Receiving the Christ

Luke 2:1-20

May we receive the Christ into our lives each moment.

I. Received by Joseph and Mary

A. Not Like the World

Luke 2:1–2 NASB95

1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

Roman history Caesar Augustus was born 691 years after the founding of the City of Rome.

Cyrenius was Syria’s governor; again, thanks to Rome’s exhaustive record of names and events, historians have determined what is believed to be the particular census that Luke described. These dates have minor discrepancies; yet secular history helps to give us almost the exact year of Christ’s birth.

In the days of Augustus the Roman empire extended itself further than ever before or since, including Parthia one way, and Britain another way; so that it was then called Terraram orbis imperium—The empire of the whole earth; and here that empire is called all the world (v. 1), for there was scarcely any part of the civilized world that wasn't dependent on it.[1]

Luke 2:3–4 NASB95

3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,

Bethlehem means “house of bread,” the ideal birthplace for the Bread of Life (John 6:35). Its rich historic heritage included the death of Rachel and the birth of Benjamin (Gen. 35:16–20; also see Matt. 2:16–18), the marriage of Ruth, and the exploits of David.[2]

Luke 2:5–6 NASB95

5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.

They had already arrived. Mary's pregnancy probably slowed them down [modern travel guidelines for pregnant women] so that they arrived later than others.

B. With Simple Means

Luke 2:7 NASB95

7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Katáluma was also a guest chamber (Mark 14:14; Luke 2:7; 22:11), a dining room where the guests loosened their sandals before they sat down to eat.[3]

1st century Jewish home – 2 floors. Upper floor – sleeping rooms, lower floor – cooking, and animals.

How did Mary and Joseph receive the Lord Jesus? They received Him with simple means, with best that they had, and tender care. It must have been dirty, noisy, and cramped where they were staying. [compare to Stowe Mountain Lodge] No, their surroundings were not ideal by comfort standards but it was ideal by God's standards because it was the right place, Bethlehem, and the right time.

Today we receive Jesus in our heart of hearts by faith in His nature as our Savior. Our hearts can be dirty from sin, noisy with all the voices of philosophy and doubt, and cramped by all the things with which we try to fill our lives, but God isn't looking for perfect hearts to receive His Son, He is looking for the right heart at the right time. “Have you any room for Jesus? He who bore your load of sin? Room for Jesus, King of Glory! Hasten now; His Word obey. Swing the heart's door widely open; Bid Him enter while you may.”

Receive Jesus like Mary and Joseph did – with what simple means of faith that you have, receive Him with the tender care and love of parents receiving a newborn baby that will be part of them for the rest of their lives.

II. Received by the Angels

A. Received with Joy

Luke 2:8 NASB95

8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.

Winter was wet and chilly in Judea. It is unlikely that shepherds would have spent a December night in an open field, subject to rain and wind. Christ’s birth was more likely during the spring lambing season, when nights would have been balmy and shepherds would have needed to be awake, tending the ewes.

Often overlooked but Jesus was born at night 24th, 25th or neither?

Luke 2:9 NASB95

9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

Jamieson, R., Fausset—“Men have never felt easy with the invisible world laid suddenly open to their gaze”[4] This is the glory for which we will be made fit, when the consummation of the age comes.

Luke 2:10 NASB95

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

Good tidings—Gospel! Of mega joy! For all people!

Luke 2:11 NASB95

11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Saviour—not One who shall be a Saviour, but “born a Saviour.”[5]

Luke 2:12 NASB95

12 “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

a manger—“the manger.” The sign was to consist in the overpowering contrast between the things just said of Him and the lowly condition in which they would find Him—Him whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting, “ye shall find a Babe”; whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain, “wrapt in swaddling bands”; the “Saviour, Christ the Lord,” lying in a manger![6]

Birth

The expectant mother was not to take a hot bath in case it led to a miscarriage, and there were certain things she could not eat — green vegetables, salt food, and fat — in case they affected the unborn child. The local midwife assisted in the birth, which normally took place at home (Exodus 1:15–19; Jeremiah 20:14–15). The newborn baby was washed and then had salt rubbed over the skin in the belief that this hardened it. The Jewish mother believed that the limbs would grow straight and firm if they were bound tightly to the sides by what were called “swaddling clothes.” These were bandages four or five inches (100–120 mm) wide and five or six yards (five or six metres) long (see Ezekiel 16:4; Luke 2:12) [7]

B. Received with Enthusiasm

Luke 2:13 NASB95

13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

heavenly host—or “army,” an army celebrating peace! [Bengel][8]

Luke 2:14 NASB95

14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

The Jewish word shalom (peace) means much more than a truce in the battles of life. It means well-being, health, prosperity, security, soundness, and completeness. It has to do more with character than circumstances. Life was difficult at that time just as it is today. Taxes were high, unemployment was high, morals were slipping lower, and the military state was in control. Roman law, Greek philosophy, and even Jewish religion could not meet the needs of men’s hearts. Then, God sent His Son![9]

Contrast of how the angels received Christ compared to how the world receives Him now.

The Date of Christmas

Nearly 2,000 years ago, shepherds in a field near Bethlehem were startled awake by a spectacle never before seen or heard. Clouds were thrust asunder as a heavenly choir burst into majestic song. An angel proclaimed, “We are here to announce the first annual Christmas, which hereafter shall be celebrated throughout the world on December 25.”

Fact? Certainly not!

Luke records that angels did announce the birth of “a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” And it is true that shepherds received this news. But was the declaration made for December 25?

The fact is that Christmas, as we know it, is a rather modern innovation. Christ’s birthday was not celebrated until more than 300 years had gone by, years in which accurate birth records (if there were any) had been lost. The early church was slow in adding Christmas to its list of dates worthy of recognition.

The feast of Epiphany on the contrary, on the sixth of January, is older than Christmas itself, and is mentioned by Clement of Alexandria. It refers in general to the manifestation of Christ in the world, and originally bore the twofold character of a celebration of the birth and the baptism of Jesus. After the introduction of Christmas, it lost its reference to the birth. The Eastern church commemorated on this day especially the baptism of Christ, or the manifestation of His Messiahship, and together with this the first manifestation of His miraculous power at the marriage at Cana.

So why have we celebrated Christ’s birthday on December 25? A pagan festival, Natalis Invicti, (the Feast of the Unconquerable Sun) was a boisterous Roman affair celebrated on December 25, when the sun was in its winter solstice. Worshipers of the Roman sun god enthusiastically pulled their Christian friends into the partying. By a.d. 386, church leaders set up the celebration of “Christ Mass”, so that Christians could join the festival activities without bending to paganism.

After the Roman Empire dissolved, Christians continued the December 25 birthday custom. By that time, December 25 seemed more fitting than any other date.[10]

The Romans celebrated the winter solstice with a fest called Saturnalia in honor of Saturnus, the god of agriculture. They decorated their houses with greens and lights and exchanged gifts. They gave coins for prosperity, pastries for happiness, and lamps to light one's journey through life.

The ancient Pagan Romans decorated their "trees with bits of metal and replicas of their god, Bacchus [a fertility god]. They also placed 12 candles on the tree in honor of their sun god" Their mid-winter festival of Saturnalia started on DEC-17 and often lasted until a few days after the Solstice. Saturnalia was a time to eat, drink, and be merry.

The best part of the Saturnalia (for slaves) was the temporary reversal of roles. Masters served meals to their slaves who were permitted the unaccustomed luxuries of leisure and gambling. Clothing was relaxed and included the peaked woollen cap, pileus (freedman's hat), that symbolized the freed slave, which looks an awful lot like Santa Claus's peaked red hat . Slaves were exempt from punishment, and treated their masters with (a pretense of) disrespect.

The customary greeting for the occasion is a "Io, Saturnalia!" — Io (pronounced "e-o") being a Latin interjection related to "ho" (as in "Ho, praise to Saturn").

"The first decorating of an evergreen tree began with the heathen Greeks and their worship of their god Adonia, who allegedly was brought back to life by the serpent Aessulapius after having been slain."

In Northern Europe, the ancient Germanic people tied fruit and attached candles to evergreen tree branches, in honor of their god Woden. Trees were viewed as symbolizing eternal life. This is the deity after which Wednesday was named. The trees joined holly, mistletoe, the wassail bowl and the Yule log as symbols of the season. All predated Christianity.

In Scandinavia, the "julnissen" and "jultomten" (elder hearth spirits of elfin origin who live in dark corners, in attics or stables, or under the stairs) emerge on Christmas Eve while the inhabitants of the house are sleeping, to feast on the porridge that the children have left out for them and to hide Christmas packages in unexpected places. In some areas of Sweden, Jultmoten the Gift-Bringer is a gnome whose sleigh is drawn by the Julbocker, goats which are the property of Thor, God of Thunder. Julmoten dresses in red and carries a bulging sack upon his back.

Centuries ago in Great Britain, woods priests called Druids used evergreens during mysterious winter solstice rituals. The Druids used holly and mistletoe as symbols of eternal life, and placed evergreen branches over doors to keep away evil spirits.

2735 Carols Changed Christmas

Before the advent of the Christmas carol, celebrations of Christmas had become so depraved and rowdy that the observance of the joyous season was once forbidden by the English Parliament. The meaning of Christmas had become lost in a malestrom of reveling, drunkenness, rioting, and depravity. Decent people found it necessary to stay indoors for safety. The situation became so shameful that in 1644 Parliament passed strict laws making it illegal to commemorate the season in any way whatsoever! How empty and devoid of meaning is a Christless Christmas! -Knight[11] and how far from the very first celebration by holy angels who received Jesus with joy, enthusiasm and gospel preaching.

Writer Bodie Hodge notes: Around AD 220, Julius Africanus, and early Christian writer, reckoned that Jesus was conceived around March 25. Nine Months later would be December 25. Other Christians have made the case for December 25th also. The point is we can’t know. But to clarify, we don’t worship a “pagan holiday or any “holiday” we worship God on the day that we have set aside as Christmas. We remember (not worship) the birth of Christ on that day.

It is not just the celebration of a birthday. Origen (early third century) was right when he noted... What should be central about Christmas for us is what was central in the early Epiphany celebrations—not the birth so much as the coming of Christ as the incarnate Son of God, the word made flesh, the true light of the world.[12]

III. Received by the Shepherds

Shepherds were really outcasts in Israel. Their work not only made them ceremonially unclean, but it kept them away from the temple for weeks at a time so that they could not be made clean. God does not call the rich and mighty; He calls the poor and the lowly (Luke 1:51–53; 1 Cor. 1:26–29).[13]

Luke 2:15 NASB95

15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”

1. Joyful Obedience

Luke 2:16 NASB95

16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.

The verb found in Luke 2:16 means “found after a search.” [14]

2. Diligent Seeking

Luke 2:17 NASB95

17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.

3. Active Testimony

Luke 2:18–20 NASB95

18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

4. Heartfelt Praise

Mary and Joseph – with simple means and the tender care and love of parents receiving a newborn baby that will be part of them for the rest of their lives.

Holy angels – received Jesus with joy, enthusiasm and gospel preaching.

Shepherds – Joyful Obedience, Diligent Seeking, Active Testimony, and Heartfelt Praise

[1] Henry, M. (1996). Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible : Complete and unabridged in one volume (Lk 2:1–7). Peabody: Hendrickson.

[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Lk 2:1). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

[3] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

[4] Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., Fausset, A. R., Brown, D., & Brown, D. (1997). A commentary, critical and explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments (Lk 2:9). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[5] Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., Fausset, A. R., Brown, D., & Brown, D. (1997). A commentary, critical and explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments (Lk 2:11). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[6] Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., Fausset, A. R., Brown, D., & Brown, D. (1997). A commentary, critical and explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments (Lk 2:12). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[7] Gower, R., & Wright, F. (1997). The new manners and customs of Bible times. Chicago: Moody Press.

[8] Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., Fausset, A. R., Brown, D., & Brown, D. (1997). A commentary, critical and explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments (Lk 2:13). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[9] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Lk 2:1). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

[10] Packer, J., Tenney, M. C., & White, W. (1997). Nelson's illustrated manners and customs of the Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

[11] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations : A treasury of illustrations, anecdotes, facts and quotations for pastors, teachers and Christian workers. Garland TX: Bible Communications.

[12] Cox, S. L., & Easley, K. H. (2007). Holman Christian Standard Bible: Harmony of the Gospels (290–291). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

[13] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Lk 2:1). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

[14] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Lk 2:1). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.