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The Birth of the Lord Jesus Christ

Text: Luke 2 :1 - 20
17 March 2013

Historical Context

1. In the reign of Caesar Augustus           Luke 2:1

2. In the governorship of Quirinius, ruling in Syria          Luke 2:2

3. Census ordered by the emperor

a) Taxation
b) Recruitment of soldiers

Joseph and Mary

1. Traveled from Galilee to Nazareth in Judea

2. Reached Bethlehem

3. Mary gave birth to Baby Jesus in a manger           Luke 2:7

Announcement of the birth of Jesus to shepherds          Luke 2: 8-14

1. By an angel

2. Content of the angelic announcement

a) Good tidings of great joy
b) Born in the city of David, a Saviour
c) Christ the Lord
d) Baby wrapped in swaddling cloths

3. Multitude of heavenly host

a) Praising God
b) Peace, goodwill toward men

The response of the shepherds          Luke 2:15-20

1. Made haste to check out the truth of the angelic announcement

2. Confirmed for themselves the truth of the message given by the angel of the Lord

3. The shepherds returned to their work

a) Glorifying God
b) Praising God
c) Sharing what they had seen with all who were interested

Mary’s quiet response           Luke 2:19

1. She kept all these things in her heart

2. She pondered these things