Christ Is Born!

Sermon on Christmas Eve 2008: Christ is born

Birth: Luke 2:1-7

* Down-to-earth story

* Political context

* Not a cute family scene, but privacy issues

* The powers of the time: Roman Emperor and Governor, Oppressors

* Joseph and Mary humbled themselves and followed the order to be registered

* Not just a good law-abiding family, but not married; they even lied at the registration, filing: Jesus, son of Joseph, although we all know, he is the son of God.

* And why did they have to lay this poor child in a manger? It’s not said that they were too poor to afford a decent place, but there simply was no place in the inn. Come on: They knew she was pregnant. Traveling with an expecting woman you make reservations, don’t ya?! At least arrange with relatives.

* God humbled himself to be part of this mess! How deep is his love?

Angels: Luke 2:8-14

* After this down-to-earth birth story it is refreshing to look up into the heavens

* “Glory to God in the highest”

* Our reason to celebrate Christmas: God becomes human being

* That’s why Santa is coming down the chimney and brings joy to every home

* Like the Angles back then

* “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

* No, hold on: Santa separates the naughty and nice according to their deeds

* With God it’s a whole different story: “peace among those whom he favors”

* You who worship today are favored by God, because you came to hear the angels sing and give glory to God in the highest.

Shepherds: Luke 2:15-20

* We are back were we started: down-to-earth

* Those shepherds sure were down-to-earth guys

* Live on a day-to-day

* Don’t know what tomorrow’s gonna bring: job, family, occupied land, sickness

* That night they knew exactly what was gonna happen

* Their life suddenly had a direction, a meaning, something to rely on: Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is born!