The Humility of Christmas

The Reflections on the First Christmas

Usual Christmas Depictions

What Became of God?• God became human

– But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. (Galatians 4:4-5)

• God became a baby• God was born in a manger

Circumstances of Birth• Mary and Joseph were contracted to

get married. – This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came

about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:18)

• The angel’s announcement. (Luke 1:28-35)

Circumstances of BirthMary was troubled.

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:34)

Mary went to the person who could understand her.

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1:39-41)

Circumstances of BirthJoseph was confused.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:21)

Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. (Matthew 1:19)

Circumstances of Birth

• What were the responses?– Mary: "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to

me as you have said." Then the angel left her.” (Luke 1:38)

– Joseph: “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” (Matthew 1:24-25)

Welcoming EntourageWho first saw Jesus aside from His parents?• Animals

• Poor Shepherds – Outcast of society.

• They couldn’t keep the Sabbath since they have to take care of the sheep. But without sheep there would be no sacrifice.

• One of the lowest classes in society

• Magis – Considered uncleaned by Jews.

• Gave strange gifts to a King.

- Compared to the Birth of John the Baptist. (Luke 1:57-58)

Places Jesus Went

• Bethlehem– Small Town– Place of Birth and Coronation of King David

• Egypt– Place where Jews became slaves for more than 400

years– Jesus became a refugee

• Nazareth (Small town in Galilee)– Galileans are looked down upon during their time.– You will know one comes from Galilee when he or she speaks.

Powerful Men Investigating Him• Herod

– Killing of the innocents

– Herod killed his wife, his mother in-law and his sons as well.

• Archelaus – son of Herod (Matthew 2:22)

• Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas– “That day Herod and Pilate

became friends—before this they had been enemies.” (Luke 23:12)

The Effects of the First Christmas

• Separation of Dates (BC and AD)

• Bible is the Best Selling book in history

• The movement started by Jesus’ apostles outlasted the Roman Empire

• Most importantly, You and I are now saved from our sins.

Why Would God Go Through All These Hardships?

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

(John 3:16)

Now… was saving you really that easy?