The Birth of Christ

Luke 2:1-20
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.
1. The Birth of Christ shows us that the gospel is rooted in history
• This is not, “once upon a time”
• In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a Census…
• The first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria
• Luke gives us historical references because his purpose is to show us the exact details of Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection
2. The Birth of Christ shows us that God works through providence to advance His Kingdom
• Julius Caesar’s heir was his nephew Octavian who becomes his successor
• Octavian assumes the name Augustus and becomes supreme Emperor
• Augustus orders a census for the purpose of taxation
• Herod, ruling in Judea, delays the execution of the census because of personal problems with the Emperor
• Mary and Joseph are living in Nazareth and are betrothed to be married
• Mary becomes pregnant and is about to give birth; Joseph wants to discretely divorce her before they consummate their wedding but an Angel from God speaks to him that her baby is the Messiah-Immanuel
• Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem to register for the census
• While in Bethlehem Mary gives birth to Jesus
Micah 5:2
2 “ But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting.”
• God works providentially, He is sovereign and He moves in history to accomplish His Kingdom plan
3. The Birth of Christ shows us that God’s Kingdom plan is not deterred by adversity or trials
• They are traveling while Mary is 9 months pregnant
• It is about a 60 mile journey into the foothill mountains
• There are no proper accommodations or medical help
• They give birth to Jesus in a stable
• God does not need perfect circumstances or perfect people to express His Kingdom
• Often God’s Kingdom life is most magnified when all we humanly see is death
• God uses adversity, trials and even death to perfect His work in us and to accomplish His work through us
Luke 2:8-14
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14″Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
4. The Birth of Christ shows us God’s love for all people
• “Don’t be afraid; good news; great joy; for all people; a Savior; peace to men on whom His favor rests”
Isaiah 49:6
6 God says:
“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant
to restore the tribes of Jacob
and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
5. The Birth of Christ shows us that Christ is the only way for salvation
• 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
• Christ the Lord is a title of deity
Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.
• Jesus Christ is the only Lord and Savior
Luke 2:15-20
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
6. The Birth of Christ shows us that when people seek after Jesus, they find Him
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
• The shepherds received the revelation about Jesus from the angels
• They determined that they wanted to see for themselves this child
• Each person must own their own response to the gospel
• When people respond to the gospel by seeking after Jesus, they find Him!
7. The Birth of Christ shows us that when people experience Jesus for themselves they are changed and want to tell others
17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
• When the shepherds found Jesus they rejoiced, praised God and spread the word to others
• When we personally experience Jesus we become contagious Christians
• When we know and follow Jesus His light fills our lives and we shine out to others
• Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16,
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.