God is Good! “God 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 – and holy is His name.”

If Mary were here, she would say… • Love and Life are stronger than Hate and Death; • In Bethlehem with the slaughter of the children; • In Newtown, CT., with the slaughter of 20 school children and 6 teachers; • At Calvary, as Mary watched her Son breath His last; • But, does hate and death have the last word? Absolutely Not!

If Mary were here, she would say… • Love and Life are stronger than Hate and Death; • King Herod and Pilate are dead and buried; • But Mary’s Son, Jesus Lives; • Jesus will come again to take us to heaven;

Mary Ann O’Roark

If Mary were here, she would say… • Yes, life is hard; • But God is Good; • And Love and Life are stronger than hate and death.

If Mary were here, what would she say to us?