The First Christmas Gift

I first shared this Advent series of "Firsts" back around 1996. I had read a Christmas article sharing some of the thoughts about that first Christmas; so I chose to borrow some of the ideas and develop a Advent sermon series around them. Some of you may find them somewhat familiar since I had preached these messages the first December we were here in 2005. Hopefully, you will still sense God speaking to you through these updated messages once again.

There is a commercial for Hallmark cards which has a very catchy slogan summarizing their ad: “When you care enough to send the very best.”

Isn't that what God did when He sent his Son into this world? God indeed cared enough, actually cared so much, that He gave His very best. He sent his Son, to be born in a manger, as the Lamb of God. How appropriate!

For many, this time of year marks the time when we spend all kinds of mental energy trying to come up with the perfect gift to give someone whom we love so dearly. I recognize that there are are some of you who already have your gifts prepared to give to those very special people in your lives.

Today I would like to take some time with you to Recognize the significance and the impact of that very first Christmas gift.

There is the Preparation for the Gift. - 2:1-3

Luke 2:1–3 NASB95

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.

As we consider gifts that we give to the special people in our lives, there is usually forethought in planning and preparation for these gifts. Once we have come up with what we consider to be a great gift for someone, we then begin the process of looking for that particular gift. Once we find it, we then proceed to purchase it or create it. Once that is done, there is the mad rush to get it wrapped and set underneath the Christmas tree.

These first three verses describe some of the political activity that caused Joseph and Mary to be at the right place at the right time. Luke, being the stickler for details and accuracy, also recognized God's sovereign hand in the affairs of mankind. None of this occurred because of luck or coincidence. God did and will continue to use all kinds of people to accomplish His perfect purposes and plans.

The time of this event is somewhat vague. We cannot pinpoint an exact month and day, but we can glean some information regarding the year. This census most likely took place between 6-4 BC. We know this information because history shows Quirinius as being in the position of governor, or a position to that effect, for two terms. His second term was between AD 6-9, which references. I share this information with you because I find it fascinating and I figured some of you history buffs might enjoy it.

Now there are some who would like to suggest that Christ was born at 0 or 1. However, we must remember that the calendar has gone through several changes over the years. Calendars have been changed and redone as different world leaders tried to force their agendas and ideas on their people.

It would also be good to understand that it was quite normal and customary for people to go to their original home or their ancestral home for a government census. Today, we understand that a census is usually done by government workers coming to your door. However, that was not the way it was done during that timeframe.

In addition, please remember that the world's most powerful people at that time, unbeknownst to them, were actually setting the stage for God’s plan for the unveiling of His most remarkable gift.

There is the Presentation of the Gift. - 2:4-7

Luke 2:4–7 NASB95

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 verse 4, we read that Joseph was traveling to Bethlehem from Nazareth. Many scholars suggest this would have been a three-day journey at the very least. The reason for Joseph leaving Nazareth to go to Bethlehem was because it had to take place, according to Scripture. Technically and practically, this needed to take place since Joseph was of the house and line of David. We recall that Bethlehem was King David's birthplace.

If we sneak backwards to , we see that Mary was also from Nazareth. We remember Mary's willingness to let the Lord do to her and through her whatever needed to be done for His glory. You will recall after the Holy Spirit come upon her causing her to become pregnant, she then went to spend some time with Elizabeth. She stayed there for three months, then returned back home. However, we do not know the specifics of what took place over the last six months of her pregnancy. All that we can gather from the Bible, is that Joseph and Mary went together to Bethlehem to register for the census. By the way, there is great speculation as to how old Mary actually was. But the Bible is silent on this subject and we are left mostly to conjecture. However, we do know that Mary was over 12 years of age. The reason is that all women in Syria, 12 years of age and older, we're required to register for the senses.

Also, we don't know exactly what time of the year it was in which they went to Bethlehem. They could have left much earlier or just prior to that time of the birth. I tend to believe, based on the wording of Scripture, that it was shortly before the birth. Obviously, there is no calendar evidence that Jesus was born on December 25. However, this date has been used as a day of celebration for Christ coming into the world for an incredibly long time. I believe it wisest to not get hung up on such trivial information.

Also, thanks to many Christmas pageants and even the Charlie Brown Christmas special (which I really appreciate), we have accepted the hotel idea of an inn. However this is not really very accurate. The Greek word is “katalyma” which usually means “room” or “guest room.” This very same word is used to describe the place of the last supper. Interestingly, the Greek word for inn is “pandocheion” which literally means “receives all.” So, in fact, Luke did not portray a horrible picture of any one individual, but instead just presented the facts. The fact of the matter is that there were no rooms and no place available for her to give birth.

When it was time for Mary to give birth to Jesus, God has prepared one special place which was available. That location was where the animals stayed. It may have been a barn, but most likely was a cave. It may have even been a separate part of the house where livestock was kept. As to the location where Jesus was placed after his birth, it was in a manger. The manger was simply an eating trough. When you think about it, that was a perfect location for placing a newborn. In fact, is there any better place for the Lamb of God, Who would ultimately sacrifice His life for the sins of mankind?

Listen to how God foretold all these events through the prophets. The majority of portrays the Messiah as the Lamb.

reminds us that it would be a virgin who would bear a child and that she would call this child Immanuel.

tells us that the Messiah would be born in the tiny village of Bethlehem.

Pondering

When one thinks of a gift, we usually think of beautiful wrapping which conceals the identity and description of the gift hidden within. In fact, there is often a card which one opens prior to opening the gift. The card might have a beautiful sentiment and quite often a hint as to what the gift contains.

Do you see some parallels within this section of scripture? The card could be likened to the Old Testament. The Old Testament has much rich sprinkling of prophecy which foretold the coming Messiah. Interestingly, there were only a few individuals who could truly understand how all of this was to be.

There was also Mary, the willing and spiritually attuned young virgin who carried the Christ child. Her husband to be, Joseph, a godly man, was making preparation to receive the first gift. Not only were Mary and Joseph going to receive the gift of their first child, they would welcome the gift of the Lamb of God Who would take away the sins of the world.

Let me encourage each one of us, as we begin the advent season, that period of expectant preparation and anticipation, do not forget that very first Christmas. For some who become quite aggravated about all the epic commercialism and paganism; DON’T.

Allow yourself to be amazed by God's hand in touching Mary and Joseph and leading them to their destination.

Allow yourself to marvel at the very fact that the Son of God willingly humbled Himself in order to be born as a baby. Think of the incredible wonder that Jesus went through as He experienced all the stages of growing up so that He might fully identify with humanity.

And then be in awe that this little, innocent Lamb of God was born for the purpose of dying in your place in mind by providing the free gift of salvation for all who would believe.