Is there room at the Table for… FAMILY?

12/4/05 AM

Pastor Brad Dyrness

Sparks Nazarene Church

Christmas is one of those times when we make room at our table for family. 

Luke:1:26-45

Was Mary really a Virgin when she became pregnant?

What does the Word say? 

Matt 1:18, 20, 24 - Luke 1:34, 35, 37

For nothing is impossible with God.

This is scandalous, Mary goes to Bethany, outside Jerusalem, to visit Elizabeth.

Who is this Elizabeth and how does she come into this story?

1.      Elizabeth would understand her situation  Luke 1:41-42 

2.      Confirmed what God was doing Luke 1:44-45 

There was no condemnation but only encouragement!  …I believe in you!

3.      She rejoiced in Mary's news.  Luke 1:43

4.  Stood by her in her time of need Luke 1:56 

Luke 1:46-55 are a response to Elizabeth's involvement in Mary's life.

Then Elizabeth doesn't show up again in the Word.  But her son does… John the Baptist.

So What?

Make room at our table for family.

Christmas is a time when we are reminded to be there for our families.  Not in a way that compromises our spiritual lives. But like Elizabeth:

1.  Seeking to understand where they are coming from.    

That may involve forgiving them.

There is no better gift to give at Christmas than a restored relationship!

2.  Look for what God is doing in their lives and join Him in it. 

Work with Him, not against Him.

3.  Rejoice in the good that is happening in their lives! 

4.  Offer your help when they are hurting and just need someone to stand with them. 

I will help you up, but I won't bail you out. 

Don't block the consequences that will teach them, but don't stand back and snicker either!

85 - 90 % of people who come to God come because a family member showed them the way.

Be an Elizabeth to your family and make sure they know there is room for them at His table.