The Supernatural Power of Christmas

Luke 1:26-38

(v28 – The Lord is With you)

a. Matthew 1:22-23

b. deism – believes the Lord is distant and not with us

4 Levels of God’s Presence

1. The manifest presence of the Lord – can be seen, felt & experienced. It is tangible

2. the Heavenly Presence of the Lord – the fullness of the presence of the Lord in heaven

3. Omnipresence – this is the Lord being everywhere at once

4. The Abiding presence – this is the presence of God that is with and on the believer as they spend time with Jesus…

-The abiding presence of the Lord defeats the spirit of fear – Is 43:1-3 & Psalm 91

(v3- “do not be afraid Mary…”)…………

Psalm 91

v1 – He – the born again believer

dwells – to remain and stay in fellowship with the Lord

who – this is a choice

Most High – El Elyon – the highest of all highs…above all gods
v1b – when you are in fellowship with the lord, you are in the shade and are refreshed
refuge – a city consisting of many bldgs. This protects us from large attacks from the enemy
fortress – this is one bldg that protects us from small attacks from the enemy
vs 3-4 – feathers – small attacks from the enemy
wings – large attacks from the enemy
v5 – when are we protected – morning…noon and night

“YOU WILL NOT BE AFRAID” = the presence of the Lord defeats the spirit of fear…
v7 – fear will not come near the believer in fellowship with the Lord

Some Points About The Presence Of The Lord

Example: Joseph – Genesis 39:19-23
(1) THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD DOE SNOT MAKE US IMMUNE TO ADVERSITY

a. Mary went through great adversity, but God was with her

b. all believers will go through great times of adversity

c. Joseph went through great times of adversity
(2) THE PRESENCE OF GOD RESTS UPON PEOPLE WHO PLEASE HIM – Luke 1:26-30

v30 – for you have found favor with God —God is pleased with you.”

Why was the Lord pleased with Mary?

1. Purity – she kept herself for the right person

2. Mary loved the Lord more than anyone else – Luke 1:26-56

***when the Lord found a person like Mary, He put His presence on her………

(3) THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD PRODUCES BLESSINGS – Genesis 39:20-23

***Blessings come from the Lord when His presence rests upon your life
Example: Joseph

vs2,23 – prosperity – advancing in wealth and growth and good things

v2 – successful – wisdom which comes from the Lord

v4 – favor which brings promotion

v5 – blessings upon others

vs20-21 – protection