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The Christmas Message
The Christmas Message
The Christmas story never grows old. It is fresh every year. It’s not just a normal holiday we occasionally celebrate. I agree with all other believers that it’s a holy day. It’s holy because we serve a Holy God who loves us so much that He gave us His only son Jesus Christ to redeem us from eternal damnation. Without the Savior there would be no Christmas. Christmas is the birthday of God’s Son Jesus. So, let’s not get so caught up in the world’s way of as it seems to crowd out the true meaning of the Christmas celebration.
Let’s begin, the Son of God, Jesus is born in Bethlehem. Luke 1:1-7 teaches us that Mary and Joseph go to pay their taxes there.
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
All went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped hin in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for then in the inn.”
Why did Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem? They took the journey to Bethlehem because Caesar August had sent out a decree for a census for the Roman empire to be taken. Therefore, this made it necessary for Mary and Joseph to exit their hometown, Nazareth, and they were to travel some seventy miles to the Judean village of Bethlehem to make the census.
The purpose of the census was to aid in the Roman military. Now the Jews didn’t have to serve in the Roman army, but they were expected to pay the taxes.
This decree that was made by Augustus was in perfect timing. God’s plan for our eternal salvation in sending His Son into the world was on His way. And the world didn’t know that while Mary and Joseph were there in Bethlehem; the Savior, the Christ Child, the Son of God would be born into the world. The One whom the prophets had written about and had spoken about for so long ago was coming into the world.
This decree that was made by Augustus was in perfect timing. God’s plan for our eternal salvation in sending His Son into the world was on His way. And the world didn’t know that while Mary and Joseph were there in Bethlehem; the Savior, the Christ Child, the Son of God would be born into the world. The One whom the prophets had written about and had spoken about for so long ago was coming into the world.
The Son of God; the One The Father our Father God who gave us His very best; so that we might have the right to the tree of light. John 3:16 reminds us of God the Creator of both heaven and earth “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Our God gave us His best...
He’s the Son of Man Philippian 2:6-11 echos:
Who, being in the form of God, though it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in the fashion as a man, humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exulted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Right now is a good time for those who don’t know Him as Savior and Lord, the Son of God; the One who has been sent to us down through forty-two generations; it’s your time to respond to the Holy Spirit as the invitation of eternal salvation is opened to you right now. Remember “That the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” You/We can accept Him right here and now!!!
The Son of God our Savior; His character is given in Isaiah 9:6.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
We don’t have to worry about the state of the government, did not the Word says “The government shall be upon his shoulder.”
And He Wonderful!!!
If we need someone to console us He’s ever so near as our personal counselor. He’s Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Next Luke reports how the Shepherds were involved in the Savior’s birth. Luke 1:8-10 shares:
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
As the Shepherds kept their flock, the angel was sent from the lord and they experienced the Lord’s glory all around them and they became frighten.
But, “The angel said unto them, Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Amen.
They had nothing to fear… The Savior of the world had been born into the world and they could celebrate “good tidings of great joy had been brought by the angel from the Lord and it was for all people as had been promised down through the generations...
While were here let’s take a moment and discuss some who were given the message not to fear “Fear Not.”
Abraham was told not to fear in Genesis 15:1 (ESV)
After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram/Abraham in a vision: Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.
Zacharias was told to fear not in Luke 1:13 (ESV)
But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
Moses was told not to fear in Numbers 21:34 (ESV)
But the LORD said to Moses, Do not fear him, for I have given into your hand, and all his people, and his land. And you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.
Mary was told to fear not in Luke 1:30 (ESV)
And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Joshua was told to fear not in Joshua 8:1 (ESV)
And the LORD said to Joshua, Do not fear and do not be dismayed. Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, and go up to Ai. Se, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, his city, and his land.
The Lord told Peter not to fear in Luke 5:10 (ESV)
And also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, (Peter) Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” From this group of fishing partners Jesus calls His first disciples. Peter, James and John sons of Zebedee who were Peter’s fishing partners.
The Prophet Jeremiah was told to fear not in Lamentations 3:57 (ESV)
You came near when I called on you; you said, Do not fear!’
The Apostle Paul was encouraged not to fear in Acts 27:23-24 (ESV)
For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God had granted you all those who sail with you.
And Daniel was told not to fear in Daniel 10:12 (ESV)
Then he said to me, Fear not, Daniel, for the first day that you set your heart to understand and humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and have come because of your words.
And John in Revelation 1:17-18 (ESV)
He uttered “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and hades.
It is this Savior that we are sharing with you on today…The Savior of the world!!! Fear not He’s our comforter; don’t be afraid; I pray that we’ve heard how He responded to Abraham, Zacharias, Moses, Mary, Joshua, The Shepherds, Jeremiah, Peter, Paul, Daniel and John; His message to them was not to be afraid.
Therefore, the Shepherds in Luke 2:8-10
The shepherds out in the filed caring for their flock became frighten when the angel of the Lord appeared where they were, the glory of the Lord begin to shine around them; this event made them very fearful. But this wonderful happening, the glory of God comes down to these humble shepherds.
To give them comfort the angel brought them the word “And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.”( Luke 2:10)
Fear not the Savior of the world has arrived, you have nothing to fear, “fear not the angel uttered to the humble shepherds. Fear Not!!!
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
So, the shepherds were out there working keeping watch over their sheep. As thy watch over them; they experienced the wonderful glory of God as it comes down to these humble shepherds. The glory, God’s glory was so wonderful; it caused them to become fearful. But the angel brought them a word of comfort “Fear Not: for I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
The Savior: Luke 2:10 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
The angel told the shepherds that the Savior of the world was being born in the city of David where they were for them on their behalf “For unto you” in the city of Bethlehem, a Savior; which is Christ the Lord” was born for their benefit.
The Promised Messiah, A Savior, the promised Messiah of the Old Testament is now born in the City of David. He’s the One the prophets had told of and to whose coming they had looked for such a long distance for. They had looked forward for His coming...
Luke 2:12 “And this shall be a sign unto you,; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
As the shepherds visited with baby Jesus, they are told where He’s born in Bethlehem. They were told that the baby Jesus would be born in a stable among the animals.
As the prophets had said, the promised Messiah would live a humbly and He would not reside in a permanent home. The prophets also echoed that t his babe grows up and fulfills His earthly ministry, Jesus would die a humble death upon a cross. Then once He finishes giving His life on the cross, Jesus was buried a humble way in a borrowed tomb, Joseph of Arimathaea took the body of our Lord and “He wrapped it in clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he hew out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulcher, and he departed.” (Matthew 27:59b-60)
Jesus was buried in a humble way---in borrowed tomb.
THE SONG---Luke 2:13-14
“And suddenly there was with the angels a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Do we not know that the best way that we can thank out God is to praise His Holy and Righteousness Name!!!
Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Mighty God!!! Notice when our Savior was born, the angels sang praise to God. The question is “Do we give praise to God? Let’s praise Him today and forevermore, He’s the Light of the world the King of kings, and Lord of lords!!!
He brings us the peace that me all need. In this world today we have been facing some very difficult times. But, the Savior< Jesus Christ, the Son of God; He’s our peace. He’s our healer! Yes, we’re face with a pandemic at this present time; but He’s our peace in this storm. He bring peace on earth to all men. the promised Prince of peace Isaiah 9:6 has arrived. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Will you join in with me today, as the Holy Spirit helps us praise Him, praising Almighty God, our Father in Heaven brings us all the peace that we need. We as believers can have peace in the Savior, but the world cannot have the peace that we have and enjoy without Christ. But after receiving Him as personal Savior and Lord then the peace that we experience, they too can receive.
The world cannot not gain peace until they have Christ Jesus operating by His Holy Spirit in their lives.
Luke 2:15-17 “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”
Now after the shepherds had had their encounter with the angels and after they made their return back to heaven. The shepherds went seeking for Christ.
They were given the message from the angels that the in the City of David the Savior had been born. They had heard just what the prophets had foretold; and now, they plan to seek the Savior that had been born in Bethlehem.
So they went and they found Joseph and Mary and Jesus, just as the angels had told them they would. Now how do we seek the Savior of the world. Do we seek Him in the manner in which the shepherds did? The answer is no. The way we seek to know and find the Savior of the world is through our faith, prayer and studying the Word of God/the Bible.
Then once we understand the Gospel, Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection then we can tell others about who the Savior is and what He has done for our deliverance.
Luke 2:17 says the shepherds preached; “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning the child.”