The Plowman

Introduction:
It is perhaps the world’s most recognized story.  It is a story filled with drama and emotion.  Its beauty is reflected in its simplicity.  It has been the basis of countless plays, musicals, movies and television specials.  Every person here can tell the story in explicit detail.  The average person on the street could recite chapter and verse – but I wonder if they have any idea of its significance?

It is recited year after year with ritualistic exactness.  It is represented in beautifully carved marble and with freckled-face shepherds clad in plaid bathrobes!  It is the story of the birth of Jesus as found in the second chapter of Luke’s Gospel.  The meaning of Christmas is not found in man’s goodwill toward man.  It is not found in sentimentalism or in “Christmas cheer.”  It is found in the heart of God.  It is found in His sovereignty, love and grace.  It is found in that God, motivated by His own pleasure and glory, provided a savior for sinful stubborn folks like you and me.  Christmas isn’t about us.  It is about Him.  It isn’t about our need.  It’s about His provision.  This evening I want us to take a look at the birth of the Lord Jesus as told by Dr. Luke.

Text: Luke 2:1-20

Luke, the physician and traveling companion of the apostle Paul, is writing to his friend Theophilus the first volume in a two-volume history of the life and ministry of Jesus.  His purpose is to provide his friend with an accurate and orderly account of Jesus’ life and work.  Luke desires to show his Gentile friend that Jesus is the savior not of the Jews only but of the whole world.  This universal aspect of Jesus’ ministry is reflected consistently throughout his work.

We are looking at a familiar passage.
Perhaps too familiar.
Please don’t assume you’ve heard it all or understand it all.
Look at it through fresh eyes and hear it for the first time!

Thesis: Luke’s account of the birth of the Lord Jesus reveals the character and the nature of our God.

As we explore our text I want you to note three characteristics about our God.  Three things that jump out of our text.

1. God’s sovereignty is demonstrated in His orchestration of the events surrounding the birth of the Lord Jesus.  (2:1-5)
2. God’s great love is reflected in the circumstances surrounding the birth of the Lord Jesus.  (2:6-7)
3. God’s grace is unmistakably declared in His announcement of the birth of the Lord Jesus.  (2:8-20)

This is why he came.  This is the meaning of the Gospel.  This is what it is all about.
It is about God’s sovereignty, God’s love and God’s grace.  Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus reveals the character and the nature of our God and gives all glory to Him.