Matt's House Church: Arbutus, MD

Birth of Christ

Introduction

During the month of December we’ve worked through a series focused on the
Advent of or the Coming of The Christ. We’ve learned about Zechariah & Elizabeth,
and their son John “The Lord is Gracious, the Forerunner, the one like Elijah in spirit
and strength who’s coming was announced by Gabriel, an Angel; and last week we
looked at Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would give birth to the “son of
God,” the fulfillment of all of Israel’s promises…the Messiah, the Christ.
As we’ve explored these passages the words “Joy” and “Grace” have appeared
time and time again, and as we look into Chapter 2, of Luke’s Gospel, here to we will
encounter these two terms "Joy" and “Grace.” This is what Christmas is really about!
At the end of our time together I will challenge you to respond to what God might be
laying on your heart. I believe that today is just another opportunity for an
extraordinary encounter between you and God, the question is, will you respond…

Bible

It’s winter, it’s cold, there is a small, Judean town, packed with people, many of
which, have travelled from great distances all seeking refuge from the elements and
rest from their journeys. None are aware of an event that will totally change the face
of history for all eternity, except two Joseph and Mary, they too could not conceive
of the import of this event, this birth, that they were chosen to participate in by God
Himself, through the announcement of an angel.

Point: There are very few details in the Gospel’s concerning Christ’s birth, the
Gospel’s were not written as a detailed Biography of Christ’s life so that we might
know every facet; NO they were written that we might read them, and believe that
Christ is the Son of God, and that we through believing might have life through His
Name.

Reading: Luke 2:1-8

• Census taken for purposes of taxation of all Roman subjects; both the Jewish
tradition and Roman Law are similar here requiring that subjects return to their
towns of birth in this way the house/tribe and lineage is preserved.
• Cave, Now the “Church of the Nativity”
• Manager - Feeding trough for livestock.
• Cloths - Strips of cloth, (Note: The way of shepherds, ordinary)
• Town overcrowd, most likely late arrival, due to census.

Reading: Luke 2:8-14

Rabbinic Tradition and the writers of the Gospel’s in the NT are parallel on these
points as to the Promised Savior of Israel, Messiah, Christ - “The Anointed One”:
• Messiah/Christ “Town of David,” Christ born in the line of Boaz, Jesse, David…
foretold by Scripture…
• Bethlehem - “House of Bread,” Jesus Bread of Life…Element in Communion.
• Reading: Micah 5:2 Prophet of Israel 700-750BC, foretold the Coming of
Messiah
• Christ would be revealed by the “Migdal Eder,” “watch tower over flocks” in both
the Mishnah and Talmudic rabbinic writings.
• The “Migdal Eder” was not in the far off pasture lands, but nearby the town, on
the road that to Jerusalem, where the flocks were kept for Temple Sacrifices.
• Shepherds were not ordinary shepherds, they were charged with a special task
that was directly related to the Temple, and particularly, the Passover Feast,
where once a year Israelites traveled to Jerusalem to make atonement/make right
before God all their sin/wrong doing.
• “Glory” = Splender, Brightness, Power, Amazing Might, Greatness.
• “Terrified” = 2 - Greek words used here to emphasizes a sense of: fear, respect,
reverent worship…
• “Good News” - Euangelizo - Word Gospel
• “Great Joy” = Mega - Gladness; Given a Reason for Gladness; Joy shows up
again.
• “All the People,” Israel, but also all people, for all time.
• “Savior” = Soter - Rescuer…
• “Christ” = Messiah; “Anointed One”
• “Lord” = Ruler, Owner, The One to whom all things belong.
• “Peace” = Freedom from worry
• “Favor Rests” = Good Pleasure, Good Will toward, idea of God is For YOU!
Grace…

Reading: Luke 2:15-20
• Shepherds, based on the Angelic message, headed into the town of Bethlehem
seeking the sign; like Mary sought out Elizabeth to prove out what Gabriel had spoken
to her.
• “Hurried off” = Again 2 Greek words emphasize - Eagerness, Quick movement…
• “Treasured” = Preserved, Keep In Mind (Actively, Intentionally Remembering)
• “Things” = Words, Statements, Events
• “Pondered” = Think about seriously, Meet with…
• “Heart” = GK-Kardia, Inner-Self

Challenge

I want you to sit back, relax, picture the scene where Mary is sitting at the feet of
Jesus, gazing into His loving eyes and just being with Him, being in the Presence of
God; lets stop the business of Martha right now, during this Christmas season and
just BE!• If you’re…tired, beat down, and/or drained…Just Be!
• If you’re…in a happy place, satisfied, content…Just Be!
• If you’re…feeling, man I really haven’t connect with God in a long time, just come to
Him and Be!
• If you’re…in a place where you are considering connecting to Christ for the first
time, just come and Be!
Statement: Stand in Awe, Amazed, Enraptured - Enveloped - Engulfed in His Glory,
His Presence…hear the Angelic Voice Declare: Luke 2:14

Reflective Song - Winter Snow, by Audry Assad, Chris Tomlin (Lyrics: https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpHiAmL8-b0)