Living Nativity 2016
This time of year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It’s common to see Christmas lights and trees. It’s common to see living nativities, but was Jesus really born on Christmas Day? While we can’t really know exactly when Jesus was born, the Bible does give clues that can help us determine when Jesus was born. This week we ask the question, should we celebrate the birth of Christ December the 25th even if Jesus wasn’t born on Christmas Day?
During the first part of this week’s sermon, Pastor Bryan Longworth mistakenly said that the Jewish calendar is only 51 days. He meant to say that it is only 51 weeks long and has an extra month every third year.
Should We Celebrate Christmas December 25 Even Though Jesus May Not Have Been Born Then?
Opening Passage — Isaiah 9.
Luke 1:1-2:17
Vs. 7 – They were advanced in years and Elizabeth was barren
Clue Number 1 – Luke 1:10 – When would the whole multitude of the people be praying at the hour of incense in Jerusalem?
Clue Number 2 – Luke 1:23-25 – What was the timing of the conception of John the Baptist?
Clue Number 3 – Luke 1:26-38 – What was the timing of the conception of Jesus?
Clue Number 4 – Luke 1:56-57 – What was the timing of the birth of John the Baptist?
Clue Number 5 – Luke 2:8-16 – Would shepherds have been in the field in the latter part of December?
Christ Came to Rule the World
Isaiah 9:6-7 – “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (NKJV)
The Bible Contains Many Unfulfilled Prophesies Concerning the Universal Reign of Christ – Psalm 93; 95-100.
When Christ is Coming Back – Psalms 110:1 – “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’” (NKJV)
The Progressive Reign of Christ – 1 Corinthians 15:25‑26 – “For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. (NKJV)
We Are Called to Disciple the Nations
Matthew 28:18‑20 – “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” (NKJV)
We Are Called to Take the Gospel to the World – Acts 1:8 – “. . . you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (NKJV)
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