December 5, 2022
Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr
Luke 2:1-20 (NKJV)

Incarnate Son of God, Christ, Is Born to Mary

1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Praise be to God the Almighty

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwilltoward men!”

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
The sequence of events that led up to the birth of Jesus Christ was no accident; rather, it was divinely orchestrated by God to fulfill the ancient prophecies; Isaiah 7: 13-14; Isaiah 9: 6-7; Micah 5: 2-5. When the census was conducted, everyone returned to their city to be registered, and then the birth of Jesus took place while Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem. God coordinated all that took place, beginning with the census order and ending with the birth of Jesus. The Messiah came from Bethlehem, a small town in the City of David.
It was the beginning of an incredible journey. Jesus Christ gave up His exalted position and took on human form to reconcile us to God the Father. He was miraculously created and born into the world, as everyone is. He started as a baby, a toddler, a youngster, an adolescent, and an adult. He encountered humanity on many levels. He is empathetic and understands individuals from all walks of life. God offered the most fantastic present ever on the first Christmas. His Child! And His Son gave His life as a gift; this was the reason He came. This allows us to establish a family relationship with God. We have been adopted as sons and daughters of the Most High God through Jesus Christ. When celebrating Christmas this year, it is vital to remember "The Authentic Narrative of Christmas," which ultimately leads to "The Authentic Narrative of Easter narrative."
Because these occurrences have irrevocably altered the course of our life, let us give thanks and praise to our Heavenly Father.