What The Birth Of Jesus Can Mean To Us
Luke 2:1-20
Luke 2:1-20 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4And 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:) 5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
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And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.9
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.10
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.12
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15And 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. 16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.INTRO: What is all the big deal about BabyJesus? He was just another baby, right? He was just a good man, right? Why was His birth anything different than yours or mine? Was He special just because he was an innocent baby? Aren't all babies special? He was just a fable…right? I mean, what can a baby do?
Well we need to know Jesus is no longer a baby. He was more than just an everyday child. He was God's Son. He came to do something for us that no other could do. He is our hope of eternal life. He is special. He loves all of us enough, He gave His life as a redeemer, sacrificing His life for you and I.
I want to spend just a short time telling you… What The Birth Of Jesus Can Mean To Us.
What The Birth Of Jesus Can Mean To Us
What The Birth Of Jesus Can Mean To Us - page 2
We can have…
God's light in our lives - vs. 9
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
It also gives us…
Freedom from our fears - vs. 10
1 Pet. 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Rom. 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
It allows us to…
Participate in His plan - vs. 11
Heb. 2:14-17 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Brings salvation if we accept…
God's Son as our Savior - Jn. 3:16
John 3:16-17 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. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
So we can see Jesus was sent by God the Father, that we might see His Light, Trusting Him, take part in His plan and accept this Jesus in His sacrifice as our Redeeming Savior, having a life of eternal joy.
What have you done with Jesus?
Is he like an unopened gift under your tree? Would we do that?
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 122103am