WEBVTT 00:00:00.960 --> 00:00:06.179 All right, well, as we read God's Word, I'll read it out loud. You read it with your eyes. 00:00:07.020 --> 00:00:15.019 And remember, this is the inspired, inerrant, clear, sufficient, and infallible Word of God Himself. 00:00:16.199 --> 00:00:18.940 Luke chapter 2, verses 1 through 20. 00:00:19.760 --> 00:00:27.140 In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 00:00:27.140 --> 00:00:32.620 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 00:00:33.439 --> 00:00:36.039 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 00:00:36.520 --> 00:00:44.060 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, 00:00:44.579 --> 00:00:51.859 because he was of the house in the lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 00:00:51.859 --> 00:00:56.159 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 00:00:56.280 --> 00:01:02.920 And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, 00:01:03.320 --> 00:01:05.780 because there was no place for them in the inn. 00:01:07.140 --> 00:01:13.319 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 00:01:13.319 --> 00:01:16.639 And the angel of the Lord appeared to them. 00:01:17.139 --> 00:01:21.659 And the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 00:01:22.119 --> 00:01:23.500 And the angel said to them, 00:01:23.939 --> 00:01:30.199 Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 00:01:30.859 --> 00:01:36.399 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 00:01:36.400 --> 00:01:38.700 And this will be a sign for you. 00:01:39.200 --> 00:01:44.200 You will find a baby, wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. 00:01:44.719 --> 00:01:50.880 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 00:01:51.840 --> 00:01:58.060 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased. 00:01:58.920 --> 00:01:59.820 Verse 15. 00:01:59.819 --> 00:02:05.759 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 00:02:06.199 --> 00:02:12.120 Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us. 00:02:12.539 --> 00:02:17.879 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, the baby, lying in a manger. 00:02:18.280 --> 00:02:23.639 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told to them concerning this child. 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:28.039 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 00:02:28.039 --> 00:02:34.259 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 00:02:35.019 --> 00:02:43.979 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen as it had been told them. 00:02:44.739 --> 00:02:46.780 This is the very word of God. 00:02:47.479 --> 00:02:48.659 Thanks be to God. 00:02:49.000 --> 00:02:49.699 You may be seated. 00:02:52.259 --> 00:02:53.159 Let's pray. 00:02:53.159 --> 00:02:53.199 Let's pray. 00:02:53.199 --> 00:03:03.379 Guide us, O Lord, by your word and by your Holy Spirit, so that in your light we may see light. 00:03:03.859 --> 00:03:06.859 In your truth we may find freedom from sin. 00:03:07.339 --> 00:03:17.060 And in your will we may discover true peace for our souls by the power of Jesus Christ, our Lord, in us and with us. 00:03:17.060 --> 00:03:17.699 Amen. 00:03:19.879 --> 00:03:25.860 Well, this time of year, everywhere you go, you're going to be hearing songs that tell you how you need to feel. 00:03:26.920 --> 00:03:29.280 Have a holly, jolly Christmas. 00:03:29.780 --> 00:03:31.439 It's the best time of the year. 00:03:31.439 --> 00:03:43.180 All the decorations, all the consumer marketing, it's trying to make you have this glaze that everything should feel happy. 00:03:44.079 --> 00:03:53.800 But you can talk to probably 10% of children at recess at any given school and you will see that this is empty sentimentalism. 00:03:54.300 --> 00:03:57.319 They're going home, many of them, to broken families. 00:03:57.319 --> 00:04:02.039 The reality that we live in a sinful world is very clear. 00:04:03.259 --> 00:04:07.400 And so to be told you should feel happy right now, it's even more confusing. 00:04:08.039 --> 00:04:09.939 And it's children, they don't need to be fake. 00:04:10.019 --> 00:04:10.659 They feel it. 00:04:10.759 --> 00:04:11.780 I don't feel happy. 00:04:12.439 --> 00:04:15.359 Why is everything around me trying to make me feel jolly and holly? 00:04:16.560 --> 00:04:18.519 So Christians, we are realists. 00:04:19.420 --> 00:04:24.899 We know that this world is broken by man's sin, even though God created it good. 00:04:24.899 --> 00:04:33.379 And we know that even as Christians, we still have indwelling sin in our flesh, even though our souls are united to Christ. 00:04:34.459 --> 00:04:36.159 And we saw this in our Bible study. 00:04:36.319 --> 00:04:41.739 If it were not for God's preserving grace, I'll speak for myself. 00:04:42.060 --> 00:04:48.079 Give me 24 hours without God's preserving grace on me and I will fall into scary sin. 00:04:48.439 --> 00:04:49.579 I mean, we need Christ. 00:04:49.759 --> 00:04:52.039 Our remaining flesh is so strong. 00:04:52.279 --> 00:04:54.039 But Christ has overcome the world. 00:04:54.040 --> 00:04:57.060 And we can have peace with God through Christ. 00:04:57.500 --> 00:05:00.160 So we sing as realists, as Christians, 00:05:01.040 --> 00:05:02.939 O come, O come, Emmanuel, 00:05:04.060 --> 00:05:06.360 and ransom captive Israel 00:05:06.360 --> 00:05:10.960 that mourns in exile here 00:05:10.960 --> 00:05:13.560 until the Son of God appear. 00:05:14.879 --> 00:05:16.860 And Advent means waiting. 00:05:17.100 --> 00:05:18.520 It means a forthcoming. 00:05:18.740 --> 00:05:19.200 You know, Christ, 00:05:19.740 --> 00:05:21.620 that Israel had been waiting for Christ to come. 00:05:21.620 --> 00:05:23.439 In the same way we, the church now, 00:05:23.500 --> 00:05:28.000 we wait for his second coming as exiles, as sojourners in this world. 00:05:29.340 --> 00:05:32.480 And I do want us to pause in this time. 00:05:33.280 --> 00:05:34.939 And my prayer for you has been this, 00:05:35.000 --> 00:05:36.740 that God would reform you and me 00:05:36.740 --> 00:05:39.439 as we ponder Christ's birth, 00:05:39.439 --> 00:05:42.920 but that he would reform us through his word and by his spirit 00:05:42.920 --> 00:05:46.899 against, over against the power of consumer marketing 00:05:46.899 --> 00:05:49.420 that's coming at us so powerfully this time of year. 00:05:49.959 --> 00:05:53.560 So the title of the sermon is how veiled in flesh 00:05:53.560 --> 00:05:55.399 we can see the Godhead. 00:05:55.500 --> 00:05:58.779 Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see as we have sung. 00:05:58.779 --> 00:06:00.259 And I have two points. 00:06:00.399 --> 00:06:02.139 I want to first to show you that it's historical. 00:06:02.759 --> 00:06:04.259 So God will reform you as we, 00:06:04.419 --> 00:06:07.199 as you see that what happened took place in history. 00:06:07.199 --> 00:06:07.679 It's real. 00:06:08.379 --> 00:06:11.379 So imagine Christ's birth historically. 00:06:11.379 --> 00:06:12.859 That's the first thing I hope you get out of it. 00:06:12.859 --> 00:06:13.579 That's the first half. 00:06:13.719 --> 00:06:14.559 The second half, 00:06:14.919 --> 00:06:16.899 this is what he's unveiled in time and space, 00:06:16.939 --> 00:06:17.559 in history, 00:06:17.879 --> 00:06:20.039 written down, recorded so that you would believe. 00:06:20.519 --> 00:06:21.779 And so that's my second point, 00:06:21.819 --> 00:06:23.399 is that you would ponder, 00:06:23.719 --> 00:06:24.819 not just intellectually, 00:06:24.819 --> 00:06:30.060 ponder in your heart that this is the spiritual reality that you live in. 00:06:30.560 --> 00:06:32.219 Those are my two objectives for today. 00:06:32.319 --> 00:06:33.519 So first, let's get started. 00:06:34.740 --> 00:06:37.480 How will you imagine Christ's birth historically? 00:06:38.759 --> 00:06:43.500 And I know the stage is set for us to focus on the manger scene historically, 00:06:43.519 --> 00:06:45.579 but I want to take you to a different scene 00:06:45.579 --> 00:06:48.600 that's about 85 years after that. 00:06:50.719 --> 00:06:54.600 There sat the once young doctor from Antioch, 00:06:54.819 --> 00:06:57.060 now a white bearded elder, 00:06:57.240 --> 00:06:58.879 perhaps at the church in Philippi. 00:06:59.519 --> 00:07:01.000 See how all the New Testament's connected. 00:07:01.099 --> 00:07:02.399 All the churches are working together. 00:07:03.699 --> 00:07:07.639 This now old doctor is eager to resume a project 00:07:07.639 --> 00:07:10.659 that he has desired to write for over 40 years. 00:07:12.019 --> 00:07:15.039 And it's carried him back through these memories he's had 00:07:15.039 --> 00:07:20.180 of adventures that far surpass the myths that he heard in his Greek school 00:07:20.180 --> 00:07:21.459 as he was brought up. 00:07:21.579 --> 00:07:22.560 Who is this doctor? 00:07:22.560 --> 00:07:27.439 Well, Colossians 4.12 refers to Luke as the physician. 00:07:28.180 --> 00:07:30.060 See, Luke had been discipled by Paul. 00:07:30.180 --> 00:07:32.920 He had traveled with this little company of pastor missionaries 00:07:32.920 --> 00:07:34.740 through the churches in Asia Minor. 00:07:35.600 --> 00:07:39.459 And he writes firsthand witnesses of the work that God had done. 00:07:39.980 --> 00:07:41.939 Now, he was not a disciple of Christ, 00:07:41.980 --> 00:07:45.920 but we have the apostolic authority of Paul for sure, 00:07:45.980 --> 00:07:47.519 because he was a traveling companion with Paul. 00:07:47.519 --> 00:07:50.659 And as I've prepared for today, I believe we probably have John, 00:07:50.759 --> 00:07:53.939 the apostle John's apostolic authority over Luke as well. 00:07:54.199 --> 00:07:55.379 You'll see why in a moment. 00:07:55.899 --> 00:07:57.319 And perhaps Peter as well. 00:07:58.039 --> 00:08:02.259 So here he is, and he's given us this other gospel account of the life of Christ. 00:08:02.459 --> 00:08:04.279 Luke is written as part one. 00:08:04.539 --> 00:08:05.759 The book of Acts is part two. 00:08:06.259 --> 00:08:09.519 Part one in Luke is how Christ came to reign on earth, 00:08:09.779 --> 00:08:10.939 the kingdom of heaven on earth. 00:08:11.299 --> 00:08:15.199 Acts is how now Christ reigns over earth from his throne in heaven. 00:08:15.199 --> 00:08:19.620 Most likely the book of Hebrews was also written by Dr. Luke. 00:08:20.099 --> 00:08:22.439 It's most likely a collection of his sermon notes. 00:08:22.539 --> 00:08:24.219 He's meticulous at how he records it. 00:08:24.300 --> 00:08:27.000 And it was probably Paul opening up the Old Testament, 00:08:27.279 --> 00:08:28.199 preaching to the church, 00:08:28.199 --> 00:08:30.839 and Luke taking meticulous scholarly notes, 00:08:30.879 --> 00:08:33.240 because the Greek that's used in the book of Hebrews 00:08:33.240 --> 00:08:35.639 is found nowhere else except for Luke Acts. 00:08:35.879 --> 00:08:38.659 But yet the theology is very Pauline. 00:08:39.120 --> 00:08:41.120 So that's who is giving us this book. 00:08:41.460 --> 00:08:42.779 One scholar said that Luke, 00:08:42.779 --> 00:08:48.220 he uses intentional allusions and references to and quotations of 00:08:48.220 --> 00:08:51.740 ancient classical and Hellenistic authors, 00:08:51.860 --> 00:08:55.399 such as Homer, Aesop, Euripides, and Plato. 00:08:56.139 --> 00:08:59.959 That's why Luke is regarded as perhaps the most scholarly and literary 00:08:59.959 --> 00:09:02.240 of all of our New Testament authors. 00:09:02.600 --> 00:09:05.259 So from the pen of Luke, working on this project now, 00:09:05.699 --> 00:09:07.759 probably in the year 85 or so AD, 00:09:07.759 --> 00:09:10.379 he's got these parchments. 00:09:10.559 --> 00:09:13.080 And I picture his office space, his work area, 00:09:13.139 --> 00:09:15.299 very tidy because that's how he writes. 00:09:15.340 --> 00:09:17.220 He's super organized, super careful. 00:09:17.600 --> 00:09:20.679 Every parchment where he took these interviews as he traveled 00:09:20.679 --> 00:09:21.720 and went back to Jerusalem, 00:09:22.000 --> 00:09:24.379 it's got a label and it's in a category. 00:09:25.039 --> 00:09:28.240 And now he's pulling out his resources and he sits down. 00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:34.279 And I picture Luke lifting his hands up to heaven where Christ rules over his church 00:09:34.279 --> 00:09:39.299 and praying, pleased by your spirit, Christ, breathe out the words I'm about to write. 00:09:40.600 --> 00:09:44.700 And this particular parchment with notes on it was very precious to him. 00:09:45.259 --> 00:09:49.580 This is from an interview he got to have with Mary herself, perhaps. 00:09:50.379 --> 00:09:51.580 Now, where would Mary be? 00:09:52.259 --> 00:09:56.060 Remember, our Lord's final words on the cross was to honor his mother, 00:09:56.500 --> 00:09:58.639 fulfilling the Ten Commandments even as he dies. 00:09:59.020 --> 00:10:00.820 And who did he ask to take care of his mother? 00:10:01.500 --> 00:10:02.680 It was the Apostle John. 00:10:02.740 --> 00:10:04.040 We're preaching through his gospel. 00:10:04.420 --> 00:10:05.960 See how it's all so closely related? 00:10:06.900 --> 00:10:10.560 So perhaps when Luke was traveling back through Jerusalem, 00:10:10.780 --> 00:10:12.460 you know, Paul interacted with the church in Jerusalem, 00:10:12.540 --> 00:10:13.680 was collecting money for them. 00:10:13.840 --> 00:10:18.660 And one of those occasions, Luke, from Philippi ministering elsewhere, 00:10:18.780 --> 00:10:20.900 gets to worship in Jerusalem at the church. 00:10:20.899 --> 00:10:23.139 Well, who would have been the elders of this church? 00:10:23.559 --> 00:10:24.939 What we know is Peter and James. 00:10:25.120 --> 00:10:26.019 They remain there. 00:10:26.379 --> 00:10:27.559 And who was the brother of James? 00:10:27.620 --> 00:10:28.139 It was John. 00:10:28.519 --> 00:10:31.759 And Mary's from that region of Bethlehem, really near Jerusalem as well. 00:10:32.159 --> 00:10:37.159 So perhaps, perhaps we have Luke interviewing Mary in John's home. 00:10:37.539 --> 00:10:38.639 Maybe others gathered around. 00:10:39.299 --> 00:10:40.480 And he's taking notes. 00:10:41.179 --> 00:10:41.939 Mary recalled, 00:10:42.699 --> 00:10:45.539 In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus 00:10:45.539 --> 00:10:47.299 that all the world should be registered. 00:10:47.819 --> 00:10:50.379 And Luke, the careful historian, documented that. 00:10:50.379 --> 00:10:52.200 Yes, this is verifiable. 00:10:53.120 --> 00:10:53.460 Verse 2, 00:10:53.539 --> 00:10:57.379 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria 00:10:57.379 --> 00:10:59.919 and all went to be registered, each to his own town. 00:11:00.379 --> 00:11:01.019 Verified that. 00:11:02.240 --> 00:11:05.799 And maybe at this point, if this, in fact, was in John's care, 00:11:06.179 --> 00:11:08.879 he just leans back and smiles and loves hearing this story, 00:11:09.000 --> 00:11:11.700 especially when Mary herself retells it. 00:11:12.360 --> 00:11:12.919 Verse 4, 00:11:12.919 --> 00:11:20.199 Now, Nazareth, as we've seen in the beginning of John, 00:11:20.939 --> 00:11:23.659 it's further north in Israel, 00:11:24.399 --> 00:11:28.360 and it's kind of on a cliff overlooking all these major trade routes. 00:11:28.459 --> 00:11:32.799 So all the continents of the world coming to to crisscross in the region of Galilee. 00:11:33.259 --> 00:11:35.579 Galilee was very cosmopolitan, very international. 00:11:36.139 --> 00:11:40.039 Nazareth could see that, but it was a bit removed, a bit secluded small town. 00:11:40.039 --> 00:11:42.759 That's where he was working, but he had to leave there. 00:11:43.219 --> 00:11:46.219 And our verse says he went up to Bethlehem. 00:11:46.319 --> 00:11:47.779 Even though he's traveling south, 00:11:48.319 --> 00:11:52.860 Jerusalem is a city on a hill, so you're traveling upward as you go to Jerusalem. 00:11:52.860 --> 00:11:55.620 And so we read, 00:11:56.039 --> 00:11:59.980 He was of the house and lineage of David. 00:12:00.639 --> 00:12:02.200 And the town is called Bethlehem. 00:12:02.279 --> 00:12:04.980 We remember now, this is where we've seen in the book of Ruth. 00:12:05.480 --> 00:12:08.940 And we know now we can picture in these fields around Bethlehem, 00:12:09.279 --> 00:12:10.779 Boaz and Naomi. 00:12:11.039 --> 00:12:12.220 This is the house of bread. 00:12:12.300 --> 00:12:14.980 These are the fields that will produce abundant crops. 00:12:15.539 --> 00:12:16.759 And you'd have from there, 00:12:17.139 --> 00:12:19.560 in a little bit lower elevation where there's less moisture, 00:12:19.559 --> 00:12:20.879 you'd have this great wilderness. 00:12:21.579 --> 00:12:23.659 So a desert right on the edge of Bethlehem. 00:12:24.179 --> 00:12:25.759 And then as the elevation picks back up, 00:12:25.859 --> 00:12:26.799 more moisture in the air, 00:12:26.859 --> 00:12:31.859 you can see the green of Moab that tempted Naomi and her family to travel to Moab. 00:12:32.039 --> 00:12:34.939 So that's the scene as Mary is recalling him. 00:12:36.559 --> 00:12:42.459 Now, I want you to let God's word reform you as you ponder Christ's birth. 00:12:42.460 --> 00:12:46.340 See, even as this is being retold and recounted, 00:12:46.420 --> 00:12:48.480 and Luke is capturing it historically, 00:12:49.180 --> 00:12:52.259 I'm sure that even their thinking was being reformed. 00:12:52.440 --> 00:12:56.879 And the Holy Spirit is illumining and showing them all the ways that God has been faithful. 00:12:57.019 --> 00:13:00.519 For example, this had been prophesied in Numbers 24, 17, 00:13:00.680 --> 00:13:03.220 that a star shall come out of Jacob, 00:13:03.560 --> 00:13:06.280 and a scepter shall rise out of Israel. 00:13:06.560 --> 00:13:10.600 And now that star, that rising king has come. 00:13:10.600 --> 00:13:15.100 In verse 5, we're told that he went there to be registered with Mary, 00:13:15.500 --> 00:13:17.519 his betrothed, who was with child. 00:13:17.960 --> 00:13:20.820 And we know that this child was not Joseph's child. 00:13:21.460 --> 00:13:22.800 So this is significant. 00:13:23.000 --> 00:13:25.440 And perhaps even as Mary told it that way, 00:13:25.980 --> 00:13:30.180 she knew, okay, Joseph is still going to include me in his household. 00:13:30.580 --> 00:13:32.159 I will be registered with him. 00:13:32.720 --> 00:13:36.120 He will be taking me and I will be taking his name. 00:13:36.580 --> 00:13:37.879 Now our household together, 00:13:37.879 --> 00:13:44.360 both of our lineages will be the household in which Jesus Christ would live and be raised. 00:13:45.799 --> 00:13:47.759 And perhaps even in that interview, 00:13:47.879 --> 00:13:51.620 Mary would, without realizing it, rest her hands back on her tummy, 00:13:51.740 --> 00:13:53.840 looking back if she's now a great grandma, 00:13:54.580 --> 00:13:57.320 and just realizing the mystery that had happened. 00:13:57.840 --> 00:14:01.460 In her tummy, God put the seed of woman, 00:14:01.460 --> 00:14:04.080 that very seed promised to Eve, 00:14:04.720 --> 00:14:07.080 that would one day be bruised by Satan, 00:14:07.720 --> 00:14:11.420 but which ultimately would crush the serpent's head. 00:14:12.639 --> 00:14:13.660 J.I. Packer said, 00:14:13.659 --> 00:14:28.000 Mary could know that inside of her was a true son of hers. 00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:33.699 And all of her qualities being a human being were present in the eternally existent, 00:14:33.839 --> 00:14:35.639 fully divine son of God, 00:14:35.639 --> 00:14:38.339 who took on flesh within her. 00:14:38.340 --> 00:14:40.580 And at the same time, 00:14:40.580 --> 00:14:44.800 all of the qualities and powers that are in God, 00:14:45.300 --> 00:14:53.300 they were and are and ever will be really present as well in the person of Jesus Christ. 00:14:54.120 --> 00:14:55.379 What a glorious mystery. 00:14:55.600 --> 00:14:55.759 First, 00:14:56.200 --> 00:14:57.240 second Corinthians eight, 00:14:57.300 --> 00:14:58.080 nine calls this. 00:14:58.080 --> 00:15:01.320 It's the grace of God in our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:15:01.320 --> 00:15:03.000 that though he was rich, 00:15:03.060 --> 00:15:03.960 yet for your sake, 00:15:03.960 --> 00:15:09.139 he became poor so that you by poverty might become rich. 00:15:09.680 --> 00:15:11.160 Now look at verse six. 00:15:12.180 --> 00:15:13.259 While they were there, 00:15:13.560 --> 00:15:15.440 the time came for her to give birth. 00:15:16.139 --> 00:15:20.139 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths 00:15:20.139 --> 00:15:24.360 and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn. 00:15:24.360 --> 00:15:26.200 And in that same region, 00:15:26.320 --> 00:15:28.180 there were shepherds out in their field, 00:15:28.300 --> 00:15:30.980 keeping watch over their flock by night, 00:15:31.560 --> 00:15:36.120 keeping watch over their flock by night. 00:15:37.440 --> 00:15:43.440 Could it be even that the church now in Jerusalem under persecution had been reminded, 00:15:43.580 --> 00:15:46.560 maybe very recently by pastor Peter preaching to them. 00:15:47.200 --> 00:15:51.360 What we read now in first Peter chapter two, 00:15:51.420 --> 00:15:52.220 verse 25, 00:15:52.220 --> 00:15:53.960 you were straying like sheep, 00:15:54.100 --> 00:15:58.340 but have now returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls. 00:15:58.759 --> 00:16:02.600 Just as the shepherds were keeping watch over their flock at night. 00:16:02.960 --> 00:16:08.240 So now the Lord Jesus keeps watch over your soul in the darkness of this world. 00:16:10.440 --> 00:16:11.960 What a glorious mystery. 00:16:12.980 --> 00:16:13.519 Now, 00:16:13.680 --> 00:16:18.100 there are some details we're going to come up to next that I really want you to pay careful attention to, 00:16:18.100 --> 00:16:24.420 because my objective here is that your thinking about the birth of Christ will be reformed. 00:16:25.220 --> 00:16:26.060 And we, 00:16:26.220 --> 00:16:32.759 I think we would almost be at an advantage if we were in a remote part of the world and we were just hearing the Bible for the first time. 00:16:32.759 --> 00:16:37.200 And we didn't have all the baggage of Western consumerism layered in on top of a holiday. 00:16:37.779 --> 00:16:40.840 Because pay careful attention to verses seven and eight. 00:16:41.399 --> 00:16:44.080 I want you to think about where this was taking place. 00:16:44.240 --> 00:16:49.059 And then let's try to deduce from the Bible what time of year this would have been. 00:16:49.779 --> 00:16:50.779 And I'm just going to tell you, 00:16:50.919 --> 00:16:52.419 I'm not leaving this as a hypothetical. 00:16:52.419 --> 00:16:53.419 Okay. 00:16:53.439 --> 00:16:54.159 This is going to be, 00:16:54.419 --> 00:16:56.179 it's going to be black and white by the time we're done. 00:16:56.439 --> 00:16:58.139 So where were they? 00:16:58.279 --> 00:16:59.779 And what time of year was it? 00:17:00.759 --> 00:17:00.919 Well, 00:17:00.939 --> 00:17:07.539 the shepherds we read in verse seven were keeping watch over their flock by night where verse eight in the same region, 00:17:07.960 --> 00:17:10.599 the shepherds were out in the field. 00:17:12.319 --> 00:17:15.799 Notice the sheep at this time of year were not out in the wilderness. 00:17:16.639 --> 00:17:20.619 See the wilderness is where David had to take his sheep at a different time of year. 00:17:20.619 --> 00:17:22.299 And when Samuel came to his home, 00:17:22.759 --> 00:17:25.399 they couldn't just say he's just right there in the field where we grow our crops. 00:17:25.619 --> 00:17:29.159 They had to go out into that wilderness between Bethlehem and Moab. 00:17:29.500 --> 00:17:31.339 The elevation drops and it's arid. 00:17:31.419 --> 00:17:31.979 It's a desert. 00:17:32.439 --> 00:17:35.119 And that was where these had to find little patches of grass. 00:17:35.579 --> 00:17:35.799 Why? 00:17:36.199 --> 00:17:36.379 Well, 00:17:36.399 --> 00:17:39.139 it's because that time of year there were crops growing on the fields. 00:17:39.619 --> 00:17:44.459 You would not put your sheep on your fields if you're growing crops on the fields. 00:17:45.299 --> 00:17:46.539 Are you with me so far? 00:17:47.219 --> 00:17:47.439 So, 00:17:47.759 --> 00:17:48.259 so that's why, 00:17:48.319 --> 00:17:48.419 you know, 00:17:48.479 --> 00:17:48.759 David, 00:17:48.879 --> 00:17:49.000 you know, 00:17:49.019 --> 00:17:49.539 out in the wilderness, 00:17:49.539 --> 00:17:50.459 that's where they would go. 00:17:50.619 --> 00:17:51.599 While the crops are growing. 00:17:51.939 --> 00:17:56.719 But here we read that the sheep were on the fields right around, 00:17:56.799 --> 00:17:58.179 right around Bethlehem in that region. 00:17:58.559 --> 00:17:59.939 So let's go to Deuteronomy. 00:18:00.039 --> 00:18:00.719 You don't need to turn there, 00:18:00.759 --> 00:18:01.159 but if you want, 00:18:01.239 --> 00:18:02.319 it's Deuteronomy 8, 00:18:02.419 --> 00:18:02.759 8. 00:18:04.399 --> 00:18:07.239 Deuteronomy is Moses giving a command to the nation of Israel, 00:18:07.319 --> 00:18:08.179 the second generation. 00:18:08.179 --> 00:18:09.879 They're about to go into the land of Israel. 00:18:10.199 --> 00:18:14.339 And the command is that they will be giving to the Lord the first fruits, 00:18:14.359 --> 00:18:15.879 because this land is from the Lord. 00:18:15.879 --> 00:18:18.079 The fruit that's going to produce the crops, 00:18:18.179 --> 00:18:19.519 it's all belongs to the Lord. 00:18:19.519 --> 00:18:21.379 So you give the Lord the first fruits. 00:18:21.839 --> 00:18:24.119 And to say you give him the first fruits of every season, 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:24.900 every harvest, 00:18:25.440 --> 00:18:26.500 Moses lists them. 00:18:27.019 --> 00:18:28.720 Moses was trained as a scribe in Egypt. 00:18:28.839 --> 00:18:32.339 He lists them in the right order of the harvest as they happen. 00:18:32.460 --> 00:18:33.700 And here's what Deuteronomy 8, 00:18:33.759 --> 00:18:34.579 8 lists. 00:18:35.039 --> 00:18:37.319 First is going to be the wheat harvest. 00:18:37.859 --> 00:18:38.259 Next, 00:18:38.460 --> 00:18:38.759 barley, 00:18:38.759 --> 00:18:40.019 then grapes, 00:18:40.539 --> 00:18:41.500 then figs, 00:18:41.500 --> 00:18:42.779 then pomegranates, 00:18:43.180 --> 00:18:44.059 then olives, 00:18:44.140 --> 00:18:45.519 and then finally honey. 00:18:46.220 --> 00:18:48.740 Those are the harvest cycles on the Jewish calendar. 00:18:50.480 --> 00:18:50.920 Well, 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:55.339 barley and wheat were planted and still are today in Israel in the autumn, 00:18:55.400 --> 00:18:55.839 in the fall. 00:18:55.960 --> 00:18:56.920 You would plant them in the fall. 00:18:56.920 --> 00:19:00.259 And then there's the rainy season from November until April. 00:19:00.400 --> 00:19:01.460 It's the rainy season. 00:19:01.460 --> 00:19:03.620 That's when you want the seed and the crops to be growing. 00:19:04.060 --> 00:19:06.259 So that's the winter time in Israel. 00:19:06.259 --> 00:19:10.460 There's the winter cold rains coming down and the crops are growing. 00:19:11.180 --> 00:19:12.840 So you already see where this is going. 00:19:12.840 --> 00:19:16.600 It would be impossible for the sheep to be on the fields during the winter time. 00:19:17.400 --> 00:19:20.680 It's impossible that Jesus was born in December. 00:19:20.900 --> 00:19:22.080 It was just could not have happened. 00:19:22.399 --> 00:19:26.919 The crops are growing on the fields and we're told that the shepherds were taking care of the sheep, 00:19:27.059 --> 00:19:27.839 washing their field, 00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:29.199 their sheep on the field. 00:19:29.879 --> 00:19:31.460 So we're going to have to deduce down. 00:19:31.599 --> 00:19:32.500 What could this have been? 00:19:33.740 --> 00:19:34.639 In verse seven, 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:38.359 we also told that they laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the end, 00:19:38.879 --> 00:19:41.500 but there was room in the manger. 00:19:41.679 --> 00:19:42.799 This is also significant. 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:44.379 So the sheep could be three places. 00:19:44.519 --> 00:19:47.480 They could be out in the wilderness while the crops are growing. 00:19:47.559 --> 00:19:48.980 Most of the time over the winter, 00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:50.279 the cold winter rains, 00:19:50.359 --> 00:19:51.199 they'd be out in the wilderness. 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:52.000 Now, 00:19:52.120 --> 00:19:54.940 if it's in the summertime and you just finished the harvest, 00:19:55.100 --> 00:19:56.360 you got these barren fields. 00:19:56.500 --> 00:19:59.299 It's nice to bring the sheep on because they're going to eat the stubble, 00:19:59.400 --> 00:20:00.180 clean it up a little bit. 00:20:00.259 --> 00:20:02.240 Their manure will replenish the soil. 00:20:02.360 --> 00:20:03.360 It'll be natural fertilizer. 00:20:03.700 --> 00:20:04.400 That's pretty smart. 00:20:04.500 --> 00:20:05.799 You got a little rotation going, 00:20:05.980 --> 00:20:08.080 but in the real cold winter days, 00:20:08.460 --> 00:20:10.400 the manger is where you'd want to bring your sheep into. 00:20:10.980 --> 00:20:17.500 So we're going to create some warmth with the bodies of the sheep and the manger would be where you'd pack them in to keep them cold on those winter nights. 00:20:17.500 --> 00:20:17.880 So again, 00:20:17.940 --> 00:20:18.299 the manger, 00:20:18.440 --> 00:20:20.420 there was room because the sheep were not there. 00:20:20.420 --> 00:20:23.660 It was not in the cold winter that Jesus was born. 00:20:25.299 --> 00:20:27.279 So when you hear of Christmas in July, 00:20:27.880 --> 00:20:29.220 remember, 00:20:29.380 --> 00:20:32.460 you're trying to have a biblical mindset and picture this biblically, 00:20:32.599 --> 00:20:33.039 historically, 00:20:33.240 --> 00:20:34.779 how it actually would have happened. 00:20:34.779 --> 00:20:37.460 And that's probably more historically correct. 00:20:37.920 --> 00:20:39.379 We can narrow it down to June, 00:20:39.759 --> 00:20:41.119 July or August. 00:20:42.359 --> 00:20:42.879 And I, 00:20:43.019 --> 00:20:44.200 this is important because, 00:20:44.399 --> 00:20:45.379 you know, 00:20:45.399 --> 00:20:49.119 we're told to reform and be conformed by the renewing of our minds. 00:20:49.279 --> 00:20:50.559 How do our minds get renewed? 00:20:50.639 --> 00:20:52.379 By being washed by the word of God. 00:20:52.920 --> 00:20:54.220 In second Peter one 16, 00:20:54.339 --> 00:20:54.619 he said, 00:20:54.619 --> 00:21:02.579 we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:21:02.699 --> 00:21:06.059 But we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 00:21:06.599 --> 00:21:08.500 And that's exactly what we have from Mary, 00:21:08.819 --> 00:21:09.639 from Luke, 00:21:09.739 --> 00:21:10.739 from John, 00:21:11.159 --> 00:21:11.919 from Peter. 00:21:12.419 --> 00:21:14.559 And what we'll see next is from the shepherds. 00:21:15.439 --> 00:21:17.079 So speaking of the shepherds, 00:21:18.079 --> 00:21:21.059 they were watching their sheep in the fields at night, 00:21:21.179 --> 00:21:21.500 we're told. 00:21:21.500 --> 00:21:22.559 So even at nighttime, 00:21:22.940 --> 00:21:24.740 when it's supposed to be really cold in the desert, 00:21:24.920 --> 00:21:25.859 it wasn't that cold. 00:21:25.940 --> 00:21:26.779 They were out there at night. 00:21:26.880 --> 00:21:27.819 They're doing just fine. 00:21:29.140 --> 00:21:32.440 We don't know because none of the deacons of the church are listed. 00:21:32.740 --> 00:21:34.259 But if a, 00:21:34.259 --> 00:21:34.940 if a shepherd, 00:21:35.079 --> 00:21:35.700 one of the youngest, 00:21:35.819 --> 00:21:38.599 kind of the lowest on the family totem pole or in society, 00:21:38.980 --> 00:21:39.119 look, 00:21:39.180 --> 00:21:39.319 you know, 00:21:39.359 --> 00:21:40.440 youngest ones are going to be shepherds, 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:42.660 send them out to do the dirty work that no one wants to do. 00:21:43.140 --> 00:21:45.839 Let's picture maybe an 11 year old was one of these shepherds. 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:46.819 Well, 00:21:46.839 --> 00:21:50.200 our Lord had a ministry on earth when he was for 33 years. 00:21:50.200 --> 00:21:54.319 So let's say one of these shepherds was 11 when these angels appeared to them. 00:21:55.279 --> 00:21:56.559 Fast forward 33 years, 00:21:56.600 --> 00:22:01.660 they would only be 44 at the time of Christ raising from the dead and the spirit being poured out on the church. 00:22:01.660 --> 00:22:07.019 Is it possible that even some of those shepherds kept in touch with Mary? 00:22:07.300 --> 00:22:07.720 You know, 00:22:07.800 --> 00:22:09.980 when she would come back to Bethlehem to that region. 00:22:10.580 --> 00:22:11.880 And then I just started thinking, 00:22:12.019 --> 00:22:15.160 would it be possible that they were lifelong shepherds and believers? 00:22:15.500 --> 00:22:19.480 And maybe some of them brought their sheep to the sheep gate that we read about in John 5. 00:22:20.060 --> 00:22:22.880 Maybe some of them actually got to see the lame man walk. 00:22:22.880 --> 00:22:24.340 And they're being there like, 00:22:24.480 --> 00:22:24.860 keep an eye. 00:22:24.940 --> 00:22:25.400 I knew it. 00:22:25.460 --> 00:22:25.560 See, 00:22:25.640 --> 00:22:27.840 this is why no one would believe me about the angels. 00:22:28.060 --> 00:22:28.760 It's true. 00:22:29.060 --> 00:22:30.900 He's really bringing the kingdom of God. 00:22:31.400 --> 00:22:33.060 And they maybe never forgot that. 00:22:33.460 --> 00:22:34.260 And could it be, 00:22:34.340 --> 00:22:35.520 and they probably wouldn't have known, 00:22:35.600 --> 00:22:39.440 but could it be that when the disciples purchased and they prepared the Passover meal, 00:22:39.640 --> 00:22:41.500 where the Lord instituted the last supper, 00:22:42.319 --> 00:22:44.740 could it be that that lamb was even raised by one of them? 00:22:45.640 --> 00:22:49.700 And could it be that if they recognized Mary and maybe had seen her off and on throughout their life, 00:22:50.200 --> 00:22:51.359 that as they saw now, 00:22:51.460 --> 00:22:51.799 Jesus, 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:53.819 this man who had fed the multitude, 00:22:53.980 --> 00:22:55.140 everybody was talking about them. 00:22:55.200 --> 00:22:58.259 They would never have forgotten seeing the angels in the sky, 00:22:58.779 --> 00:23:02.839 that they also were part of the crowd that followed to see what would happen when he got arrested. 00:23:03.500 --> 00:23:05.119 And maybe these shepherds were, 00:23:05.220 --> 00:23:07.259 were there and they recognize Mary again. 00:23:07.259 --> 00:23:09.220 Now she's 33 years older. 00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:14.319 And they saw her weeping at the foot of the cross where her son now hung. 00:23:16.960 --> 00:23:17.400 Well, 00:23:17.559 --> 00:23:17.720 if, 00:23:17.920 --> 00:23:18.539 if in fact, 00:23:18.620 --> 00:23:21.140 some of those shepherds remained and stayed in touch, 00:23:21.140 --> 00:23:22.140 and then they were, 00:23:22.240 --> 00:23:22.920 they were believers, 00:23:23.100 --> 00:23:24.259 they became part of the church. 00:23:24.440 --> 00:23:26.319 I'm sure they would be serving in the church. 00:23:26.620 --> 00:23:28.579 Maybe some of them were officially deacons even, 00:23:29.079 --> 00:23:29.200 or, 00:23:29.600 --> 00:23:29.740 you know, 00:23:29.779 --> 00:23:30.259 who knows? 00:23:30.640 --> 00:23:34.559 And so it's possible that Luke even got to talk to some of these very shepherds 00:23:34.559 --> 00:23:36.640 and just hear their account. 00:23:36.819 --> 00:23:38.059 Because we have this firsthand, 00:23:38.220 --> 00:23:38.900 either from Mary, 00:23:38.900 --> 00:23:40.200 from what the shepherds told her, 00:23:40.200 --> 00:23:41.660 or he got to talk with them. 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:42.840 Look at verse nine. 00:23:43.900 --> 00:23:45.780 An angel of the Lord appeared to them. 00:23:46.220 --> 00:23:48.160 The glory of the Lord shone around them, 00:23:48.180 --> 00:23:50.120 and they were filled with great fear. 00:23:50.620 --> 00:23:52.259 Listen to the detail he gives us. 00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:53.880 The angel said to them, 00:23:54.180 --> 00:23:56.060 they remember word for word what it was. 00:23:56.560 --> 00:23:57.060 Fear not, 00:23:57.160 --> 00:23:57.720 for behold, 00:23:58.019 --> 00:24:02.220 I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. 00:24:02.220 --> 00:24:05.620 For unto you is born this day in the city of David, 00:24:05.620 --> 00:24:07.339 a savior who is Christ, 00:24:07.420 --> 00:24:07.839 the Lord. 00:24:08.019 --> 00:24:15.400 This will be a sign for you that you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. 00:24:15.400 --> 00:24:20.660 This is what heaven opened up to reveal. 00:24:20.660 --> 00:24:30.560 And God could have sent the angel of the Lord with the whole host of heaven's angels anywhere on planet earth to anyone. 00:24:30.559 --> 00:24:35.119 And he chose to send them first to the shepherds. 00:24:35.319 --> 00:24:37.000 Do you think that might be significant? 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:43.679 Is it significant that God revealed the gospel of Jesus first to these simple shepherds? 00:24:43.680 --> 00:24:45.039 See, 00:24:45.080 --> 00:24:48.279 it was the wealthy who owned the land and farmed the fields. 00:24:48.420 --> 00:24:50.279 The shepherds tended the sheep. 00:24:51.180 --> 00:24:52.000 For some reason, 00:24:52.420 --> 00:24:54.220 this was not God's law, 00:24:54.299 --> 00:24:55.200 but it was man's law. 00:24:55.480 --> 00:24:57.259 Shepherds were considered unclean. 00:24:57.480 --> 00:25:00.220 They were not even allowed to enter into the temple. 00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:03.539 Yet in scripture, 00:25:03.820 --> 00:25:05.880 every time we hear of shepherds, 00:25:05.980 --> 00:25:07.519 it's a favorable metaphor. 00:25:08.080 --> 00:25:08.779 Think about that. 00:25:10.019 --> 00:25:12.860 The very first shepherd in all of the Bible 00:25:12.859 --> 00:25:15.319 was the son of Eve and Adam, 00:25:15.639 --> 00:25:15.939 Abel, 00:25:16.799 --> 00:25:17.359 Cain and Abel, 00:25:17.419 --> 00:25:18.039 the two brothers. 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:22.519 He was the seed of the woman whose innocent blood would be spilled. 00:25:22.619 --> 00:25:23.719 He's a type of Christ. 00:25:24.219 --> 00:25:26.279 And his brother Cain tended the ground, 00:25:26.359 --> 00:25:26.740 we know. 00:25:27.459 --> 00:25:28.319 He was a farmer. 00:25:30.000 --> 00:25:31.399 And as Bizzle puts it, 00:25:32.019 --> 00:25:34.779 both Abel and Cain made offers to God, 00:25:35.079 --> 00:25:37.059 but Cain's offer felt incomplete. 00:25:37.519 --> 00:25:39.839 Even though we have the gospel in kernel form, 00:25:40.659 --> 00:25:41.579 we can say this, 00:25:41.579 --> 00:25:45.039 all I know is that Cain offered the work of his hands. 00:25:45.939 --> 00:25:47.279 Abel tended the sheep, 00:25:47.899 --> 00:25:49.559 so he must have offered a lamb. 00:25:49.559 --> 00:25:53.539 Well, 00:25:53.539 --> 00:26:01.879 we know too that David was the shepherd, 00:26:02.139 --> 00:26:03.500 the lowliest in his family, 00:26:03.859 --> 00:26:07.359 yet he was the one God raised up and anointed as a picture of Christ, 00:26:08.039 --> 00:26:09.000 the shepherd king. 00:26:09.940 --> 00:26:11.079 And then David says, 00:26:11.259 --> 00:26:12.059 of my Lord, 00:26:12.119 --> 00:26:12.599 he says, 00:26:13.019 --> 00:26:13.899 in Psalm 23, 00:26:14.039 --> 00:26:16.039 the Lord is my shepherd. 00:26:16.039 --> 00:26:19.279 So being a shepherd in the scripture is a positive, 00:26:19.980 --> 00:26:21.259 favorable metaphor. 00:26:22.259 --> 00:26:25.079 Wolves are a threat to those who are weak. 00:26:26.339 --> 00:26:28.420 And Israel's unfaithful prophets, 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:30.139 unfaithful priests, 00:26:30.279 --> 00:26:35.059 and unfaithful kings were considered poor shepherds or wolves. 00:26:35.059 --> 00:26:40.740 But yet God has always been faithful and he promises blessing through his shepherd. 00:26:40.919 --> 00:26:41.639 Jeremiah 3, 00:26:41.700 --> 00:26:42.159 14, 00:26:42.259 --> 00:26:42.599 he says, 00:26:42.919 --> 00:26:43.139 return, 00:26:43.639 --> 00:26:43.799 Oh, 00:26:43.899 --> 00:26:45.279 faithless children, 00:26:45.659 --> 00:26:46.460 declares the Lord, 00:26:46.539 --> 00:26:47.679 for I am your master. 00:26:48.099 --> 00:26:51.799 I will take you one from a city and two from a family, 00:26:51.799 --> 00:26:53.519 and I will bring you into my kingdom. 00:26:53.519 --> 00:26:57.680 And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, 00:26:57.799 --> 00:27:01.559 who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. 00:27:01.980 --> 00:27:04.579 The Lord promised he will fill his land, 00:27:04.680 --> 00:27:05.200 his kingdom, 00:27:05.599 --> 00:27:09.460 and he will dwell with his people forevermore. 00:27:09.879 --> 00:27:14.900 Is it significant that God chose to reveal himself in the gospel to simple shepherds? 00:27:16.200 --> 00:27:16.400 Well, 00:27:16.480 --> 00:27:18.440 who better than shepherds? 00:27:18.440 --> 00:27:25.820 Who better than shepherds to recognize the Lamb of God, 00:27:27.360 --> 00:27:29.059 slain for the forgiveness of sins? 00:27:34.240 --> 00:27:35.160 Excuse me. 00:27:38.580 --> 00:27:39.700 Verse 13, 00:27:40.160 --> 00:27:44.860 we read that suddenly there was with that angel of the Lord, 00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:48.380 a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 00:27:48.960 --> 00:27:52.059 glory to God in the highest and on earth, 00:27:52.279 --> 00:27:55.360 peace among those with whom he is pleased. 00:27:56.220 --> 00:27:58.980 The Greek word here is translated, 00:28:00.559 --> 00:28:02.200 preached the gospel. 00:28:02.580 --> 00:28:03.920 That's what the angels did. 00:28:05.000 --> 00:28:06.140 That's what they did. 00:28:06.400 --> 00:28:10.160 They came praising God and preaching the gospel. 00:28:11.220 --> 00:28:11.779 Now, 00:28:11.820 --> 00:28:12.120 hold on. 00:28:12.180 --> 00:28:15.279 You're standing up there telling me you really believe angels, 00:28:15.480 --> 00:28:16.380 multitude of angels, 00:28:16.380 --> 00:28:19.580 appearing into the physical realm, 00:28:19.580 --> 00:28:21.120 out of the spiritual realm. 00:28:22.460 --> 00:28:23.620 If you're a Christian, 00:28:23.760 --> 00:28:26.440 you are an unashamed supernaturalist. 00:28:26.580 --> 00:28:27.260 That's what we are. 00:28:27.800 --> 00:28:28.120 Yes, 00:28:28.420 --> 00:28:31.360 we believe there is a supernatural realm, 00:28:31.540 --> 00:28:32.660 a spiritual realm. 00:28:33.940 --> 00:28:36.040 And angels exist in that realm. 00:28:36.880 --> 00:28:38.540 And God has used angels. 00:28:38.539 --> 00:28:38.659 angels. 00:28:39.159 --> 00:28:39.839 They've, 00:28:39.839 --> 00:28:41.139 they've had a work to do. 00:28:41.420 --> 00:28:47.539 And it's been at all the prominent turning points in God's great divine plan of salvation. 00:28:47.539 --> 00:28:53.619 And here's why you need to believe in angels as God's warriors as well. 00:28:54.579 --> 00:28:57.099 Because Jesus said himself in Mark 8, 00:28:57.440 --> 00:28:58.019 38, 00:28:58.460 --> 00:29:04.420 whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation of him, 00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:10.539 will the son of man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his father with the holy angels. 00:29:10.539 --> 00:29:18.079 Angels are important for us to understand because they're coming when Christ returns in his second advent. 00:29:19.359 --> 00:29:22.059 So what are angels and what does the Bible teach about them? 00:29:22.139 --> 00:29:24.119 How could our thinking be reformed? 00:29:25.259 --> 00:29:26.039 Up to this point, 00:29:26.180 --> 00:29:26.319 I've, 00:29:26.359 --> 00:29:27.519 I've sought to have your, 00:29:27.639 --> 00:29:32.559 your imagination and what to picture about the birth of Christ to be reformed biblically, 00:29:32.559 --> 00:29:38.419 based on what is given to us as true history in time and space in this physical world. 00:29:38.579 --> 00:29:38.980 Well, 00:29:39.019 --> 00:29:39.779 next part two, 00:29:39.839 --> 00:29:44.039 I want you to now ponder this spiritual reality. 00:29:44.319 --> 00:29:50.460 We've seen it's historically true and you can think about it biblically reforming thinking that way, 00:29:50.539 --> 00:29:56.379 but now let God reform you as you marvel at the spiritual truth that he gives us. 00:29:57.399 --> 00:30:00.279 Let's start with these angels from the supernatural realm. 00:30:01.019 --> 00:30:01.759 What are they? 00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:02.119 Well, 00:30:02.180 --> 00:30:03.619 according to Zechariah 1 10, 00:30:03.759 --> 00:30:10.200 angels are mighty warriors of light whom the Lord sends to patrol planet earth. 00:30:11.279 --> 00:30:12.440 Angel in Greek, 00:30:12.559 --> 00:30:13.500 it means messenger. 00:30:14.720 --> 00:30:16.299 And when God created the heavens, 00:30:16.420 --> 00:30:17.879 the invisible spiritual realm, 00:30:18.259 --> 00:30:19.240 he made angels. 00:30:19.500 --> 00:30:21.180 So angels are created beings. 00:30:21.279 --> 00:30:22.559 They do have a beginning point. 00:30:23.140 --> 00:30:25.059 They're not eternal like God is. 00:30:25.460 --> 00:30:28.180 And when God said he made the heavens and the earth, 00:30:28.180 --> 00:30:33.400 I understand that first sentence to be describing the spiritual realm and the physical realm. 00:30:33.400 --> 00:30:34.759 So when he made the earth, 00:30:34.960 --> 00:30:36.460 he made the stars and the, 00:30:36.660 --> 00:30:36.920 you know, 00:30:36.980 --> 00:30:38.560 the light between the stars and the earth. 00:30:38.660 --> 00:30:40.660 And in seven 24 hour days, 00:30:40.660 --> 00:30:42.980 he created all that is in the physical world. 00:30:42.980 --> 00:30:43.920 And by doing that, 00:30:43.920 --> 00:30:45.400 he created time and space. 00:30:45.839 --> 00:30:48.759 And he made the spiritual realm at creation as well. 00:30:48.880 --> 00:30:50.799 So the angels are spoken into existence. 00:30:51.220 --> 00:30:53.480 The spiritual host of heaven exists. 00:30:53.480 --> 00:30:56.120 And under Satan's leadership, 00:30:56.120 --> 00:30:56.599 there are, 00:30:56.599 --> 00:30:58.180 there are fallen angels. 00:30:58.299 --> 00:30:58.980 There are demons. 00:30:59.599 --> 00:31:02.120 Satan is the captain of that mobocracy, 00:31:02.120 --> 00:31:06.519 and they follow his command to destroy and thwart the plans of God. 00:31:06.700 --> 00:31:08.099 This is what the Bible teaches. 00:31:08.400 --> 00:31:08.700 Now, 00:31:08.740 --> 00:31:10.220 when you picture the angels of heaven, 00:31:10.799 --> 00:31:12.960 what should you picture? 00:31:13.059 --> 00:31:14.000 How many should you picture? 00:31:15.440 --> 00:31:20.059 The Bible says that God has a vast army of angels in Matthew 26, 00:31:20.180 --> 00:31:20.779 53. 00:31:20.779 --> 00:31:21.220 Again, 00:31:21.960 --> 00:31:23.960 these are the words of our Lord Jesus himself. 00:31:24.579 --> 00:31:27.299 As he's being mocked and people are saying, 00:31:27.420 --> 00:31:28.519 if you're truly the God, 00:31:28.660 --> 00:31:29.859 you're truly a King, 00:31:30.259 --> 00:31:31.059 save yourself, 00:31:31.599 --> 00:31:34.000 take yourself off of this shameful death. 00:31:34.500 --> 00:31:35.779 And Jesus's reply, 00:31:36.619 --> 00:31:39.379 as the blood is flowing down his lips, 00:31:40.019 --> 00:31:42.859 do you think that I cannot appeal to my father? 00:31:43.579 --> 00:31:44.619 Because if I do, 00:31:44.720 --> 00:31:50.279 he will at once send me more than 12 legions of angels. 00:31:51.680 --> 00:31:52.639 At one word, 00:31:52.759 --> 00:31:54.960 the Lord Jesus can summon the armies of heaven. 00:31:55.420 --> 00:31:56.460 How much is a legion? 00:31:57.660 --> 00:32:01.599 A legion is five to 6,000 Roman soldiers. 00:32:01.879 --> 00:32:02.619 That's the reference. 00:32:03.200 --> 00:32:04.259 So everybody would have been familiar. 00:32:04.339 --> 00:32:06.480 When you see a legion marching through the streets of Rome, 00:32:06.579 --> 00:32:07.139 back up, 00:32:07.559 --> 00:32:07.920 make room. 00:32:08.000 --> 00:32:08.519 They are coming. 00:32:08.660 --> 00:32:09.180 Don't get in the way. 00:32:09.240 --> 00:32:11.299 It's 5,000 of them coming. 00:32:12.099 --> 00:32:13.039 And Jesus says, 00:32:13.220 --> 00:32:14.339 12 legions. 00:32:14.440 --> 00:32:14.559 Now, 00:32:14.619 --> 00:32:16.399 12 is the number of the tribes of Israel. 00:32:16.400 --> 00:32:17.580 It means fullness. 00:32:18.080 --> 00:32:19.180 So it could just be used that way. 00:32:19.280 --> 00:32:20.340 But even if we were to take it, 00:32:20.540 --> 00:32:20.759 you know, 00:32:20.780 --> 00:32:21.480 as an actual, 00:32:21.660 --> 00:32:22.080 you know, 00:32:22.140 --> 00:32:23.080 numerical value, 00:32:23.519 --> 00:32:24.460 I had to, 00:32:24.519 --> 00:32:26.180 I had to do a little math and figure this out. 00:32:26.700 --> 00:32:30.920 So 12 legions would be 70,000 angels. 00:32:31.539 --> 00:32:34.740 If you've ever been to watch a Nuggets game or, 00:32:34.740 --> 00:32:35.720 you know, 00:32:36.039 --> 00:32:37.500 a Disney on ice or something like that, 00:32:37.560 --> 00:32:39.779 you've been to downtown Denver's ball arena. 00:32:40.500 --> 00:32:41.380 And if you sit there, 00:32:41.440 --> 00:32:41.539 I mean, 00:32:41.560 --> 00:32:41.940 you just see, 00:32:42.019 --> 00:32:43.140 it feels like a multitude. 00:32:43.340 --> 00:32:44.779 They try to get them chanting something, 00:32:45.380 --> 00:32:45.720 you know, 00:32:45.800 --> 00:32:47.340 and picture that. 00:32:47.440 --> 00:32:49.759 Now that ball arena holds only 20,000. 00:32:50.080 --> 00:32:53.000 So it's about four of those stacked on top of themselves. 00:32:53.560 --> 00:32:54.560 So for these shepherds, 00:32:54.640 --> 00:32:59.480 the heavens open up and they see 12 legions of angels. 00:32:59.480 --> 00:32:59.839 I mean, 00:32:59.860 --> 00:33:02.099 it's incredible to even try to describe that. 00:33:02.799 --> 00:33:06.500 So the Bible teaches that heaven is the headquarters of angels. 00:33:07.019 --> 00:33:09.059 They live there to constantly worship God. 00:33:09.380 --> 00:33:09.940 And from there, 00:33:10.039 --> 00:33:15.420 they are sent to render services to Christians at God's bidding, 00:33:15.519 --> 00:33:17.099 whatever God commands them to go do. 00:33:20.539 --> 00:33:23.440 God has a vast army of these spiritual beings. 00:33:23.599 --> 00:33:24.120 They are holy, 00:33:24.480 --> 00:33:25.019 magnificent. 00:33:25.460 --> 00:33:27.579 They are fear striking warriors of light. 00:33:27.660 --> 00:33:28.299 When they appear, 00:33:28.299 --> 00:33:29.339 people tremble. 00:33:29.480 --> 00:33:30.839 And the angels of God, 00:33:30.940 --> 00:33:31.299 we read, 00:33:31.660 --> 00:33:33.220 they praise God at creation. 00:33:33.720 --> 00:33:34.299 Job 38, 00:33:34.440 --> 00:33:35.059 seven says, 00:33:35.480 --> 00:33:41.420 the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy at creation. 00:33:41.660 --> 00:33:49.079 So why is now heaven being open and a multitude of angels worshiping and praising God and allowing humans to even witness what is happening? 00:33:49.079 --> 00:33:53.539 It's because this is the beginning of the new creation. 00:33:53.539 --> 00:33:54.940 God's name is the birth of Jesus Christ. 00:33:54.940 --> 00:33:56.139 The birth of Jesus Christ. 00:33:56.139 --> 00:33:58.259 The kingdom of heaven coming to earth. 00:33:58.359 --> 00:33:59.099 The new creation. 00:33:59.099 --> 00:33:59.599 Those who are united to God. 00:33:59.599 --> 00:34:00.619 Those who are united to him. 00:34:00.619 --> 00:34:02.279 He is the second Adam. 00:34:02.539 --> 00:34:07.779 He comes to give life to those who have been fallen in sin and in darkness. 00:34:07.779 --> 00:34:10.619 And beholding this new creation. 00:34:10.619 --> 00:34:14.420 The shepherds respond and Mary responds. 00:34:14.599 --> 00:34:18.039 I want to show you both of those responses to draw our application. 00:34:18.199 --> 00:34:19.400 How did the shepherds respond? 00:34:19.719 --> 00:34:20.759 Look at verse 15. 00:34:20.760 --> 00:34:23.940 When the angels went away from them into heaven, 00:34:24.380 --> 00:34:25.700 the shepherds said to one another, 00:34:26.180 --> 00:34:29.240 let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, 00:34:29.500 --> 00:34:31.280 which the Lord has made known to us. 00:34:31.580 --> 00:34:32.300 The shepherds, 00:34:32.360 --> 00:34:32.580 you see, 00:34:32.640 --> 00:34:35.840 they received the gospel by faith from these angels. 00:34:36.040 --> 00:34:37.680 They have to believe what they just heard. 00:34:38.120 --> 00:34:38.860 And what do they do? 00:34:38.920 --> 00:34:41.680 Their response is immediate obedience. 00:34:42.300 --> 00:34:43.220 Look at verse 16. 00:34:43.220 --> 00:34:49.560 They went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. 00:34:49.559 --> 00:34:55.299 If God has caused you to see his glory in the coming of Jesus Christ, 00:34:55.980 --> 00:34:59.320 your response needs to be immediate obedience. 00:34:59.900 --> 00:35:01.799 Learn that from these simple shepherds. 00:35:03.159 --> 00:35:04.299 In verse 16, 00:35:04.400 --> 00:35:05.519 the verb found, 00:35:05.719 --> 00:35:06.500 they found him. 00:35:07.179 --> 00:35:09.619 That really means found after a search, 00:35:09.960 --> 00:35:11.500 after been searching to see, 00:35:11.639 --> 00:35:11.820 okay, 00:35:12.019 --> 00:35:13.079 a baby in a manger, 00:35:13.440 --> 00:35:17.420 most likely carved out into a stone cave where the sheep could have gone and 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:18.500 crammed in there to keep warm. 00:35:18.500 --> 00:35:20.079 That's where we got to find a baby, 00:35:20.179 --> 00:35:22.500 a newborn wrapped in swaddling cloths. 00:35:23.420 --> 00:35:23.900 Look for that. 00:35:24.440 --> 00:35:25.940 And what did they do when they found him? 00:35:26.579 --> 00:35:30.659 They worshiped him and marveled at God's grace and goodness. 00:35:31.119 --> 00:35:35.400 I'm sure they were shocked as well that God had brought such good news to them. 00:35:35.699 --> 00:35:36.119 First, 00:35:36.219 --> 00:35:37.239 look at verse 17. 00:35:37.679 --> 00:35:38.500 When they saw it, 00:35:38.900 --> 00:35:43.840 they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child and all who 00:35:43.840 --> 00:35:44.500 heard it wondered. 00:35:44.500 --> 00:35:45.059 They wondered. 00:35:45.440 --> 00:35:46.559 They marveled. 00:35:46.739 --> 00:35:49.960 They worshiped at what the shepherds had told them. 00:35:50.360 --> 00:35:54.119 Could it be that God was sending the promised anointed one, 00:35:54.199 --> 00:35:57.239 the one who would save his people once for all? 00:35:57.239 --> 00:36:04.319 One more thing that's significant is that shepherds were not permitted by law to testify in court. 00:36:05.059 --> 00:36:06.359 They were not allowed in the temple. 00:36:06.879 --> 00:36:11.039 And if they tried to bear witness and give a testimony for a trial in a legal court, 00:36:11.179 --> 00:36:12.279 they were not counted. 00:36:12.539 --> 00:36:14.719 They were considered sub citizens. 00:36:15.039 --> 00:36:17.559 They were not even permitted or considered reliable. 00:36:18.299 --> 00:36:19.479 And yet God just smiles. 00:36:19.719 --> 00:36:19.979 Yes, 00:36:20.519 --> 00:36:21.000 shepherds, 00:36:21.500 --> 00:36:23.539 shepherds have a purpose in my kingdom. 00:36:23.939 --> 00:36:25.500 That's who I will use. 00:36:25.500 --> 00:36:27.079 Well, 00:36:27.119 --> 00:36:28.019 verse 16, 00:36:28.139 --> 00:36:33.619 we read that they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. 00:36:36.300 --> 00:36:38.940 And then from the encounter of Christ, 00:36:39.019 --> 00:36:40.219 they go out into the city. 00:36:40.340 --> 00:36:44.699 They go out to everyone they see and they do what they learned from the angels. 00:36:45.159 --> 00:36:46.739 They tell the gospel. 00:36:47.219 --> 00:36:48.420 They tell the good news. 00:36:48.539 --> 00:36:50.679 They say glory to God in the highest. 00:36:50.679 --> 00:36:53.259 He is making peace come to you. 00:36:53.639 --> 00:36:56.980 If you find favor in God and it's going to be through the Messiah, 00:36:57.639 --> 00:36:59.239 a kernel of the gospel that they had, 00:36:59.299 --> 00:37:00.059 they made it known. 00:37:00.460 --> 00:37:04.019 They wanted to have everyone understand the good news. 00:37:04.879 --> 00:37:05.000 Well, 00:37:05.039 --> 00:37:06.099 what about Mary's response? 00:37:06.199 --> 00:37:06.839 In verse 19, 00:37:07.319 --> 00:37:10.039 we read that Mary treasured up all these things, 00:37:10.219 --> 00:37:11.659 pondering them in her heart. 00:37:11.659 --> 00:37:19.779 Mary pondered in her heart what all of the Old Testament prophets had to ponder about God as well. 00:37:20.899 --> 00:37:24.399 How God had revealed to them that they were serving not themselves, 00:37:24.679 --> 00:37:25.899 but you church. 00:37:26.299 --> 00:37:36.639 They were serving you Christians as you read this now in the things that have been now announced to you through those who preach the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. 00:37:36.639 --> 00:37:40.400 Things into which angels long to look. 00:37:40.799 --> 00:37:42.079 First Peter 1 12. 00:37:43.659 --> 00:37:52.440 Mary's response was to know that God was going to bring salvation and it would have have a beginning in her own home, 00:37:52.559 --> 00:37:53.460 in her own life, 00:37:53.599 --> 00:37:55.839 in her own love for this child. 00:37:55.840 --> 00:37:57.420 And that that Jesus, 00:37:58.120 --> 00:38:00.280 like Revelation 7 17 says, 00:38:00.380 --> 00:38:02.880 he was born to be the lamb of God. 00:38:03.300 --> 00:38:14.059 And she had to know that her baby boy would one day be slain because he is the lamb of God that was slain from before the foundation of the world for us. 00:38:16.059 --> 00:38:25.500 Ponder the spiritual reality that's revealed to us in the birth of Christ and let God reform you as you marvel at his truth. 00:38:25.840 --> 00:38:35.480 The innocent blood of the lamb covering sinful man over and over and over in God's word. 00:38:36.940 --> 00:38:37.840 And Bizzle says, 00:38:38.019 --> 00:38:38.980 and I agree, 00:38:39.160 --> 00:38:43.640 it all becomes clear when Jesus finally steps on the scene. 00:38:44.180 --> 00:38:45.340 In his lyrics, 00:38:45.440 --> 00:38:45.900 he says, 00:38:45.900 --> 00:39:15.900 00:39:15.900 --> 00:39:17.900 I am the way, 00:39:17.900 --> 00:39:18.900 the truth, 00:39:18.900 --> 00:39:21.400 he accepts when your works have been rejected. 00:39:21.840 --> 00:39:25.240 I'm the one who pleads your case before the judge in heaven. 00:39:25.660 --> 00:39:26.880 I knew that you were guilty, 00:39:27.019 --> 00:39:29.940 but I loved you so much that with joy, 00:39:30.000 --> 00:39:31.260 I served your sentence. 00:39:31.639 --> 00:39:33.139 The wages for sin is death, 00:39:33.260 --> 00:39:35.539 but I died to expunge your record. 00:39:36.000 --> 00:39:36.200 See, 00:39:36.599 --> 00:39:37.740 I am the Passover. 00:39:38.119 --> 00:39:39.480 The wrath of God is waiting. 00:39:39.960 --> 00:39:42.880 Every life not covered by my blood will be taken. 00:39:42.880 --> 00:39:44.539 I am the way, 00:39:45.000 --> 00:39:45.519 the truth, 00:39:45.880 --> 00:39:46.420 the life, 00:39:46.780 --> 00:39:48.000 and I will always be. 00:39:48.599 --> 00:39:49.280 I am, 00:39:49.420 --> 00:39:49.980 I am, 00:39:50.180 --> 00:39:50.880 beloved. 00:39:51.119 --> 00:39:52.460 It was always me, 00:39:52.980 --> 00:39:53.960 says Jesus. 00:39:55.579 --> 00:39:59.240 And let God reform you as you marvel at his truth. 00:40:00.960 --> 00:40:04.340 It's what 1 Timothy 3.16 says, 00:40:04.340 --> 00:40:23.360 How should you respond? 00:40:24.559 --> 00:40:26.820 You should respond like the shepherds in verse 20. 00:40:26.820 --> 00:40:43.800 God's revelation reformed the thinking of these simple shepherds. 00:40:44.920 --> 00:40:47.280 They recognized the Lamb of God, 00:40:47.519 --> 00:40:50.460 and they declared the good news of his gospel. 00:40:52.039 --> 00:40:56.180 And if you love Christ for all he truly is, 00:40:56.179 --> 00:40:58.059 you will do the same. 00:40:58.759 --> 00:40:59.460 Let's pray. 00:41:00.779 --> 00:41:02.699 From 1 Corinthians 1.27. 00:41:03.500 --> 00:41:04.199 Oh God, 00:41:04.279 --> 00:41:07.179 you chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. 00:41:07.419 --> 00:41:10.379 You chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. 00:41:10.819 --> 00:41:13.679 You chose what is low and despised in the world, 00:41:13.819 --> 00:41:17.500 so that no human might boast in your presence. 00:41:18.099 --> 00:41:19.500 Because you are love, 00:41:19.500 --> 00:41:21.799 you sent your only begotten Son, 00:41:21.919 --> 00:41:22.659 Jesus Christ, 00:41:22.779 --> 00:41:24.259 for our righteousness, 00:41:24.759 --> 00:41:26.000 for our sanctification, 00:41:26.179 --> 00:41:27.199 and our redemption. 00:41:28.799 --> 00:41:31.599 We believe what Revelation 13.8 says, 00:41:31.699 --> 00:41:36.119 that Jesus Christ now sits on the throne as our shepherd, 00:41:36.239 --> 00:41:39.879 and we trust that he will guide us to springs of living water, 00:41:40.139 --> 00:41:45.239 and God himself will wipe away every tear from our eyes. 00:41:45.239 --> 00:41:46.739 So now we, 00:41:46.899 --> 00:41:48.259 along with your host of angels, 00:41:48.399 --> 00:41:51.339 we sing glory to the newborn King, 00:41:52.459 --> 00:41:53.599 veiled in flesh, 00:41:53.799 --> 00:41:55.219 the Godhead sea, 00:41:55.239 --> 00:41:57.919 and hail the incarnate deity, 00:41:58.599 --> 00:41:59.699 who is Jesus Christ, 00:42:00.099 --> 00:42:00.599 our Lord. 00:42:00.599 --> 00:42:01.219 Amen.