Divine Orchestration in Humble Beginnings - Jan. 21st, 2024

Luke 2:1–7 KJV

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 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:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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.

Title: Divine Orchestration in Humble Beginnings: The Birth of a King

Text: Luke 2:1-7

Pre-Introduction:

Reflect on the anticipation and longing for the Messiah throughout the Old Testament. Mention the promises made by God to His people and how they awaited the fulfillment of these promises. This sets the stage for the significance of Jesus’ birth.

Old Testament anticipation for the Messiah:

Isaiah 9:6–7 KJV

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Reflecting on God's glory: The glory of God, as revealed in the Old Testament, is often likened to a weighty presence or brightness, signifying His supreme stature and divine dignity. This glory was not just a spiritual concept but often manifested visibly, as seen in the cloud during the Exodus and in the Temple

Introduction:

A. Get Attention: Begin with a vivid description of the world during the time of Jesus' birth. Picture the Roman Empire's vast influence, the bustling town of Bethlehem during the census, and the ordinary people living under Roman rule. This imagery helps to transport listeners back to the time and place of the event.

The narrative begins in the context of a decree from Caesar Augustus, emphasizing the historical and imperial backdrop of the birth of Jesus. This setting highlights the intersection of divine purpose within human history

The world was under Roman power, but God was about to demonstrate His power through a humble birth in Bethlehem.

Quote - ”This gospel maketh special mention of the nativity of our Saviour Jesus Christ; declaring how Mary, with her husband Joseph, came, after the commandment of the emperor, from Nazareth unto Bethlehem, the city of David, of whose lineage and tribe she was; what miseries and calamities she suffered by the way; and how poor and miserable she was, having nothing that pertained to a woman being in her case, you may right well consider: and as touching his nativity..." - Hugh Latimer, Christmas Day Sermon, 1552

B. Raise Need: Share a story or an anecdote about a situation where someone was waiting for a significant, life-changing event. This could be a personal story or a historical account. Use this to parallel the anticipation of the Messiah's coming.

Too Much Local Government?

A sailing dinghy broke loose from its mooring on the east coast of Britain. The owner heard nothing of it for two weeks. Then a most courteous letter arrived from a small Belgian port. The dinghy, undamaged, had been picked up by a trawler and brought to harbor.

The delighted owner immediately made plans for getting the dinghy back. But it was not so simple. He had to have an import license from the Board of Trade before his property could be returned. And his application was three times refused—to protect the British shipbuilding industry. [Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc., 1996), 1637.]

Sometimes we wonder if God can ever bring anything good out of Government overreach. Today’s message shows us at least one time that He did, and in the biggest way of “overreaching the overreached.” Mary, betrothed to Joseph and pregnant with Jesus, accompanies him. Her condition as expectant signifies the imminent fulfillment of the prophecy regarding the virgin birth.

Just as in the Old Testament, where God used extraordinary events to guide His people, the birth of Jesus amidst the Roman Empire's rule was a divine orchestration, bypassing earthly powers to fulfill His sovereign will

C. State Purpose: The message aims to explore the profound humility and divine sovereignty displayed in Jesus' birth. It seeks to illuminate the contrast between the humble circumstances of His birth and the grandeur of His divine nature and mission.

D. Orient Theme: The central proposition could be articulated as: "The humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1-7 reveal God’s sovereignty and fulfillment of prophecy, contrasting worldly power with divine purpose."

Main Thought:

Sermonic Proposition:

In the humble birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in Luke 2:1-7, we witness the intersection of divine sovereignty and human history, where God's grand plan of salvation unfolds in a manger, defying worldly expectations and manifesting His grace in humility.

The incarnation of Jesus Christ is a profound mystery, where the eternal Word took on human flesh, demonstrating both the humility and the glory of God in a tangible way. Jesus' birth, life, and resurrection fulfilled a myriad of specific prophecies, testifying to God's meticulous sovereign plan

Quote from C.H. Spurgeon: "The Almighty God, in choosing the place of the Savior's birth and the circumstances of His early life, took care to find an obscure village in a little province, and a carpenter's house, that none of us might ever be discouraged by the obscurity of our birth or the meanness of our condition."

Sub-Introduction:

As we approach Luke 2:1-7, we find ourselves amid a world vastly different from our own, yet one that is instrumental in unfolding God's plan. This passage, set against the backdrop of a Roman census decreed by Caesar Augustus, is not just a mere historical footnote. It is a pivotal moment that brings Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, not by chance, but as a divine orchestration fulfilling the ancient prophecy of Micah 5:2.

Micah 5:2 KJV

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Here, in this small town, the awaited Messiah's birth takes place, not amidst grandeur, but in humility and simplicity.

Quote - "Not only was there no room for the Lord Jesus at the time of His birth, but He was despised and rejected all of His life. They always begrudged Jesus everything. In Bethlehem, they begrudged Him a place to be born, and He was born in a cattle stall. King Herod begrudged Him His kingly title and out of fear and jealousy wanted to slay Him." - John R. Rice

This juxtaposition of the expected and the actual in Jesus' birth is a profound statement of God's nature and His Kingdom. It challenges the prevailing notions of power and majesty with a striking portrait of humility. This contrast is not just theological rhetoric; it is a foundational truth about the Kingdom of God, manifesting in a world governed by Roman authority and Jewish expectations.

Our journey into this text will require us to Luke’s purposeful nuances of language and culture. Take, for instance, the term "inn" in verse 7. Commonly misunderstood, this Greek word suggests not a public inn but a private space, indicating a more intimate setting for Christ's birth. Such details are not just peripheral curiosities; Luke selected these carefully and with intent to shape our understanding of his narrative and its implications.

As we explore this passage, we cannot but help notice its relevance to today. World-players who might consider themselves kings are really in the grander scheme of things, only pawns. The humility of Christ's birth speaks volumes in an age where pride and status often overshadow the virtues of simplicity and modesty. Luke invites us to embrace Christ-likeness in our own walk with God.

We must view Luke 2:1-7 within the broader scope of Luke's Gospel, as not isolated as a standalone story (as oft becomes the case around say December 25th each year); no, this is just a piece of a grander mosaic that Luke carefully assembles to reveal God's sovereign plan throughout history. Each sentence, each phrase, each word, is woven into a beautiful tapestry by the Holy Spirit, unfolding for us the richness of God's redemptive plan.

Think with me on this humble yet magnificent account of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Transition: Having set the historical and theological backdrop of our passage, let us now consider the first dimension of this divine narrative – the sovereignty of God in orchestrating earthly events.

Body:

I. The Divine Sovereignty in Earthly Circumstances (Luke 2:1-3)

Luke 2:1–3 KJV

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

Detail:

Scripture: Luke 2:1-3 describes the decree of Caesar Augustus for a census, setting the stage for Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem.

Narrowing Down To Bethlehem

Messiah must have a birthplace. Three continents, Europe, Asia, and Africa were known to the ancient world; Asia was chosen. But Asia has many countries—one of them is indicated, a little country known as the land of promise, Palestine. Here were three districts, Judaea, Galilee, Samaria. It is Judaea that is the elect one. But here again are many villages. Out of these the favoured one is little Bethlehem. To make the prediction more definite and certain, it is Bethlehem in the land of Judah.

—A. T. Pierson [Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc., 1996), 648–649.]

Quote from A.T. Pierson on the specificity of prophecy (sourced from Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations): "Out of Asia, the chosen continent; out of Palestine, the chosen country; out of Judah, the chosen tribe; out of Bethlehem, the chosen city – came Christ."

Application: Reflect on how God uses even secular and political events to fulfill His divine purposes.

Joseph's journey from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem, the city of David, aligns with the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s Davidic lineage

Quote reflecting on the significance of Bethlehem: “It was not a very large city, but it is the most beautiful, to my mind, in all Palestine. For over a thousand years since the days of the first Crusade Bethlehem has been a Christian city, at least in name. It has not been given over to Mohammedanism, but has been a recognized Christian community. The prophet said that the Messiah must be born there, and he declared that this mysterious Child was to be One 'whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.' The psalmist says, 'From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.' This Child, then, would be both God and Man—God and Man united in one Person, never again to be separated. This is the mystery of the incarnation. Such was Micah’s declaration, but it seemed until a very, very short time before the actual event took place that the prophecy could not be literally fulfilled.” ~ Unknown

The Lord Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, was born in Bethlehem which means “house of bread.” You and I need to understand that the Lord directs our lives in many ways and has a plan, and a purpose for us. Nothing happens by accident, beloved. Psalm 37:23—'The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.' Proverbs 16:9—'A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.' Jeremiah 10:23—'O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.' We all experience divine appointments and destinations that are life changing. There are people that we meet that alter the course of our lives in a significant way.

Psalm 37:23 KJV

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Proverbs 16:9 KJV

A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

Jeremiah 10:23 KJV

O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Visualization: Imagine the vast Roman Empire, under Augustus' rule, unknowingly setting the stage for the fulfillment of prophecy.

Tax On Sunlight

In 17th century England and America, the government taxed fresh air and sunlight! A levy was made against all householders with eight or more windows. [Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc., 1996), 1384.]

Example: Modern examples of God's providence in seemingly mundane or secular circumstances.

Death and Taxes

 It’s a flip saying, but true: death and taxes are the two things we can count on. But there is a difference: we know on what day the taxes fall due; we can’t predict the day of death. We can put money aside to take care of taxes; but what provision can we make in anticipation of death? If we die before our taxes are paid, they’ll not be forgiven. The government will take them out of our estate. If we die as unrepentant sinners, our sins will not be forgiven after death. We’ll have to pay the penalty for them hereafter. But there is a difference: God has made a way of escape for us. He has already paid the penalty for our sins—yours and mine. All He asks is that you accept what He has done for you in a true spirit of repentance and faith. [AMG Bible Illustrations, Bible Illustrations Series (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 2000).]

The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, during the time of Caesar Augustus, was not just a historical coincidence but a fulfillment of God’s divine plan, revealing His glory through the humblest of circumstances

Transition: Understanding how God's sovereignty intersects with human history, we now turn to explore how this divine orchestration leads to the fulfillment of ancient prophecies in the most humble of manners.

II. The Fulfillment of Prophecy Through Humble Means (Luke 2:4-5)

Luke 2:4–5 KJV

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:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

Detail:

Scripture: Joseph’s lineage and journey to Bethlehem in verse 4, and Mary’s presence and condition in verse 5.

Application: Understand the significance of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, fulfilling the messianic prophecy and the virgin birth.

The completion of Mary’s term, leading to the birth of Jesus while in Bethlehem, aligns with the prophecies and divine timing

The seemingly ordinary birth of Jesus to Mary in Bethlehem was in fact the culmination of ancient prophecies, including the virgin birth foretold by Isaiah and the specific location of Bethlehem as prophesied in Micah

Discuss the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14,

Isaiah 7:14 KJV

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Quote - ”As it is so often in life, things were not as they seemed to the world around, because humble Mary and Joseph were the adoptive father and birth mother of the King of kings. Seven hundred years earlier, the prophet Micah had prophesied. And now the poor couple’s forced journey to Bethlehem to pay taxes would set the stage for the fulfillment of that messianic prophecy. They appeared to be helpless pawns caught in the movements of secular history, but every move was under the hand of Almighty God. The Messiah would indeed be born in tiny, insignificant Bethlehem! As the Virgin traveled, her steady beating heart, hidden from the world, kept time with the busily thumping heart of God" ~ Unknown

The swaddling of Jesus and his placement in a manger highlight the humble and lowly circumstances of the Messiah's arrival

Quote - ”The scene of the stable gives encouragement to the lowliest to come to Christ. We are invited to come 'without money and without price' (Isa. 55:1). I repeat, that scene in the stable gives encouragement to the lowliest, and that reminds us of the verse in 2 Corinthians 8:9, 'For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.' The scene of the stable gives humility to the proud. The haughty must pause and think—Christ born in a manger! Salvation does not come to anyone unless he bows down before God in repentance and faith. The self-righteous will never come unto salvation unless there is a forsaking of that self-righteous spirit" ~ Dr. Lee Roberson

Isaiah 55:1 KJV

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Visualization: Picture Joseph and a pregnant Mary, traveling to Bethlehem, a journey of faith and prophecy fulfillment.

Quote - ”Even when men rule for their own ends, God is at work to fulfill his plan. Second, Jesus is born where no child should be born (vv. 6–7). The God of the universe is laid in an animal’s feeding trough. There is no glory in that. We think of something the Lord would later say: 'Foxes have dens, and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head' (Luke 9:58; Matt 8:20). That was the Savior’s lifelong testimony. Nothing about this scene says 'glory.' But there is much in this scene to instruct us. Humility Before Glory: Before there is glory, there must first be humility. That is the way the kingdom of God operates. The first will be last, and the last will be first (Mark 10:31)" ~ Unknown

Luke 9:58 KJV

And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Matthew 8:20 KJV

And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Mark 10:31 KJV

But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

Example: Personal stories of faith journeys that led to unexpected fulfillment of God’s promises.

Quote - ”This word can also include the entire surroundings of the stable. This was a filthy, smelly place with flies, urine, and manure droppings on the ground. It was not sanitary at all but Joseph did not have much of a choice. He had to find something quickly. This is where the King of Kings, the Son of God entered this world. His lowly birth was a perfect symbol of the humility that would characterize His life and also what He would face in years to come when His pillow would be a stone. It is ironic that Jesus was found in a feeding trough because that is what He has done for sinners who have trusted in Him. He spiritually feeds men and women, boys and girls, because He is the Bread of Life. Beloved, you may find that your divine destination may not have a lot of the comforts of home at first. Your situation may not be what you are used to in your home"​ ~ Unknown

Transition: As we reflect on the prophecy fulfilled through Christ's birth, our attention shifts to the profound lesson of humility and simplicity embedded in the nativity scene, a stark contrast to our worldly expectations of grandeur.

III. The Humility of Christ's Birth as a Reflection of the Kingdom of God (Luke 2:6-7)

Luke 2:6–7 KJV

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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.

Detail:

Scripture: Focus on the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth in a manger due to the lack of space in the inn.

"That first Christmas there was no room for Him in the inn, and the world has had little room for Him since. The Lord Jesus came from the atmosphere of heaven to the air of a stall" ~ James Hastings, Great Texts of the Bible

The Humility of Christ (John 4:7)

 Spurgeon says: “Never was there a poorer man than Christ; he was the prince of poverty. He was the reverse of Croessus—he might be on the top of the hill of riches, Christ stood in the lowest vale of poverty. Look at his dress, it is woven from the top throughout, the garment of the poor! As for his food, he oftentimes did hunger; and always was dependent upon the charity of others for the relief of his wants! He who scattered the harvest o’er the broad acres of the world, had not sometimes wherewithal to stay the pangs of hunger? He who digged the springs of the ocean, sat upon a well and said to a Samaritan woman, ‘Give me to drink’ (John 4:7). He rode in no chariot, he walked in his weary way, foot sore, o’er the flints of Galilee! He had not where to lay his head. He looked upon the fox as it hurried to its resting-place, and he said, ‘Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but I, the Son of man, have not where to lay my head.’ He who had once been waited on by angels, becomes the servant of servants, takes a towel, girds himself, and washes his disciples’ feet! He who was once honored with the hallelujahs of ages, is now spit upon and despised! He who was loved by his Father, and had abundance of wealth of affection, could say, ‘He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me’ (John 13:18). Oh, for words to picture the humility of Christ. [AMG Bible Illustrations, Bible Illustrations Series (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 2000).]

John 4:7 KJV

There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

John 13:18 KJV

I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

Application: Emphasize humility and simplicity as core values of the Christian life, mirroring Jesus' own birth circumstances.

Quote from Dr. M.R. DeHaan (Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations): "The humility of the manger is the background for the glory of the Gospel. The Son of God stooped to the lowliest birth, so that we might be lifted to the highest heavens."

Quote - ”Zechariah noted that the Coming One would be like the rising sun, who provides light to guide our feet in the way of peace. Yet the birth of the Christ child is so simple and is located in as average a village as one can have. This is no normal setting for the birth of a king; Jesus’ birth is almost a story of the 'rags of royalty.' When his parents wrap Jesus in cloths to keep his limbs straight and lay him in the manger, the [‘making Himself of no reputation’] of the Christ has begun (Phil. 2:5–11). Importance is not a matter of one’s environment or the supposed status that things bring. Rather, importance is a function of one’s role in God’s work. Jesus is important not because of the setting of his birth, but because of who he is before God. For one moment, the center of God’s activity resides in an animal trough" ~ Unknown

Philippians 2:5–11 KJV

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The lack of space in the inn further emphasizes the humility and simplicity surrounding the birth of Jesus

Visualization: Imagine the stark contrast between the heavenly King’s birth and His earthly, humble beginnings.

In God's providential timing, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is born to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies, under humble circumstances that contrast with the grandeur of Roman imperial power

Jesus' life exemplified both humility and divinity, from his birth in a manger to his death and resurrection. His human experiences of growth, hunger, thirst, and physical death, contrasted with His divine nature, underscore the depth of His incarnation

Quote - ”It was clearly a leap down—as if the Son of God rose from his splendor, stood poised at the rim of the universe irradiating light, and dove headlong, speeding through the stars over the Milky Way to earth’s galaxy, finally past Arcturus, where he plunged into a huddle of animals. Nothing could be lower. Luke finishes the picture in verse 7: 'She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.' Mary counted his fingers, and the couple wiped him clean as best they could by firelight. Mary wrapped each of his little arms and legs with strips of cloth—mummy-like. No one helped her. She laid him in a feeding trough. No child born into the world that day seemed to have lower prospects. The Son of God was born into the world not as a prince but as a pauper" ~ Unknown

Quote - ”By being in a manger He was declared to be the king of the poor. In the eyes of the poor, imperial robes excite no affection, but a man in their own garb attracts their confidence. Great commanders have readily won the hearts of their soldiers by sharing their hardships and roughing it as if they belonged to the ranks. Further, in being thus laid in a manger, He did, as it were, give an invitation to the most humble to come to Him. We might tremble to approach a throne, but we cannot fear to approach a manger. Methinks there was yet another mystery. This place was free to all. Christ was born in the stable of the inn to show how free He is to all comers. Class distinctions are unknown here, and the prerogatives of caste are not acknowledged" ~ Unknown

Example: Instances where embracing humility led to greater spiritual understanding and growth.

Walking in the Humility of Christ: HUMILITY Philippians 2:5–11

Have you ever bought something that was an imitation—it looked like the real thing but lacked the quality of the original? Chances are your imitation wore out or broke or became tarnished before too long. There is nothing like the real thing, whether it be a cherished painting, a treasured piece of jewelry, or a precious relationship. Nothing quite meets our expectations except the real thing. But there are times in life when we are supposed to try to imitate something or someone—times when we want to model ourselves after an ideal or a role model. We don’t expect to be as good or perfect as the original, but it is in our best interests to try. Why? Because our sinful nature is so depraved, and because we have a perfect model for all we do in Jesus Christ!

No one has ever come close to humbling himself like Jesus Christ did, and no one ever will. Unity among Christians depends upon our walking in the humility of Jesus Christ. [Leadership Ministries Worldwide, Practical Illustrations: Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians (Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide, 2001), 73.]

Quote - ”Be patient, the Lord will meet your needs just like He cared for Joseph and Mary. That is His promise. [...] May we learn to lean upon the Lord each day and may our destination always be where God wants us to be. May we rely upon His promise, 'I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye' (Psalm 32:8)" ~ Rod Mattoon

Psalm 32:8 KJV

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Transition: Having journeyed through the humility and simplicity of Christ's birth and its implications, let us now draw these threads together to understand how they call us to action and reflect the heart of the Gospel message.

Conclusion:

A. Call to Act/Summary/Application:

In conclusion, the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, as depicted in Luke 2:1-7, is not just a humble narrative of a historical event; it is a front-row seat to divine orchestration and fulfillment of prophecy. We are called to reflect on the sovereignty of God, who uses global events to achieve His purposes and the humility of Christ's birth as a model for our lives. As we ponder the simplicity of the manger scene, let us embrace the values of humility and simplicity in our own lives, challenging the norms of pride and status. Let us also recognize the hand of God in our daily circumstances, understanding that He works through both the mundane and the miraculous. This passage invites us to consider our own journey of faith and to see God's guiding hand in our lives, just as He guided Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.

In the simplicity of a manger, we find the profound message of the Gospel – God's love and grace manifest in humility and servitude.

Transition: Having summarized the lessons learned from Luke 2:1-7, and the call to embrace humility and recognize God's guiding hand, we are now presented with the most crucial invitation of all – the invitation to embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The story of Jesus' birth, life, and resurrection is the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, a narrative marked by the fulfillment of detailed prophecies. This divine orchestration invites us to see God's hand not only in the grandeur of prophecies but also in the simplicity and humility of a manger

B. Gospel Invitation:

The story of Jesus' birth is an invitation to all to come and experience the love and grace of God, who sent His Son into the world in such a humble manner. If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, let this story of His birth open your soul to the truth of the Gospel. He came to the world not to condemn it, but to save it through His life, death, and resurrection. Today, you have the opportunity to respond to His call, to accept His gift of salvation, and to begin a new journey with Him. If you feel moved to make this decision, I invite you to come forward or reach out to us after the service. We would love to guide you through this significant step in your faith journey.

Quote - ”Let us ask that the Lord of glory will condescend to be born in the mean stable of our heart, transforming it into a palace! Notice how, to bring Mary to Bethlehem, the Master of all emperors sets on foot the machinery of providence and history. What can he not do for us and his Church!" ~ FB Meyer