Christ Wesleyan Church
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Home for Christmas: Advent Series (Part 4)
The Predicted and Celebrated Home: Bethlehem
Luke 2:4 NLT
A. Bethlehem was the predicted birthplace of Jesus…
Luke 2:11 NLT
1. Bethlehem was a small town set in the hill country of Judah with less than 3,000 inhabitants.
2. Bethlehem has known as the City of David, or “House of Bread” and was the birthplace of David and Jesus.
3. The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was a 70-mile trip from Nazareth and 6 miles from Jerusalem.
4. It is the site of the “Church of the Nativity” and is the oldest church in the world.
B. Jesus’ birth was the fulfillment of Scripture…
1. The Messiah would be a descendant of Jesse. (Written 700 years before the birth of Christ.)
Isaiah 11:1 NLT
The Messiah would be a descendant of King David. (Written 600 years before the birth of Christ.)
Jeremiah 23:5 NLT
2. The Messiah would be born to a virgin. (Written 700 years before the birth of Christ.)
Isaiah 7:13-14 NLT
3. The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. (Written 700 years before the birth of Christ.)
Micah 5:2 NLT
Daniel 9:25 NLT
C. Jesus’ birth was an unusual celebration…
Luke 2:6-7 NIV
1. Joseph and Mary were both in the ancestral line of David, so they had to travel, most likely in a group and possibly on foot, to their hometown.
Luke 2:4-5 NLT
2. There were no guest rooms available for them as the city was very small and crowded.
Luke 2:7 NIV
3. When the time for the birth came, they only had a manger for a bed.
Luke 2:6-7 NLT
4. Their first guests were shepherds.
Luke 2:15-20 NLT
D. What difference has come to your life because of the birth of Jesus?
1. It was evident that the Spirit led the prophets to write over 500 years in advance. The prophecies were fulfilled just as Scripture said.
Can you trust God with His plans for your life?
Are you willing to believe that He has all the details of your life in hand and He will bring His promises to fulfillment?
2. Joseph and Mary had to trust God with the impossible. They trusted, in spite of all the obstacles that were before them.
Are you willing to trust God with what seems to be impossible in your life? Knowing that His plan may be different from yours…but His plan is best!
3. The timing of the baby and the census seemed wrong, the absence of a guest room seemed wrong, and the birthplace of the Messiah seemed wrong…but God knew all the details that were needed to fulfill His promise!
How often have you been confident that God was making a mistake in how he was working, only to find out that His plans are perfect?
Are you willing to trust His work in spite of all that seems wrong?
4. The shepherds followed the message that was given to them by the angels. They were unashamed, diligent in their search, and so full of joy that they shared their joy with everyone!
If Jesus is living in your heart are you willing to share with others in your world the difference He has made?
Will you demonstrate to a world who needs Jesus, that there is no great gift to receive than the joy He brings?
Coming Soon:
Christmas Eve Services: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
You can pick up the DVD’s in the foyer today!
December 25: “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
If you are celebrating the service within your home, we have prayed for God’s Spirit to bless your time together.
If you are celebrating Christmas Sunday on campus, the service is 10:00 a.m. in The Outlet! A campus pastor will lead the service and share “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” with you! We have prayed for you, as well!