December 22, 2024
Series: The Great Gift Exchange

Sermon: Give God Your Grief and He'll Give You His Joy

Scripture: Luke 1:39-47

'At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, '

INTRODUCTION: Grief doesn't have to become your grave.

What is grief?

Grief is the emotional response to loss.

What should we do with grief?

ANSWER: Open the door of our hearts to Jesus

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. -Revelation 3:20

• Elizabeth open the door to Mary
• Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting
• Elizabeth's baby leaped
• Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit

Conclusion: Jesus wants to turn our grief to joy.