A Song of Joy

December 15, 2024 | Luke 1.39-55 | Rob Collis

It was in the depths of darkest night when it happened. The fire they had lit to keep them warm had calmed to a cool ember. The sheep were close at hand, and everything was quiet. Into this dark, cold night – in the fields, far from town – an angel appeared, trumpeting good news of great joy. The Messiah was born!

But before there was ever a manger or a donkey, the pregnant virgin or the angel – before any of these things could become good news, God’s people were found waiting.

As we continue our journey through Advent, Rob Collis preaches from Luke 1.39-55, where we learn about Mary’s encounter with Elizabeth, and how Mary became the first person to really hear and receive the Christmas message – It was the message that God is coming to earth, to be God with us. And as she came to understand this message, she couldn’t keep it in: She burst into song. It was the first song about Christmas – the very first Christmas carol. In this sermon, Rob explores the back story to Mary’s Christmas Carol, and unpacks what Mary actually sings about.