What is the significance of Jesus' birth?

Intro

Christmas series

Specifically the birth of Jesus

Why it was such a big deal when it happened

Why do we still celebrate it today?

Thinking about the birth of Jesus from the perspective of a Jew

God’s chosen people, Israel, seen God do incredible things, stories passed from generation to generation, OT scriptures

One of the main things God had promised his people was a king who would reign forever

And the Jews waited

Body

Matthew 1:18-25

Example of an OT prophecy being fulfilled (V. 23)

Isaiah 7:14

One example of many promises God fulfills in the birth of Jesus

Why does this matter?

Put yourselves in the shoes of a Jew

They knew the OT Scriptures

There are hundreds of promises and prophecies written about a coming king who will lead God’s people into a new age of prosperity

They have been waiting for thousands of years, generation after generation holding on to the hope that God would eventually send this king to reign over them

They have lived under good rulers and bad ones

The birth of Jesus signaled the end of the waiting for the Jews

They now got to see prophecy fulfilled, they now got to see what had been promised for generations

The birth of Jesus gave people hope that God was finally doing what he said he was going to do

Application

Our application is going to be the same for the next two weeks

Reframing how we think about Christmas

Its not about Santa, lights, presents, Christmas movies, etc.

As Christians we celebrate because the birth of Jesus began a season of hope and joy for God’s people

Their waiting was over, God had come down to earth to be with his people, to rule a new kingdom

So yes, be excited about gifts, time with family, etc.

But don’t lose sight of how massive the birth of Jesus is

Conclusion

So, what was the significance of Jesus’ birth when it happened?

The birth of Jesus was a significant event in the history of God’s people. It marked the end of a long period of waiting and brought on a new time of joy and hope in the fulfillment of God’s promises to his people