Why the Nativity?
This sermon delves into the profound question of "Why the Nativity?", inviting listeners to journey back to Bethlehem through the lens of scripture and imagination. It explores the divine choices of Mary and Joseph, the strategic timing of Christ's birth in the Roman Empire, and the unexpected first witnesses—from lowly shepherds to wise men—all pointing to God's deliberate plan of redemption for a weary world.
This sermon unpacks the profound "why" behind the Christmas story, revealing God's intentional plan for Mary, Joseph, Bethlehem, shepherds, and wise men to bring forth Jesus as the world's long-awaited Savior.
Overview
The sermon opens by posing the question, "Why the nativity?" It invites listeners to look through the lens of scripture and imagination to understand this historic event not as a fairytale, but as the beginning of human redemption. The speaker emphasizes that more than 300 Old Testament prophecies would be fulfilled in Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, with the first occurring in Bethlehem.
The narrative begins with Mary and Joseph, an ordinary betrothed couple from Nazareth. It highlights Mary's favored status and obedience to God's will after the angel Gabriel's announcement, and Joseph's righteousness and eventual trust in God's mysterious plan after an angel clarifies Mary's miraculous pregnancy. Their lives were transformed from anticipated quietude to being central to God's redemptive story.
The sermon then places Jesus' birth within the context of the vast Roman Empire, noting it was the "perfect time" for his message to spread. It recounts Mary and Joseph's arduous journey to Bethlehem for the census, describing the chaotic, crowded town and their desperate search for shelter. The birth of Jesus in a lowly stable, rather than an inn, is presented as God's prearranged design, signifying his acceptance of humanity's rejection from his very arrival.
Finally, the sermon details the first witnesses to the newborn King: the lowly, despised shepherds, who were given the privilege by an angel, followed by wise men from the East, guided by a miraculous star. These unexpected visitors, from society's outcasts to foreign royalty, symbolize that all roads lead to Christ. The sermon concludes by affirming that the nativity changes everything, offering joy, hope, and peace to a weary world, and inviting personal awakening to the need for a Savior.
Key points
- The sermon explores the "why" of the nativity, framing it as the beginning of redemption and fulfillment of prophecy.
- Mary, a virgin who honored scripture, was chosen by God to bear His Son due to her favor and obedience.
- Joseph, a just man, struggled with Mary's pregnancy but obeyed an angel's message, accepting his role as Jesus' earthly father.
- Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, during the Roman census, was part of God's perfect timing, allowing his message to spread widely.
- The first to greet the newborn King were humble shepherds, followed by wise men from the East guided by a star, representing a universal invitation.
- King Herod was troubled by the news of a new king and attempted to manipulate the wise men to find Jesus.
- The nativity changes everything, offering joy, hope, and peace in uncertain times, and calls for individuals to embrace Jesus as Savior.
In David Jeremiah's words
“What if this special moment in history was the beginning of our redemption?”
“The infinite has come to dwell among the finite, the perfect among the imperfect.”
“Joy comes when you least expect it. Joy comes when wars are raging and famine is spreading and headlines are screaming.”
Outline
- I. Why the Nativity? The Mystery and Meaning
- A. Answering the Core Questions
- B. Setting the Scene: Two Millennia Ago in Judea
- II. The Chosen Parents: Mary and Joseph
- A. Their Ordinary Lives in Nazareth
- B. Mary's Divine Visitation and Obedience
- 1. The Angel Gabriel's Annunciation
- 2. Mary's Submission to God's Plan
- C. Joseph's Dilemma and Divine Guidance
- 1. Facing Mary's Pregnancy
- 2. The Angel's Message and Joseph's Trust
- III. The Perfect Time and Place: Bethlehem and the Roman Empire
- A. Roman Empire's Role in Spreading the Message
- B. The Journey to Bethlehem for the Census
- C. A Homeless Birth in a Stable
- IV. The First Witnesses: Shepherds and Wise Men
- A. The Announcement to the Lowly Shepherds
- 1. Angels Bring Good Tidings of Great Joy
- 2. Shepherds Worship the Christ Child
- B. The Wise Men from the East
- 1. Guided by a Star and Prophecy (Numbers 24:17)
- 2. Encounter with Herod
- 3. Worship and Gifts
- V. Why the Nativity? The Enduring Impact
- A. Jesus, the Son of God, belongs to the World
- B. Bringing Joy, Hope, and Peace to a Weary World
- C. An Invitation to Awaken to a Savior
Scripture references
- Numbers 24:17
- Isaiah 7:14
- Isaiah 9:6
- Luke 1:26-38
- Matthew 1:18-25
- Luke 2:1-7
- Luke 2:8-14
- Luke 2:15-16
- Matthew 2:1-12
17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
Insights
God often chooses ordinary lives for extraordinary purposes.
Divine plans can unfold amidst personal confusion and public scrutiny.
Hope often appears in unexpected places and challenging times.
Questions & answers
Why does the sermon ask "Why the nativity?"
The sermon seeks to understand the deeper meaning and purpose behind the historical event of Jesus' birth, exploring why God chose the specific people, places, and circumstances involved.
What significance does the sermon give to Mary's role?
Mary is presented as a virgin who honored scripture and obeyed God's will, chosen as a "clean vessel" to provide a home for God's Son. Her surrender to God's mysterious plan demonstrates that God's strength makes all things possible.
How did Joseph react to Mary's pregnancy, according to the sermon?
Joseph was initially in shock and disbelief, planning to put Mary away privately to avoid disgracing her. He then trusted and obeyed an angel's message, which explained the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Why was Bethlehem chosen for Jesus' birth?
Bethlehem, the city of David, was chosen to fulfill prophecy. The Roman census decreed by Caesar Augustus divinely led Mary and Joseph there, ensuring Jesus' birth in the prearranged location.
Who were the first to greet the newborn King?
Society's outcasts, humble shepherds tending their flocks by night, were the first to greet the newborn King after an angel announced the good tidings to them.
What is the main takeaway regarding the nativity's impact?
The nativity changes everything by bringing joy, hope, and peace, especially in weary and uncertain times. It serves as an invitation for individuals to accept Jesus as their Savior for a fresh start.
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