They Almost Missed Christmas (Luke 1:8-23)
Gary McManus, 12/24/2017Part of the Christmas series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
December 24, 2017 Luke 1:8-23, Matthew 1:18-25
Advent/Christmas Theme, DCC, 2017:
Don't miss Christmas AGAIN THIS YEAR.
Many Christmas giving programs are based on
this same idea: in order that children not miss
Christmas. DCC asks: “What about adults?”
Bible shows people who missed Christmas
when Jesus was born.
Today, we look at two people who ALMOST
missed Christmas: Zechariah and Joseph.
John’s birth is the fulfillment of promise
(Malachi 4:5-6).
In the time of Herod king of Judea. . .
Note for Bible Study class that just eneded:
THIS HEROD is most likely NOT HEROD THE GREAT
but HEROD THE GREAT’S FATHER, ARCHALEAUS.
He was also called Herod. And it fits in all the other time
frames we know.
John’s dad, Zechariah, is a priest.
Luke tells us of additional qualifications.
(Luke 1:6-7)
Righteous AND childless?! Yes, but true!
Zechariah’s prayer(s) is heard—both of them. . .
--for a child
--for Israel’s salvation
Zechariah was not sure. . .
Gabriel made it clear. . .
Zechariah’s REAL cause for doubt?
Z believes more in his own weakness
than in God’s power to overcome the weakness.
Joseph and Mary’s details are well remembered.
A new couple are pregnant. It is a crisis pregnancy!
God’s Word was against it: Exodus 20:14,
Leviticus 18:20, 29-30; 20:10,
Deuteronomy 5:18, 22:22-24, 23:2
Ezekiel 18:10-13
What should Joseph do?
--what does Joseph WANT to do
--what does the law of Moses say is Joseph’s
legal RIGHT to do (see above)
--what does God want Joseph to do. . .
[Most assume that the Law of Moses IS
what God wants Joseph to do.]
Then. . . Joseph took a nap.
God weighs in: marry!
Marry and suffer shame.
[Jesus will later say that mercy
is better than fulfilling the law
through sacrifices.
(Proverbs 21:3, Matthew 9:13,
Mark 12:33 )]
“. . .because what is conceived in her is
from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give
birth to a son, and you are to give him
the name Jesus, because he will save his
people from their sins.”
SOME of the Pharisees made burdens
out of the law of Moses. (Luke 11:46)
Jesus came to SAVE.
Celebrate Christmas! Amen
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