Mary herself testifies against her adoration. In Luke 1: 46-48a, she states, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior, for He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden." In these verses, Mary magnifies God - not herself. She speaks of God as her Savior - not of her being sinless. She refers to herself as a lowly handmaiden of the Lord - not as one to be worshipped and adored.

We commemorate Christ's birth each year at Christmas. The four weeks prior to Christmas are termed "Advent weeks." During these weeks, "Advent sermons" are delivered which concentrate upon the approaching birth of Christ.

Near the North Pole, the night season (when the sun remains below the horizon) lasts for several months. When the day is to dawn in which the sun will appear over the horizon, messengers from a local community climb to the top of the highest hill to watch for the first appearance of the sun.

When sighting the first rays, they embrace one another and cry, "Behold - the sun! Behold - the sun!"

The Advent weeks can be compared to climbing the hill and looking with anticipation for the Sun of Righteousness - Jesus Christ. Christmas is His appearance.

When examining the Christmas story, how many examples of the "light dispelling darkness theme" can you find?

How can this same theme be seen experientially in conversion? After experiencing the darkness of personal sin, why is the dawning of the Sun of Righteousness very precious?