As we explore the Christmas story from various passages in the Bible, along the way we observe men and women who display a sense of marvel at what God is doing. What these individuals see, and experience is a sense of astonishment, wonder, even awe, a characteristic response to the incredible ways in which the Sovereign God reveals himself and his works to reinforce, affirm, and assert his glorious plan of salvation.

Like the experience of men and women surrounding the Resurrection account, the scenes encompassing the Incarnation are no less breath-taking and God-revealing.

Below is a suggested sermon series that traces the responses of those who encounter the amazing revelation of God’s plan of the birth of the Savior. Preachers in search of a slightly different approach to presenting the Incarnation story will find in these vignettes the very human reaction to the heavenly message of God’s love for the world by the sending of the Messiah.

The four sermons presented below feature several participants in the events of the Incarnation. First, Mary’s reaction to the overwhelming angelic message. Second, Joseph’s fear of taking the pregnant Mary to be his wife was explained by the angel—quelling his panic. Third, the response of the ordinary shepherds to the extraordinary event in the hills of Bethlehem and at the stable provides yet another angle of astonishment. Fourth, when Jesus was presented at the temple, Mary and Joseph encountered two prophets—Simeon and Anna—who amazed them with their prophetic confirmation.

The Marvel of Mary (Luke 1:26-28)

The teenage Mary was minding her own business as she awaited marriage to Joseph, a descendant of David. While alone, suddenly, an angel of God appeared to her to tell her of God’s favor on her life—and that this favor meant that she would give birth to a son, his name would be Jesus, and that this son would be “called the Son of the Most High.” The angel further revealed that her son Jesus will be the One who shall sit on the throne of David as the everlasting King.

One is not surprised by Mary’s response: “How shall this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34). She was amazed, even bewildered. Then the angel heaped upon Mary the amazing, clarifying news that “the power of the Most High [that’s God himself] will over shadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35).

The marvel of this revelation to Mary was astounding for her—fear overwhelmed her. Yet, the reassuring words from the angel gave her confidence to trust God by faith, even though it was astonishing. She fearfully replied, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38), an expression of worship.

God interrupts lives with astounding news, and we can respond with obedient wonder.

The Marvel of Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25)

Joseph, too, had an angelic visitor who clarified for the worried and doubting fiancé whether or not he should marry the pregnant Mary. One could sympathize with the well-established-in-the-community Joseph. He pledged himself to the young Mary but discovered to his amazement that she was already pregnant.

Her story about being overcome by “the power of the Most High” must have been too much for Joseph to bear, let alone comprehend. Fear captivated him—most likely fear of losing his soon-to-be-bride, fear of the community, fear of losing his reputation, the fear of shame, among other aspects of fear.

Not only did these fears follow Joseph into his sleep, during a dream God communicated to this fearful soul the marvel of his plan—that the boy in her womb is the fulfillment of prophecy whose name is Jesus—Immanuel— “who will save his people from their sin” (Matt. 1:21). God’s angel assured Joseph, “Do not be afraid to take home Mary as your wife” (Matt. 1:20). God knew Joseph’s fears—and even the marvelous fear he would experience in the presence of an angel.

The fear-calming plan of God stretches throughout the centuries and even Joseph and his fears were included in the amazing details as revealed to him. This is marvelous!

God’s plan of salvation is a marvel to see unfold in the lives of men and women.

The Marvel of the Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)

The shepherds were minding their own business—it was their business to tend their sheep. That is exactly what they were doing when the darkness of night was punctuated with the brightness of the sudden appearing of an angel. This angel told them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12).

The angel said, “Do not be afraid,” and we might respond, “Really?” The average shepherd did not traffic among angels. The shepherds were bowled over. But this marvel, this amazement, did not stop with the first angel who appeared “with the glory of the Lord” all around them. The glorious heavenly presence enfolded the lowly shepherds.

Not only that, but also the marvel was compounded as the angel of glory was joined by a heavenly multitude that filled the entire night sky. This heavenly chorus sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!” (Luke 2:14). Afraid, yes. Amazed, for sure. Moved to marvel, absolutely.

The common class of shepherd was among the first to learn about the birth of the Messiah. Outcast, on the outskirts of society these low-born herders made their way to the Bethlehem stable to see the promise of the ages lying in the manger.

Not only were these lowly shepherds numbered among the first to learn about the birth of Christ, but also they were among the first to preach the coming of the Savior: “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them” (Luke 2:20).

Shepherds show us God’s amazing work through people we would not expect, for that is how God works!

God chooses the lowly to show the marvels of his salvation for all kinds of people.

The Marvel of the Prophets (Luke 2:21-40)

Mary and Joseph were simply following the requirements of the Law by taking the infant Jesus to be circumcised (Luke 2:21-25; 39). They made their way to Jerusalem to consecrate him before the Lord and make the expected sacrifice, their humble offering of two doves and two pigeons.

Little did the couple know that the Lord was working in the lives of two prophets—Simeon and Anna—present among the bustling crowd who were at the temple that day. Simeon spied Mary, Joseph, and the young Jesus as they were fulfilling their vows, and being prompted by the Holy Spirit he spoke powerful words of confirmation about the baby:

Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel. (Luke 2:29-32)

Not only did the words of Simeon underscore the salvific role of the holy infant, but another prophet gave a second confirmation. The aged prophetess Anna also came up to the couple and “gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38).

Luke records, “The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him” (Luke 2:33), and we can, too.

God’s marvelous plan of salvation is confirmed by words from the prophets.

Conclusion

These snapshots of wonder capture some of the amazing moments in the story of God’s redemptive plan. This suggested series can aid preachers as they shepherd their congregation through the familiar territory of the Christmas season, leading up to the celebration of the Incarnation.

Perhaps this series will provide a fresh way to help listeners who might be all too familiar with the Christmas story to marvel once again for the very first time at the marvel of the Incarnation.

Scott M. Gibson is the Professor of Preaching and holder of the David E. Garland Chair of Preaching at Baylor University/Truett Seminary in Waco, Texas. He also served as the Haddon W. Robinson Professor of Preaching and Ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts, where he was on faculty for twenty-seven years.