Sermon 191

📖 SERMON 191 — Luke 2:1–20

Date: December 21, 1947
Text: Luke 2:1–20
Preacher: Rev. G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

Christmas is again at hand. Once more we gather to commemorate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The passage before us is the simplest, clearest, and most beautiful record of that wonderful event. In these verses the Holy Spirit tells us plainly that the eternal Son of God was born as a true human babe, and that His birth took place in the lowliest of earthly surroundings. Let us consider together what this event truly means.

I. THE HISTORICAL REALITY OF CHRIST’S BIRTH

A. It happened in real history

1. Luke tells us the exact time—during the decree of Caesar Augustus, when Quirinius governed Syria.
2. This is no myth, no legend, but a recorded event in world history.
3. The Savior promised through the prophets actually entered time.

B. It happened in a real place

1. Bethlehem of Judea, as foretold by Micah.
2. A small, insignificant town chosen by God for the greatest of all births.
3. God shows He does not choose according to human greatness.

C. It happened in real humility

1. There was no room for Him in the inn.
2. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes.
3. He was laid in a manger.
4. The eternal Son of God entered the world poor, that through His poverty we might be made rich.

II. THE HEAVENLY INTERPRETATION OF HIS BIRTH

A. The angel declares the meaning

1. “I bring you good tidings of great joy.”
2. “Unto you is born this day a Savior.”
3. “Which is Christ the Lord.”

B. The message is threefold

1. Joy.
2. Savior.
3. Lord—very God come in the flesh.

C. The sign given to the shepherds

1. Not a crown or palace, but swaddling clothes.
2. A manger for His bed.
3. God reveals His greatest grace in greatest humility.

III. THE EARTHLY RESPONSE TO HIS BIRTH

A. The shepherds’ response

1. They believe the message.
2. They go with haste to find the Christ.
3. They glorify and praise God for all they saw and heard.

B. Mary’s response

1. She kept all these things.
2. She pondered them in her heart.
3. True faith treasures God’s works and meditates upon them.

C. Our response today

1. Do we come in faith to see the Savior?
2. Do we glorify God for His unspeakable gift?
3. Do we treasure Christ in our hearts as Mary did?

CONCLUSION

The birth of Christ is the coming of God’s salvation into the world. It is joy to all people. It is peace to all who believe. It is glory to God in the highest.