Advent Sermon Series: Seasons
A Season of Joy
Pastor George Stephens | December 14, 2025
“And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 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, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”” (Luke 1:30–33, ESV)
The Joy of God’s Grace
Catching the Eye of God
Noah - “These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.” (Genesis 6:9, ESV)
Job - “There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” (Job 1:1, ESV)
The Thing About God’s Favor (Grace) … We Don’t Deserve it.
The Joy of God’s Authority
Participating in the Work of God
Moses - “Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”” (Exodus 3:10–11, ESV)
Mary - “And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 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. 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. For nothing will be impossible with God.” 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.” (Luke 1:34–38, ESV)
The Joy of God’s Gift
- A Savior
- A Son of God
- A Sovereign Forever
Questions:
1. When did God last show you favor?
2. What has God done lately in your life that just makes you sit back and give thanks for His work?
3. Who needs to hear about God’s grace in your circle of friends?
