THE MYSTERY OF THE 1ST ADVENT PT 2

We looked at the details of the Birth of John the Baptist

We also read about the conversation between Gabriel and Mary

Which outlined a couple of miraculous things

#1 The Immaculate Conception

#2 The Virgin Birth

I was asked the question “Was the conception consensual?”

Though it was a good question

I don’t believe that the person asking it meant what you think he meant

We looked at Mary’s response as the answer

She said

Luke 1:38 NKJV

38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

We are going to see the Fruition of all that we read last week

WHAT I WANT US TO BE THINKING ABOUT IS THIS:

What did the story of God’s appearing, cultivate in the heart of the Jewish people?

Why did many reject the first advent?

Can we ever be used as powerfully as Mary?

LUKE 2:1-

Luke 1:1–21 NKJV

1 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. 8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” 21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple.

Luke 2:1–40 NKJV

1 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. 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: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward 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 31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32 A light to bring revelation 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. 39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

:-21

Luke 2:1-

Luke 2:1–7 NKJV

1 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.

Luke 2:1–3 NKJV

1 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.

BRINGS US INTO THE STORY A FEW DAYS BEFORE JESUS WAS BORN

A DECREE HAD GONE OUT FROM CAESAR AUGUSTUS THAT ALL THE WORLD SHOULD BE REGISTERED

WHO WAS CAESAR AUGUSTUS?

CAESAR AUGUSTUS came into power in 27BC at the ripe age of 36

Caesar Augustus was a great administrator and restored order to the Roman Empire after 2 decades of civil war.

He was solely responsible for ushering in the great Roman Golden Age known as the Pax Romana or Pax Augusta which lasted 250 years.

After so much drama, he was succeeded by his stepson Tiberius Ceasar in 14AD

But before that happened

Augustus ordered that the entire world be registered and counted

Though this may seem irrelevant to us

Dr. Luke records it for a specific reason.

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHEN JESUS WAS BORN?

Well the fact that QUIRINIUS was governor of Syria prior to this census tells us something

Quirinus, the governor of Syria served Augustus during 6-9AD

One of the census that he conducted was held in 6AD

If Quirinus was serving alongside of Augustus, then one could conclude that Jesus was born between 6-9AD

If Quirinus was serving alongside of Augustus, then one could say it was either 6-4BC or Post 9-AD

Luke 2:4–5 NKJV

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.

Luke 2:4–8 NKJV

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.

Luke 2:

SO JOSEPH GOES UP FROM GALILEE

OUT OF NAZARETH

INTO JUDEA

He was born in the city of Bethlehem aka the City of David

TO THE CITY OF DAVID AKA BETHLEHEM

WHY?

Because He was of the house and lineage of David

THIS WAS A HASSLE FOR MANY JEWS

It is believed that many Jews were against the census.

Probably because of what had happened to David in 2nd Samuel when he called for a census without the Lord’s permission.

NONETHELESS, JOSEPH, OBEDIENT TO THE LAW OF THE LAND, HEADS TO BETHLEHEM, WITH HIS FIANCEE WHO WAS WITH CHILD

THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A 100 MILE JOURNEY

It was inconvenient

It was belaboring

But it was God’s will

CHURCH, GOD’S PLANS ARE SO POWERFUL

But it involves labor

It involves being uncomfortable

It involves your participation

This year I asked God to show me what exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ask or think means.

After preaching over 125 sermons this year.

Teaching 11th Grade Bible Monday through Friday at Calvary Chapel High School

Going to Mexico a few times

One could say, this was it.

But I don’t believe that defines the promise of

I think it will take a lifetime of proof to come close to what that means.

ONE THING WE CAN LEARN FROM THIS, IS THAT GOD CAN USE ANYONE TO FULFILL HIS PLANS TO SAVE THE WORLD

He used Caesar Augustus

He used Quirinus

He used this little Village 5 miles outside of Jerusalem

To fulfill what the scriptures had said hundreds of years beforehand.

Luke 2:6–7 NKJV

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.

WHILE IN BETHLEHEM

THE DAYS WERE COMPLETED FOR HER TO BE DELIVERED

AND SHE BROUGHT FORTH HER FIRSTBORN SON

WRAPPED IN SWADDLING CLOTHS

LAID HIM IN A MANGER

BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ROOM FOR THEM IN THE INN.

One thing to note about Bethlehem

It wasn’t a big city

It was a small village

There would not have been any hotels or inns

The proper wording is “there was no lodging available for them”

THINK ABOUT IT FOR A SECOND

YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD

YOU ARE THE MESSIAH

YOU ARE THE SERVANT KING

YOU ARE THE ONE WHO COMES TO SAVE

it has been prophecied of you

That you would be born in Bethlehem

But there is no hospital in Bethlehem

There isn’t a room in Bethlehem that would welcome your birth

There isn’t a guest house that you could borrow

You, the King of the World, were born in a feeding trough

Among animals

Among waste

Among spoiling food

He continues to do it

He does it here every Sunday

He does it in the Canyon

All over the world

He is the Miracle Maker

He uses the humble things of this world to put to shame to proud

The weak things to confound the strong.

Luke 2:8–14 NKJV

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. 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: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 1:8–14 NKJV

8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

AS IT TURNS OUT

IN THE SAME COUNTRY

SHEPHERDS LIVING OUT IN THE FIELDS

KEEPING WATCH OVER THE FLOCK BY NIGHT.

AN ANGEL APPROACHES THEM

WITH THE GLORY OF GOD SHINNING AROUND THEM

This caused the shepherds to be greatly afraid

For them to experience something this Holy

Something godly

Something so other wordly

Was unheard of

Shepherds were known as the most ungodly in this Jewish society

They would be shunned from society for their reputation

No one would want to hang out with them because of their smell

They would never be considered for any honoring position

Remember King David?

He was a young shepherd

Out in the field, tending the flock

Unconsidered for the position of King

These guys were out just doing their thing

When the Angel showed them God’s Glory

When God used an angelic being to bring the good news to the lowly

THE ANGEL THEN SAID

“DO NOT BE AFRAID”

“BEHOLD, I BRING YOU GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY WHICH WILL BE TO ALL PEOPLE”

“FOR TODAY, THERE HAS BEEN BORN TO YOU”

What would you do?

If you have been ostracized by society

If no one wants to hang out with you because of your reputation

But to you has been born a Savior

TODAY, WE CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF A SAVIOR,

A SAVIOR BORN OF A VIRGIN BY THE GOD OF MIRACLES

HE IS CHRIST THE LORD

BUT HE IS NOT BORN IN A HOSPITAL OR LYING UNDER A HEAT LAMP

HE IS WRAPPED IN SWADDLING CLOTHS AND LYING IN A MANGER

This news caused the heavenly hosts to break out in Worship.

Glory to God in the Highest

And on earth peace and goodwill towards men.

The Will of God for us is not just good

It surrounds us with peace no matter what he has allowed

His plans are good

For He is Good and His Mercy endures forever.

HOW WOULD THIS NEWS IMPACT YOU?

CHECK OUT WHAT THE SHEPHERDS DID:

Luke 2:15–21 NKJV

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.

Luke 2:15–20 NKJV

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.

Luke 2:15-

THE MYSTERY OF THE 1ST ADVENT PT 2

LAST WEEK

THIS WEEK

TURN TO

PRAY

The most glorious miracle took place in a most humble location