The Birth of Jesus
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Scripture Reading
Scripture Reading
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 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, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 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.
Quirinius “Kur-rain-e-ous”
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 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, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 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.
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 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. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!” 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.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Luke 2:1-7
Christmas, it really happened!
Christmas, it really happened!
(Slide)
We have come to the final part of our four part Christmas Series.
Today we will spent some (brief) time on the birth of Jesus.
During this series, again and again, we have seen parallel accounts in Luke’s gospel about the early events of John’s birth and of Jesus birth.
Luke is deliberately doing a “Compare and Contrast”.
Did you like school/college essays that start like that?
The Birth Accounts
The Birth Accounts
Last week we looked at the birth of John the Baptist.
We read,
(Slide)
Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.
The actual birth of John is recorded in just two verses, then the account moves onto John’s circumcision and dedication
This is unlike the account of Jesus actual birth. We read it earlier and it occupies some 20 verses.
Luke is to continually showing the superiority of the person of Jesus over John.
Luke will go on to also show the superiority of the ministry of Jesus over John.
One is the Forerunner, the other is the Actual
One will become a prophet, call people to repentance, baptise Jesus (the height of his ministry) and then become less and less.
But the other, Jesus, is Christ the Lord, from the line of David, whose Kingdom will be forever and ever.
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 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, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 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. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 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. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!” 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.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
The Historical Setting
The Historical Setting
Jesus’ birth account starts with,
(Slide)
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
“Kur-rain-e-ous”
Suggested Chronology of Jesus Birth
Suggested Chronology of Jesus Birth
(Slide)
Jesus was born about six months after the birth of John.
How do we know that?
You remember we read in Luke 1,
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
We do not know which month of the year Jesus was born.
You can work backwards to the timing of Elizabeth and Mary pregnancy and the timing of the visits by the Angel Gabriel.
Some suggest spring time because Shepherds were watching over the flocks, possibly because of new born lambs.
But such things are not clear in the bible.
Suggested Chronology of Jesus Birth
Suggested Chronology of Jesus Birth
(Slide)
This picture gives suggested chronology and is taken from the the SDA Commentary.
It is useful, but there is a reson it is called suggested
It is useful, but there is a reason why this is called Suggested
Luke is not precise on dates.
Just as Luke is not precise on when Jesus started his adult ministry.
Do you remember it says in Luke 3,
Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli,
Note the “about”.
The problem with dating Jesus birth is mostly to do with this guy Quirinius “Kur-rain-e-ous”
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.
Quirinius “Kur-rain-e-ous”
Caesar Augustus, 27BC to 14AD. No problem there, universal agreement. Fits the timeline.
Quirinius “Ker-rain-e-ous” , his govern-ship starts in AD6.
Luke seems to state that Jesus birth took place during this govern-ship and census.
But that is too late for Jesus Birth
Why?
But Matthew’s gospel tells us that,
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,
So Matthew tells is the Jesus was born during the time of Herod the Great.
But Harold the Great died in BC 4
Harold is important because, we read in Matt 1,
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,
So Harold the Great was alive during Jesus birth so Jesus birth must be before that time.
Historically
So we have this gap - between BC4/5 to AD6.
There are various attempts to reconcile this gap.
One talks about a co-govern-ship. Interesting.
My favourite is what the chart is showing
With the suggestion that the census was started under Harold the Great, but delayed due to local resistance and uprising, then finished in AD6
We do read in
(Slide)
After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.
Who wrote Acts?
This is not a main or plain thing
Luke writes about 30 years...
Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli,
But it is so interesting to study.
There are Two points I would like to make at this time,
(Slide Off)
Firstly, The Bible is not a History Book
Firstly, The Bible is not a History Book
The bible is not a chronological sequence of past events.
Or of future events.
It does have some wonderful historical detail in it.
And this may be abit controversial,
But it is not a chronological sequence of past events.
Or more importantly, of future events.
We need care and humility when it comes to our graphical charts of the bible, especially for the future.
We struggle with some basic chronological timing of major things in the past, like when Jesus was born.
We have glimpses of future events and sequence.
But they are just that, glimpses.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the charts we have as Adventists for end end times.
I love our studies of Daniel and Revelations.
Love them, but they are glimpses.
And yet we have people out there predicting exact dates and times about future end end events.
The lastest is the close of probabtion.
This should not be beloved and we need to be wise on it.
We were warned it will happen.
The bible is first and foremost about God’s relationship with mankind, the rescue mission, from the beginning and into eternity.
That needs to be our focus in all of our end end time glimpses.
And that is what Christmas is all about.
Hopefully I am not off your Christmas card list after saying these things.
Secondly, Taking stock is not a bad thing
Secondly, Taking stock is not a bad thing
Joseph and Mary were caught up in the Roman world taking stock.
Mostly for the purpose of taxation.
And yet through that God’s purpose was fulfilled.
Every wise business or church or person will regularly take stock.
For example, we need to look at our financial accounts to see if we spent more than we brought in, a sure recipe for problems unless there is a change.
So it is with every person of the Kingdom of Heaven.
We need to regularly take stock, Spiritually.
Does not the sweet Psalmist say,
(Slide)
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
We do that is the affairs
How are we doing Spiritually?
How has this year gone Spiritually?
Are we maturing and advancing?
Or are we declining and backsliding?
In our relationship with God, in our relationships to our family, and in our relationships to others?
Do we have a profit, or a deficit, spiritually this year? To show our Master?
My point here is not to discourage
Remember The Lord disciplines those He loves.
I pray we are all encouraged by our Lord’s gracious words to us.
He meet us where we are at and says “I love you, I understand, now Come, Follow Me”.
Remember The Lord disciplines those He loves.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Our last year on earth may be fast approaching.
We never know when our final day will be.
Paul says it, so well
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
“His grace towards me was not in vain”.
His grace towards me was not in vain.
Not in Vain!
For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
We are legally Perfect in Christ Before God.
And at the same time we are being Sanctified in Christ through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
Both are fundamental truths and both are true at the same time.
(Pause)
We will have Communion today.
Communion Today
Communion Today
We will have communion today.
It is the perfect opportunity for a “year end review”.
Let us examine ourselves.
What is the Lord asking us to surrender to Him this day?
Let us cry out, “Lead me in the way everlasting”
We can be sure the Lord will always hear such a plea.
What is the Lord asking us to surrender to Him this day?
(Pause)
The Birth of Jesus
The Birth of Jesus
Luke’s account continues,
(slide)
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, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 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.
(Slide)
And the Prophet says,
(Slide)
“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.”
God became man.
God became man.
The word became flesh
Footwashing
Footwashing
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Do you ask yourself who gave these accounts of the early years to Luke?
It may well have been, probably was, Mary
(Slide-Off)
Foot-washing
Foot-washing
Christmas Letters
Christmas Letters
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
Do you get Christmas letters sometimes with your Christmas Cards?
It may be more of a thing in the USA rather then the UK.
It is normal to get a letter with the Christmas card that gives highlights of the year for a family.
They can be interesting to read.
To be honest, often they left me thinking I wish my family was as perfect as that.
To be honest it was the same with the Christmas letters we send out.
All the highlights, and none of the Lowlights.
It would be interesting to get a plain and honest letter.
Dear Friends, this year has been very difficult. My health has deteriorated. I have put on weight, my hair is failing out, I love my wife but sometimes it is difficult. I can get irritated so easily these days. My job is in turmoil. ( btw, this is an illustration not a confession). In spite of all this , God is good all the time and all the time God is Good.
In spite of all this , God is good all the time and all the time God is Good.
Pause...
Imagine a Christmas letter from Mary
Imagine a Christmas letter from Mary
Dear Friends and Family, greetings from Bethlehem. The shepherds just left, the baby is finally sleeping and I have a chance to write. BTW, we named him Jesus. We are staying in a place that has lots of fresh air and open views.
What a year it has been since the visit of the Angel some nine months ago. I know you don’t believe me still but it really happened.
Joseph is a good man, a tender hearted man, who was hurt so deeply when I told him what the Angel had said to me. That I was going to have a miracle Child. Jospeh wanted to know the real story, the truth. He said he would divorce me quietly, He still loved me but we could not be together anymore. I understood. And I cried. But I always trusted that God would sort things out somehow, in his way and in his time. Because I am His Maidservant.
Then Joseph came back, the Angel had spoken to him in a dream. God sorted it all out. Jospeh understood now. We would be a family! I was not going to be alone with a child.
But nobody else believed me except my relatives Elizabeth and Zacharias. I sent a special greeting to them. What a year they have had. I stayed with them for a few months while I was pregnant leaving after their baby was born, to them in their old age. What a miracle that was. They called him John. That shocked everyone. God worked that one out in His way and time.
The Trip here to Bethlehem was long. It took us about three days. It is so busy here and we are not sure how long we will stay. Or what will happen next. God knows and that is enough for us. We are His family.
We don’t know what will happen next. God knows and that is enough for us. But what a year it has been. God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
But what a year it has been. Praise the Lord.
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
The contrast between the common birth and the uncommonness of the child is striking.
And the Lord says, “Don’t worry Mary, don’t worry Joseph, I’ve got your back, just submit to me.”
The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: Luke The Birth (2:1–7)
The promised one of God enters creation among the creation. The profane decree of a census has put the child in the promised city of messianic origin. God is quietly at work, and a stable is Messiah’s first throne room.
An Simple Act of Submission
An Simple Act of Submission
It all started with,
(Slide)
Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
That is where this all started.
Mary did not have all the answers, she really had no answers, but she was Rich in Faith and Trust.
Joseph, A Man of Integrity
Joseph, A Man of Integrity
Mary then saw the Lord work in Joseph’s life.
A good man, a tender hearted man, a hurt man, who had in mind to divorce her quietly.
No public shaming and stoning.
But God turned that one around
I’ve got your back Mary, don’t worry. Just submit to me.
The Family and Community
The Family and Community
There is no recorded family or community celebrations over the pregnancy.
Probably Just scandal.
One can just imagine the rumours.
Shotgun wedding?
Is that why Mary went with Joseph to Bethlehem?
She probably did not have to.
But
Yet it was God’s providence, acted out in a very human situation.
Don’t worry Mary, don’t worry Joseph, I’ve got your back, just submit to me.
The Birth
The Birth
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
The contrast between the common birthplace and the uncommonness of the baby is striking.
The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: Luke The Birth (2:1–7)
The promised one of God enters creation among the creation. The profane decree of a census has put the child in the promised city of messianic origin. God is quietly at work, and a stable is Messiah’s first throne room.
Mary will nurture the child.
She will eventually mourn the death of Joseph. A good man. A good husband.
In her forties she will witness Jesus launch his public Ministry.
It will last only 3 short years.
Mary will be in her late forties when she watches her son die, cruely hung on the cross.
No parent should have to watch their child die or live to mourn the death of a child, but Mary did.
And know some here have faced that as well.
Mary mourned Jesus death.
And then on the third day she was comforted in a way that can never be taken from her.
Communion
Communion
We will celebrate communion today.
We have this amazing verse in Hebrews that really gives voice to present Justification before God in Christ and present on-going Sanctification to be made like Jesus.
The Apostle Paul writes,
(Slide)
For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
I will say it again tonight,
This amazing verse in Hebrews gives voice to two present truths.
Firstly, present Justification before God in Christ. We are Perfect today in Christ before God.
Secondly, on-going Sanctification or transformation to be made like Jesus. The work of a lifetime.
Jesus’ death made it possible for us to be declared perfect even though we are still in the process of transformation! Repeat!
Jesus walks to us, into our troubles, into our problems, into our sicknesses , into our joys, and into our sadness, into our best of times , and into our worst of times, into our sins, into our mess, into our stuff, into where we are at, today, now, and says, “Fear not, it is I; be not afraid.” “Come, and Follow Me!”
Both of these truths are equally true of each Believer.
Come, Follow Me
That is what Christmas is all about.
He came down to us! He came to us. He walked to us.
It is what Communion is all about.
He washed our feet. He broke the bread. He passed the cup.
He provided the water. He provided the bread. He provided the grape juice.
Then comes the simple invitation to us, “Come, follow me”.
Nativity Scene
Nativity Scene
(Slide)
Let me close by saying
(Slide)
We all love the images of the Nativity.
With the bright star over Bethlehem.
We all love the images of the Nativity, like the one above. Or the ones with the bright star over Bethlehem. The reality is that on that night, that so special night, there was not only a bright star over Bethlehem but also the shadow of the looming cross that would define the mission and offering of Jesus.
And wonderful verses, such as
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
The reality is that on that night, that so special night, there was not only a bright star over Bethlehem but also the shadow of the looming cross that would define the mission and offering of Jesus.
The reality is that on that night, that so special night, there was not only a bright star over Bethlehem but also the shadow of the looming cross that would define the mission and offering of Jesus.
At the very heart of Christmas is the Cross,
But while the world will embrace “Christmas”, it will not embrace the cross
Christmas, it really happened.
Calvary, it really happened.
Let us Pray.
Let us Pray.
Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Foot Washing
Foot Washing
(Slide)
We will separate now for Foot Washing, men upstairs, ladies downstaris.
That is why
Let us not
You are welcome to stay here or come and watch if you do not wish to participate.
Our room is limited here so just be aware of that.
We practice open communion in this church.
The children can come to Auntie Norma at the front for a special lesson.
What is God asking you to submit to Him this day?
For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
Let us Pray before we Separate
Let us Pray before we Separate
Jesus is perfecting those who are Perfect In Him.
We are seen as perfect in a Christ.
While at the same time we are being made perfect In Christ. The work of a lifetime.
Two wonderful truths.
Both true at the same time.
All Because of One Offering.
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!