Good morning,
This week we celebrate Christmas. This is the most important and unique birth of all time. The story of Christmas begins at creation. Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning God created the heaven and earth.” John 1:1-3, helps us to understand who was doing the creating. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:14 tells us the Word is a person. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” The Word is the second person of the trinity, God’s only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
So when God the Father sent His only Son to come to a wicked sinful earth, to dwell among wicked and sinful people, and ultimately shed His Divine blood for man’s sins, it was a tremendous act of love.
Jesus birth represents God’s love for His creation. This birth could have been with great fanfare and rejoicing. God chose a quiet, lonely, humble birth. He did not reveal this birth to the nation’s principal leaders, but to lowly shepherds. Yet the birth of Jesus would change the world forever.
As we read the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20, meditate on the wonder of Jesus birth. Remember the prophetic Scriptures telling the exact details of His birth. Then thank God for His concern and love for fallen sinners and their souls.
WHY JESUS WAS BORN IN BETHLEHEM (Luke 2:1-5)
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 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:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
JESUS BIRTH (Luke 2:6-7)
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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.
ANGEL’S ANNOUNCEMENT (Luke 2:8-12)
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
PRAISE FROM THE HEAVENLY HOST (Luke 2:13-14)
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
SHEPHERDS GO TO SEE JESUS (Luke 2:15-16)
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
SHEPHERDS TESTIFY OF WHAT THEY HAVE SEEN (Luke 2:17-19)
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
SHEPHERDS GLORIFY AND PRAISE GOD (Luke 2:20)
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
APPLICATION
- Before the beginning of time, God the Father knew that one day God the Son would be born on earth
- The birth of Jesus was prophesized long before the event happened
- The announcement was made to lowly shepherds, not the rich and famous
- The shepherds went to see Jesus, testified to what they had seen, and glorified and praised God
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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