JESUS: THE SAVIOR
DECEMBER 25, 1999
LUKE 2:1-11

      Popcorn garlands, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph pulling Santa’s sleigh, festive wrapping paper, Christmas cookies, hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick, holiday catalogues, roasting marshmallows, shopping for gifts….

     Images of the season… Christmas is a very busy time for all with things to do and places to go. It was the same 2000 years ago during the days of Caesar Augustus (vv1-5). At that time, people were returning home for the census. They had been oppressed for generations and had expected God to provide someone to save them, but the census was another burden.

     The registration couldn’t be done by proxy or e-mail. This made it hard on families with small children or a pregnant woman, such as Mary. Giving birth to a baby (v6) in a stable, however, was not all bad, compared to a crowded hotel. At least there was privacy and warmth from the animals, compared to a cold night in a field. 

    One baby boy, born in a stable, resting in an animal’s dinner box seems so insignificant. Yet, this is one of the most significant events in the history of the world. The announcement was made in the sky: The Savior has been born! (vv8-11) His life has impacted the whole world for generations, and because of His life, we celebrate joyfully. Welcome to the biggest birthday party the world has ever seen! All around the world, wherever people may be, Jesus is the reason to celebrate. Let all we do bring honor and glory to Him, and in His honor, enjoy the Christmas carols, colored lights, toy soldiers, the roasted goose, popping chestnuts in an open fire…..
 

Luke 2:1-11 “1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

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