Recap of Last Week’s Message-- The Reason for Christmas (Gen. 3:15)
The Realization of Christmas (Luke 2:1-20)-- Luke 2:1-20
Introduction
May well be the most familiar and beloved portion all the Gospels.
The story is old, but it is ever new; and Christians never tire of it.
Jesus’ birth took place in humble circumstances
Everyone connected with His birth was responsive to the Will of God.
A young virgin and her fiancée, a young carpenter
I. An Unstoppable Destiny (1-5)
An Immediate Command
• Decree from the Roman Empire to be counted
• The purpose of the census was to levy taxes
• A vast empire- taking count of their spoils
An Inherited Past
Mary said “Be it unto me according to Thy word” (Luke 1:38)
The fulfillment of divine prophecy--
• The Saviour would be a human, not an angel (Gen. 3:15; Heb. 2:16)
• The Savior would be a Jew, not a Gentile (Gen. 12:1–3; Num. 24:17).
• The Savior would be born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14)
• The Savior would be from the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10)
• The Savior would be of the family of David (2 Sam. 7:1–17),
• The Savior would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David (Micah 5:2).
An Imminent Future
• Caesar was ruling, but God was in charge
• If Mary remains in Nazareth, prophecy fails
• God’s Word fulfilled by unsuspecting accomplice (Micah 5:2; Acts 15:18)
• Caesar’s command moved Mary and Joseph 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem
• Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was ordained by God a long time ago.
II. An Uncommon Child (6-7)
Born in a Stable
In Mary's Condition—the journey would be a difficult and slow one
• By the time they arrived the inn was fully occupied
• By the time they arrived the inn was fully occupied
• By the time they arrived the inn was fully occupied
Bundled in Rags
• (7) Common practice for mothers to wrap infants in bands of cloth
• Swaddling gave strength & protection to baby’s arms and legs
• This was the way the shepherds would recognize the infant (12)
Bedded in a Trough
• (7) A bed of necessity-- Probably a stone trough for feeding animals
• A Strange Birth
***No doctors crowding around ***No sounds of other babies crying only animals milling about
• Luke 9:58—Nowhere to lay his head
POEM
Wrapt in His swaddling-bands—And in His manger laid— The hope and glory of all lands— Is come to the world’s aid—No peaceful home upon His cradle smiled-- Guests rudely went & came where slept the royal Child.
***Not all guests fit that poem
***God sent visitors of His own to honor His Son
III. An Unlikey Audience (8-14)
Announced by an Angel
• A single angel appears to announce the birth of Jesus
• Good tidings of great joy
• Unto you is born this day
• Isaiah 9:6
• The Word is made Flesh (Jn 1:14)
• A Saviour
Attended by Shepherds
• Why to Shepherds?-- Outcasts to many-- living on the outskirts
• The Ordinary-- The Poor-- The Lowly
• Because Shepherds would understand
***The Saviour "The Lamb of God"-- Destined to die for our sins
***The Sacrifice that would be required
Acclaimed by Heaven
• For the first time in centuries- God's Glory returned to Earth
• A heavenly host (an army of angels)-- Not to conquer but to celebrate
• A Saviour, a King of Peace had come
***While the manger was silent-- ***The Hills resounded with shouts of joy
***Far away from the crowds of the city-- ***A heavenly celebration is taking place
IV. An Unreserved Response (15-20)
The Eagerness of the Shepherds
• Go Now-- With Haste
***The First Christmas Rush
The Encounter with the Baby
• Searched with purpose-- Found the Stable-- Found the Baby
• Knew what to look for
***Received the message—responded
The Exalting of the Newborn King
• Shared their heavenly visitation
• This baby is the Saviour
• Became first missionaries
• Telling others was obligation & privilege
Conclusion
***What is Your Response to Christmas***
• Are you going thru the motions
• Are you joyful
• Are Your Shouts?
***In Happiness
***In Anger
