Mary was chosen by God.



14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14, KJV).



26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS (Luke 1:26-31, KJV).


B. Mary was an example of holiness and virtue.


She was highly favored.


She was blessed among women.


C. Mary was an example of faith in God.


1 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word (Luke 1:38, KJV).


14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren (Acts 1:14, KJV).


D. Mary was an example of a suffering saint.


19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart (Luke 2:19, KJV)).


25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!


27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home (John 19:25-27, KJV).

E. Mary was saved by Grace through faith in her son and God's Son.


46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,


47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour (Luke 1:46-47, KJV).


44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:44, KJV).


CONCLUSION:


Mary is an example of faith and humility.

Mary is an example of obedience.

Mary is an example of holiness

Mary is an example of perseverance

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This is the outline of the Christmas sermon Dr. Harold Carpenter preached 15 December 2002. Dr. Carpenter and his wife served as missionaries for twenty years. Dr. Carpenter also taught missions for twenty years at Central Bible College. God bless you and your family.

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