The Birth of Jesus Luke 2

This morning we return again to the story of Christmas, the story of Christ first advent into this world, how wonderful and special this is my friends

Christmas is the most exciting time of the year, for it is the story of Jesus...

And it is because of God’s great gift to man, that others began to share gifts with those in need and from the Christmas story of Saint Nicolai develops from and there we get Ole St. Nick.. Santa Claus and gifts for the children.

And as we share the gifts with one another at Christmas, I am reminded to tell you to share God’s love as well. Hos special and wonderful it is when we share Him with those around us.

So this morning lets find the gospel of Luke, verses 1-7 to begins with and we begin this message...

Luke 2:1–7 ESV

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to 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, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

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Luke 2:1–7 ESV

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to 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, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

We know that the time of this event falls somewhere we think about 7-4 BC, and we know the place, Mary and Joseph find themselves at Bethlehem, the City of David, for it is most likely his birth place, but we know for certain he was anointed King there.

And so it is a special city and God is about to make it even more so with the events that are getting ready to unfold.

So lets look here…

Now I use that phrase for my first point, and it might seem a odd, in the sense that we are talking about Christmas and all, but we must take into account that all of this is His plan, His purposes for mankind.

We cannot escape that truth, the only reason we celebrate Christmas is because God sent His son into the world, born of a virgin and born under the law.

So this first phrase of verse 1, “in those days” reminds us that this is all happening under the sovereign rule of God. His plan is being carried out by His very will. How wonderful my friends to see our Heavenly Father working on our behalf...

Look back with at verses 1-3

Luke 2:1–3 ESV

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town.

God makes sure that Luke gives us all the historical information we need at this time, Now Caesar Augustus come to rule in 27 BC and does so until AD, and like all those before him, Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus for example, this man was Gd’s instrument in preparing the world for the coming of His Son, Jesus.

So Caesar Augustus issues a imperial edict, a decree that a census of the entire Romans world should be taken… this was a matter of Roman finances. If you know the number of people living in the land you rule, you know hos much money is coming into the Roman treasury.

So the decree required that each man return to his ancestral town and be registered, he along with his family.

Verse 2-3 give us more information as well, this is the first census as Quirinius served as governor of the land of Syria. And each person returned to their own town.

Joseph lived in Nazareth, but his ancestral home is Bethlehem, the city of David. So he traveled there to be registered and counted. Now we know that Mary did not have to travel with him, but probably since she was so close to her time being completed, her due date in layman’s terms was upon them, she went with him so they would be separated during this time.

Remember they are aware that something special is happening, the angel has appeared to Mary that she would bring forth a son who would be called the Son of the Most High, and He would be given the throne of His Father David and His name would be Jesus.

The Lord also spoke to Joseph in a dream Joseph was uncertain about Mary being with child, he didn't know what was happening, but the Lord spoke to him and told him not to be afraid to take her as His wife, for what was happening in Her life was a divine act, it was God that was at work in her.

So he took her as his wife, and this day they have traveled to Bethlehem to fulfill man’s law, not knowing that God’s plan was about to be fulfilled as well.

Now look with me to verses 6-7

Luke 2:6–7 ESV

6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

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So while there in Bethlehem, we know from the wonderful message of Scripture that Mary discovers it is time for this child to be born.

And with the great influx of people they could not find a suitable place for her and for this child, Jesus to enter into the world at… their simple lodging is a stable, a grotto if you will. A place where their animals were kept and cared for…

She wrapped him in linen cloths, and laid the baby Jesus in a manager, a simple feeding though lined with hay became His cradle, a place of comfort after the travails of birth as He awoke as fully God and fully human...

My friends, everything that has led up to this day, all of this has been according to God’s plan.

And today, you are here according to God’s plan, nothing happens by chance. So I would ask you the question , where is God leading you today!

Where is God leading you and what is His plan for your life?

Now on to our second thought today...

This thought right here is probably my favorite portion of the Christmas story, it is the events that happened as Jesus came into the world, it is the message that our Father sent to those everyday people, the shepherds.

I love the shepherds because I see them like us, the ordinary people, the working class people who loved the Lord.

They were often thought of as the outcast of society, sinners in regard to the religious leaders and the law.

Some were good and some where bad, just like we used to be before Jesus showed up in our lives.

So lets look at verses 8-12

Luke 2:8–12 ESV

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:8–10 ESV

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

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In the same region speaks to the the meaning that what was happening outside of the cities, on the edges of the towns. They were out there taking care of their flocks, those precious sheep that meant so much to those families but also to many others at times.

And verse nine, while not named, we see that an angel of the Lord, a messenger of God appears to them, and the Scriptures tells us the glory of the Lord shown all around them...

The glory of the Lord is a manifestation of God’s presence among His people. It is a representation of the Lord of Him, like the cloud that covered them during the day and the pillar of fire by night. It is was visible sight, a radiant light most likely that was seen around the angel, bright, brilliant and wonderful.

And then the angel of the Lord, perhaps it was Gabriel, since he has delivered the last two messages, but we are uncertain of this since he is not named..

But the angel spoke… he shared the message the Lord had prepared for these humble shepherds.

Look again at verses 10-12

Luke 2:10–12 ESV

10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

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Fear not.... They were afraid, you don’t see God’s messenger everyday now. The angel is reassuring them, His visit is a good thing for them to witness.

I bring you Good news, of great joy that will be for all people..

Good news, of great joy that will be for all people..

The phrase I bring you… He was delivering God’s message to them..

The phrase there… “Good News” literally means the gospel. It was a wonderful message, good news for all.

And then we have the phrase….. “Great Joy” There was joy with the birth of a child, joy that a son had come into the world.

The Joy would be defined in all that the Son came to do and say about the Kingdom of Heaven, the joy would be made manifest to all in a shameful cross that forever reminds me that I am forgiven.

And then this is said… “Will be Given for All People.” There as joy my friends in this truth, the message as meant not just for Jerusalem, not just for Bethlehem, instead it was a message meant for all. The whole world….

The phrase here “All People” reminds us that Jesus came for all. Tao Ethonos…all people, every language… it was meant for Jew and Gentile alike.. how wonderful that God saw into the future and recognized our need.

says “— a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

The message was meant to be told, never kept a secret a message for all.

And listen to the rest of their message…. Verses 11-12

Luke 2:11–12 ESV

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

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In the city of David ( Bethlehem) make no mistake a Savior has come… a savior is one who saves, who rescues and delivers people from tragedy, from adversity…. We understand that He would deliver them from Sin.

Listen to the prophesy that Zechariah gives when His mouth is opened after the birth of john.

-69

Luke 1:68–69 ESV

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,

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And then we have the word Christ….

“ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

The word Christ is the Greek version of the Hebrew word Messiah, the baby that was born this day is the long awaited Messiah, the long awaited one who was also as the last title tells us is the Lord himself.

It was a gift that would bless all… He came that the world might be saved through him...

What a gift my friends, what a gift God has blessed us with my friends!

And it came according to God’s own message..

My friends how wonderful, do you know and believe his message...

As the angel and the host of heaven left them, they decided there was only one thing left they could go, go and see this sight...

Look back at the text with me one more time.. verses 15-20

Luke 2:15–20 ESV

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Luke 2:

I love this the Shepherds were so excited, so blessed by the visit, by the message and by what lay ahead of them… and verse 15…. The shepherds said “... lets go and see this thing that has been told to us….”

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people

Visitors came to evening, and they visited a lonely group of shepherds, men who were working and caring for those animals. And a whole host of angels appeared to the shepherds and gave them a wonderful message…

Listen to verse 10 again 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people

The phrase there… “Good News” literally means the gospel. It was a wonderful message, good news for all.

And then we have the phrase….. “Great Joy” There was joy with the birth of a child, joy that a son had come into the world. Tthe Joy would be defined in all that the Son came to do and say about the Kingdom of Heaven, the joy would be made manifest to all in a shameful cross that forever reminds me that I am forgiven.

And then this is said… “Will be Given for All People.” There as joy my friends in this truth, the message as meant not just for Jerusalem, not just for Bethlehem, instead it was a message meant for all. The whole world….

The phrase here “All People” reminds us that Jesus came for all. Tao Ethonos…all people, every language…

says “— a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

The message was meant to be told, never kept a secret a message for all.

And listen to the rest of their message…. Verses 11-12

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

In the city of David ( Bethlehem) make no mistake a Savior has come… a savior is one who saves, who rescues and delivers people from tragedy, from adversity…. We understand that He would deliver them from Sin.

Listen to the prophesy that Zechariah gives when His mouth is opened after the birth of john.

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,

And then we have the word Christ….

“ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

The word Christ is the Greek version of the Hebrew word Messiah, the baby that was born this day is the long awaited Messiah, they never thought He might even dare come into this world as as the Messiah, the long awaited one who was also as the last title tells us is the Lord himself.

It was a gift that would bless all…

But now listen to what happens next……

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

I love this the Shepherds were so excited, so blessed by the visit, by the message and by what lay ahead of them… and verse 15…. The shepherds say lets go and see this thing that has been told to us….

And they went and found the child just as they had been told and verse 20 is key… they went away glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Can you imagine the joy in their hearts, they have seen the angels, they heard and witness the message they were told was true and they knew that God was with them… they worshiped him… glorifying and praising God…

You know when God shows up and shows off, doing something wonderful in us or someone we know. Don’t you tend to worship him and give him praise… Of course you do..

The visitor gave a message of worship…. And we can still worship Him today…

But it must begin in your heart…

This morning we are reminded that Christmas is drawing ever closer, and we should seek to worship the Lord with our whole heart.

According to all that God has done we know that He loves us. he blesses us everyday, life, love and hope. But most of all, Jesus has come into this world wot be our Savior.

Is He your Savior today...

Is there anything that is keeping you from worshipping Him

Is there anything that keeps you from trusting Him.

Today will you follow where He is leading in your life, don’t put off what He is doing, where He is leading… come and follow Him.

Luke 1 ESV

1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. 5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. 8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been 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 before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will 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 and he will 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 for the Lord a people prepared.” 18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. 24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. 39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” 46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home. 57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” 61 And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” 62 And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. 65 And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, 66 and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him. 67 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, 70 as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 71 that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; 72 to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us 74 that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Luke 2 ESV

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to 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, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first 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 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous 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 And he came in 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 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” 36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. 41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

Matthew 2 ESV

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, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” 19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Matthew 2 ESV

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, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” 19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Matthew 3 ESV

1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’ ” 4 Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Now we have looked at the first message the angel brought to the new world… just a few months later, the angel Gabriel returns at the command of the Lord…

Matthew 2

Matthew 3

Turn with me again to Luke chapter 1…

Matthew 1 ESV

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, 7 and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, 8 and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, 9 and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10 and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, 11 and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. 12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, 15 and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations. 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

So here again, we find the Lord’s messenger, Gabriel.. Now Gabriel is special, a special angel…

What do we know about Gabriel, we know that he is an arch-angel, and .

“And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.”

Now think of this, Gabriel is always in the presence of God, probably standing before the throne of God… and he is doing just what his name says.. messenger…. And he comes to a young lady, a virgin…

A young lady in the city of Nazareth, in the province of Galilee…. And the angel has some news for her that will not only change her life, but will change the world…

Verse 28 tells us that Gabriel appeared in her presence, and declared that she was a favored one, and that the Lord was with her..

And she was afraid…. You would be too correct….

What did this greeting mean?

He tells her that she is highly favored? It means that God has blessed her, he has given her his grace in that He has chosen her to be the mother of His Son.

What a honor, not mind you, Mary is an ordinary woman, her state in front of God is no different than ours, But God has chosen her to be the instrument He will use to bless the world by the coming of His son.

And then finally the angel says the Lord is with you. His presence has come to her life, He will not abandon her of the work he has called here to do…

Can you imagine the setting, this humble young lady who is betrothed to another, and as she was waiting for her wedding day, the Lord speaks to her and shares with her his plan for her and the world. Man, how awesome…

Now let’s move on….

Mary has found favor with God…. And listen what this favor entails….

Verse 31-33

31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Can you imagine Mary…. You will conceive and bring forth a son and you shall call his name Jesus…

Mary has never known a man, she is pure, she is righteous before the Lord and Lord choses her to bring forth His Son, who is the messiah into the world.

And Gabriel tells her this about the Messiah, verses 32-33 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Listen to what’s being said…

First of all His name would be Jesus. In Hebrew the name Jesus means “The Lord is Salvation.” So by his name he is defined as one who would save his people.

The one whose name means salvation is the very one God would use in providing salvation to the whole world.

Second, he would be called the Son of the Most High.. meaning he will be one who is exalted far above all others…

He will be great….there will be none like Him, no not one can even compare.

He will be given the throne of His Father David… He shall be given the one seat that is a place of power and authority, the one place of royal might that was promised in the OT to the Messiah king, who would save the people from their sins. You see a King saves, He liberates His people and brings them goodness and mercy.

The Angel said he would rule over the house of Jacob forever… to rule over the house of Jacob meant that he is the physical and spiritual leader of the people.

And he will rule forever, his kingdom will never end. You see this child, this promised Son would so radically change this world and all who are in it, why, because his kingdom was different than rest. His Kingdom was permanent, instead of the temporary earthly kingdoms we understand.

The angel brought wonderful news, He brought joyful news, not only for Mary, but for the whole world as well.

Man, what a message…..

A message of blessing this visitor has brought Mary…

Now I know for Mary, this has to be hard to understand, but she has a question… a valid question…

How can this been since I have not known a man…..verse 34

Now Gabriel says verse 35, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.”

Listen to this response…..The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, he will come to you, relating and reminding her and us that God is the author of creation. He will bring a child into here life.

And the power of the Most High God will overshadow you. The picture would remind Mary of God’s presence with is people in the OT, How he went before them as a cloud in the day and a pillar of fire at night. His presence and power was with his people. He would work and bless for their good.

And I love the response of Gabriel in verse 37 Verse 37… 37 For nothing is impossible with God."

Like I said earlier, at times we wonder how, when we see no way, when we have no hope… but with God there is always hope.

You see that is the whole purpose of the visit of the angel, the people were without hope. They were living as they saw fit. The religious leaders of the day made things too hard on the people and the felt like there could never be a opportunity for them, especially in front of God.

But the angels visit to Mary was a reminder to the world that hope never diminishes where God is involved.

It is always there, always present and always available for any and all who would believe.

How beautiful are the words of hope. This was the visitors message of Blessing to this young lady…

God can bless you today, give you hope… for with God nothing is impossible…

Now just one last thought…

3. Visitors Message of Worship

You know at Christmas we do a lot of things, we visit and celebrate with family and friends, we share gifts and love with those closest to our hearts….

But do we remember that we should worship?

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people

Visitors came to evening, and they visited a lonely group of shepherds, men who were working and caring for those animals. And a whole host of angels appeared to the shepherds and gave them a wonderful message…

Listen to verse 10 again 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people

Good news, of great joy that will be for all people..

The phrase there… “Good News” literally means the gospel. It was a wonderful message, good news for all.

And then we have the phrase….. “Great Joy” There was joy with the birth of a child, joy that a son had come into the world. Tthe Joy would be defined in all that the Son came to do and say about the Kingdom of Heaven, the joy would be made manifest to all in a shameful cross that forever reminds me that I am forgiven.

And then this is said… “Will be Given for All People.” There as joy my friends in this truth, the message as meant not just for Jerusalem, not just for Bethlehem, instead it was a message meant for all. The whole world….

The phrase here “All People” reminds us that Jesus came for all. Tao Ethonos…all people, every language…

says “— a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

The message was meant to be told, never kept a secret a message for all.

And listen to the rest of their message…. Verses 11-12

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

In the city of David ( Bethlehem) make no mistake a Savior has come… a savior is one who saves, who rescues and delivers people from tragedy, from adversity…. We understand that He would deliver them from Sin.

Listen to the prophesy that Zechariah gives when His mouth is opened after the birth of john.

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,

And then we have the word Christ….

“ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

The word Christ is the Greek version of the Hebrew word Messiah, the baby that was born this day is the long awaited Messiah, they never thought He might even dare come into this world as as the Messiah, the long awaited one who was also as the last title tells us is the Lord himself.

It was a gift that would bless all…

But now listen to what happens next……

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

I love this the Shepherds were so excited, so blessed by the visit, by the message and by what lay ahead of them… and verse 15…. The shepherds say lets go and see this thing that has been told to us….

And they went and found the child just as they had been told and verse 20 is key… they went away glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Can you imagine the joy in their hearts, they have seen the angels, they saw that there message was true and they knew that God was with them… they worshiped him… glorifying and praising God…

You know when God shows up and shows off, doing something wonderful in us or someone we know. Don’t you tend to worship him and give him praise… Of course you do..

The visitor gave a message of worship…. And we can still worship Him today…

But it must begin in your heart…

.

The Birth of Jesus Luke 2

Introduction

1. According to God’s Plan.....

2. According to God’s Message....

3. According to What they Saw, they Went Away Rejoicing....