Luke 2:1-20
A man traveled a great distance for an interview
with a distinguished scholar. He was ushered into
the man’s study, where he said,
“Doctor, I notice that the walls of your study are
lined with books from the ceiling to the floor. No
doubt you have read them all. I know you have
written many yourself.
You have traveled extensively, and doubtless
you’ve had the privilege of conversing with some of
the world’s wisest men. I’ve come a long way to
ask you just one question. Tell, me, of all you’ve
learned, what is the one thing most worth
knowing?”
Putting his hand on his guest’s shoulder, the
scholar replied with emotion in his voice,
“My dear sir, of all the things I have learned, only two are
really worth knowing. The first is, I am a great
sinner, and the second, Jesus Christ is a great
Savior!” If you know those two things personally,
you know the best news in the whole world, that a
Savior has been born for you who is Christ the
Lord!
This morning we are going to look at Luke’s account of
the birth of Christ. Turn with me to Luke 2:1-20
The first seven verses show us the;
Providence of God
Luke 2:1-7
The Bible tells us that Caesar Augustus sent out a decree
that all the world should be registered.
This was something that occurred every 14 years.
Similar to our census that is taken every 10 years.
The difference was that everyone had to go to the town
where their father was from in order to be counted.
We just have to fill out the details online.
So Joseph and Mary set out from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
They traveled 80 miles, remember Mary is almost 9
months pregnant. And they didn’t have a comfy SUV with
air conditioning or heated seats to ride in.
They walked or rode on donkeys.
How uncomfortable that trip must have been.
It was God who brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem
God put Caesar Augustus in office.
All of our leaders are placed by God because He is always
at work.
Notice how perfect the timing was.
While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to
give birth.
This was no accident. In fact, it was all according to God’s
plan and providence. The prophet Micah wrote that Jesus
would be born in Bethlehem.
Joseph and Mary couldn’t find any room in the inn which
must have been stressful for Mary.
Every room was filled because everyone had come for the
census.
This was no surprise for God though.
This was all part of His perfect plan.
Jesus was born with only a manger to lay His head.
A humble birth for a humble savior.
God was in control the entire time.
And He is provident over our lives as well.
You may be dealing with stress or sadness or worry this
Christmas, but don’t let it overcome you.
Remember, Jesus came to bring peace on earth, good will
to men.
Luke 2:8-14
Here we see;
Praise from Angels
Once again the angel appears, but this time to lowly
shepherds out in the field.
Have you ever wondered why God sent the angel to
shepherds?
Why not the scribes or someone with a little more social
standing?
Because Jesus came to save all kinds of people from their
sins. By going to the least of these, He showed that
anyone who believes in Him would be able to receive His
forgiveness and grace.
Also, Jesus came to be the Good Shepherd and the Lamb
of God who takes away the sin of the world.
The angel showed up at night with the glory of the Lord
surrounding him. And what do you think was the first
thing he said to the shepherds? Be not afraid!
Because it must have been terrifying to see an angel with
the glory of the Lord surrounding him in the middle of the
dark night sky!!
And the angel announces that he has come to bring them
good news of great joy. For all the people.
What is this good news?
A Savior was born in the city of David, Christ the Lord.
The angel then mentioned a sign, so they would be able
to find the baby Jesus. He told them Jesus would be
wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.
Again, God’s providence. He had Mary and Joseph exactly
where He wanted them so the shepherds could come and
find Him and worship Him.
Immediately after the angel told the shepherds about the
sign a multitude of the heavenly host joined him and
began praising God saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among
those with whom he is pleased!”
Imagine being in the presence of a multitude of angels in
the middle of a field hearing all of them praising God.
Wouldn’t you want to join in the worship?
Luke 2:15-20
Finally, we see the
Proclamation of the Gospel
Once the angels ascended back into heaven, the
shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem to see what the
Lord had made known to them.
They went to tell Joseph and Mary what had happened in
the field with the angels.
How do you think Mary and Joseph felt when they saw
the shepherds excited from having just been visited by
an angel? They both knew very well what it was like to
have an angel deliver a message to them.
It must have given them some encouragement to know
that God has kept His word and confirmed it to the
shepherds that the baby that was born was the savior of
the world. He was going to save the people from their
sin.
The people who heard the testimony of the shepherds
wondered at what they had said.
Mary pondered it in her heart.
As the shepherds went back to their field, they were
praising God and glorifying Him.
They have received the good news and have shared it
with as many as they came in contact with.
APPLICATION
Many of us feel inadequate when it comes to sharing our
faith or being obedient to God.
We think God only wants to use those who are fully
prepared and trained for His work.
That’s not how God works at all.
He wants our obedience just like Mary and Joseph heard
and obeyed Him.
How can the Lord use you this Christmas?
Share the Good News of Christ.
Are you spreading peace and joy by telling others how
great God is and how Christmas is all about the birth of a
savior?
Spend Time Worshiping Christ
Are you taking enough time to worship Him so you don’t
get caught up in the busyness of the season?