The Birth of Christ our Savior
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Luke 2:1-20
Luke 2:1-20
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.
This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
“This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.
And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
The Birth of Christ our Savior
God created the world, and the birth of Jesus changed it.
The Background
Luke examined all the claims and events described in this account. For many years, he had been close to the story of the Messiah and the truth behind it. He likely spoke with Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, Disciples, and others.
Luke also had access to various documents and records. This was his calling and purpose, and he excelled at his work. If you examine Luke and Acts as an investigator, you'll notice the meticulous precision he used to pinpoint exactly what we need to hear.
Historical Context:
Caesar Augustus, regarded as one of history's greatest rulers, was in power. He is known for initiating the Pax Romana (Roman Peace). Coins bearing his image carried the inscription, Divi filius (Son of Divinity). He decreed a census to be conducted across the entire Roman Empire, mainly for taxation. These events demonstrate God’s influence, as they led to Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem. Joseph, a descendant of David, lived in Nazareth but had to register based on his lineage.
Literary Context:
Everything about Jesus’ birth would have gone unnoticed and been as humble as you can imagine. I mean, who’s ever heard of someone being born and laid in a manger for animals? I doubt Mary cared where she was; she made do with the best she had and loved her baby Jesus, tears and joy in her eyes.
Keep in mind, while some of this was shared locally, much of the world would never hear this story until Luke recorded it around 60 AD. And, as far as we know, it started with one recipient, Theophilus.
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;
and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
The Angel Gabriel’s Message to Mary:
He will be Great
He will be the Son of the Most High
Be given the throne of His father David
Reign over the house of Jacob forever
There will be no end to His Kingdom
Mary Speaks:
And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
Census by Caesar Augustus
Everyone was to be registered
Joseph was of the House of David (Bethlehem)
They would have traveled at least 80-100 miles to reach there, a journey taking at least 4-7 days. Imagine being 8-9 months pregnant and making that trip.
Mary gave birth and laid her baby in a manger
Why a manger? Scholars point out that it was unlikely there was an inn in Bethlehem. The Greek word used is 'katalyma,' which is best translated as guest room or a larger lodging for travelers. The stories shared about searching for a place and being turned down are absurd and unbiblical. Bethlehem was small, and there simply was no room in the family lodging they were staying for a pregnant woman to have a baby. it could also be they were trying to minimize the gossip of her being pregnant. This was about the humble beginnings of our King.
Mary and Joseph would have arrived there a few days before she gave birth. When the time came for her to deliver, there was no private place to do so. Some locations were built to accommodate groups, often with an upper room for people and a lower room for animals. These were most likely made of stone. As a result, they probably had to go to a lower room or possibly a cave outside.
The manger was likely a stone trough used for animals. Some scholars believe there were no animals present, but this is uncertain. Scripture provides no clear evidence either way about the presence of animals. If you are a new mother, you would make sure that the manger was thoroughly cleaned and dry. Mary took her time and carefully wrapped her baby to keep him safe and loved.
Mary wrapped him in cloth. Cultural traditions included cutting the umbilical cord, rubbing a mixture of salt and oil on the baby (salt to toughen skin and prevent infections, oil to keep the skin healthy), and then swaddling the baby tightly with long strips of cloth, with his limbs straightened, for proper development. She placed him in a manger.
The Shepherds watching their Flock by Night (2, 3, 10?)
The Angel's Proclamation
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Do not be Afraid. I bring GOOD NEWS (εὐαγγελίζω). Your Savior. The CHRIST.
Not announced by earthly kings or royalty, the message came from the true throne of Grace, the only Kingdom worth mentioning. It came from heaven above to the least of these, to shepherds working the night shift. What a joyful pronouncement of the ONE TRUE KING!
The Proclamation from the Heavenly Host
Finish this Sentence: “And on earth peace, Good will ___________.”
If you said toward men, you have fallen victim to the Mandela Effect (Kind of).
Finish these popular sayings:
“Luke (No), I am your father.”
“Mirror, Mirror (Magic Mirror)on the Wall…”
The Berenstein (Berenstain) Bears
Curious George (Tail or No Tail?)
Biblical Trivia: “The ________ also shall dwell with the lamb…”
DO NOT press next slide until i mention verse, please
And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them.
SUDDENLY! Luke 2:14
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.”
The KJV got it wrong and removed the Greek understanding of the text. Why? Their translation methods were less accurate than those of other versions, which is why it is always best to refer to the original language whenever possible.
The last time a heavenly host praised God was in Isaiah 6:3
And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of armies. The whole earth is full of His glory.”
Two prophecies, specific to the birth of Christ, would follow.
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Our prayers should begin with acknowledging God, praising and proclaiming His name. Is this part of your routine?
Becoming a Child of God
There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,
who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
There can only be true peace with those who receive His message, the gospel that Jesus is the Messiah. There is no peace for those who do not know Him. There is no middle ground; you either have peace through Christ, or you do not. Where is your peace found? If it is found in anything of this world, it will perish. Jesus is the only true peace you can find, and He came to this earth, His creation, so you would have peace. When you believe the gospel message of Christ, you will find peace, and God will be pleased with you. If you do not have Christ in your heart, then God will never be happy with you. You have chosen a path of destruction. Jesus came for everyone; He died for everyone so they may have peace and eternal life. However, not all will believe in His call or accept His sacrifice and forgiveness and have true peace.
