The month of December is filled with holiday shopping, giving, family get-togethers, and holiday songs. While we all enjoy the holidays, our church has dedicated this service to remind us about the birth of Jesus. It is designed to remind us of what actually happened in Bethlehem so many years ago. But it is more than just remembering an event from the past. It is a reminder of why Jesus came. He came to save His people from their sins. It is our hope that you will enjoy this celebration and that you will think about all that God did for us when He sent His Son to the earth.
- The Birth (Luke 2:1-7)
What does it say?
At the time that Mary was pregnant with baby Jesus, the Roman Caesar Augustus announced that everyone in the empire had to be registered (probably for taxes). The census took place when a man name Quirinius was governing Syria. All the people responded by going to their family’s home city to be registered. Joseph left Nazareth in Galilee for Bethlehem, the city of David in Judea. He went there because he was a descendant of King David. He went to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife who was pregnant. While they were there, it came time for her to give birth. She gave birth to her firstborn Son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.
What does it mean?
This was an historical event.
Did you notice how Luke began the story. Unlike the beginning of fairy tales, he actually mentioned key historical events that describe when Jesus’ birth took place. The first event is the census decreed by Caesar Augustus. This Roman emperor reigned from 27 BC to AD 14. The second event is the rule of Governor Quirinius in Syria. Those who lived during this time would have remembered these people and the events mentioned here. Historians have verified that these events took place.
This was an unusual event.
Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem for the census. But there was something different about the way Luke described them. Mary was Joseph’s betrothed wife and she was pregnant. If this was your only knowledge of the situation, you might think that they had not waited until marriage to start their family. However, this was no ordinary pregnancy. In the previous chapter, we learned that Mary was chosen to be the mother of God’s Son. God enabled her to conceive the child without a husband. As a result, He would be called the Son of God.
The other unusual thing about this was the location of the birth. Luke doesn’t mention a stable or a cave, but he does mention a manger. A manger is a feeding trough for animals. This is where she laid the newborn child after his birth. But why there? Apparently, the rooms in the inn were filled to capacity when they arrived. So, they had to make do with whatever was available. That was probably wherever the animals were kept, perhaps a stable. What a place for a child to be born! This was quite unusual.
How does it apply?
Do you believe this story?
Luke wrote this book about Jesus’ life as if it actually happened. He was born to a virgin woman named Mary just as God had promised. He was born during a specific time in history which is backed up by history. He was born in an unlikely place. But it all took place for a reason. We will see that as we continue the story in a moment.
- The Shepherds (Luke 2:8-14)
What does it say?
That night, in the same area, there were shepherds out in the fields watching their flocks. When they least expected it, an angel of the Lord appeared in front of them, shining with the glory of God. This terrified the shepherds. But the angel told them not to be afraid because he had a good announcement which would give joy to all people. He told them that a Savior had been born for them in the city of David. This baby was Christ the Lord. They would know it was Him when they found a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Suddenly a multitude of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men!”
What does it mean?
Jesus was revealed to shepherds.
Why did God reveal the birth of His Son to shepherds? Shepherds were just people who took care of sheep. They weren’t especially known for their intellect or abilities. They were just common workers who lived with animals in the fields. I have read that shepherds at that time were considered ignorant people who couldn’t be trusted to tell the truth. So, why did God reveal that birth of His Son to them? Perhaps these people were the only ones who would believe the message at the time. The religious leaders had lost their focus and were more concerned about appearance than being faithful to the Lord. But these shepherds were different. They believed the angel’s message.
Jesus was revealed as the Savior.
When Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant, he assumed the worst and started to make plans to call off the wedding. But an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and explained that the baby was from God. He also revealed to Joseph that the child would be named Jesus because He would save His people from their sins.
Notice that the angel gave this same message to the shepherds. The baby that had been born in Bethlehem was a Savior and Christ the Lord. As Savior, Jesus would save people from their sins. As Christ, He would fulfill all the prophecies of the promised Messiah. As the Lord, He would be both God and man. What an amazing announcement.
Jesus was God’s gift to men.
When the multitude of angels appeared standing next to the first angel, they praised God together. They praised Him for the birth of Jesus and what would result from it. They saw the peace and blessing that would result from His life on earth. This was an accurate description of what God was doing. Jesus would grow up into a man. He would teach the truth about God. And in the end, He would die on the cross to pay for the sins of the world. This is how people could experience God’s peace and goodwill.
How does it apply?
Do you understand why Jesus came?
While it is nice to think about the little baby in the manger, he was destined for so much more. He came to save us from our sins. He came to die in our place so that we could be reconciled to God. And as a result, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, do you understand why Jesus came? - The Response (Luke 2:15-20)
What does it say?
When the angels had gone back to heaven, the shepherds started talking to each other. They decided to go to Bethlehem to see what the Lord had revealed to them. They quickly went to the city and found Mary, Jospeh, and the baby who was lying in a manger. After seeing the baby, they went around the area telling people what the angel had told them about the Child. People were amazed at what the shepherds said. But Mary took it all in and pondered what had just happened. The shepherds, however, went back to the fields, giving glory to God and praising Him for what they had heard, seen, and been told.
What does it mean?
The shepherds believed what they were told.
After seeing the angels and hearing the good news, the shepherds decided to go into town and find the newborn Savior. They found him just as the angel had described him—wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. When they left, they couldn’t stop telling people what had happened and praising God for allowing them to experience it. Why did they respond this way? They weren’t excited about seeing a baby. They were excited about seeing this baby. The angel had announced Him as the Savior, the Christ, and the Lord. They believed this and believed that He would bring them peace.
Mary thought about what had happened.
While the townspeople marveled at what the shepherds were saying, Mary had a different response. She had heard from the angel herself. He had told her that her Son would be called the Son of God and would be the king on David’s throne. She had heard about Joseph’s dream as well. The angel had told him that the child would be named Jesus because He would save His people from their sins. Now, the shepherds had arrived shortly after the baby’s birth and told their story. According to them, her little baby was to be the Savior, Christ, and Lord. Her response was to ponder what had happened. God was going to do something great with her child!
How does it apply?
What is your response to the news of Jesus’ birth?
To some, Jesus’ birth is just another historical event or a nice story about a humble child who later became famous. To some, it is a fairy tale that gives you a warm feeling inside. But to others, the birth of Jesus gives them much joy because of who He was and what He accomplished. They see Him as the One who brought joy to the world as the Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. But what about you? As you have heard the story, have you come to the same joyful conclusion that Jesus came to save you from your sins and make you right with God? If so, repent of your sins and place your faith in Jesus so that you will find the peace of God that was promised so long ago.
Conclusion
As we conclude our Celebration of the Birth of Jesus, let us also respond like Mary who pondered all that happened. Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose from the dead so that all who believe will not perish but have everlasting life. God did that for the world. He did it for you. So, pause a moment this week amidst all the holiday events to think about what He did for all of us.
Bibliography
Geldenhuys, Norval, The Gospel of Luke, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, reprint 1983.
Martin, John A., “Luke” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament, USA: SP Publications, 1983.