Luke 2:1-20

1.         The Birth of Jesus (2:1-7)

            God used Caesar Augustus to move Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem to fulfill the prophecy spoken about the Son of God.  All that took place must be understood as falling under God’s sovereign rule.  Luke surprises us with his statement of the birth of Christ.  He simply reports, “She gave birth to her firstborn, a son” (2:7).  Following the practice of her day, Mary wrapped the baby in “swaddling clothes” (2:7, KJV). She then placed the baby in a “manger” (2:7).  The Son of God descended to a stable.

2.         His Birth Drew the Angels from             Heaven (2:8-14)

            Luke quickly shifts scenes.  The birth of Jesus drew the angels from heaven to participate in a glorious celebration.  The good news of Christ’s birth was first announced to some anonymous shepherds.  In the most unlikely place amid most unlikely spectators, God brushed aside the world’s fears and provided the world reason for “great joy” (2:10).  Only God would visit those in such a despised occupation and raise them to witness his salvation.

3.         His Birth Drew the Shepherds from   the Fields (2:15-20)

            Following the angelic announcement, the shepherds immediately left the fields to find their newborn King.  The Bible says that everyone who “heard [their story] were amazed at what the shepherd’s said to them” (2:18).  But take note of Mary’s response:  “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered then in her heart” (2:19).  After the shepherds had seen the Christ child, Luke says, “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen” (2:20).