The Birth Of Jesus

Luke 2:1-21 THE BIRTH OF JESUS

Well that time of year has rolled around once again that the Birth of Jesus is recognized, and so for the next couple of broadcast Lord willing I’m going to bring a few thoughts to do with His birth.

We don’t really know the exact date of His birth, but Dec. 25th is the day that we have come to except and remember His birth.

But I’m afraid that the true meaning of Christmas it seem has become set aside and the celebrating of a happy and glad time of eating and giving gifts and even partying and drinking of alcohol, some people never consider what Christmas is really about.

The gift giving has its roots from the account of the wise men there in Matthew 2:11 as they brought gifts of “Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh to honor the Baby Jesus.

Matt. 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child** with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

I’m sure that most of us enjoy this joyous time of year. But let us never forget what this Christmas time is really all about.

Listen as I read today’s text found in Luke 2: 1-21.

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.

Let me say right here that the Title “Augustus” means. [Consecrated, holy, sacred) — it was a title of honor bestowed upon a man named, Oct-avian, the first Roman emperor.

Although that was the meaning I doubt very seriously that it was true in this mans case.

Luke refers to him as “Caesar Augustus” he was a nephew of Julius Caesar, Oct-avian eventually became the sole ruler of Rome and reigned as emperor for more than 44 years, until his death in a.d. 14.

It was during his reign that Jesus was born (Luke 2:1).

After his death, the title “Augustus” was given to all Roman emperors. for instance, the “Augustus Caesar” mentioned in Acts 25: is not Oct-avian but Nero.

And let me say that, [CAESAR] — another title applied to several emperors of the Roman Empire, beginning with Augustus. It was a title much like, ”President, or Ayatollah or Prime minister”

By the way “Julius” is where we get the name of the month, ”July” and also our month ”August” comes from [Augus-tus]. Also our month “October” from “Oct-avian” the 1st Roman Emperor. Lets not forget our Calendar has its Roman origins.

Even the Senate of the U.S. from Rome, thus ‘the Roman Senate”

Lets read our text in LK.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.

This don’t mean that the peoples was going there to pay “taxes” as we pay taxes, it means a [census’], that would eventually lead to paying taxes, it was for the purpose of finding out “whose who and to get a number of the people in the Roman Provinces. The known territories of the Empire.

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.

[swaddling clothes] means strips of cloth, she encircled Jesus with the swaddling clothes--- and laid him in a manger; it was a stable, 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. [Exceeding frighten]

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. [These good tidings of great joy was not only for them and the Jewish people, but it was for [all people].

11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.