Christmas Is About The Lord Jesus Christ

THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS Luke 2: 1-16

Christmas, though it has been much corrupted and commercialized over the years, is still a pleasant time at the end of the year. It’s a time when people seem to focus on others a little bit more than at other times of the year.

Christmas has largely become synonymous with giving. It was God’s loving gift of His Son that is supposed to be the reason for the season.

· Today for a little while I want us to consider the Christ of Christmas.

Luke 2: 1-16

1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

. 15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Christ was BORN AT AN APPROPRIATE PERIOD

Gal.4: 4 “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,”

The words “the fullness of the time” make reference “to that time when the world was providentially ready for the birth of the Saviour.”

God is always on time. The birth of Christ took place at just the right time.

Christ could not have not have been born into the world at a more opportune period.

This “time” was when the Roman civilization had brought peace and a road system which helped people as they traveled; also at this “time” when Grecian civilization provided a language which was adopted as the common language of the empire.

Not only was the birth of Jesus on God’s perfect timetable, but also He lived out His whole life on God’s schedule.

Daniel 9: 25 tells us that there would be 483 years between the decree to rebuild Jerusalem, which took place in 445 B.C., and the advent of “Messiah the Prince.” And Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem—exactly 483 years after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem.

God sent His Son into the world at just the right time.

· Listen as I read to you this poem:

“Mary Had The Little Lamb”

Mary had the little Lamb, who lived before His birth;

Self-existent Son of God, from Heaven He came to Earth.

Mary had the little Lamb; see Him in yonder stall —

Virgin-born Son of God, to save man from the fall.

Mary had the little Lamb, obedient Son of God;

Everywhere the Father led, His feet were sure to trod.

Mary had the little Lamb, crucified on the tree

the rejected Son of God, He died to set men free.

Mary had the little Lamb—men placed Him in the grave,

Thinking they were done with Him; to death He was no slave!

Mary had the little Lamb, ascended now is He;

All work on Earth is ended, our Advocate to be.

Mary had the little Lame—mystery to behold!

From the Lamb of Calvary, a Lion will unfold.

When the Day Star comes again, of this be very sure: