God's Design in Christ's Birth — Erlo Stegen

Luke chapter 2. Luke chapter 2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. Luke chapter 2 The census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.

Luke chapter 2 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Luke chapter 2 To be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. Luke chapter 2 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke chapter 2 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Luke chapter 2 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke chapter 2 And this will be the sign to you, you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke chapter 2 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.

Luke chapter 2 And when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, Let us go to Bethlehem, and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known.

Luke chapter 2 And when they had seen him, they were made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this child. Luke chapter 2 And all those who heard marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Luke chapter 2 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke chapter 2 There is nothing anywhere in the world, not nothing even on the internet, which you can compare to the story.

The Wonder of Christ’s Birth

If you are more interested in the internet than this, you don't know what it's all about. You are lost. Luke chapter 2 Now the story starts with that decree that went out from Caesar Augustus. Luke chapter 2 Why does the Holy Spirit start with this particular point?

Because we can say, what has Caesar Augustus got to do with this? He was one of the worst heathens. Luke chapter 2 But this is amazing that he should be mentioned. Luke chapter 2 It was through his doing that Jesus ended up being born in Bethlehem.

Caesar Augustus and God’s Sovereign Plan

Luke chapter 2 Caesar Augustus. Augustus wasn't his real name. Luke chapter 2 He had many names. Luke chapter 2 He just grew up. He was accepted into the royal household, grew up there, and later he became Caesar.

He was the first one. He was the very first Caesar in this world. Luke chapter 2 They said all his other names, Octavius and whatever other names they said, they weren't good enough. He should be honored as a god.

Luke chapter 2 And he ruled the earth. Luke chapter 2 He was truly great in earthly terms and he had to be obeyed. Luke chapter 2 So he ruled the world at that time. Luke chapter 2 And so as he was in that position, he then passed this decree that a census should be held.

Luke chapter 2 So it was written into law, a decree was passed that the whole world should be counted, a census should be held. Luke chapter 2 He had hundreds of thousands of soldiers in his army. Luke chapter 2 They said he had a spectacular palace.

They referred to it as the palace of gold. Luke chapter 2 It was splendor second to none, inside and out. Luke chapter 2 Even the glories of Rome. Luke chapter 2 Rome was known for that. Luke chapter 2 Now Caesar wanted the census held that he could get an idea of how many people there were and also what they possessed and obviously ultimately how much income tax he can get out of them.

Luke chapter 2 This was the first time that such a thing was ever done. Luke chapter 2 He knew nothing about the Bible or the word of God and what the prophets had written. He knew nothing about God at all.

He knew nothing at all about that, about spiritual things. Luke chapter 2 And then he passed this law and said, well, if someone doesn't comply. Everyone in his kingdom had to go through the census. Luke chapter 2 Joseph and Mary at that time were Nazareth.

Bethlehem and the Fulfillment of Prophecy

And it was time for her to be delivered. Luke chapter 2 Now the Bible had specifically said that he would, that the baby would be born in Bethlehem. Luke chapter 2 They were Nazareth. Luke chapter 2 Had he been born in Nazareth, we could have discarded the Bible, thrown it away and said it's a book of lies.

There's no truth in it. Luke chapter 2 So Mary and Joseph were in Nazareth preparing for the arrival of the child and not realizing what God's plan was. And God said, no, the child needs to be born in Bethlehem, not Nazareth.

Luke chapter 2 Joseph wouldn't have been prepared to do that to his wife, to go all the way from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Luke chapter 2 It was about a 25 hour journey, non-stop, to get there. So you can imagine, it would have taken them a few days just to get there and she was in that condition.

Luke chapter 2 Now here we find then this king, Caesar passing this decree. Now one could have said, well what a nuisance. What do the politicians, what are they getting up to now? They're just always full of nonsense.

What do they expect from us now again? Luke chapter 2 All the time God in heaven noticed what was going on and he realized that things going normally, the child will be born in Nazareth. Luke chapter 2 Many things are written in the Bible, we're not even aware of them.

Luke chapter 2 And yet every word has meaning and is meant to be there. And as I said, if there was one word that didn't go into fulfillment, then the Bible could be disregarded. Luke chapter 2 So they had no option, they were forced to go to Bethlehem because Caesar had spoken.

So off they went. Luke chapter 2 So they went because the child needed to be born there, born of Mary, that virgin who had never had any contact with a man. Luke chapter 2 So they got to Bethlehem in time.

The Humble Birth in the Manger

Luke chapter 2 When they got there they asked for a place to stay. Luke chapter 2 The people just turned them away, they said there's no place. Luke chapter 2 Why did they say there's no place? Luke chapter 2 Can we say it was because the tribe was great, the descendants of David, and there was just no place because of the huge number of people arriving?

Luke chapter 2 Well, perhaps there's something. Luke chapter 2 But they were obviously not people of means, a poor couple, and they looked at Mary in that condition and they just couldn't see how they can take it in.

Luke chapter 2 And maybe they thought they would obviously not be able to pay either for the accommodation. Luke chapter 2 And they just weren't prepared to convert their room into a labor ward either, they said no, we can't do this.

Luke chapter 2 But then they pointed them to the stable, they said there's a place. Luke chapter 2 Now they say the stables at that time were usually underground, that's where the cattle and the sheep were kept.

Luke chapter 2 They said we have no place for you unless you go into the stable. Luke chapter 2 Mary and Joseph accepted it gratefully, they said rather in the stable than just outside under the stars.

Luke chapter 2 And there were no soldiers around, it was dirty, dung all over, hay, and that's where they went. Luke chapter 2 The innkeeper when he saw them he said sorry I can't help you this time, but had they arrived in a chariot with six horses and with an escort in their BMW or their Mercedes, then he would have made a plan.

Luke chapter 2 Now they like many today could have complained and said oh well just because it's us, because we are poor, that's why we have to sleep in the stable and not in the inn. Luke chapter 2 And Mary probably commented and said I think the child's about to arrive.

Luke chapter 2 It's around the corner. Luke chapter 2 And Joseph looked around and saw the hay and he said well let's take some of this and put it in the manger and prepare a place. Luke chapter 2 And then the child arrived.

Luke chapter 2 There was no midwife, no doctor, no nurse, she was still very young and inexperienced and Joseph the same, he had been faithful, he had no relationship with any girl before. Luke chapter 2 So he tried the best he could making that bed of hay.

Luke chapter 2 Trying to make it so that the hay would not hurt the child. Luke chapter 2 And he tried to keep the sheep and the cattle one side and they on the other side. Luke chapter 2 So he prepared the best he could and then the child was born, the son was born.

Luke chapter 2 And Mary wrapped the child as best she could with what she had just that the child would be comfortable in that hay. Luke chapter 2 The way he had expected. Luke chapter 2 But Mary and Joseph were overjoyed, their eyes were fixed on this child.

The Angels Announce the Savior

Luke chapter 2 The shepherds who had been hired to look after the sheep. Luke chapter 2 But the amazing thing is these shepherds were believers, they served and feared God. Luke chapter 2 Now you can say, where did you read that?

It's not written anywhere in the Bible, that's just a fairy tale. Luke chapter 2 No, it's not a fairy tale. The archangel was sent to those shepherds to direct them to Bethlehem. Luke chapter 2 Now the angel's clothing was shining brighter than the sun.

His face like lightning. Luke chapter 2 There was a bright light all around them, far brighter than outside here today. Luke chapter 2 They were struck with fear. Luke chapter 2 The angel said to them, do not be afraid.

Luke chapter 2 I bring you good tidings of great joy for all people. Luke chapter 2 This is good news I bring. Of great joy. Luke chapter 2 For there is born to you this day a Savior. Luke chapter 2 They were expectantly waiting for the Messiah to come, and they probably spoke about it and prayed for it, not like many young people today when they together, they are rotten.

Boys speaking of girls and girls speaking of boys. It's because they are rotten, but not these people. Luke chapter 2 And as the angel spoke, there was a huge heavenly host, probably millions of angels, because the hosts of heaven are huge.

Luke chapter 2 The angels could not contain themselves. They did not even want to stay in heaven. They wanted to get to earth to see this marvelous thing that had happened. That God had become man. Luke chapter 2 And this was an amazing cross.

Luke chapter 2 They were singing in the choir, but this was a holy choir, heavenly choir. They were singing these praises to God, because their creator, the one who they worshipped continuously, had now gone to earth to save mankind.

Luke chapter 2 They said glory to God. Luke chapter 2. Luke chapter 2 This was God's day. And the angels said, we cannot stay in heaven. We are off to Bethlehem. We want to see this amazing thing that has happened.

Where God has become man. Taken on flesh like we are here today. Luke chapter 2. Luke chapter 2. Luke chapter 2 The angels were deeply moved by this event. Not like many people today. When God does something, even when there is a service, they stay in their rendezvous.

They go and look at the pigs rather. They don't even come to the service. But these angels said, such an important event. Such a great thing happening. We've got to go down and see this miracle. Luke chapter 2 They said praise...

Luke chapter 2 They said praise be to God. God who is love. Who loves man so much that he came down to earth. Luke chapter 2 And they praised God there in this wilderness which was Bethlehem. Luke chapter 2 They said glory to God.

Salvation Brings Joy and Freedom

And peace on earth. Luke chapter 2 And goodwill toward men. Those who rejoice about this. Luke chapter 2 And the angels said don't fear. This is good news we bring to you. And this is for all men. Luke chapter 2 Now this happened in Bethlehem.

We write down here the southernmost tip of Africa. Luke chapter 2 So God came and he came for all of us. Every single one. It's enough reason to rejoice. And no matter what background, what nationality we are, God has come for us all.

And that's why we all gathered here today. Luke chapter 2 For this child is the Savior. And he has come to save us from our sin. That we can be forgiven our sin. Luke chapter 2 You rejoice greatly when you receive something big.

Luke chapter 2 Just imagine if you were on an ocean liner. Passenger liner with thousands of people on board. And it strikes a rock and that ship starts sinking. Everyone is doomed. And then another ship arrives.

And to save to the last person on that ship. Wouldn't those people rejoice? Luke chapter 2 Surely they would rejoice greatly. And if you had been on that ship you wouldn't be able to talk about anything else.

You'd forget about the boys and the girls and everything else. You would just rejoice and tell the story of your salvation. Luke chapter 2 They've been saved from sure death. Luke chapter 2. Luke chapter 2 Imprisoned for life.

No way of getting out. And someone comes and opens the door and says you are free now. Wouldn't you rejoice? Well isn't there reason to rejoice? If you had been on the ship of sin that is sinking. And the Savior comes and he saves you.

He sets you free. Shouldn't you rejoice? Luke chapter 2. Luke chapter 2. I read an article about some Palestinians that were released from prison by the Israelis. And I think it was about 180 of them.

And you could see on the photograph where these prisoners went out rejoicing. And the one was weeping and embracing another. Why was he weeping? Because he had been set free. Hardened, cruel Palestinians.

Crying like a baby on the shoulder of another. Strong men. They've been saved. Young men, are you saved? Are you saved? And you still look at rubbish. Things from hell. It doesn't fill your heart. You don't rejoice.

Have you cried because of salvation? Because Jesus has forgiven you your sins? Because he set you free? Have you? Then I want you to know if you haven't. Worse than Augustus. But today people are not moved by what the Lord Jesus did for them.

They call themselves Christians. But it does nothing to them. It doesn't move them. They feel nothing for it. A person is depressed. He has no joy year after year. You haven't experienced Christmas. You don't know what Christmas means.

Christmas meaning that you've been saved from that sinking ship. Out of that prison where you would have rotted in. That is what it means when you have that joy in your heart. And if you haven't had that, then you still belong to the devil.

Even if you're a white man or a black man or whatever kind you are. Even if your parents are preachers. You are doomed and damned. You're a child of the devil. Go the way you like. But we don't go with you.

You're going to hell. You've experienced the Lord Jesus. That's the greatest joy you'll have ever known. The angels sang. They had a song on their hearts. Do you have a new song on your heart? Do you know what to sing about?

Praising God? I've tried to compare it with that ship or that prison. What else do you need that I try and illustrate it to you? Do not be afraid. Be filled with joy. Rejoice. We've brought you glad tidings for all men.

Have you experienced that joy yet? That it fills your heart? When the angels had finished their work, they returned to heaven. And the shepherds said, Let us go at once to Bethlehem to go and see. They didn't drag their feet as though their feet were full of lead.

They ran. And the angels had said to them, You'll find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. They found the child. I don't know how. They didn't find him in a five-star hotel either. These were poor.

They were poor people. And that's how they found them. Mary and Joseph and the child. They found them as the angels had told them. That's how we see it. For us it's the Messiah. We understand it. We were born again.

And we were going to be saved. We were going to be saved. We were going to be saved. We were going to be born again. We were born again into the world. And the burden of sin. Babo no kuz. They saw something wonderful.

Ua kuz tutele nga benyake. Ngita wa sebenza ndota. Izu kutum hetini. Wa sebenza. Uguba ipaipele lifezeke. Ugu tuyo zalelwa ipetla hema. Uyabono kutum kulu kulu kulu kanga kanga naga shulu aluto. Aga shulu aluto.

Noma uenu bona seko nagele. Unkulu unkulu. Upeti stilin. Uyeno trai vayo. Au kutuba nunje unkulu unkulu. Augustus wasn't there. He was in his palace. He wasn't experiencing all this and yet God had used him as an instrument to direct him and his thoughts so that his will will be fulfilled even though he didn't know why.

God’s Word and Sovereign Providence

God is God is great and his word is true. There's not one word in this Bible that has no meaning. Augustus If God sees that things aren't going according to his eternal plan he can use anyone and he can direct even that heathen king's thoughts so that he passes the law so that God's eternal plan goes into fulfillment.

In verse sixteen they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. Now when they'd seen him they made widely known the saying which was told him concerning this child. Once they'd experienced this and experienced the child they could not keep quiet.

They made it widely known. You cannot keep quiet when you've experienced him. All who heard the story were amazed. The shepherds couldn't keep quiet. They went from one house to the other. They couldn't keep silent about what they'd experienced.

Proclaiming the Good News of the Savior

Jesus. If this child is born in our hearts we'll never be able to keep quiet. You can only keep quiet because Mr. Devil is in your heart. Not the Lord. But we will rejoice greatly if he's in our lives and we will not be able to keep silent about him or the marvelous things he has done.

Lord. For you have seen the Messiah, the Savior, the one who forgives your sins, who wipes out your past. They say long ago there was someone in Africa who heard that the white man's God forgives sin.

Now he had a huge burden of sin. He had no joy. He had no friends because the devil was in his life. But if the Lord's in your life, you'll have lots of friends. I hope that you English-speaking people have heard that.

Don't blame others. You are to be blamed because you're still allowing the devil in your heart. Out with him. Out with him. And this man said, How can I get to England to find out more? And off he went to the harbour.

When he got to the harbour, he went there and spoke to people and said, Please help me get to England. He said, Well, you'll have to pay. He said, I can't pay a fare. He said, He said, I can't pay for my fare, but I'm prepared to work on the ship.

I'll do the cleaning, cleaning the toilets, any job, just get me there. He said, Okay. He got his job on the ship. And they got to London, eventually. He was thankful. When he disembarked, For eight days after he had disembarked from that ship, he went up and down in London, speaking to different people, saying, Please tell me where I can find your God who forgives sin.

For eight days, from morning till night, asking one white man after the other, a woman, Where's your God who forgives sin? And in eight days, there wasn't one. One. Even if he's got a white colleague who could tell him about the God who forgives sins.

What a shame. What a disgrace to the Londoners. Because it's because the Messiah wasn't in the heart. He had been born there in that stable, lying in the manger, but he was not in the heart. Because you haven't confessed your sin.

Your sins haven't been forgiven. You're like a pig still wallowing in its mud. One figure in London. Eight days. And they didn't know what to say. Cursed people. Damnable people. The shepherds sought him and they found him.

And then they couldn't keep quiet. They went and they shared what they had experienced with others. Then the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen.

As it was told them. As they had been told. Now Mary took all this to heart. She kept it in her heart. A woman can be terrible but can be wonderful too. And I hope that you will be like Mary. Do you realize what Christmas is?

The Urgency of Sharing Christ’s Coming

How wonderful, how great this story is. It's the greatest story. And they marveled about this child. They marveled about this child. Does it make you marvel what this child has done? Have you experienced it and it makes you marvel that you just want to go out and tell the world?

Friends, I forgot now. I'm a bit older than what I was yesterday. When the first man put his foot on the moon. When he arrived there. I've forgotten. A few hours. Not days. Was less than a day. After some hours the whole world knew about it.

America has sent the men. The first man has arrived. Put his foot on the moon. And it's 2 ,000 years that Jesus came into this world. And there are still millions of people, maybe billions, that don't know that the Savior has come to save us from our sins, to set us free.

You still guys thinking of going to university. Thinking to go there. Have you gone to tell them that the Savior has come? I'm not speaking nonsense to you. When you burn in hell, you'll remember me. And what if you die and you haven't gone out and to tell this marvelous story and maybe you say well I haven't experienced your and your

Prayer for New Birth and Salvation

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