Christmas 07 - Part 2

                                   Reasons to celebrate Christmas

                                                   CHRISTMAS 07 - Part 2                12/9/07  a.m.

Christ•mas \ˈkris-məs\ n   often attrib [ME Christemasse, fr. OE Cristes m+sse, lit., Christ’s mass] bef. 12c  : a Christian feast on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox Christians on January 7 that commemorates the birth of Christ and is usu. observed as a legal holiday [1]

Christmas, the annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus, celebrated on December 25 in all churches except the Church of Armenia, for which it is January 6.

The term appears as early as a.d. 1123 in Old English as ‘Cristes maesse’ (and variations) and ‘Christmas’ by 1568, meaning Mass of Christ.

The actual date of Jesus’ birth is unknown.

There is no evidence of celebrating the nativity before the third century. January 6 became widely observed in the third century to commemorate the ‘manifestation’ (‘epiphany’) of Christ on earth, including his birth, baptism, and the visit of the Magi, with varying local emphases.

The celebration of the nativity is attested in Rome in a.d. 336 (where Epiphany, January 6, commemorated the visit of the Magi), and this became widespread in the fifth and sixth centuries.

Although there are various theories on the selection of December 25, the most widely accepted is that this date had already been a major pagan festival, that of Sol Invictus, the ‘birth’ of the ‘Unconquerable Sun,’ marking the winter solstice (the sun’s triumph over darkness).

With the triumph of Christianity, Christmas replaced the pagan festival, Christians having applied ‘Sun of Righteousness’ (Mal. 4:2) to Christ. See also Epiphany; Jesus Christ; Sun; Wise Men.     A.J.H. [2]

Lk 2:1-38    (for today’s message-vv1-12)

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2  This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to  the city of David, which is called Bethlehem,  because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary,  his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them,  and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy  which will be to all people. 11  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior,  who is Christ the Lord. (fulfillment of scripture)12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

13  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying  (praise God)

14     “Glory  to God in the highest,

     And on earth  peace,  goodwill 5toward men!”

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and  praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

21 And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

22 Now when  the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord,  “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord” ), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord,  “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout,  waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not  see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came  by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

29     “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,

     According to Your word;

30     For my eyes  have seen Your salvation (salvation)

31     Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,

32      A light to bring revelation (the knowledge of God)to the Gentiles,

     And the glory of Your people Israel.”

33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the  fall and rising of many in Israel, and for  a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes,  a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of  Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

The proper manner to celebrate Christmas

1 Co 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

            *** Celebrate Christmas to honor and glorify God ***

Reason #1; To praise God – (for He worthy)

13  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God

Reason #2; The fulfillment of Scripture – (God kept His Word)

11  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior,  who is Christ the Lord.

Reason #3; Salvation – (the proof of Gods’ love)

30                For my eyes  have seen Your salvation

Reason #4; The light that brings revelation and glory –

(the source of understanding, knowledge, and the glory of God)

            A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”

Reason #2; The fulfillment of Scripture – (God kept His Word)

11  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior,  who is Christ the Lord.

The “Requirements” of a “GENUINE PROPHECY” are five in number.

1. It must have made PRIOR to its fulfillment.
2. It must be beyond all HUMAN FORESIGHT.
3. It must give DETAILS.
4. A SUFFICIENT TIME MUST ELAPSE BETWEEN ITS PUBLICATION AND FULFILLMENT TO EXCLUDE THE PROPHET, OR ANY INTERESTED PARTY, FROM FULFILLING IT.
5. There must be a CLEAR AND EVIDENT FULFILLMENT OF THE PROPHECY.

Written between 1,250- 1400 years before His birth by Moses

Dt 18:18-19

18  I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and  will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. 19  And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.

Given just after creation – 4,000 before His Birth & Written between 1,250- 1,400 years before His birth

1.      That He would be born of a woman

Ge 3:15 

15     And I will put enmity

     Between you and the woman,

     And between  your seed and her Seed;

      He shall bruise your head,

     And you shall bruise His heel.”

Written between 695- 760 years before His birth by Isaiah

2.      That He would be born of a virgin

Is 7:14  

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign:  Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear  a Son, and shall call His name  Immanuel. 9

Is 9:6-7

6     For unto us a Child is born,

     Unto us a Son is given;

     And the government will be upon His shoulder.

     And His name will be called

     Wonderful, Counselor,  Mighty God,

     Everlasting Father,  Prince of Peace.

7     Of the increase of His government and peace

      There will be no end,

     Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,

     To order it and establish it with judgment and justice

     From that time forward, even forever.

     The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

3.      That he would be from the line of Abraham – descendants numerous as the stars

Ge 17:7

7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant,  to be God to you and  your descendants after you.

4.      That He would be from the line of Isaac – not Ishmael – (still a lot of people) 

 Ge 21:12

12 But God said to Abraham, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for  in Isaac your seed shall be called.

5.      That He would be from the line of Jacob – not Esau – (still a lot of people)

Nu 24:17

17     “I  see Him, but not now;

     I behold Him, but not near;

     A Star shall come out of Jacob;

      A Scepter shall rise out of Israel,

     And batter the brow of Moab,

     And destroy all the sons of tumult.

6.      That he would be from the tribe of Judah – out of the 12 tribes of Jacob

Ge 49:10

10     The scepter shall not depart from Judah,

     Nor a lawgiver from between his feet,

     Until Shiloh comes;

      And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.

7.      That he would be from the sons of Jessie - out of all the families of Judah

Is 11:1

There  shall come forth a Rod from the stem of  Jesse,

8.      That he would be from the house of David – out of the eight sons of Jesse

2 Sa 7:12-13

12  “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13  He shall build a house for My name, and I will  establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

Je 23:5-6

     “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord,

     “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness;

     A King shall reign and prosper,

     And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.

6     In His days Judah will be saved,

     And Israel  will dwell safely;

     Now this is His name by which He will be called:

THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

(Jesus’ lineage – Mt.1:1-17; Luke3:23-38)

    God, Adam, Seth, Noah, Abraham,  Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Jessie, David, Jesus.

9.      That he would be born in Bethlehem – the specific town

Mic 5:2

     “But you,  Bethlehem  Ephrathah,

     Though you are little among the  thousands of Judah,

     Yet out of you shall come forth to Me

     The One to be Ruler in Israel,

     Whose goings forth are from of old,

     From everlasting.”

10.  That he would be worshiped by wise men and presented with gifts-accompanying  events

Is 60:3

3     The  Gentiles shall come to your light,

     And kings to the brightness of your rising.

11.  That his birthplace would suffer a massacre of infants – current social event

Je 31:15

5 Thus says the Lord:

      “A voice was heard in  Ramah,

     Lamentation and bitter weeping,

     Rachel weeping for her children,

     Refusing to be comforted for her children,

     Because they are no more.”

That’s 11 fulfilled prophecies concerning “JUST” the “BIRTH” of Christ

We know for fact that 109 prophecies were fulfilled at Christ’s first advent.

The probability of just eight prophecies being fulfilled in one person is 1 in 1017

                That’s 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000

That’s enough silver dollars to cover the state of Texas 2 feet deep.

Now, take one more paint it red, stir it into the mix state wide, put on a blindfold and pick it out of the pile on the first try. Land area: 261,797 sq. miles (rank 2nd)

Without question, God is true to His Word, which is reason to celebrate Christmas!!

And He will keep His Word to YOU as well!!

Prophecies Respecting Christ.

1.     As the Son of God. Ps 2:7.

a.     Fulfilled. Lu 1:32,35.

2.     As the seed of the woman. Ge 3:15.

a.     Fulfilled. Ga 4:4.

3.     As the seed of Abraham. Ge 17:7; 22:18.

a.     Fulfilled. Ga 3:16.

4.     As the seed of Isaac. Ge 21:12.

a.     Fulfilled. Heb 11:17-19.

5.     As the seed of David. Ps 132:11; Jer 23:5.

a.     Fulfilled. Ac 13:23; Ro 1:3.

6.     His coming at a set time. Ge 49:10; Da 9:24,25.

a.     Fulfilled. Lu 2:1.

7.     His being born a virgin. Isa 7:14.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 1:22,23; Lu 2:7.

8.     His being called Immanuel. Isa 7:14.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 1:22,23.

9.     His being born in Bethlehem of Judea. Mic 5:2.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 2:1; Lu 2:4-6.

10.     Great persons coming to adore him. Ps 72:10.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 2:1-11.

11.     The slaying of the children of Bethlehem. Jer 31:15.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 2:16-18.

12.     His being called out of Egypt. Ho 11:1.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 2:15.

13.     His being preceded by John the Baptist. Isa 40:3; Mal 3:1.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 3:1,3; Lu 1:17.

14.     His being anointed with the Spirit. Ps 45:7; Isa 11:2; 61:1.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 3:16; Joh 3:34; Ac 10:38.

15.     His being a Prophet like to Moses. De 18:15-18.

a.     Fulfilled. Ac 3:20-22.

16.     His being a Priest after the order of Melchizedek. Ps 110:4.

a.     Fulfilled. Heb 5:5,6.

17.     His entering on his public ministry. Isa 61:1,2.

a.     Fulfilled. Lu 4:16-21,43.

18.     His ministry commencing in Galilee. Isa 9:1,2.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 4:12-16,23.

19.     His entering publicly into Jerusalem. Zec 9:9.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 21:1-5.

20.     His coming into the temple. Hag 2:7,9; Mal 3:1.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 21:12; Lu 2:27-32; Joh 2:13-16.

21.     His poverty. Isa 53:2.

a.     Fulfilled. Mr 6:3; Lu 9:58.

22.     His meekness and want of ostentatious. Isa 42:2.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 12:15,16,19.

23.     His tenderness and compassion. Isa 40:11; 42:3.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 12:15,20; Heb 4:15.

24.     His being without guile. Isa 53:9.

a.     Fulfilled. 1Pe 2:22.

25.     His zeal. Ps 69:9.

a.     Fulfilled. Joh 2:17.

26.     His preaching by parables. Ps 78:2.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 13:34,35.

27.     His working miracles. Isa 35:5,6.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 11:4-6; Joh 11:47.

28.     His bearing reproach. Ps 22:6; 69:7,9,20.

a.     Fulfilled. Ro 15:3.

29.     His being rejected by his brethren. Ps 69:8; Isa 63:3.

a.     Fulfilled. Joh 1:11; 7:3.

30.     His being a stone of stumbling to the Jews. Isa 8:14.

a.     Fulfilled. Ro 9:32; 1Pe 2:8.

31.     His being hated by the Jews. Ps 69:4; Isa 49:7.

a.     Fulfilled. Joh 15:24,25.

32.     His being rejected by the Jewish rulers. Ps 118:22.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 21:42; Joh 7:48.

33.     That the Jews and Gentiles should combine against Him. Ps 2:1,2.

a.     Fulfilled. Lu 23:12; Ac 4:27.

34.     His being betrayed by a friend. Ps 41:9; 55:12-14.

a.     Fulfilled. Joh 13:18,21.

35.     His disciples forsaking him. Zec 13:7.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 26:31,56.

36.     His being sold for thirty pieces silver. Zec 11:12.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 26:15.

37.     His price being given for the potter’s field. Zec 11:13.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 27:7.

38.     The intensity of his sufferings. Ps 22:14,15.

a.     Fulfilled. Lu 22:42,44.

39.     His sufferings being for others. Isa 53:4-6,12; Da 9:26.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 20:28.

40.     His patience and silence under suffering. Isa 53:7.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 26:63; 27:12-14.

41.     His being smitten on the cheek. Mic 5:1.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 27:30.

42.     His visage being marred. Isa 52:14; 53:3.

a.     Fulfilled. Joh 19:5.

43.     His being spit on and scourged. Isa 50:6.

a.     Fulfilled. Mr 14:65; Joh 19:1.

44.     His hands and feet being nailed to the cross. Ps 22:16.

a.     Fulfilled. Joh 19:18; 20:25.

45.     His being forsaken by God. Ps 22:1.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 27:46.

46.     His being mocked. Ps 22:7,8.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 27:39-44.

47.     Gall and vinegar being given him to drink. Ps 69:21.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 27:34.

48.     His garments being parted, and lots cast for his vesture. Ps 22:18.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 27:35.

49.     His being numbered with the transgressors. Isa 53:12.

a.     Fulfilled. Mr 15:28.

50.     His intercession for His murderers. Isa 53:12.

a.     Fulfilled. Lu 23:34.

51.     His Death. Isa 53:12.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 27:50.

52.     That a bone of him should not be broken. Ex 12:46; Ps 34:20.

a.     Fulfilled. Joh 19:33,36.

53.     His being pierced. Zec 12:10.

a.     Fulfilled. Joh 19:34,37.

54.     His being buried with the rich. Isa 53:9.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 27:57-60.

55.     His flesh not seeing corruption. Ps 16:10.

a.     Fulfilled. Ac 2:31.

56.     His resurrection. Ps 16:10; Isa 26:19.

a.     Fulfilled. Lu 24:6,31,34.

57.     His ascension. Ps 68:18.

a.     Fulfilled. Lu 24:51; Ac 1:9.

58.     His sitting on the right hand of God. Ps 110:1.

a.     Fulfilled. Heb 1:3.

59.     His exercising the priestly office in heaven. Zec 6:13.

a.     Fulfilled. Ro 8:34.

60.     His being the chief corner-stone of the Church. Isa 28:16.

a.     Fulfilled. 1Pe 2:6,7.

61.     His being King in Zion. Ps 2:6.

a.     Fulfilled. Lu 1:32; Joh 18:33-37.

62.     The conversion of the Gentiles to him. Isa 11:10; 42:1.

a.     Fulfilled. Mt 1:17,21; Joh 10:16; Ac 10:45,47.

63.     His righteous government. Ps 45:6,7.

a.     Fulfilled. Joh 5:30; Re 19:11.

64.     His universal dominion. Ps 72:8; Da 7:14.

a.     Fulfilled. Php 2:9,11.

65.     The perpetuity of his kingdom. Isa 9:7; Da 7:14.

a.     Fulfilled. Lu 1:32,3

[3]

Prophecies fulfilled by Jesus

[4]

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\

\ə\ abut \ə\ kitten, F table \ər\ further \a\ ash \ā\ ace \ä\ mop, mar

\au̇\ out \ch\ chin \e\ bet \ē\ easy \g\ go \i\ hit \ī\ ice \j\ job

\ŋ\ sing \ō\ go \ȯ\ law \ȯi\ boy \th\ thin \ṯẖ\ the \ü\ loot \u̇\ foot

\y\ yet \zh\ vision, beige \ḵ, n, œ, ue, y\ see Guide to Pronunciation

n northern, noun

attrib attributive, attributively

ME Middle English

fr from

OE Old English

lit literally, literary

bef before

c century

usu usually

[1]Merriam-Webster, Inc: Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. Eleventh ed. Springfield, Mass. : Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2003

A.J.H. Arland J. Hultgren, Th.D.; Associate Professor of New Testament; Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary; St. Paul, Minnesota

[2]Achtemeier, Paul J. ; Harper & Row, Publishers ; Society of Biblical Literature: Harper's Bible Dictionary. 1st ed. San Francisco : Harper & Row, 1985, S. 163

5 NU toward men of goodwill

9 Lit. God-With-Us

[3]Torrey, R.A.: The New Topical Text Book : A Scriptural Text Book for the Use of Ministers, Teachers, and All Christian Workers. Oak Harbor, WA : Logos research Systems, Inc., 1995, c1897

[4]Willmington, H.L.: Willmington's Book of Bible Lists. Wheaton, IL : Tyndale, 1987, S. 260