Sermon, November 19, 2006 AM

Introduction
1. To the Christian, Thanksgiving is not just a holiday but a lifestyle
  1. Thanks-giving is a thermometer of our spiritual health
  2. Thanks-giving produces joy
  3. Joy is a matter of the spirit
2. How do we get Joy?
  1. Joy is the result of the Holy Spirit being in control of our lives.
  2. Guiding our thinking, actions and relationships
  3. The price of joy is obedience and expectancy
    
    (26) “In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,”
    
    (27) “to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.”
    
    (28) “The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’”
Action Steps To Joyful Thanksgiving
1. Background
  1. Mary had 3 expectations that brought her joy
2. First - Mary Expected God’s Favor -vs. 26-33
  
  (26) “In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,”
  
  (27) “to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.”
  1. Disapproval can rob us of joy
  2. The Bible teaches us to expect God’s favor
3. Second - Mary Expected God To Do The Impossible - vs. 34-37
  
  (34) “‘How will this be’, Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’”
  
  (35) “The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”
  
  (36) “Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.”
  
  (37) “For nothing is impossible with God.’”
  1. Nothing is impossible for God!
4. Third - Mary Expected God To Keep His Promises - v. 38
  
  (38) “‘I am the Lord's servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.”
Conclusion
1. Thanksgiving is a Choice

“Joyful Thanksgiving”