Video Transition: Simply Christmas
Sermon: Simply Christmas (The 3 Journey’s, of the Christmas Story)
Scriptures:
Luke 2:1-7: Journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem
Matthew 2:1-18: Journey from Bethlehem to Egypt
Matthew 2:19-23: Journey from Egypt to Nazareth
Psalm 23
Thesis: Unexpected Journey’s are part of life – they happen – God is involved in them if you care to see Him – they are sometimes not expected and even if expected are lined with unexpected turns and twists – they also come with valleys and mountain tops – and hardship and stress – rain and heat and slippery slopes. But God is with us in the journey!
Introduction:
Life is filled with expected and unexpected journey’s!
Personal Story: The Journey with my kids and grandkids a few years ago in New Hampshire:
We had gone back to NH for vacation to see Kathy’s family in New Hampshire and through some unexpected events Kathy’s mom who was struggling with Cancer ended up in the hospital – We had rented a house in the mountains and decided The family and I decided to go hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire – without Kathy who was at the hospital with her mom.
So: Tiffany, Ayden, Keagan and Evie, along with Ashley, Vernon, Emerson and Harlowe and Isa and I set out to go hiking in the mountains. As we got to the trail, I spotted a ranger and went up to him and asked him, “Is this a good trail to take my family on with little kids?” Ayden and Keagan were with and he responded, “Yes this trail is not that bad it’s about 4 miles long has great views! It loops around – should be good!” “Great” I said and we all set off on the journey! We soon discovered after about a mile that the trail was more challenging than the Ranger has eluded – It was all uphill ascending the mountain by about 1,500 feet up. It was Rocky – slippery – and ½ way through it started sprinkling making it even more slippery and treacherous. I had brought a back pack full of food and water so nutrition was not a problem – I had learned that many years earlier when Kathy and I and the girls did a hike with just two water bottles in extreme heat and it took 4 plus hours to complete. So we stopped at what we thought was the ½ way point and ate and drank and took in the scenery. Show pictures. What happened next was everything got stepper and harder to move forward. Show pictures – know Ashley Vernon Evie and Isa are taking turns carrying Evie, and Harlowe. They could not do the climb – definitely not family friendly hiking with little kids. Then it started raining the rock became very slippery – Tiffany feel hurting her leg – the boys had started complaining and became fearful saying things like “We are not going to make it – we could die out here” and you wait until I see that ranger again – he is getting a piece of my mind. We pressed on even going on a little path with a 200 foot steep drop off and it was wet and slippery – I must admit that was scary to do with the kids – I was even thinking you wait until I see that ranger again – we did push through the pain, the fear, the rain, the aches, the exhaustion and made it back to the cars before dark – at one point because I knew this was not a great hike said to the boys you can talk about this journey grandpa took you on that almost killed us at my funeral – journey’s like this and hardships like this etch vivid memories in your brain.
So even expected journeys can turn into unexpected journeys filled with hardship, cliffs, rain, accidents, valleys, pain, the unknown and even some fear in some cases.
So, as I read about Joseph and Mary’s first journey I have empathy for them – but doing these types of journey’s together does create a close time of bonding of the family unit. And yes, they create great memories that never fade away.
T.S. - So let’s look at the first journey this newly formed family makes – remember Mary is pregnant with Jesus and has the pleasure of riding on a donkey at about 9 months pregnant – can you imagine?
I. Journey one: Nazareth to Bethlehem
A. Luke 2:1-7: 1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register. 4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
i. The decree from Rome:
1. In those days – Rome ruled the world and what Rome said you did or else! So Augustus wanted to count how many people were in his realm – most likely a census – but everyone could only register in their own town. Pretty inconvenient!
a. I find it interesting that Caesar made the decree but his decree would fulfill God’s Prophetic Word that the Messiah “King of The Jews” would be born in Bethlehem.
i. Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times…Micah 5:4 “He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, In the majesty of the name of God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.”
ii. This Word of the Lord was given 700 years before Jesus was born.
1. Jesus’ birth – fulfilled around 300 OT Scriptures.
b. But even though Caesar made this command – God had already orchestrated Jesus birth – this secular order was used to fulfill Scripture and it set in motion the fulfillment of Scripture.
i. The secular ruler had a reason for his order but really God orchestrated the whole thing.
c. Can I also say this – God can and will use secular leaders to fulfill His word and His prophetic words of Scripture and His truth.
ii. How long was the journey?
1. It’s a 90 mile journey by walking and or donkey – about a 3 day journey!
a. No closed in car or even wagon – but you are outside exposed to sun, wind and rain. Sounds fun right!
b. Mary had to endure all this 9 months pregnant.
2. Think about that for a moment? This is a hard journey and difficult journey.
a. From Nazareth they would have crossed over the mountains through Cana to the southern shores of the Sea of Galilee. There they would have most likely rendezvoused with others going south to fulfill this Roman order - thus all of them finding themselves on an unexpected journey too their home towns.
i. Back in the Bible days It was the norm for people to travel these routes in groups to avoid the robbers and bandits. Usually a self-appointed guide/protector was paid a fee in order to go along with his group to protect them It was similar to the people of east who settled into the west and traveled by wagon trains.
b. A side note from https://www.nelsonprice.com/a-journey-from-nazareth-to-bethlehem/
i. “One teacher said there is no mention of a donkey in the Bible account for Mary to ride. So walking, though drudgery, might have been easier for a woman nine months pregnant than riding a donkey. Mary would have been a teenager at the time and doubtless a hardy one as most people of the time had to be to survive.”
1. But donkey or not it was a hard journey – the movie “The Nativity” depicts that they had a donkey for Mary to ride.
2. But the movie the Nativity shows how difficult the journey would have been – it’s a great movie to watch this Christmas season and understand how hard the journey would have been.
c. The journey started on the western shores of the Jordan River. Just south of Beth Shean the parties of travelers would have crossed the river into what is now Jordan.
i. Rivers can be dangerous to cross in those days – no bridges by the way as depicted in the movie The Nativity.
ii. But the first part of journey was easier and safer than the next leg of the journey.
iii. The temperature in this fertile green valley would have been mild in comparison to the road toward Bethlehem.
iv. To this point the route would have traversed mostly smooth terrain but that was about to change.
d. From this point Jericho to Bethlehem would be much more dangerous especially going through the barren Wilderness of Judea.
i. If they were traveling protection would have been essential in this part of the journey.
1. My journey through Guinea with Jon Erickson and the unexpected armed escort was a blessing from God.
2. But even in dangerous journeys God has a way of protecting you through the journey – like he did Jon and I years ago!
3. Like he did Mary and Joseph and Paul and others who went on journey’s directed by the Lord.
ii. Mary’s and Jospeh’s route was along the road where we heard the story from Jesus of the “Good Samaritan” who encountered the man who had been beaten and robbed on this road and left for dead. So, the road was dangerous and hard not an easy chore to do. But one that had to be done to fulfill God’s word.
B. I am sure Joseph and Mary were relieved to see the lights of Bethlehem after three days on this unexpected journey - but hardship was still over the horizon because there was no room in any of the inns to stay Inn/ or even guest rooms and Mary was in labor!
i. Once they arrived in Bethlehem it afforded them no Holiday Inn or shower of a hot bath. An “Inn” was very different in those days compared with ours but also way better than the stable/cave they ended up having to birth Jesus the baby in.
ii. So, Gods choice of birth for Jesus was a humble stable – not a palace or mansion or even an inn but a stable – but God was with this couple on the road and even now in the stable – the truth is they had everything they needed – GOD had seen to all of it.
1. When God sends us on journey’s He will be with us – like the Good Shepherd spoken of in Psalm 23.
a. The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
C. Application:
i. God is with us on unexpected journeys!
1. He is a Good Shepherd! He knows the path and the right way! Even in the dark valleys He knows where to go.
2. If we follow his direction and word, He will anoint us and be with us on the twists and turns that will come in those journey’s.
3. His love will be with us and comfort us in the hardship of the journey!
ii. God will and can use secular world leaders to fulfill His word and will.
1. God can use even sinful worldly leaders to accomplish His will!
2. Nothing is impossible for God!
3. God is able to influence even the wicked! Esther and Mordecai!
iii. God protected them on their journey.
1. His angels went with them and on a head of them to secure the way.
2. This is why we need not fear! God has our back!
3. By the way perfect love – which is God - should cast out all fear in us – fear is from the evil one not from God!
a. Many people today after Covid have been crippled with fear which keeps them from connecting with God and others – this is always the plan of the enemy isolate people – cripple them with unreasonable fears. Keep them from fulfilling their divine destiny! Keep them from doing anything for God!
i. Peer group counseling idea – Monday night group! I challenge you if fear grips you seek godly spiritual prayer and teaching – The Holy Spirit can set you free – He is was sent to deliver us from fear and evil.
iv. God provided for them a place to have Jesus – also food and all that was necessary.
1. On unexpected journey’s God is there to provide our every need.
2. To prepare meals for us – even in the middle of evil trying to wipe us out.
3. The Lord will refresh you and bring peace in unexpected journey’s of life – do you need that refreshing touch today – The Holy Spirit is here to pour it out on you!
v. If you follow the Lord and stay connected to Him through the unexpected journey’s – He will always lead you home!
II. Journey Two: Bethlehem to Egypt
A. Matthew 2: 1-18: The Visit of the Magi: 1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” 3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’” 7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
i. The wise men are on a journey of their own – they are following a star which they knew prophecies the birth of the great King of Israel.
B. The Escape to Egypt:13When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 16When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.17Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:18“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
i. The second unexpected journey is preceded by the wise men seeking out Jesus – who was the King of Jew’s and they were guided on their journey by a star and angel – a bright star/angel that lead their way to this Messiah King.
1. They knew of the prophecies of the Old Testament – most likely they were influenced by the writings of Daniel 100’s of years earlier who had passed the prophecies of the great coming king of the world on to the wise men of the East.
ii. Scripture says, “They found the child at the house of Mary and Joseph” no more living in a stable but a house – did I say if God sends you on an unexpected journey He will provide for you – the wise men bowed down to worship this heavenly King.
1. They also brought the 3 gifts of Gold, frankincense and myrrh.
a. Once again God provides for our young couple and Jesus.
2. I find it interesting the wise men were not Jewish but went on their own journey – inspired by the prophecy and writing of Daniel and a star – being used I think by an angel to lead them to Jesus – it even lead the to King Herod..
3. The total distance the wise men traveled was about 1,500 miles. This journey would have taken the Wise Men several months to complete, as they would have had to travel on foot or by camel and or donkey. They would also have had to cross several mountain ranges and deserts. A very dangerous journey.
a. So non Jewish wise men set out on a long journey to worship this king as prophesied by the star.
b. Interesting they followed the star and they ended up in Jerusalem talking with King Herod about this miraculous event – they expected to find the king of Kings in the palace with Herod but it was not the case because he was born in the humble village of Bethlehem.
c. So Herod a jealous tyrant was threatened by any other king so he had the religious leaders tell him were this king was to be born – they revealed it was in Bethlehem – the wise men were thrilled to know where to go – King Herod had other evil plans for this new born king.
i. After worshipping Jesus as king at the age of about 2 most scholars say – they were warned in a dream not to return to tell King Herod where Jesus was.
1. Did I say It enough God protects and guides others – he will warn of danger if we are in tune to His voice and direction.
ii. So, they left by another route to avoid detection by this evil king.
C. The gifts they presented to Jesus were most likely used by Joseph and Mary to go on another unexpected journey. God had warned them to flee and provided the financial means to travel and resettle in Egypt far from the evil reign of Herod.
i. Herod's cruel actions fulfill a prophecy regarding the slaughter of innocent children (Jeremiah 31:15).
1. Remember this truth God is always one step ahead of kings, queens, evil men and this is why we should trust God and follow His direction through the journey of life.
ii. The Escape to Egypt Matthew 2
1. 13When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt…”
a. Can I give a shout out for Joseph – this guy hears from God and listens – he does what He is instructed to do without question or hesitation.
2. How long was this new journey?
a. It was most likely a 90mile journey for Joseph and family to get outside of Herod’s reach and territorial reign and find a safe place to stay for about 4 years.
b. There are several theories where they landed. Elephantine: Elephantine is an island in the Nile in Upper Egypt (which is southern Egypt) where Nubia begins. There was a Jewish military settlement on Elephantine many hundreds of years before Jesus was born, and it continued in some state or another for a long time. Amazingly, the Jews of Elephantine obtained permission from Jerusalem to build a temple (and you thought there was only one). There are traditions in Egypt that Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Elephantine for safety and to be in a Jewish community.
c. The largest community was in Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast. There were about 1 million Jews living in Alexandria when Christ was born. The Romans had built a coastal road from Judea to Egypt along the sea.
i. From https://christ.org/history-rituals/where-did-mary-and-joseph-take-jesus-in-egypt/
d. This journey was long and hard – especially to be on the run to escape the murderous King Herod – who had 20-30 young boys murdered in Bethlehem to eliminate any threat to his throne.
i. I find it amazing how prideful men think they can out wit God and stop something He has set in motion.
ii. You cannot out maneuver God!
e. King Herod the Great, the bloody ruler of ancient Judea, died from a combination of chronic kidney disease and a rare infection that causes gangrene of the genitalia, according to a new analysis of historical records.
i. He was a horrible king who after the slaying of the children of Bethlehem slayed his wife and by the time of his death three of his own children along with close relatives and he ended up in such agony he committed suicide with a knife he used to eat apples.
ii. He died about 2-3 years later after his slaughter of the innocent.
iii. Can I remind you of what Jesus said, “What you say is what you reap.”
D. Application:
i. God is with us!
1. The young couple with, the toddler Jesus are sent by God on another unexpected journey to protect Jesus from evil.
a. Evil is always out there to stop us from achieving our divine destiny!
ii. God will protect us!
1. But once again God is with them and protects them – He is one step ahead of evil - always.
iii. God will provide for us on unexpected journeys for Him!
1. Once again God has provided for them for the journey with the gifts from the wise men – money – finances for the journey.
iv. God will guide you in unexpected journeys!
1. Once again God knows we’re He is sending them and they have a place to stay upon arrival at their assigned destiny.
2. Like he did the wise men with a star!
3. Like he showed Joseph were to go to be safe!
v. God will lead us to peaceful waters in the journey!
1. He did with the wise men and with Joseph, Mary and Jesus!
vi. God will lead us to place of safety and a place we can call home!
III. Journey 3: Egypt to Nazareth
A. Matthew 2:19-23: The Return to Nazareth - 19After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” 21So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
i. After Herod dies in early 4 B.C., Joseph has a dream where an angel tells him it is safe to return to Israel. Mary and the family's trip to and from Egypt is a fulfillment of Bible prophecy (Hosea 11:1). They soon begin their travel back to Judea and Bethlehem.
1. The distance: Mary, Joseph and child Jesus at about the age of 4 or 5 walked (traveled) from Egypt across the desert past Gaza and Joppa along the Mediterranean Sea to Nazareth. They walked or rode about 400 miles.
B. However, as Mary and Joseph approach Judea, it is discovered that Herod Archelaus, the eldest surviving son of Herod the Great, is the new ruler of the area (Matthew 2:22).
i. Like his father, Archelaus rules with tyranny and cruelty. John Gills' Exposition of the Bible states that one time he sent his entire army into Jerusalem's temple, at Passover, in order to kill 3,000 men suspected of sedition.
1. From https://www.biblestudy.org/maps/the-journeys-of-mary-and-joseph.html
C. Joseph's fears about living within Judea are confirmed when God sends him a warning in a dream.
i. The family continues their travels northward to Mary’s hometown of Nazareth (Matthew 2:22 - 23). The city is part of Galilee, which is ruled by another son of Herod the Great named Herod Antipas. This son had a slightly less violent disposition than Archelaus.
ii. The journeys of Mary and Joseph from Egyptian territory all the way north to Nazareth is a journey of at least 106 miles.
iii. Jesus spends his childhood and young adult years living in Nazareth (which fulfills the prophecy stated in Matthew 2:23).
Conclusion:
What do we learn from these three unexpected journeys and what are they telling us today? What’s the message?
• God is with us!
o He was always with Mary, Joseph and Jesus! Wherever he sent them – He is with you too if you have a relationship with Him!
• God will provide for us!
o God always provides – I know I have watched him do it one every move we made to take a church or ministry for Him!
• God will protect us!
o I think we underestimate how many times God has protected us in life – I really do!
? The teenager and the chasing down the car and the teens who pulled a gun on me – pointed it at me and my friends.
• God will guide us!
o He sent us the Holy Spirit to guide us – we just need to be in tune to the Holy Spirit. Hear His voice and obey and respond to it – He will always lead you through the journey’s he leads you on.
• God will lead us to peaceful waters in the journey!
o In the journey’s – the unexpected ones God sends us on – there will be peaceful rest places – times of refreshing and renewal.
• God will lead us to place of safety and a place we can call home!
o He will always lead us home!
Psalm 23 – speaks of how The Lord will be our Good Shepherd through all unexpected dangerous journeys! It’s a promise written by David who knew what it meant to go on unexpected journeys and be in danger constantly and on the run – He knew God was with Him!
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Simply Christmas – is our focus this year – we soon understand that the original Christmas was not like todays Christmas Season we celebrate – yes, the one we celebrate today is a glamourous celebration filled with lighted and decorated trees, strings of lights and wreaths, lots of presents, glowing fireplaces, turkey dinners, did I say presents, what we celebrate today was nothing like the original Christmas.
That Christmas season – the first advent was filled with the unexpected twists and turns of a hard journey to arrive at a destination with no place at the inn. So, a stable had to be settled on to give birth to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. No palace for this king -no room at the Inn!
The Christmas story continues by speaking of the wise men who themselves came on a longer dangerous journey to find the manger king. They followed a star driven by an angel to discover and to worship the king of the Jews! What faith they had! There were gifts given this time around about 2 years later – but with the gifts and the special visit of the Magi comes another unexpected journey. Their visit alerted a wicked king’s jealousy, so they had to flee for their lives to a place out of reach of this kings reign of terror. So another long journey starts which leads this family through rough terrain, darkness, valleys, mountain tops, rain and sun so they can find safety from a wicked king. Once again, the journey is filled with danger and the unexpected. They find a new home in Egypt settle in and wait for the death or the Tyrant evil king.
Upon his death they are directed to return back to Nazareth where Jesus grows up in peace and the stability of home and family.
#1 - We need to get a right biblical perspective of the Christmas story and what it means to be a Christian – especially how we should be celebrating Jesus’ birth in Christmas?
o Maybe we need to commit to a simple Christmas?
o Lose the complicate and embrace the simple message of Christmas which is Love personified in the manger for all of us to see and embrace.
#2 - God is faithful to lead us on unexpected journey’s and He will meet our needs – he will provide what we need to accomplish them.
#3 – We need to be assured that He is with us on the unexpected journey and He will stay with us through the unexpected journeys of life all the way to the end – see Psalm 23
#4 - God may send us on an unexpected journey for His Word and Kingdom – for a divine mission or purpose - we need to have the faith to go on a mission for God and trust that He will lead us to our destination and purpose.
#5 – When we go on these unexpected journey’s we can be assured the Lord will lead us safely back to home one day. It may take a few years but God will use us as we journey for Him to fulfill Kingdom things and our reward in Heaven will be great worth far more than what we sacrifice to go on the journey.
#6 - Unexpected journeys for the Lord are common in Scripture and the result of these hard journeys is changed and transformed lives for the Kingdom of Heaven. By the way journey’s also change us!
