The Perfect Baby
Incarnate 2021 • Sermon • Submitted
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‘Nicholas’s existence is not attested by any historical document, so nothing certain is known of his life except that he was probably bishop of Myra in the 4th century.” - Britanica.
Saint Nics legend grew from his generosity to give dowry gifts to young girls hoping to be married instead of being forced into the sexual slave trade known as prostitution.
He was a man persecuted for his Christian faith until Constantine made Christianity legal in the Roman Empire. He was a man who was devoted to Christian truth - to Jesus. He never hoped to replace Jesus or distract people from the Savoir.
Have you ever seen the perfect baby?
Let me get a picture out of myself or of my child, or of my grandchild. Especially the grandchild.
In reality, no perfect baby. Some are rather homely and some are actually ugly.
READ PASSAGE: Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Incarnate = (especially of a deity or spirit) embodied in flesh; in human form.
Incarnate = (especially of a deity or spirit) embodied in flesh; in human form.
"God incarnate"
Synonyms: inhuman form, in the flesh, in physical form, in bodily form, made flesh, made manifest, corporeal, physical, fleshly, embodied
The incarnation is the historic Christian doctrine that Jesus of Nazareth is the eternal Second Person of the Trinity, that he has in time taken upon himself a complete human flesh by being born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The doctrine of the incarnation teaches that through the work of the Holy Spirit, God the Son has become fully human in time in order to die for the sins of humanity and defeat death by the power of his resurrection.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Hark the Herald:
Alterer: George Whitefield; Author: Charles Wesley (1739)
Tune: MENDELSSOHN (51171)
2nd verse:
“Christ, by highest heav’n adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord:
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail th’ incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with man to dwell,
Jesus our Immanuel.”
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Jesus was perfect in every way!
Jesus was perfect in every way!
The Holy Spirit Conceived, The Father Sent, and Jesus Came to Earth!
What was so perfect???
Perfect Timing
Perfect Timing
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
After 400 silent years between the NT and OT. Christ coming renews HOPE!
After the Romans United the World as the Empire of the Ages.
After Rome United the World with a road system spanning continents enabling Troops, trade, and later mission work.
The Koine Greek Language was commonly spoken all over the world. The NT was written in Greek. Not many people ever spoke Hebrew (OT).
After God said it was Time: “Fullness of Time.” God had a specific timing with ALL THE RIGHT PIECES IN PLACE.:
Cyrenaus was governor of Syria. Caesar Augustus was ruler of the World from Rome.
Joseph was a just carpenter.
Mary was a virgin, pure in body and soul.
Bethlehem was ready, being full because of taxing (Census) called for by Caesar Augustus.
Herod had already the Great built the temple and other buildings that Jesus, Paul and others would frequent.
Crucifixion was the most vile and common form of public execution.
Cousin Elizabeth and her priestly husband, Zacharias, were ready for John the baptist to be born.
The shepherds were in their fields. The angels were ready to Sing.
The Wise men were searching the stars.
Simeon was looking for Jesus, Anna was looking for redemption.
The Perfect Timing
Perfect Origin. Mt 1:18-25
Perfect Origin. Mt 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
A Miraculous Conception. 18
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Written 700 years BEFORE Jesus came to earth. God told Isaiah and the King, Ahaz, about His long term plans of redemption.
The Holy Ghost conceived in her for the first and last time ever.
Jesus is born of a woman, with the seed of God Himself.
The Virgin Birth is a foundational doctrine of Christianity.
“The virgin birth is the doctrine that Christ did not have a biological father but rather was conceived by the Holy Spirit miraculously in the womb of Mary. Historically this doctrine has further entailed the complete integrity of Mary’s body after the birth and delivery of Christ, as well as her ever-virginity.”
Matthew 1:25 implies after Jesus was delivered (Sometime after Mary healed up) Joseph then “knew his wife” Mary. She could not be a perpetual virgin, because May and Joseph have several kids following the birth of Jesus.
BTW: Mary and Joseph were not in physical proximity to each other in the moments she became pregnant, when you carefully read the account.
Mark 6:3 (AV)
Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
This was a miracle conception and birth! Miraculous in Origin.
Jesus is not only a teacher, a moral leader, a civil rebel, or a mere human male from the first century.
Jesus is God in the Flesh.
Galatians 4:4 (AV)
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Rewind in history: Eve was created from what? The Rib of a man, Adam. Men and women are different but we are made of the SAME STUFF! Jesus came for men and women. All are sinners.
JESUS CAME TO EARTH TO BE MADE OF THE SAME STUFF.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
WHAT WAS SO PERFECT ABOUT JESUS?
The Perfect Timing
The Perfect Origin
Perfect Place. Mat 2:1
Perfect Place. Mat 2:1
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
To Bethlehem as Foretold.
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
The House of Bread with Ruth and Boaz, and Barley Bread.
The Hills of David with Sheep and Shepherds, and Swaddling Cloths.
The Eternal God in the Flesh. Notice how “His goings are from Old” in Micah.
To Earth with US.
Matthew 1:23 (AV)
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
The eternal God put on human flesh - He become “One of Us” to Die for US!
Jesus lived a perfect life.
JESUS GIVES THE PERFECT GIFT - ETERNAL LIFE! There are no perfect babies, but One, Jesus.
The Little Baby in the Manger was delivered to this earth to deliver the gift of Salvation.
Perfect Timing
Perfect Origin
Perfect Place.
WE CANNOT BE PERFECT ENOUGH FOR HEAVEN. JESUS WAS PERFECT FOR US. HE TOOK OUR SIN FOR US.
Jesus was perfect in every way!
Jesus was perfect in every way!
What should we do?
Believe God. 24-25.
Obey and Honor Him in Life. 25.
Worship Him Daily. Matthew 2:11
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
6,000 Plus Illustrations for Communicating Biblical Truths Some Christmas Reminders
May the Christmas GIFTS remind us of God’s greatest gift, His only Son.
May the Christmas CANDLES remind us of Him who is the “Light of the world.”
May the Christmas TREES remind us of another tree upon which He died.
May the Christmas CHEER remind us of Him who said, “Be of good Cheer.”
May the Christmas FEAST remind us of Him who is the “Bread of Life.”
May the Christmas BELLS remind us of the glorious proclamation of His birth.
May the Christmas CAROLS remind us of the song the angels sang, “Glory to God in the Highest!”
May the Christmas SEASON remind us in every way of Jesus Christ, our King!!
RESPONSE:
Believe the GOSPEL. 24-25.
Obey and Honor Him in Life. 25.
Worship Him Daily. Matthew 2:11