The Glory of God in the first Advent

Textual Background for the Bible’s historical foundations

Explanation: The first seven verses of this passage relate to the birth of Christ. We are informed that Mary & Joseph traveled to Bethlehem when she was heavy with child (v. 5) and near full term. Before we skip over this bit of news, ask yourself why Joseph would arrange a trip of about 90 miles under primitive conditions when his wife was close to delivering? This trip would have most likely taken them between 4 days to a week.

Luke supplies the answer in the first 4 verses of our text: The Roman Empire demanded a census for tax purposes and they weren’t giving out exemptions. Joseph couldn’t pick up the phone and talk with an official in Rome to explain his current situation. Instead, he and Mary made the difficult journey because the Jews were a subjugated people and he, like a bunch of other travellers, was doing as ordered. BTW - this was the mechanism God used to fulfill Micah’s prophecy: Micah 5:2

Micah 5:2 KJV 1900

But thou, Beth-lehem 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.

Argument: The Bible is a book of Truth that is set in a real historical setting. There is nothing fanciful or made up about the Bible. You may reject the message, but you cannot honestly deny that the message is accurate and historical.

Application: No one is ever reasoned into Christianity. Faith in Christ is crucial (Eph 2:8-9; Heb 11:6), but trusting in Christ is NOT an un-reasoned decision.

The Glory of God was manifested at the Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:9)

Explanation: At the time Mary was in barn bringing Jesus into the world, the Angel of the Lord was visiting a local band of shepherds. When the Angel appeared, we are informed that the “the Glory of the Lord shone round about them” (v. 9).

What is the glory of the Lord? The glory of God is His manifested presence when He reveals Himself in specific ways to chosen individuals. It is a powerful and awesome thing to be around or in the presence of YHWH; note that the shepherds “were sore afraid”

The Shekinah glory cloud appeared to the Israelites during their journey to give direction and to remind them of the One who called them out. We are informed that God put His glory on display in a powerful manner when Moses set up the tabernacle in the desert. Exodus 40:34-35

Exodus 40:34–35 KJV 1900

Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

Argument: This is the same glory that showed up the night of Jesus’ birth. The shepherds experienced this and they were scared witless! The Angel has to tell them “Fear Not,” because they probably thought it was over for them. But instead of getting cooked to cinders, the shepherds were the first to receive the news of Messiah’s arrival! What a privilege!

As a group, shepherds were common, hard-working individuals who provided care for their animals. Shepherds were definitely not the elite upper crust of society! They do, however, represent the everyday type of people who need a Savior. The shepherds stand in for All humanity because all humans have a sin problem and the only remedy for our condition is Jesus!

Application: The Angel of the Lord appearing to the shepherds was a one-time event. We can read about it and realize how it must have been a life-changing events for those men.

But what about us? Can YOU experience God’s glory today? When the Apostle John writes about the Incarnation he states, “we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). While John is describing the reality of physically being in the presence of Jesus, we CAN experience the Spirit of Christ as He IS present with us in this room.

What do you expect to happen on Sundays? Are you just waiting for the service to end so you can go to lunch? Worship is not a rest stop on the way; it is our destination - IF our purpose is to meet with God!

Listen to the Angel’s song as if for the first time. Realize that God is here in Spirit and in Truth and desires to manifest His glory in your life.

Receiving the Glory of God brings peace (Luke 2:14)

Explanation: The Angel’s message concerning peace can be misunderstood in v. 14. The KJV translators render the phrase, “and on earth peace, Good will toward men.” and it seems to say that the earth will have peace simply because of the Advent of Jesus. This was not so, and has not been the case for the past 2,000 years. A better way to translate the verse is to read:

“peace among those with whom he is pleased” (v.14)

Knowing that peace with God is available on individual level is very encouraging. There WILL be peace on earth when Jesus fully establishes His kingdom, but it is good to know that the Peace of Jesus is available now.

Example: Marcus was seeking peace and he wanted to talk about his relationship with Jesus. He has a mixed up and confusing spiritual journey (jail ministry, preaching to drugs and alcohol, to Islam, back to Christianity). He said the only time he knew real peace was when he was serving Jesus.

Argument: Peace is NOT the absence of conflict. Peace is the presence of ONE greater that the conflicts that surround us! (Romans 5:1)

Those who have experienced the Glory of God in Christ Jesus have a desire to share it with others (Luke 2:17)

Explanation: The shepherds’ night went from normal to highly supernatural in a few moments. The Angel definitely got their attention and when the “multitude of the heavenly host” joined in, it must have been incredible! The shepherds immediately acted upon the Angel’s instruction and hurried to the manger. They saw Jesus, just as the Angel told it. encountered the response of the shepherds: “and when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child” (v. 17)The shepherds became the first group of people who

They proclaimed the good news to others. They shared what they had received.

Conclusion:

Christmas Day is only three days from now. All of us will be celebrating or observing the holiday in one way or another. Will you be celebrating as one who has experienced the glory of God personally because God has already reached down and regenerated your soul when you received His precious gift of Jesus?

Or will you be one who merely observes traditions and family time just because it it Christmas? You will probably have a good time because of being with family, and you may even get some nice gifts, but you will still be missing the true meaning of the season.

Our modern time is a busy time. We rush from one activity or event to the next and it is possible to miss out on what is really important. The time of Jesus’ birth was also a busy time. Bethlehem was bustling with business due to the census and probably lots of confusion and chaos. We are informed that there was “no room in the inn” (v. 7) for Joseph and Mary. Those busy, busy people missed out on the glory - do not make the same mistake.

Is there room in your life for Jesus?