The Birth of Jesus
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 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. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
New Babies! We have new babies in the congregation this year! I know they have completely changed the lives of their parents, haven’t they? There are many congregants that know exactly what they are going through… You have been there before; some of you have seen your kids and grandkids go through the same process also.
Kristin and I have not have had that blessing in our lives yet of having a child. But we did get “Duke,” our black lab this year. We know having a child is completely different, but boy did our lives completely change when we picked up our cute little ball of fur that now weighs over 50 pounds! I know there are many in the congregation that understand that he is “our baby.”
As we approach Christmas this year, let’s remember that babies change lives. There is no baby in history that has changed lives as much as this one has. Jesus Christ changes lives. Let’s remember 3 things this Christmas about this change of life.
First, once we come into a relationship with Christ, our lives are changed. This is a permanent change. We can’t change back. Even on the days Duke is acting up, and we don’t want to have to deal with him, we aren’t just going to get rid of him! Our lives have been permanently changed by him coming into our lives.
Second, it is visible through our lives and actions that our lives have changed. Our neighbors know we have a black lab “Duke.” Our lives have changed so much that it is obvious to everyone that we know! Our neighbors see us out walking Duke all the time. When we travel or visit family, our life is different because we bring him along with us.
Third, we are so excited about “Duke” that we are always wanting to share him with everyone. We have pictures on our phones that we love sharing with anyone who mentions dogs or pets to us. Kristin has his picture on facebook for everyone to see and loves sharing all that he is “up to.” We have fun talking about him and telling everyone what a great dog he is!
This Christmas, a baby has come into our lives… The great things about Jesus is that He didn’t just come for His parents. He came for everyone, even the lowly shepherds out in the field. He came for you and me also. I pray that this Christmas we can live a life changed reflecting the fact that Jesus Christ has come into our lives, that it visible to all who know us, and that we are so excited about Christ that we can’t wait to share about Him with everyone we are in contact with!
“I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
