Transcript Christmas Trouble

 The
Troubling Birth
Luke 2:1-7 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that
a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.
This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own
city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to
the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house
and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged
to him, and was with child.
While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and
laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
 The
Troubling Birth
› An historical event
(circa 4 BC)
Luke 2:1-7 Now in those
days a decree went out
from Caesar Augustus, that
a census be taken of all the
inhabited earth.
This was the first census
taken while Quirinius was
governor of Syria.
“she gave birth to her
 The Troubling Birth
firstborn son; and she
› An historical event wrapped Him in cloths, and
laid Him in a manger”
(circa 4 BC)
› Born in a barn.
“she gave birth to her
 The Troubling Birth
firstborn son; and she
› An historical event wrapped Him in cloths, and
laid Him in a manger”
(circa 4 BC)
› Born in a barn.
 The
Troubling Birth
› An historical event
(circa 4 BC)
› Born in a barn.
› But he was a king!
Isaiah 9:6 (NASB) For a
child will be born to us, a
son will be given to us;
And the government will
rest on His shoulders; And
His name will be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Eternal
Father, Prince of Peace.
 The
Troubling Birth
› An historical event
(circa 4 BC)
› Born in a barn.
› But he was a king!
› He deserved a
palace!
 The
Troubling Birth
› An historical event
(circa 4 BC)
› Born in a barn.
› But he was a king!
› He deserved a
palace!
 The
Troubling Birth
“…laid Him in a
 Troubling Indifference
manger,
› The King was here!
because there
was no room for
them in the inn”
 The
Troubling Birth
“…laid Him in a
 Troubling Indifference
manger,
› The King was here!
› “But I didn’t know!”
because there
was no room for
them in the inn”
 The
Troubling Birth
 Troubling Indifference
 Troubled Many Lives
Matthew 2:1-2 Jesus was born
in Bethlehem in Judea,
during the reign of King
Herod. About that time
some wise men from eastern
lands arrived in Jerusalem,
› The Astrologers
asking,
 From a great distance
“Where is the newborn king
of the Jews? We saw his star
 Willing hearts.
as it rose, and we have
come to worship him.”
 The
Troubling Birth
 Troubling Indifference
 Troubled Many Lives
› The Astrologers
› The poor shepherds
Luke 2:8-9 In the same
…Suddenly,
angel
was
region therethe
were
some
joined
by a staying
vast host
shepherds
outofin
others—the
the fields and
armies
keeping
of
watch over their flock
by
heaven—praising
God…
night.
And an angel of the Lord
suddenly stood before
them, and the glory of the
Lord shone around them;
and they were terribly
frightened.
 The
Troubling Birth
 Troubling Indifference
 Troubled Many Lives
 Violence
› Herod’s reaction
Matthew 2:16 Herod was
furious when he realized
that the wise men had
outwitted him. He sent
soldiers to kill all the boys
in and around Bethlehem
who were two years old
and under, based on the
wise men’s report of the
star’s first appearance.
 The
Troubling Birth
 God Wants Peace
 Troubling Indifference
 Troubled Many Lives
Luke 2:14 “Glory to God
 Violence
in the highest, And on
earth peace among
men with whom He is
pleased.”
 The
Troubling Birth
 God Wants Peace
 Troubling Indifference  It’s a Violent World
› Not everyone wants
 Troubled Many Lives
peace with God…
 Violence
“When Herod the king heard
this, he was troubled, and all
Jerusalem with him.” Matt. 2:3
 The
Troubling Birth
 God Wants Peace
 Troubling Indifference  It’s a Violent World
 Troubled Many Lives  So God Must ‘Save’ Us
 Violence
For the grace of God has
appeared, bringing salvation to
all men
Titus 2:11
 The
Troubling Birth
 God Wants Peace
 Troubling Indifference  It’s a Violent World
 Troubled Many Lives  So God Must ‘Save’ Us
› ‘Grace’ means ‘free’
 Violence
For the grace of God has
appeared, bringing salvation to
all men
Titus 2:11
 The
Troubling Birth
 God Wants Peace
 Troubling Indifference  It’s a Violent World
 Troubled Many Lives  So God Must ‘Save’ Us
 Violence
 It Changes Everything
…He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to
cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally
committed to doing good… Titus 2:14
 The
Troubling Birth
 God Wants Peace
 Troubling Indifference  It’s a Violent World
 Troubled Many Lives  So God Must ‘Save’ Us
 Violence
 It Changes Everything
…He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to
cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally
committed to doing good… Titus 2:14
 The
Troubling Birth
 God Wants Peace
 Troubling Indifference  It’s a Violent World
 Troubled Many Lives  So God Must ‘Save’ Us
 Violence
 It Changes Everything
…He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to
cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally
committed to doing good… Titus 2:14
 The
Troubling Birth
 God Wants Peace
 Troubling Indifference  It’s a Violent World
 Troubled Many Lives  So God Must ‘Save’ Us
 Violence
 It Changes Everything
2009?
‘doing
good’
…He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to
cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally
committed to doing good… Titus 2:14
For a child has been born to us,
a son has been given to us.
He shoulders responsibility
and is called:
…God’s kindness leads
you to repentance.
Extraordinary Strategist,
Romans 2:4
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace