The Realization Of Christmas

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