The real Christmas
We need to look beyond the turkey and tinsel. We need to see the real story of Christmas.
1/. History.
What Luke was writing was history. It was fact not fairy tale. Luke looks back at a real point and a real time. He tells us about the reign of Caesar Augustus. His name was more a title that meant lord and favoured one. He eventually was referred to as God.
He ordered a census. We're not sure why he ordered this. He mentions Quirinius was governor at the time. We know nothing about him but again it is just a way we can look at the history of the time and see that indeed these things did happen. History does reveal that not only did this census happen but it also reveals that Jesus did live and did suffer that horrible death on the cross. Luke's historical accuracy is second to none.
2/. Sovereignty.
Who is in charge. Who is in control of this world. Kings and Queens may think they are in control but they are in Gods's control. Their hands and hearts are in Gods's control.
Micah had prophesied that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. He could grow up in Nazareth but he had to be born in Bethlehem. Augustus didn't realise he was in Gods's control. He decreed the census would be taken and because Joseph's family were originally from Bethlehem they had to return there. Joseph was from the same line as King David.
How inconvenient for Joseph and Mary at this time in their life when they would have to travel about 90 miles to go to Bethlehem.
Why? God is sovereign!! Joseph and Mary would be just in the right place at just the right time.
3/. Humility.
Humility is lacking in our world today. Whether from those in charge of our world or the man in the street. Man has a belief in their own greatness.
Compare that to God. He came to earth in humility. God took to himself human flesh and was born as a baby. The Godhead veiled in flesh. Amazing isn't it? Would you become an ant? God became a man.
When a princess is going to have a baby it is front page news. The birth plan will be worked out and everything will be luxurious.
Compare that to Jesus' birth. Wrapped in strips of cloth and laid in a manger. No lodging available. Jesus was born in a farmyard! He was born not in a palace but in a stable.
All of this was for us. Through His humility we could be raised up to God. Though He was rich for our sakes he became poor so we could become rich. Not financially but spiritually.
Read Phil 2 verse 6 - 8.
He humbled himself and became obedient to death. Even death on a cross.
Hallelujah. What a saviour.
Are we living our lives worthy of what He has done for us or are we so wrapped up in ourselves that we let the real Christmas story wash over us.
What if you are not a Christian. Caesar Augustus was a man who wanted to be a god. God was a God who became a man. A man who came to save us from our sins. Will you trust Him today to be your saviour. I pray you will.
Created 6 months ago
