Why Is The Crib Important ?

INTRO :

The Revival in America Today:

Today there is a revival in America

Have you herd about it?

America has more information then we know what to do with.

Do you remember your first computer?

Most of use can probably hear the sound dial up internet played when it was getting started.

Can you hear it?

In 2001 we suffered an attack 9/11. Churches around the country filled over night. Many called this a revival.

Since then it has steadily gone down hill. Church attendance is down, church planting, missionaries, and even soulwinning is down.

In 2020 we were hit with the plan/pandemic. In 2023 the W.H.O. said it was officially over. 2024-2025 a potential flattening of this decline or even slight upticks among specific groups, particularly some Millennials and Gen Z, possibly driven by post-pandemic seeking deeper meaning, community, and unfiltered truth, though this is a newer development against a backdrop of decades of falling numbers. 

There is a mass migration of young adult, and young people swarming to churches all over the nation. but with this mass migration come mass amounts of baby Christians. They do not know what they believe. They have so many questions.

So its time to go back to the basics to answer these questions :

Like, Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem? Was it really predicted before He was born? Was & Why (was) Marry a virgin (important)? Why was Jesus human or was he God?

SO THIS MORNING I HOPE TO ANSWER SOME OF THOSE QUESTIONS

*PRAY*

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, thankful for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate this season. As we prepare to hear and share Your Word, we ask for Your Holy Spirit to fill us. Open our hearts and minds to understand the profound truths of Christmas—the truth of Your incarnation, the miracle of the virgin birth, and the hope and salvation brought through Christ.

Lord, remove any distractions and help us to focus on the significance of Your gift. May this message deepen our faith, renew our love for You, and inspire us to live in the light of Your truth. Bless each listener and speaker, that Your name alone may be glorified.

We thank You for the incredible gift of Jesus, and we praise You for Your unending grace and mercy.

In Jesus’ precious name, we pray.

Amen.

INTRO: TO THE CULTURE

WHO HAD THE POWER BEFORE CHRIST WAS BORN?

The Roman Empire was very powerful. It controlled many parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

They had strong armies, organized governments, and built roads and buildings that are still remembered today.

WHAT DID BELEIVE BEFORE CHRIST WAS BORN?

The Babylonians worshipped a god named Marduk.

Many ancient cultures believed in many gods and goddesses—these are called polytheistic religions.

The Jewish people believed in only one God, called YHWH.

They believed God was involved in the world, sent angels to help, and taught about living rightly.

The Persian ideas about angels and demons influenced what some Jewish people believed.

Mithras was a hero believed to have been born from a virgin, and stories about him included ideas about special ceremonies.

WHAT WAS LIFE LIKE FOR THESE PEOPLE?

SHEPERDS

Most people in those days lived on farms, growing crops or taking care of animals. They lived in small villages near fertile land.

SOCIAL CLASSES

Societies were often divided into different social levels. Wealthy people lived comfortably and had lots of power, while most others had simpler lives.

STAR GAZING

At night, people used oil lamps, candles, and campfires because there wasn't electricity. They also studied the stars to help with farming and navigation.

STORIE WRITEING

They created beautiful art, wrote stories, and thought deeply about life, especially inspired by Greek philosophy, which was very popular at the time.

1# BEFORE CHRIST BIRTH

THE PROPHECIES

DEFINITION

A Prophecy is when God tells someone something that will happen in the future, so people can know what God plans.

Born of a Virgin Prophecy :

Isaiah 7:14

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

The Fulfillment Of The Prophecies :

Luke 1:26–35

“26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

These verses show undeniable proof that a young woman will have a baby called Immanuel, which means "God with us.

"Meaning: Jesus would be born to a virgin, showing that His birth was special and part of God's plan.

Born in Bethlehem Prophecy:

Micah 5:2

“2 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.”

The Fulfillment Of The Prophecies :

Luke 2:1–7

“1 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 Beth-lehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 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.”

Flee to Egypt Prophecy: (EXTRA)

Hosea 11:1

“1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, And called my son out of Egypt.”

says, "Out of Egypt I called my son. "Meaning: When Jesus was a baby, His family had to escape to Egypt for safety, just like this prophecy said.

The Fulfillment Of The Prophecies :

Matthew 2:13–15

“13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.”

THE LIES

It has been said:

The Birth of Christ in Bethlehem could have been manipulated by his parents. They Could Have lied about marry being a virgin, and knew the prophecy so they went to Bethlehem to make it look like there first son was the Christ.

THE TRUTH

We can clearly see that this move to Bethlehem was forced upon Marry and Joseph. This was not choice, this was mandatory.

As well as who would take a pregnant women on a long journey just for a big lie.

We can also see that it WAS really predicted before Christ was born?

1# BEFORE CHRIST BIRTH

2# AT CHRIST BIRTH

WAS MARY A VIRGIN?

WHY WAS THAT IMPORTANT?

Is THE VIRGIN BIRTH IS A CORE BAPTIST DOCTRINE ?

^(LUKE Ch. 1-2)^

Was Jesus was born to Mary, a virgin, through the Holy Spirit.

It demonstrates Jesus’ divine nature and miraculous origin.

HOW IS THIS MIRACULOUS? A: The miracle affirms Jesus’ identity as the Son of God.

 What Significance of the Virgin Birth ?

It shows Jesus is both fully God and fully human.

HOW IS THIS SHOWN ? A: He was born of a women thus his humanity, but placed there by the HOLY GHOST proving his GOD HOOD.

Why the Virgin Birth Is Necessary?

Without it, Jesus would be just like any other human, born naturally.

WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT ? It confirms Jesus’ sinless nature, necessary for being our Savior.

What if the Virgin Birth Were Not True ? - The foundation of Jesus’ divine authority would be broken. - Christianity’s core claims about Jesus’ identity and role would be invalid. - The message of salvation would be compromised.

The virgin birth is vital because it upholds the truth of Jesus’ divine mission and our salvation.

1# BEFORE CHRIST BIRTH 2# AT CHRIST BIRTH

3# AFTER CHRIST BIRTH

AFTER THE MIRICLE AT THE CRIB COMES THE MIRACLE AT THE CROSS BUT BEFORE WE GET TO THE CROSS WE MUST ANSWER:

Why was Jesus human and was He God ?

Why Was Jesus Human?

To experience life as a human:

Hebrews 2:14–17

“14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”

To be our perfect example:

1 Peter 2:21

“21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”

To die for our sins:

Hebrews 4:15

“15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

WHEN OR WHERE WAS HE TEMPTED ? (Matthew 4, Mark 1, Luke 4) JESUS IN THE WILDERNESS FOR 40 DAY BEING TEMPTED BY SATAN

Why Was Jesus God?

His divine nature and power:

John 1:1–3

“1 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

“14 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.”

To forgive sins and give eternal life:

John 10:28

“28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

His divine authority:

Matthew 28:18

“18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”

Core Doctrine: "All God, All Man"

Jesus is God and Man:

Colossians 2:9

“9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

His humanity:

Hebrews 2:17

“17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”

His divinity:

John 20:28

“28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.” "

Why Is This Important?

If Jesus was not fully God, He couldn’t have defeated sin and death.

If Jesus was not fully human, He couldn’t truly represent us or take our punishment.

This perfect mix makes Jesus the only Savior who can save us completely.

CONCLUSION

The prophecy of the virgin birth and its fulfillment confirm God's perfect plan.

Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem shows God’s promises were true.

The miraculous birth proves Jesus is both fully God and fully man.

The crib and manger proclaim the beginning of God's salvation plan.

His humanity allows Him to understand us.

His divinity gives Him the power to save us.

The birth points us to the cross—where love and sacrifice meet.

Because of His death and resurrection, we have hope and eternal life.

Call to Action:

Let’s remember the significance of His birth and look to the cross with faith and gratitude.

The cross is the ultimate expression of God's love and plan.

NEXT SERVICE WE WILL LOOK AT

Jesus, both God and man, TAKING our sins upon Himself.

SHOWING HOW He paid the price we couldn’t pay, conquering sin and death.

The Crib Proclaims - The Prophecy The Prophecy Predicted - The Virgin Birth The Virgin Birth Proves - Jesus is Both God and Man

PRAY

Heavenly Father, We thank You from our hearts for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for fulfilling Your promises through His miraculous birth, proving that Your plan of salvation is perfect. We are overwhelmed by Your love—how You sent Jesus into the world to save us.

Lord, we believe that Jesus is both fully God and fully man, and we trust in His sacrifice on the cross for our salvation. Help us to understand the significance of His birth and His death. Fill our hearts with gratitude and a desire to live for You each day.

We pray that this message will stay with us, guiding us to share Your love with others. Strengthen our faith, renew our commitment, and help us to walk in Your truth. Thank You for the hope we have in Jesus. We give You all the glory and praise, now and forever.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.