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Jesus In The Manger

Starter Text: Luke 2:1–14 “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 Beth-lehem; (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. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, Good will toward men.”

A. Mary and Joeseph- parents of Jesus

Jesus was born of miracouls conception

Luke 1 explains how Mary who was a virgin and espoused to Joseph, was visited by the angel Gabriael.

Gabriel explains how she is chosen to birth the Messiah. Luke 1:27-35 KJVS

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.

Taxation

A. decree goes through the land that they should be taxed

B. Mary, pregnant with the Son of God begins to be uprooted and has to travel to Beth-lehem to pay their taxes

Mary is greatly pregnant

2. While on their trip it comes to pass that she has to deliver Jesus

3. Mary and Joseph stop at an inn, hoping to be able to deliver little baby Jesus in the comfort of a warm room , on a nice comfy bed

4. However, to their disappointment the innkeeper tells them that there is no room in the inn.

5. You can imagine that Joseph tried everything that he could to get a room. You could imagine that he offered the inn keeper 2x the standard rate for the room. Or asked him if anyone would be willing to share a room

6. His wife is going into labor and theres nowhere for them to go, and maybe it was the last ditch effort of kindness on the innkeepers part to point them to the stables

7. Its in the stable that Mary gives birth to Jesus, and wraps him in swaddeling clothes and he is places in a manger

Jesus

A. I wonder, if the Inn keeper knew who he was dealing with, would the story be a little different

I wonder if he really knew what was about to transpire would his reaction be a little different

Because 700 years ago, an old prophet names Isaiah saidIsaiah 7:14 KJVS

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

two chapters later he follows up with

Isaiah 9:6-7 KJVS

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. [7] 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.

Do we make room for the Lord?

Do I make room for him in my emotions?

Do I make room for him in my finances

Do I make room for him in

1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Casting all your cares on him=making room for him

How closely I follow that scripture is the measuring stick to how much room there is for the Lord in my life

He wants to get involved but he needs to be invited to get involved