Luke 2v1-7
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (ESV)
Introduction:
The birth of Christ unfolded with meticulous precision by God’s intervention. It was necessary to save sinners who wanted to be God. The pandemic of narcissism is more serious than any other that came over the world, resulting in utter rebellion against God. Because of this God became Man.
Observe the following in the text:
- Crucial Days
a) Christ’s incarnation happened in the fullness of time (Gal. 4:4-5) – it wasn’t coincidence. The return of Christ will also happen in God’s appointed time.
b) It reminds us of God’s sovereignty. - Caesar’s Decree
All the world had to come and register. - The Complying Disciple
Joseph accepted what happened to Mary and was faithful in looking after Jesus. - The City of David
a) The Place – Bethlehem, underscoring God’s sovereignty in fulfilment of prophesy.
b) Paternity – emphasises Christ’s lineage – from the line of King David who also sinned grievously. Christianity is for people who know that they need a Saviour. God said in 2 Sam. 7:12-13 that He would establish David’s kingdom forever.
c) Purpose – Joseph wasn’t Jesus’ father – God is. He came to earth to hang on the cross and take upon Himself the wrath of His Father for the sins of the world. - The Christ Delivered
a) The fulfilment of prophecy (Is. 7:14) in Mary’s miraculous conception and Jesus’ birth.
b) The connection to the Davidic line is pivotal (Luke 1:32-).
c) Mary’s obedience (Luke 1:38)
d) Jesus’ fully Divine and fully Human nature. God made Him like us, yet without sin (Heb. 2:17). He understands what we fear.
e) Jesus’ is the Son of Mary and the promised Messiah who embodies the culmination of God’s plan for salvation. It harmonises the OT prophesies with the NT and testifies God’s redemptive work in Christ.
f) Mary wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, which symbolizes humility, simplicity and accessibility. The manger signified God’s identification with the human experience in vulnerability and simplicity.
If you are not saved, then this is a good day to cry out to Him for mercy.