These notes accompany the sermon found here.

There are three hymns in the birth narrative:

• The Magnificat, Luke 1:46-56.
• The Benedictus, Luke 1:68-79.
• The Nunc Dimittis, Luke 2:29-32.

Today:  A contrast between the groups on either side of the division that Jesus causes.  See Luke 2:14, 2:34, Isa. 8:14; Matt. 10:34, 21:44; John 9:39; 1 Cor. 1:23-24; 2 Cor. 2:16; 1 Pet. 2:8-9.

The Proud

• Scattered, Luke 1:51. See Psalm 33:10; Isaiah 8:10:  Emmanuel;  Isaiah 36-37; Daniel 4:37;  James 4:6, 10.
• Brought down, Luke 1:52. See 1 Samuel 2:1-10, 17; Psalm 2.
• Sent away empty, Luke 1:53. See Matthew 19:16-30; Psalm 107:41, 113:6-8;
• They have no fear, and receive no mercy, Luke 1:50. See Exodus 20:3-7; Proverbs 9:10, 15:33.

The Humble

• Magnify, Luke 1:46. See Psalm 34:2-3, 69:30; Acts 10:46; 19:17; 1 Samuel 2:1-10.
• Rejoice, Luke 1:47. See Isaiah 61:10; Psalm 35:9; Habakkuk 3:18.
• Are looked upon, Luke 1:48. See Psalm 138:6, 139; Luke 9:38; Romans 8:28.
• Are called blessed, Luke 1:48.
• Have had great things done for them, Luke 1:49.
• Receive mercy, Luke 1:50. See Luke 18:9-14.
• Are exalted, Luke 1:52. See Psalm 107:40-41, 113:7-8; James 4:10.
• Are filled, Luke 1:53, 6:20-26. See Psalm 34:10, 107:9.
• Are helped, Luke 1:54, 1:72-73. See Hebrews 2:16; Isaiah 44:21, 49:3; Psalm 98:3; Micah 7:20.

Encouragements

• Humbly receive the glad tidings of Christmas. See Mary as an example, Luke 1:38.
• Announce the coming of the Messiah – Christ, Jesus our Lord.  Invite others to receive Him.  John 1:12.

Consider this hymn:  The Magnificat, by Keith Getty, Krystyn Getty, and Stuart Townsend. Based on Luke 1:46-56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6nAsESYPiY