December 3, 2006
"Lying in a Manger"—Part 1
In Search of the Real Christmas
Luke 2:1-7
Things we can learn from the Nativity:
1. The Nativity took place exactly where God planned.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born...
—Luke 2:4-6
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.
—Micah 5:2
2. Jesus' birth place was a sign to the shepherds.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
—Luke 2:11-12
3. The shepherds were confirmation to Mary and Joseph that they were in the right place.
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
—Luke 2:16-18
But Mary treasured up all these things in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which was just as they had been told.
—Luke 2:19-20
4. Jesus' birth place is a wake up call to the world.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
—Luke 2: 6-7
5. Jesus' birth place sends a message of hope.
"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
—Luke 2:10-12
- He wants us to understand: He came for us.
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
—Philippians 2:6-7
- He wants us to understand: we can approach Him.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
—Matthew 11:28-30
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.
—Luke 2:13-14
Lifework
Each time you see a nativity display this Christmas season, ask yourself: "What's wrong with this picture?" For those who are braver, ask others, "Does this scene make sense to you? Why would the God of the universe enter our world in a manger?" If they don't know. Tell them.
"Lying in a Manger"
Personal and Small Group Study
Getting Started
- How is your home town different today than when you grew up? Does it still feel like home to you? Why or why not?
- When do your Christmas decorations go up? What do you enjoy about decorating for Christmas? What do you not enjoy about decorating for Christmas?
Digging Deeper: Read Luke 2:1-20
- In light of the promises found in Luke 1:30-35, how might Mary feel as she awaits the birth of her child in a stable?
- How does this tie in with God's plan? (Look at Micah 5:2)
- What does this story say about God's control in the affairs of the world politically and practically?
- How do the shepherds experience the angels as compared to Mary and Zechariah? (See Luke 1:8-9 and 26-27)
- Of all the people the angels could have visited, why did God send them to shepherds? How does that relate to Mary's song? (See Luke 1:46-55)
- When you read that Mary "treasured up" all these things in her heart, what does that say to you?
Applying It To My Life
- Has there been a hopeless situation in your life that God has used for good?
- God spoke to Zechariah, Mary, and the shepherds in the daily flow of life. How has God spoken to you in the daily flow of life?
- Why do you think other people did not get to hear the message of the angels? Why do you think that all who heard what the shepherds had to say were amazed?