Is Christ still in the Manger?
Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Luke 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
Luke 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
Luke 2:4 And 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:)
Luke 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
Luke 2:7 And 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.
Introduction: We need to understand that the Birth of Christ is an important event for the world. Without the birth of Christ there’s no sinless sacrifice for our sins. Without the birth of Christ we would all be condemned to hell!!!! I also want to say how thankful I am that at this time of year the world acknowledges the Birth of Christ. However, is that the end of the story? Is that all there is in the story of Christ?
I. Christ was indeed a babe in the manger but, he was so much more!!!! Matthew 1:18-23
A. Born of a virgin
B. Born without sin
C. Born to die
II. Christ purpose in his birth
A. Did this happen to give everyone a feel good story?
1) “The underdog who came from the depths of poverty and overcame being born in a “Barn” and using a “feed trough” for a crib. There’s more to the Christmas story than an inn keeper turning away a pregnant lady and her husband as she is preparing for birth.
B. He literally was born to die!!!
1) John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
2) 1Pet 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
3) Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
4) 1John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
5) Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
III. Is Jesus Still in the manger?
A. The answer is a resounding NOOOO!!!!
1) He grew into a young man
Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2:41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. Luke 2:42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. Luke 2:43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. Luke 2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. Luke 2:45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. Luke 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. Luke 2:47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. Luke 2:48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. Luke 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? Luke 2:50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. Luke 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
2) He lived a life without sin!!!!
Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
1Pet 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
3) He gave himself as a sacrifice for sin
John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.
Heb 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
4) He rose again the third day
Matt 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Matt 28:7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
Acts 17:3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
5) Christ is Coming back!!!!
Mark 14:62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
1Thess 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Conclusion: The question I leave you with is this in very simplistic terms; Is the Christ you serve, STILL IN THE CRIB? STILL ON THE CROSS? OR IS HE COMING BACK?
