Dr. Montia Setzler, Senior Pastor
December 13, 2015
Series: The Wonder of Christmas
The Wonder of His Birth
Luke 2:1–14 (HCSB)
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. 2 This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough—because there was no room for them at the lodging place. 8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” 13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!
1. GOD DELIVERS THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY.
vv 1-3 “ 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. 2 This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.
- God used the authorities to get Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem.
- Bethlehem would be the focal point of the fulfillment of prophecy.
Micah 5:2 (HCSB)
2 Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; One will come from you to be ruler over Israel for Me. His origin is from antiquity, from eternity.
2. GOD CONNECTS HIMSELF WITH US
vv 4-7 4 And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough – because there was no room for them at the lodging place.”
- God used Joseph’s lineage to connect Christ with all humanity.
- God used Mary to bring humanity to Christ.
- God connected with us with the virgin birth.
3. THE ANGELS SERVE NOTICE THAT CHRIST HAS ARRIVED. vv 8-14
- A peaceful message – “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people”
- A practical message – “Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.”
- A praiseworthy message – “Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!”
At the exact right moment in history, Christ was born. God connected Himself with all humanity in that birth and forever changed our world. This good news must be proclaimed by us.
