THE GIFT

The Beginning

Welcome

Talk about series,

talk about the time you recieved your “Gift” = PSP

We probably all can remember the time when we recieved that “Gift” we really wanted whatever it be

talk about the gifts jesus recieved

…this holiday season, Christmas we are reminded of the great gift we recieved and no that easy bake oven or the PSP but in Jesus the Christ our high priest, the lamb of God, our savior Immanuel the King kings!!!

talk about how we will look at those gifts, why those gifts, and what those gifts meant for the newly arrived savior

but in order to get there, we have to get there lets look at it shall we...

Luke 2:1–7 ESV

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke is the only one to actually record history in his gospel by talking about caesar and quirinius Lukes gospel was made mostly for the greeks so he knew they would appreciate that....

now lets look at this journey shall we....

first Joseph was traveling from Nazareth to Judea = 70-80 miles of travel

talk on this

to the city of David…talk on this, God has the plans we just have to trust him in those plans he has been working them out this whole time = he has the end in mind....

She gave birth to the Messiah, Jesus....

preach on God having plans for us and has already put the things in place, trust in him....

lets continue = there are some cool things

lets turn to Luke 2.8-16

Luke 2:8–16 ESV

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

Lets talk about something real quick,

who were these shepherds? = talk about the nice gentle folk the Christmas scene puts out....

thats not who or what shepherds were

shepherds out of all the job occupations were low, they were outcast, they were not allowed into the cities and they were not trusted by the general public because often they were thieves...

and yet here we are, the angle of the lord appearing to them...

talk about the contrast between them and the magi....

now lets also realize for a moment what also just has taken place, Jesus the Christ, The Messiah, has just showed up on the scene and instead of taking this news to the leaders or most qualified the angel appears here to these lowly ordinary people....

Lukes Gospel as we have come to know already is centered on God using the ordinary unusual people and here he starts that off by adding into his gospel the angels visit to these lowly ordinary people

whats the encouragement here today....

that yes you, even you, ordinary person God has a unique amazing plan for your life Jesus’ arrival was not for the super qualified, elite, wealthy people....Jesus’ birth was a sign that he came for us all and is ready to do extraordinary things through you

1 Corinthians 1:26–30 ESV

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

Lets look at jesus birth and remember why and who he came for…dont hold yourself back, but let God do a good work in you...

stage set now we get to see the significance of the Gifts Jesus recieved and what that will tell us about this new baby boy....

pray....

HOLY SPIRIT TAKE OVER.....