Christ Was Born

In Luke's gospel, we read in chapter 2, And it came to pass in those days, That there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, That all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, Out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, Unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, Because he was of the house and lineage of David, To be taxed would marry his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that while they were there, The days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And 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 an inn.

And there were in the same country, Shepherds abiding in the field, Keeping watch over their flocks by night, 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. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, Which shall be to all people, For unto you is born this day, In the city of David, a Saviour, Which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you, Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, Lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angels, A multitude of the heavenly host, Praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men. I will stop there, friends. We see in our text a Caesar and a king.

We see a world occupied with taxation. And we see a God occupied with reconciliation. We see in our text a mother and a baby.

We see Christ's humiliation and God's glory. We hear good tidings about a Saviour, Christ the Lord. And we hear a song of the angels.

And we see the astonishment of men. Jesus came down here so we can go up there. A baby was in that manger.

A Saviour was in the world. Joy was in the heavens and peace was on the earth. Let our focus this week, friends, Be not on gifts and Christmas trees and giving, But on the Christ who gave Himself for us at Calvary.

Yes, there was a baby in that manger, Christ the Lord. May you, friend, experience the preciousness of Christ this time of year. And give thanks to God for the wonderful gift of His dear Son, Jesus.

Hark, the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled Joyful, all ye nations, rise Join the triumph of the skies With angelic hosts proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem Hark, the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King