Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post.

Text: Luke 1:26-38

Title: The Miraculous Gift

Introduction: The question on the floor is “What if.” What If Jesus Never Came? What’s the big deal?

Toward the end of the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life, George Bailey cries out, “I want to live again! I want to live again!” Immediately he’s flashed from the previous scene and finds himself standing once more on the snow-covered iron bridge where earlier he had considered suicide: the dark swirling river below.

With help from Angel Second Class Clarence Oddbody, George had just discovered, to his horror, what life would be like had he never been born.

Anyone who’s watched this film can recall how without George Bailey the quaint town of Bedford Falls is reduced to Pottersville (ooh). It’s a creepy place. Main street is suddenly a red-light district with loud music and the flashing of flesh-peddling neon signs. Life is dark. All because George had never been born.

One person can make an enormous difference in the lives of others.

I. A Startling Appearance—vs. 26-29

A. An appointed time—v.26

B. An angelic messenger

C. The attentive recipient

1. Mary was a pure woman—vs. 27, 34

2. Mary was a prepared woman—…of the house of David.” v.27

3. Mary was a preferred woman—v. 28

II. A Spectacular Announcement—vs. 30–33

A. The coming of a Child—vs.30–31a

B. The coronation of a King—vs. 31b-33

1. His name—v. 31b

2. His position—v. 32a

3. His Rule—vs. 32c–33

III. A Supernatural Act—vs.34–38

A. A supernatural conception—vs.34-37

1. The miracle described

2. The miracle determined—vs. 36–37

B. A surrendered servant—v. 38