In December 2021, I preached a Christmas sermon titled, “The King and the Gospel,” based on the Lukan narrative of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. This blog article serves as a summation of the sermon, and a prequel to the sermon I delivered at Upendo Gospel Community Church on December 24th, 2024, titled, “The King and the Law.” I hope that this will be of benefit to you as you consider the good news concerning the birth of the King of creation and the Saviour of the church, the Lord Jesus Christ. You can find the sermon on our UGCC YouTube channel.
We see the account of Christ’s birth in Luke 2, verses 1-20, emphasizing the humble nature of Christ’s birth and the significance of the gospel in removing fear and bringing joy to all kinds of people. The passage here describes the decree from Caesar Augustus for all the world to be registered. Joseph and Mary, the earthly parents of Jesus, traveled to Bethlehem for this empire-wide census, and as a result, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, as was prophesied in the Old Testament in Micah 5:2, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” After Christ’s birth, shepherds in the fields at night receive a visit from angels who come and announce the good news of the royal birth to them. Here are some aspects to consider in the Lukan text to help us understand the significance of Christmas:
1. Historical Context:
The account begins with a decree from the mighty emperor, Caesar Augustus, in those days, that is, in the early first century AD. It is crucial to comprehend the historical context, for in understanding the earthly rulers of that time, we gain insight into the sovereign outworking of events by our heavenly King.
a. Caesar Augustus: Caesar Augustus, assumed the divine title Augustus, which is “the awesome one.” He assumed a role that echoed divine authority. Yet, in contradistinction to this earthly grandeur is the humble, even despised manger in Bethlehem, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy and revealing God’s sovereign hand shaping the course of history.
b. Governor Quirinius and Prefects in Judea: In the governance of Syria by Quirinius, a Roman official, and the subsequent appointment of the first prefect of Judea, Coponius, we witness the intricate political landscape under which Christ entered the world. The involvement of Pontius Pilate (one of a few Roman officials mentioned in Scripture) during the crucifixion further intertwines God’s plan with the political innuendos of the time.
c. Herod and his descendants: The rule of Herod the Great, the impostor King of the Jews, exercising Roman rule over Judea during Christ’s birth, the rule of his three sons later, and the political removal of his son, Herod Archelaus, by Rome because of his bad reign – all these clearly show God’s sovereign hand shaping the rulers over the Jews and the political structures leading to the appointment of Roman prefects in Judea.
2. Divine Sovereignty and Involvement:
The historical context reveals a meticulous preparation for the birth, crucifixion, and the earthly ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. It might escape you if you read quickly or without much care. Every political appointment, every decree, and every ruler was a part of God’s grand plan and design, showcasing His sovereignty over the affairs of the world.
In the grand narrative of Caesar Augustus, Quirinius, and the political machinations of the time, God’s hand is evident even in the smallest details—the overcrowded town, the inn that provided no room, and the manger serving as the first cradle of our Savior. This divine involvement emphasizes that God orchestrates both the monumental and the seemingly inconsequential aspects of Christ’s birth.
These historical events should cause us to marvel at God’s wisdom as He wove together the circumstances leading to the birth of our Saviour. The manger in Bethlehem was not a mere coincidence, but the Divine plan unfolding in the corridors of human history. The gospel is not a myth but a great saving truth rooted in the tangible events of history.
3. Journey to Bethlehem:
Joseph and Mary, descendants of David, embarked on a long journey from Galilee to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophetic anticipation that the Messiah would be born in the city of David. Joseph and Mary’s journey from Galilee to Bethlehem was not an easy one. They had to travel approximately 150 kilometres (without car or chariot), which would have been quite a long and tiring journey, especially for Mary, who was pregnant at the time. Additionally, they had to avoid Samaria, which added further complexity to their travels.
The reason for their journey was to comply with the Roman census, which required all Roman subjects, whether citizen, slave, or commoner, to return to their hometowns to be registered. Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David, was Joseph’s ancestral home, and therefore the place where he and Mary needed to be registered. This long trek of about 150 kilometres, avoiding Samaria, underscores the meticulous fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the birth of our Lord.
2. Historical Struggles of Israel: The backdrop of Israel’s historical struggles, from the division of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms to exile and subsequent return, forms the background against which Christ’s birth unfolds. The Southern Kingdom’s return to Judah after about 69 years in Babylon marked a pivotal moment, yet the royal line (of David) remained dormant. The Israelites, despite God’s gracious restoration, faltered in their commitment, prompting the various admonitions of the minor prophets to uphold holiness and turn back to their covenant God.
3. Pharisees and Human Laws: As nation conquered nation, the Greeks became the dominant power of the civilized world from 300 BC down to about 150 BC. The Greeks were hard masters requiring submission at the threat of annihilation. The Jews were caught up in the interests of the Greeks who wanted their gods set up in Jerusalem, inside the Temple, and an adoption of Hellenistic culture. This led to a Jewish rebellion called the Maccabean Revolt. From this later arose an influential family and group (like the Mafia) called the Hasmoneans, and from them arose the Pharisees. In the context of the Maccabean Revolt and the emergence of the Pharisees, human laws were established to safeguard God’s law from foreign interference and interpretation. Over time, these well-intentioned regulations became burdensome, setting the stage for Jesus’ arrival in a world entangled in human traditions that at times contradicted God’s Divine laws.
4. Overcrowded Bethlehem and the Humble Manger: The census, decreed by Caesar Augustus, led to the overcrowding of Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary, arriving late from the 150-kilometre journey from Nazareth, found no room in the inns, forcing them to seek refuge in a lowly animal shelter, perhaps a stable for mules and donkeys. Mary, on the verge of childbirth, gave birth to the Messiah in a manger—a feeding trough for animals. This seemingly insignificant detail emphasizes the humility of our Lord, born not in a glorious palace but in a lowly stable.
5. Angelic Annunciation to the Shepherds: As the shepherds silently watched over their flocks by night, a heavenly spectacle unfolded before them. Angels, messengers of God, appeared to them in radiant glory, casting the darkness of the night away. Obviously, beholding an angel of God was terrifying, and I can imagine the shepherds were mortified at what they were witnessing. The initial terror that gripped the shepherds however was quickly dispelled by the comforting words of the angel of the Lord, who assured them that this heavenly visitation brought not terrible, but good news—tidings of great joy.
6. The Universal Scope of Good News: The angelic proclamation was not intended exclusively for the shepherds, but ultimately was a message for all mankind. This good news was not confined to a select few; it was meant for all people to hear – hence the free offer of the gospel, not to be coopted and crafted into mankind’s own preference, but to be received as a sign of goodwill from God to mankind. This is the magnitude of the message—salvation, embodied in the birth of the Saviour of the world, a gift extended to humanity at large.
7. Shepherds as Proclaimers of the Gospel: In commissioning the shepherds to be bearers of the good news, the angels bestowed upon them a great and sacred task. These humble caretakers of flocks became the first witnesses and heralds of the gospel – men privileged to see the Lord dressed in baby and entrusted with the announcement of the Messiah’s birth. The shepherds, having received this Divine charge, set out to witness the incarnate Word for themselves.
8. Significance of the Saviour’s Birth: For these shepherds, who very likely were devout Jews, the news of the Savior’s birth carried centuries of expectation, and an unexplainable fulfillment of their hopes. The Lord God, the Creator of all things, took on human form and entered His creation in a state of humility. The paradox of the Creator being born among His creatures in such humble circumstances magnifies the unprecedented nature of the first Christmas. Now, Israel had received her deliverer and could sing, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.”
9. Shepherds’ Response: Praising and Proclaiming: Upon receiving the angelic proclamation, the shepherds responded with praise and mutually shared the good news and its implications with one another – I can imagine it must have seemed like an exciting Bible study. Their decision to visit the newborn Messiah and subsequently share the tidings with others does show us the transformative power of the gospel – they did not remain as they previously were. These men could not wait to see the Saviour. And such must be us. The gospel must affect our souls in such a way that we cannot remain without seeing, without communing with our Lord, and without proclaiming Him to others and to one another.
The gospel is the greatest “good news.” It is the message of salvation that transcends fear, heralds joy, and invites all men everywhere to repent and partake in the transformative grace of the Saviour, Jesus Christ.
10. Gospel Connections:
a. The gospel reveals the glory of the Lord. In verse 9, we read about the glory of the Lord shining around the shepherds as they receive the good news of Jesus’ birth. This glory is a manifestation of God’s presence and power, and it signifies the significance of the event. The birth of Jesus is not just a historical event but was a Divine revelation of God’s glory to humanity. God has made Himself known in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The gospel illuminates this glory, and we are freely invited to behold the majesty of God revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.
b. The gospel removes fear and brings joy. When the angel appears to the shepherds, their initial reaction is one of fear. However, the angel reassures them, saying, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). The gospel message is one of hope, peace, and joy. It dispels fear and replaces it with a deep and abiding joy from God. The birth of Jesus is a cause for celebration, for in Him we find the source of true and lasting joy.
c. The gospel helps us understand who Christ is and what he came to do for us. In this passage, we see that Jesus is described as the Saviour, Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11). This title reveals His identity and purpose. He is the long-awaited Messiah who came to save humanity from sin and reconcile us to God. The gospel makes known the person and work of Christ, enabling us to grasp the depth of His love and sacrifice on our behalf.
d. The gospel reveals the glory that Christ has and the humiliation he underwent. The contrast between the glory of the Lord shining around the shepherds and the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth is striking. The Son of God, who possesses all glory and honour, willingly chose to enter the world in lowly surroundings. This juxtaposition highlights the depth of Christ’s humility and sacrificial love. The gospel unveils the paradox of Christ’s glory and humiliation, inviting us to contemplate the deep mystery of the Incarnation.
e. The gospel removes the fear of death and brings peace and joy. The message of Jesus’ birth is one of peace on earth and goodwill toward all people (Luke 2:14). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has conquered sin and death, offering us the gift of eternal life and peace with God. The gospel dispels the fear of death by assuring us of God’s unfailing love and His promise of salvation. It brings a deep sense of peace that transcends all understanding and fills our hearts with joy.
f. The gospel also reveals the humble nature of Christ as a servant and reminds us that He will come again to judge. The image of Jesus being born in a manger and announced to shepherds underscores His role as a humble servant. He came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Additionally, the gospel reminds us that Jesus will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1). This dual nature of Christ as a humble servant and a righteous judge challenges us to live in light of His imminent return and to faithfully serve Him until that day.
