Part 1 - Breath of Hope

Luke 1:26-38

May God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace through your faith in Him. Then you’ll overflow with hope… Rom. 15:13 (GWT)

Hopelessness: Cause and Effect

Fatigue: When we are exhausted, hope gives us fresh energy.
Frustration: When we lose our way, hope gives direction to the destination.
Fairness: When we are forced to sit and wait, hope gives us the patience to trust.
Failure: When we are tempted to quit, hope keeps us going.
Friends: When we feel rejected and abandoned, hope reminds us we’re not alone, and that we’ll make it.
Fear: When we fear the worst, hope reminds us that God is still in control.
Friction: When we must endure the consequences of bad decisions, hope fuels our recovery.

Why Mary might have felt a sense of hopelessness…

She wasn’t married

She lived in occupied territory

Her plans were censured by a census

She had no support system

There was no room in the inn

Her hope was made sure in light of prophecy

Gen. 3:15 – The seed of the woman will crush the head of Satan

Gen. 49:10 – The scepter will not depart from Judah

Gen. 12:1 – Messiah would come from the nation of Israel

2 Sam. 7 – The Deliverer would come from the house and lineage of David.

Micah 5:2 – From out of you O Bethlehem…

Isaiah 7:14 – A virgin shall conceive…

Psalm 72:10 – Wise men bring you tribute… and kings bow down

Her hope was made sure in light of history

The dispersion of the Jews

The favourable legal climate

The favourable political climate

The favourable cultural climate

The favourable philosophical climate

In hope she offered:

Her purity: God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. vs. 26

Her character: The angel greeted Mary and said, “You are truly blessed! The Lord is with you.” Mary… wondered what they meant. Then the angel told Mary, “Don’t be afraid! God is pleased with you…” vs. 28, 29

Her availability: Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant!” vs. 38

Her obedience: “I am willing to accept whatever He wants. May everything you have said come true.” vs. 38

How will you respond to God’s breath of hope?

Will you think you don't need it?

Will you figure it's for someone else?

Will you let it pass you by?

Will you wait for it?

Will you receive it?

Will you give it? How?

What kind of breath will you give to others this Christmas?

You can’t give what you haven’t got.