In 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.
For 16 years, John Kovac was a “tenant of a tunnel.” John and a few others lived underground in an abandoned railroad tunnel in New York City. When Amtrak bought the tunnel and prepared to reopen it, John was forced to look for a place to live above ground.
According to The New York Times, Mr. Kovac became the first person for a new program designed to “transform the homeless into homesteaders.”(1)
Without the family of God all of us, like John Kovac, live as “tenants of a tunnel,” underground, away from the light, isolated, out of touch with our greatest resource, the family of God; God’s people. We call it the Church.
I am a satisfied customer when it comes to being in God’s family. Oh, the family is not perfect, but it sure is progressing. From the beginning of time God desired to have a family. From Adam and Eve to Mary and Joseph, God has enjoyed family relationships. God has never existed apart from family relationships; He is described in terms of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
This holiday season we look at the second purpose God had in mind when He created you and me, and that was to bring you into His family. Christmas is about family. Could there be a better time to talk about being in God’s family than in December? Join me as we look closely at God’s purpose for family. Today we peak into the home of a pregnant mom, a stressed out dad, and a world that was ignorant to what was going on.
Does Anybody Know The Real Meaning of Christmas? Do you know who asked that question? Charlie Brown. And for years, each Christmas Americans have welcomed Linus reading the Christmas story from St. Luke into their living rooms. Today, as we inch our way toward Christmas, we once again face the question, “Does anybody know the real meaning of Christmas?”
For Marysville First Assembly the meaning this year has been expanded to remind us, “You were formed for God’s family.” Bethlehem is not just about Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. It’s about you and me. Let’s go to Bethlehem and see what we can learn about God’s plan for family.
WHAT THE WORLD OFFERS FAMILY IS SO LIMITING.
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria 3And everyone went to his own town to register. (Luke 2:1-3)
With the announcement of Caesar Augustus, each family’s world was turned upside down, like popping corn in a kettle. Quickly they pack, wide-eyed kids asking questions. Families’ lives are changed as headlines in the morning paper, “The Bethlehem Bee,” read, “Rome announces census to be taken in Palestine.” People pour into the streets of Israel and make their way to the place of their birth.
Rome wanted more taxes and the first step was a census. In just a few verses we go from the elegant palace of Caesar, to the huddled masses moving slowly across the Judean landscape, to a shaft of light that falls on an obscure couple named Mary and Joseph, and finally, to an unborn child hiding in a mother’s womb - dark, alone, destined for greatness.
The census would put Rome into their pocketbooks once again, and most of Israel would resent the edict. But Mary and Joseph packed and made plans for the 75-mile journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Soon the farms of the rocky Galilean hills were left behind and before them stood the limestone hills of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. As they woke on the third morning, their hearts were filled with the glad realization that the journey would come to an end by nightfall. They would be safely in Bethlehem. The journey to the city of the their tribal ancestors was now complete.
Rome wanted more. The world wants more. Those around you want more. This should not be so with the body of Christ, the Church, God’s family. We don’t want more, we want to give more, to serve more, love more, encourage more, forgive more, honor more. The New Testament uses the phrase “one another” or “each other” over 50 times. These are the family responsibilities God expects each of us to release and bless others.
The Inn was overcrowded for Mary and Joseph. The “inns” are still overcrowded today; churches not organized for community, ministries that focus on programs instead of people. In Romans 12:1-2, Paul reminds us of the great danger of being squeezed into the world’s mold, and it happens weekly as Christians use the Church like consumers instead of contributors. Overcrowded “inns” dot the landscape of American Christianity because of busyness, superficial commitments, and misguided priorities. You need the Church. Mary and Joseph huddled in a makeshift birthing room clearly expresses our need for family.
WHEN YOU JOIN THE FAMILY OF GOD YOU RECEIVE A GREAT INHERITANCE.
4So Joseph also went up form the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. (Luke 2:4)
As a Jew, no family was more blessed than that of David, the Sweet Singer of Israel, giant killer, and beloved king. And Mary and Joseph were in the club. They were part of the greatest family tree ever recorded by mankind. They could trace their roots to King David.
The text tells us that Mary and Joseph made the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The Christian life is a journey. God wants us to learn by His Spirit that the process is more important than the product. This Christmas series is an unfinished product because our approach will have to be selective instead of exhaustive. And far more important than what I say to you, is what you say to yourself, by the Spirit.
A part of Mary’s journey was already descending from heaven. With no warning she meets an unexpected visitor, she comes face-to-face with the angel Gabriel. He tells her the news of a supernatural and miraculous conception. The account comes from the good doctor Luke. These are the kind of things that pregnant moms talk to their doctor about.
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.” (Luke 1:30-31)
And you, too, dear one have found favor with God. You are pregnant with God’s promises of an inheritance that is majestic, multiplying, and miraculous. God’s great love for us is expressed by His desire to bring us into His family and lavish the inheritance of sons and daughters upon us.
I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people. (Ephesians 1:18-NLT)
The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 provides us a glimpse of our inheritance. First, we are given the robe of relationship. But, not just any robe—it is the best robe. Each of us is considered number one sons to God. No lines in heaven. No second born in the birth order. Each of us is an eldest son with all the privileges.
Second, we have placed on our finger a ring that represents authority. You are given the authority in Jesus’ name to transact business on behalf of God’s interests. Jesus said, “All power and authority has been given to me…go and make disciples.” (Matthew 28:18-19) The idea is that Jesus is saying, “I give the same authority to you.”
Next, sandals for our feet. We are to no longer live in mourning but with a spirit of celebration.
Finally, a party of celebration. When we return to God after blowing it He is not looking for an explanation but for celebration.
What an inheritance. You are far richer than you ever imagined. Are you giving all your life to the acquisition of this inheritance? This is what you should be working for and looking forward to, not retirement. Retirement is too shortsighted. Retirement focuses on the temporal, inheritance focuses on the eternal. Retirement focuses on the visible, inheritance focuses on the invisible. Work for inheritance, not retirement. You were made to last forever.
GOD’S HUMBLE BIRTH PROVIDES ACCESS FOR ALL FAMILY MEMBERS
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, 7a and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. (Luke 2:5-7a)
Let’s take a peek into the stable where the Christ child was born. The house was packed with overnight guests. Animals were resting in the stable after a hard day of travel. Restless and tired, the innkeeper’s son had just finished cleaning the stable and feeding guests as Mary and Joseph navigated down the steps trying to find the part of the stable that was least exposed to the elements. Let’s look at the ingredients of a “birth like no other.”
· A feeding trough made do for a crib.
· Hay served as both mattress and sheets for a baby newborn king.
· Smelly rags, used for wiping down dirty animals, were the infant’s first clothing.
· Sheep, donkeys, flies, and field mice were the baby’s only attendants.
· Finally, little lighting in the stable made for a disappointing place for a woman to give birth to her first-born.
Mary was far from home, far from her family, and far from what she expected that first birth to be. But the whole setting for the child’s birth was apart of an elaborate plan to provide access for lost humanity into God’s family. Why did God experience such a humble birth?
He became poor so we could be rich!
He became humble so we could be lifted up!
He became human so we could become perfect!
He became man so we could become His friend!
Sometimes when God’s sovereignty unfolds in our lives it is a little bit unnerving and overwhelming. Like Mary we need God to be mindful of our humble status.
...for he was mindful of my humble status. (Luke 1:48)
It was all done so we could get into the family. So how do you get into the club? How do you get into God’s family? Everyone is born as a child of God, but everyone is not yet in the family. Real life begins by surrendering your life to Jesus Christ. You can do this by believing and receiving. First, believe God loves you. He sent Jesus to die for you. Believe God created you. Believe He has a plan for your life. Believe that no matter what your past sins are, He can forgive. Believe that God wants to be your friend. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved…” (Acts 16:31)
Second, receive Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and Savior. Receive His forgiveness. Receive the Holy Spirit. “To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)
Don’t wait another minute. Bow your head now and pray to invite Christ into your life. Your decision will affect where you spend eternity. When you breathe your last breath you don’t leave home, you go home.
Next be baptized. Join a church family in membership. Get involved in ministry.
GOD’S FAMILY IS CREATED TO MEET YOUR NEEDS.
7bShe wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn. (Luke 2:7b)
What Jesus gave up in Heaven was immense. The magnitude of what He gave up is beyond our human reason or understanding. Why? We have never seen heaven. Oh, we can describe Bethlehem and Jesus’ life on earth. But our perspective of what Jesus enjoyed in Heaven is so limited.
When we arrive in Heaven we get a new name, new body, new home and we sing a new song. Without a doubt, the beauty of what Jesus Christ left will overwhelm us. First, He left an eternity of unbroken praise. A place where angelic hosts have never ceased to magnify His name, as Revelation tells us. Second, He left the immediate presence of the Father and Holy Spirit. The fact that He became a pauper can only be fully appreciated when we see Him as Heaven’s prince with all that royalty afforded Him.
Please note that Christ didn’t come to earth to reside at the place of highest of human splendor or achievement, even that descent would have been immense. It was not to the courts of riches and royalty that He descended, but to a common Jewish family living off the beaten path in a community called Bethlehem. The story amazes us each year when we see what type of birth the Son of God came to - a humble setting of a manger in a stable, and wrapped in cloths used to wipe down animals. Could there have been a more humble place for God to arrive?
He did all of this to bring you into His family. Who could dismiss such an incredible invitation? A part of your inheritance is a God-created family, a church for you to belong to so He could meet your five greatest needs: (2)
A purpose to live for,
A people to live with,
Principles to live by,
A profession to live out,
And power to live it out.
The only place you will ever find all of these benefits is in a church family. Did you realize that God’s plan for the Church was identical to His plan for your life? (3)
Worship helps you focus on God,
Fellowship helps you face life’s problem,
Discipleship helps fortify your faith,
Ministry helps find your talents,
Evangelism helps fulfill your mission.
There is nothing else on earth like God’s family. Hooray for the Church!
This story came from an email from Tricia Carlisle, one of my wife’s best friends at our church. No source is given.
In 1994, two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics (based on biblical principles) in the public schools. They were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire and police departments, and a large orphanage. About 100 boys and girls who had been abandoned, abused, and left in the care of a government-run program occupied the orphanage. A Christmas story from their experience has been circling the globe since 1994.
It was nearing the holiday season, time for our orphans to hear, for the first time, the traditional story of Christmas. We told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem. Finding no room in the inn, the couple went to a stable, where baby Jesus was born and placed in a manger.
Throughout the story, the children and orphanage staff sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word. Completing the story, we gave the children three pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger. Each child was given a small paper square cut from yellow napkins I brought with me. No colored paper was available in the city.
Following the instructions, the children tore the paper and carefully laid strips in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel, cut from a worn-out nightgown an American lady was throwing away when she left Russia, were used for the baby’s blanket. A doll-like baby was cut from tan felt we had brought from the United States. The orphans were busy assembling their manger as I walked among them to see if they needed any help. All went well until I got to one table where little Misha sat.
He looked to be about 6 years old and had finished his project. As I looked at the little boy’s manger, I was startled to see not one, but two babies in the manger. Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger. Crossing his arms in front of him and looking at this completed manger scene, the child began to repeat the story very seriously.
For such a young boy who had only heard the Christmas story once, he related the happenings accurately—until he came to the part where Mary put the baby Jesus in the manger. Then Misha started to ad-lib. He made up his own ending to the story as he said, “And when Maria laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay.”
“I told him I have no mamma and I have no papa, so I don’t have any place to stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn’t, because I didn’t have a gift to give him like everybody else did. But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I keep him warm, that would be a good gift.”
“So I asked Jesus, ‘If I keep you warm, will that be a good enough gift?’”
“And Jesus told me, ‘If you keep me warm, that will be the best gift anybody every gave me.’”
“So I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and he told me I could stay with him—for always.”
As little Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed full of tears that splashed down his little cheeks. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table and his shoulders shook as he sobbed and sobbed. The little orphan had found someone who would never abandon nor abuse him; someone who would stay with him—FOR ALWAYS.
End Notes
(1)Mark DaHaan. Radio Bible Ministries. Tenant of the Tunnel. Oct. 9, 2003
(2) Rick Warren. The Purpose Driven Life. Zondervan, Grand Rapids Michigan, 2002, pg. 136.
(3) Ibid, pg. 136.
