the truth about the birth of christ the truth about the birth of christ

The Truth About The Birth The Truth About The Birth of Christof Christ

What do you think of when you read What do you think of when you read about the birth of Christ?about the birth of Christ?

• Without question the arrival of the Son of Without question the arrival of the Son of God in a human form was a great event.God in a human form was a great event.

• There is no surprise that men would want There is no surprise that men would want to celebrate this event.to celebrate this event.

• But where does God Himself give But where does God Himself give emphasis? What should we celebrate?emphasis? What should we celebrate?

• We should be very familiar with these We should be very familiar with these great events for our good!great events for our good!


• Every aspect of the life of Christ was Every aspect of the life of Christ was foretold by the prophets. foretold by the prophets. (Lk 24:44)(Lk 24:44)


• (Luke 24:44 NKJV)(Luke 24:44 NKJV) - “Then He said to - “Then He said to them, “These them, “These are are the words which I spoke the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, to you while I was still with you, that all that all things must be fulfilledthings must be fulfilled which were written which were written in the Law of Moses and in the Law of Moses and the the Prophets and Prophets and the the Psalms concerning Me.””Psalms concerning Me.””


• We who wear the name of Christ need to We who wear the name of Christ need to know the one whom we serve.know the one whom we serve.

• If we know Him then we will do only those If we know Him then we will do only those things He directs. things He directs. (Col 3:17)(Col 3:17)


• (Colossians 3:17 NKJV) “(Colossians 3:17 NKJV) “And And whatever whatever you do in word or deed, you do in word or deed, do do all in the name all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”the Father through Him.”

The Birth of Christ was not the Beginning The Birth of Christ was not the Beginning of Jesusof Jesus

• Jesus did not have a beginning.Jesus did not have a beginning.

• Some have tried to argue from this verse Some have tried to argue from this verse that He did. that He did. (Col 1:15)(Col 1:15)


• Colossians 1:15Colossians 1:15 - He is the image of the - He is the image of the invisible God, invisible God, the firstbornthe firstborn over all over all creation.creation.


• If they would read the next verses they If they would read the next verses they would understand that all created things would understand that all created things were made by God! Jesus is the were made by God! Jesus is the creator! creator! (Col 1:16-18)(Col 1:16-18)


• Colossians 1:16-18Colossians 1:16-18 - For - For by Him all by Him all things were createdthings were created that are in heaven and that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. principalities or powers. All things were All things were created through Him and for Himcreated through Him and for Him. 17 And . 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. things consist.


• 18 And He is the head of the body, the 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, church, who is the beginning, the firstborn the firstborn from the deadfrom the dead, that in all things He may , that in all things He may have the preeminence. have the preeminence.


• Jesus did have a beginning as a man. His Jesus did have a beginning as a man. His body had a beginning!body had a beginning!

• In this sense He is also called the In this sense He is also called the “firstborn.” “firstborn.” (Heb 1:6; 10:5)(Heb 1:6; 10:5)


• Hebrews 1:6Hebrews 1:6 - But when He again brings - But when He again brings the firstborn into the worldthe firstborn into the world, He says: "Let , He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him."all the angels of God worship Him."


• Hebrews 10:5Hebrews 10:5 - Therefore, when He came - Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me.You have prepared for Me.


• God became man! Jesus as God had no God became man! Jesus as God had no beginning. There is a time however beginning. There is a time however where God became man.where God became man.

• This is a staggering thought. What would it This is a staggering thought. What would it be like for God to become man? be like for God to become man?

• Men have struggled with this and many do Men have struggled with this and many do not know Him. not know Him. (Jn 1:10-12)(Jn 1:10-12)


• John 1:10-12John 1:10-12 - He was in the world, and - He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world was made through Him, and the the world did not know Himworld did not know Him. 11 He came to . 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:God, to those who believe in His name:

The Uniqueness of the Birth of ChristThe Uniqueness of the Birth of Christ

• The birth of Christ involved some of the The birth of Christ involved some of the greatest promises of the Old Testament.greatest promises of the Old Testament.

• There was the future destruction of Satan There was the future destruction of Satan through the “seed” of Eve. through the “seed” of Eve. (Gen 3:15) (Gen 3:15)


• (Genesis 3:15 NKJV)(Genesis 3:15 NKJV) “And I will put “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; between your seed and her Seed; He shall He shall bruise your headbruise your head, And , And you shall bruise His you shall bruise His heelheel.””.””


• The great promises to Abraham set the The great promises to Abraham set the course for the rest of the Bible which course for the rest of the Bible which includes the birth of Christ. includes the birth of Christ. (Gen 12:1-3)(Gen 12:1-3)


• (Genesis 12:3 NKJV(Genesis 12:3 NKJV) -) - I will bless those I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And curses you; And in you all the families of in you all the families of the earth shall be blessedthe earth shall be blessed.””.””


• The promise of the future messiah to The promise of the future messiah to David depended upon the birth of Christ. David depended upon the birth of Christ. (Psa 132:11)(Psa 132:11)


• (Psalms 132:11 NKJV)(Psalms 132:11 NKJV) “The LORD has “The LORD has sworn sworn in in truth to David; He will not turn truth to David; He will not turn from it: “from it: “I will set upon your throne the fruit I will set upon your throne the fruit of your bodyof your body.” .”


• There were detailed prophecies of this There were detailed prophecies of this birth.birth.

• There was the specific place of His birth. There was the specific place of His birth. (Mic 5:2)(Mic 5:2)


• (Micah 5:2 NKJV)(Micah 5:2 NKJV) “”But you, “”But you, Bethlehem Bethlehem EphrathahEphrathah, , Though Though you are little among you are little among the thousands of Judah, the thousands of Judah, Yet Yet out of you out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are are from of old, From everlasting.””from of old, From everlasting.””


• The virgin birth was in prophecy. The virgin birth was in prophecy. (Isa 7:14)(Isa 7:14)


• (Isaiah 7:14 NKJV)(Isaiah 7:14 NKJV) “”Therefore the Lord “”Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the the virgin shall conceive and bear a Sonvirgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and , and shall call His name shall call His name ImmanueImmanuel.”l.”


• Even the time of His birth was shown to be Even the time of His birth was shown to be in the times of the Roman kingdom. in the times of the Roman kingdom. (Dan 7:7, 16-17, 23, 27; 2:44)(Dan 7:7, 16-17, 23, 27; 2:44)


• (Daniel 2:44-45 NKJV)(Daniel 2:44-45 NKJV) “”And “”And in the days in the days of these kingsof these kings the God of heaven will set the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.shall stand forever.””


• Mary and Joseph were first made aware of Mary and Joseph were first made aware of His coming birth.His coming birth.

• She had to tell Joseph about her child and She had to tell Joseph about her child and then wait for the Lord to inform him.then wait for the Lord to inform him.

• This was a test for Joseph too. This was a test for Joseph too. (Mt 1:18-25)(Mt 1:18-25)


• Matthew 1:18-25Matthew 1:18-25 - Now the birth of Jesus - Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, came together, she was found with child of she was found with child of the Holy Spiritthe Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her . 19 Then Joseph her husband, husband, being a just being a just man, man, and not and not wanting to make her a public example, wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretlywas minded to put her away secretly. .


• 20 But while he thought about these 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, things, behold, an angel of the Lord an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dreamappeared to him in a dream, saying, , saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 "And she will bring forth a Son, and you "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."save His people from their sins."


• 22 So all this was done that it might be 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 "Behold, through the prophet, saying: 23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from us." 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, commanded him and took to him his wife,


• 25 and did not know her till she had 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.called His name JESUS.


• Do you have a faith than will “wait on the Do you have a faith than will “wait on the Lord?” Lord?” (Psa 37:7-9)(Psa 37:7-9)

• She later had to watch Him die.She later had to watch Him die.

• God through Simeon had warned her of God through Simeon had warned her of this occasion. this occasion. (Lk 2:34-35)(Lk 2:34-35)


• Luke 2:34-35Luke 2:34-35 - Then Simeon blessed - Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this "Behold, this Child Child is destined for the fall is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 "(yes, which will be spoken against 35 "(yes, a a sword will pierce through your own soulsword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."may be revealed."


• Could you have done this? Could you have done this? (Jn 19:25-27)(Jn 19:25-27)


• John 19:25-27John 19:25-27 - Now there stood by the - Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the sister, Mary the wife wife of Clopas, and Mary of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, Woman, behold your sonbehold your son!" 27 Then He said to the !" 27 Then He said to the disciple, "disciple, "Behold your motherBehold your mother!" And from that !" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own hour that disciple took her to his own home.home.


• There was the heavenly announcement of There was the heavenly announcement of it to the shepherds. it to the shepherds. (Lk 2:8-15)(Lk 2:8-15)


• (Luke 2:8-15 NKJV)(Luke 2:8-15 NKJV) “Now there were in the “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.night. {9} {9} And behold, an angel of the Lord And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.afraid. {10} {10} Then the angel said to them, “Do Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.tidings of great joy which will be to all people.


• {11} {11} “For there is born to you this day in the “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. {12} {12} “And this “And this will be will be the sign to you: You will the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”lying in a manger.” {13} {13} And suddenly there And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:heavenly host praising God and saying: {14} {14} “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”peace, goodwill toward men!”


• {15} {15} So it was, when the angels had gone So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.””made known to us.””


• Why announce it here? Why not to the Why announce it here? Why not to the religious rulers?religious rulers?

• Remember that God revealed the time and Remember that God revealed the time and place at His choosing. When Herod place at His choosing. When Herod thought he knew of a coming king, see thought he knew of a coming king, see what he did. what he did. (Mt 2:1-12)(Mt 2:1-12)


• Matthew 2:1-12 - Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.


• 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.' "


• 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also."


• 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.


• 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.


• We need God’s help to know for certain We need God’s help to know for certain when a prophecy has been fulfilled.when a prophecy has been fulfilled.

• There was the incredible fact that God There was the incredible fact that God Himself became man. Himself became man. (Jn 1:14; 1-3)(Jn 1:14; 1-3)


• (John 1:14 NKJV)(John 1:14 NKJV) “And “And the Word the Word became flesh and dwelt among usbecame flesh and dwelt among us, and we , and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”truth.”


• Our God came to this world in a barnyard.Our God came to this world in a barnyard.

• All of these things contain great lessons All of these things contain great lessons for us.for us.

Three Questions for us to considerThree Questions for us to consider

• Why did God become man? Why did God become man? (Heb 2:9-15)(Heb 2:9-15)


• (Hebrews 2:9-15 NKJV)(Hebrews 2:9-15 NKJV) “But we see Jesus, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, and honor, that He, by the grace of God, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyonemight taste death for everyone.. {10} {10} For it For it was fitting for Him, for whom was fitting for Him, for whom are are all things all things and by whom and by whom are are all things, in bringing many all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to sons to glory, to make the captain of their make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferingssalvation perfect through sufferings..


• {11} {11} For both He who sanctifies and those For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified who are being sanctified are are all of one, for all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,them brethren, {12} {12} saying: “I will declare saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”the assembly I will sing praise to You.” {13} {13} And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And again: “Here am I and the children And again: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”whom God has given Me.”


• {14} {14} Inasmuch then as the children have Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that likewise shared in the same, that through through death He might destroy him who had the death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devilpower of death, that is, the devil,, {15} {15} and and release those who through fear of death release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”


• Jesus provided an escape from Satan Jesus provided an escape from Satan than man could not provide himself.than man could not provide himself.

• Jesus became a man to share with us in Jesus became a man to share with us in temptation and to lead the way.temptation and to lead the way.

• He became our high priest that we can He became our high priest that we can boldly go to. boldly go to. (Heb 2:16-17; 4:14-16)(Heb 2:16-17; 4:14-16)

• Without a doubt we know the answer to Without a doubt we know the answer to the question: “Does Jesus Care?”the question: “Does Jesus Care?”


• When was Jesus born?When was Jesus born?

• We do not know the year or the day! Some We do not know the year or the day! Some suggest 3-4 BC.suggest 3-4 BC.

• We know it was not in December. We know it was not in December. Bethlehem is the same latitude of Bethlehem is the same latitude of Montgomery, AL or Jackson, MS. They Montgomery, AL or Jackson, MS. They would not be out at night with the sheep at would not be out at night with the sheep at this time of year. this time of year.


• The Catholic Church took the heathen day The Catholic Church took the heathen day of observance of the winter solstice and of observance of the winter solstice and declared December 25 as the day. (The declared December 25 as the day. (The solstice indicated the Sun was reviving solstice indicated the Sun was reviving after the shortest day, Dec. 21. There was after the shortest day, Dec. 21. There was much drunkenness and revelry during this much drunkenness and revelry during this time.)time.)

• How are we to celebrate the birth of How are we to celebrate the birth of Christ?Christ?


• When a birthday is held to honor someone When a birthday is held to honor someone you see what their wishes are.you see what their wishes are.

• Jesus gave no instructions whatsoever Jesus gave no instructions whatsoever about celebrating His birth.about celebrating His birth.

• There is not one word from the apostles or There is not one word from the apostles or the early church about this matter.the early church about this matter.

There is a celebration we are to keep.There is a celebration we are to keep.

• Christians were commanded to meet on Christians were commanded to meet on every first day of the week. every first day of the week. (1 Cor 16:1-2; Acts 20:7)(1 Cor 16:1-2; Acts 20:7)


• (Acts 20:7 NKJV)(Acts 20:7 NKJV) “Now on “Now on the first the first day day of of the weekthe week, when the disciples came , when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.”continued his message until midnight.”


• (1 Corinthians 16:1-2 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 16:1-2 NKJV) “Now “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:Galatia, so you must do also: {2} {2} On the On the first first day day of the weekof the week let each one of you let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when prosper, that there be no collections when I come.”I come.”


• (1 Corinthians 16:2 NASB)(1 Corinthians 16:2 NASB) - “ - “On the first On the first day of every weekday of every week let each one of you put let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.”no collections be made when I come.”


• In the writings of the early Christians they In the writings of the early Christians they met on the first day of the week.met on the first day of the week.

• What Paul commanded Corinth, he What Paul commanded Corinth, he commanded all other churches. commanded all other churches. (1 Cor 4:17)(1 Cor 4:17)


• (1 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV) “For this “For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.” as I teach everywhere in every church.”


• Why did they meet on this day? Why did they meet on this day?

• They were remembering the birth of They were remembering the birth of Christ!Christ!

• This was not the first birth but the second. This was not the first birth but the second. (Acts 13:30-34; Col 1:18)(Acts 13:30-34; Col 1:18)


• (Acts 13:30-34 NKJV)(Acts 13:30-34 NKJV) “”But God raised “”But God raised Him from the dead.Him from the dead. {31} {31} “He was seen for “He was seen for many days by those who came up with many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people.His witnesses to the people. {32} {32} “And we “And we declare to you glad tidings; that promise declare to you glad tidings; that promise which was made to the fathers.which was made to the fathers.


• {33} {33} “God has fulfilled this for us their “God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’You.’ {34} {34} “And that He raised Him from “And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’” sure mercies of David.’”


• Can you not see that the second birth is of Can you not see that the second birth is of far greater importance than the first?far greater importance than the first?

• God gave us details about the second God gave us details about the second birth. We know the day!birth. We know the day!

• The apostles began immediately to The apostles began immediately to observe the first day of the week. The observe the first day of the week. The events on the day of Pentecost occurred events on the day of Pentecost occurred on the first day of the week. on the first day of the week. (Acts 2:42)(Acts 2:42)


• (Acts 2:42 NKJV)(Acts 2:42 NKJV) “And they continued “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”prayers.”


• This should be observed weekly, not This should be observed weekly, not yearly, monthly or quarterly.yearly, monthly or quarterly.

• Is it not sad that men will observe things Is it not sad that men will observe things He does not ask but will not observe the He does not ask but will not observe the things He does command us to!things He does command us to!


• What is your birthday?What is your birthday?

the truth about the birth of christ the truth about the birth of christ

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