Luke 2:1-14
The first Christmas was the greatest and most profound event in the annals of human history.
Emmanuel, God, had come to live among men.
First message from God in 400 years.
At the Lord’s birth, the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest.”
The heaves were aglow with the celestial light, the glory of God. At the Lord’s birth heaven and earth was moved. Lonely shepherds came to Bethlehem and saw the Lord, and left the stable worshiping.
Unfortunately, the world has turned Christ’s birthday into a meaningless holiday. Business has commercialized it. Generally speaking, the Savior has been replaced by the myth of Santa Claus. The forgotten Christ.
The church has tried to make Christmas beautiful.
Lavish decorations – symbols – nativity scenes – Christmas Cards – trees – tinsel – lights- toys.
With all these additions we have obscured Emmanuel, the Christ Child, the Savior of the world.
Need I remind you that the miraculous birth of the Lord Jesus is one of the foundation stones of our Christian faith.
The Cradle – The Cross – The Crown.
The prophet Micah prophesied that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, in the district of Ephratah, in Judea.
There were several Bethlehem’s in Palestine. But Micah prophesied that Christ would be born in Bethlehem in the district of Ephratah.
This was one of the smaller villages bearing this name, but in now way was it the least, for out of it would come the Ruler of Israel.
Mary was living in NAZARETH in Galilee, expecting almost daily the birth of her wonderful Baby. But prophetically He must be born in BETHLEHEM in Judah.
How can we get Mary and Joseph to BETHLEHEM?
Caesar Augustus decided to tax his subjects and ordered that they return to the place of their birth. In so doing he flaunted his sovereignty and power. He did not realize that he really was a puppet in the hand of God to further the divine program.
The decree brought Mary and Joseph approximately 60 miles to Bethlehem at exactly the right time, the fullness of time.
Bethlehem was crowded.
There was no room anywhere, not even in the inn. The only place they could find was a stable where the animals were kept.
In this foul-smelling stable Mary brought forth her first-born son,
She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes.
She laid Him in an animal’s feeding trough.
“No beautiful chamber
No soft cradle bed,
No place but a manger
No-where for His head
No glory, but sadness
No room in the inn.”
Thus did God visit our planet in the form of a helpless Baby, in the poverty of an ill-smelling stable. Blazing Planets – Brilliant Galaxys – through the starry heavens.
“Jesus my Savior to Bethlehem came – Born in a manger in sorrow and shame – Oh, it was wonderful, blest be His name – seeking for me, for me.”
The Lord’s life began in a manger, and ended on a cross, and between these two events He had nowhere to lay His head.” The birds of the air, etc.
The first announcement of the Savior’s birth was not given to the religious leaders. Nor the elite. It was given to despised shepherds on a lonely hillside. Note the message.
Quote: “Unto you is born this day. A Savior who is Christ the Lord.” “Call His name Jesus.”
A SAVIOR which is expressed in the name Jesus.
The Christ, the anointed One, the Messiah, the Savor of the World.
The Lord, God manifest in the flesh. Quote Phil 2: “Who being in the form of God.”
One angel announced this birth.
But the heavens pent up ecstasy could no longer be restrained.
Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of angels praising God and saying, “Glory [Give great honor, worship, adoration, and praise] to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
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 King.
The first Christmas was God’s message to a despairing world.
Gabriel said: “You shall call His name Jesus.”
Isaiah said: “Unto us a child is born, Unto us a son is given”, etc.
Jesus said: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son”, etc.
As the years rolled on the Babe of Bethlehem became the Man of Sychur’s Well, the Stranger of Galilee, and who finally became the Man of Calvary.
At His birth there was no room for Him in the inn. Thirty-three years later there was no room for Him in the world … they crucified Him. There is still little room for Him in our world today.
“He is despised and rejected of men”, etc.
Have you any room in your heart for Him?
Have you any room for Jesus?, etc.
Room for pleasure, room for business, etc.
Room for Jesus King of glory
Hasten now His word obey
Swing the heart’s door widely open
Bid Him enter while you may.
Holmain Hunt: Behold I stand at the door and knock” Rev 3:20. The Light of the World.