God in the flesh is Born

The unfolding promise of the Messiah’s birth.

Verses 1-3

Luke 2:1–3 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. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.

A decree was issued for a census to be taken. A decree is an ordinance or command. This was mandatory for everyone to do. They were being taxed by the Roman rulers. We see that unjust men can be used by God to make His plan perfect. How was man being used by God? By doing this Joseph had to go to Bethlehem since he was a descendant of King David which was his birth place. and Mary since was pregnant and engaged to she went with him which was all part of God’s perfect plan for the birth of the Messiah. It was an inconvenience and not part of Joseph or Mary’s plan but God knew what he was doing. As we sing Joy to the World just imagine the joy Joseph and Mary were about to experience with the birth of Jesus. We in our trials and difficulties we can sing with joy because our Savior has been born.

Verse 4-7 Ruben

Luke 2:8–14 NASB95

8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. 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; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared 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 men with whom He is pleased.”

The angel goes out to a field and chooses a couple of shepherds. These shepherds lived outside with the sheep and were seen by all as outcasts. They smelled, they spent more time with animals than with people, they were looked down on by society and yet the angel made himself known to them. They were afraid like Mary was when the angel appeared to her and he said the same thing to them. Do not be afraid. In other words stay and listen to the good news I have for you. This great news will bring joy to them and to all who receive it.

The angel shares the news as the still stand before him the one God had sent to them. This is not just good news for them and for those who lived in that time, but it is still good news today for us. What is the news? Verse 11 the Savior is born to save all who believe even the outcasts like the shepherds and us in San Rafael. Have you ever felt like an outcast? Jesus has come to free the world and give eternal life and He makes us part of His family. He adopts us. What a gift ! He will be born and wrapped in clothing laying in an animal feeding box. An unlikely way a king would be born, but Jesus is not like any king before. He came in a way many did not expect but this does not change who He is. He is the King of kings.

The angel says to the shepherds to go look for Him. We must also seek Him.

Luke 4:18 NASB95

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed,

He has made Himself known to us who were once spiritually poor but now we are rich beyond measure. What a gift.

I can’t even imagine what it was like for these men as this news was made known to them is such and amazing way. They were praising Him the one on earth and in heaven and who’s favors rests. As we sing this next song lets sing like the angels and those shepherds because we too have received this favor. Go and tell it on the mountain.

Ruben 15-20