The miraculous birth of the Lord Jesus is one of the foundation stones of our Christian faith.
The prophet Micah prophesied in the fifth chapter of his book that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, in the district of Ephratah - in Judah.
There were several Bethlehems in Palestine.
But Micah said that Christ would be born in Bethlehem in the district of Ephratah.
This was one of the smaller villages bearing this name, but in no way was it the least for out of it would come a Ruler in Israel.
Mary was living in Nazareth expecting almost daily the birth of her wonderful Baby.
But prophetically He must be born in Bethlehem.
How can we get Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem?
God put into Caesar Augustus’ heart to tax his subjects.
While he demonstrated his sovereignty and power, he did not realize that he really was a puppet in the hand of God to further His divine program.
The decree brought Mary and Joseph approximately 60 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem at exactly the right time for the predicted Messiah’s birth.
Bethlehem was crowded when they arrived, and despite the emergency there was no room for them in the Inn. The only place they could find was a cave where the sore animals were kept. Born among cattle in poverty.
In this stable Mary brought forth her first-born son. She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, she laid Him in a manger.
“No beautiful chamber.”
Thus did God visit our planet in the form of a helpless Baby, in the poverty of an ill-smelling stable. Jesus my Savior to Bethlehem came, etc.
His life began in a manger, and ended on a cross and in between these two events He had nowhere to lay His head.
The angels appeared to the terrified shepherds.
Not to the elite of Jerusalem.
Note the message.
“Unto you is born this day” etc.
“A Savior who is Christ the Lord.”
“A Savior,” which is expressed in the name Jesus, etc.
Then He is the CHRIST the Anointed One, the Messiah of Israel, the Savior of the world.
He also is Lord, God manifest in the flesh.
One angel announced, etc. See V13. “A multitude of angels.” There’s a tumult of joy.
Simeon. He was waiting for the Messiah.
It was revealed to him, by the Holy Spirit, that he would not die before seeing the Lord’s Christ.
V28. He took the Lord into his arms and with Mary and Joseph presented Him to God. Then he prophesied that the Child Jesus would be “a light to bring salvation to the Gentiles” (First advent), and to shine in glory on your people Israel (Second advent).
V34
Note Simeon’s prophetic words.
1. “This CHILD was destined for the fall and rising again of many in Israel.” The unbelieving would fall, be punished. Those who repented of their sins and received the Lord Jesus as Savior would rise and be blessed.
2. This child would be a sign from God that would be spoken against.
His pure presence on earth, exposed the wickedness of the human heart, and they hated Him without a cause.
3. Yes, a sword will pierce through your soul. Referring to Mary.
He predicted the grief she would experience when she witnessed the crucifixion of her Son.
4. “The thoughts of many hearts would be revealed.” For or against.
The first Christmas was the sweetest, greatest, and most profound event etc.
Emmanuel, God had come to live among men.
At His birth the angels sang “Glory to God” etc.
The shepherds came and saw the Child.
Sometime later the wise men came and worshipped Him.
The heavens were aglow with the glory of God.
At the Lord’s birth, heaven and earth were moved.
The world has turned Christ’s birthday into a meaningless holiday.
Business has commercialized it.
Generally the Savior has been replaced by the myth of Santa Claus.
The church has tried to make Christmas beautiful. Symbols – carols – cards - nativity scenes – trees – tinsel – toys – lights.
With all the additions we have obscured Emmanuel, the Christ child, the Savior of the world.
Listen to the message of the angel. The true message of Christmas, “Fear not for I bring you good tidings of great joy” etc.
The first Christmas was God’s message to a despairing world.
Gabriel said, “You shall call His name Jesus” etc.
Isaiah said:
“Unto us a child is born” etc.
As the years rolled on the Babe of Bethlehem became the man of Sychur’s Well, The Stranger of Galilee, and finally became the Man of Calvary.
At His birth there was no room for Him in the Inn. Thirty-two years later there was no room for Him in the world---they crucified Him.
There is little room for Him in our world today.
He is despised and rejected by men.
Have you room in your heart for Him today?
Have you any room for Jesus, etc.
Room for pleasure, room for business.
Room for Jesus, King of glory.
Hasten now His word obey.
Swing the heart’s door widely open.
Bid Him enter while you may.
“Behold I stand at your door and knock” etc.
Jesus my Savior to Bethlehem came,
Born in a manger to sorrow and shame;
Oh, it was wonderful - blest be this name!
Seeking for me, for me.
Born among cattle in poverty sore.
There’s a tumult of joy
O’er the wonderful birth.
For the Virgin’s sweet Boy
Is the Lord of the earth.
Ay! the star rains its fire
While the beautiful sing.
For the manger of Bethlehem
Cradles a Kind.
No beautiful chamber
No soft cradle bed
No place but a manger
Nowhere for His head
No glory but sadness
No room in the Inn.