Lord’s Day, Vol. 9 No. 51
The Birth of Jesus
Matthew 1:18-21 (KJV) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
The birth of Jesus Christ was at the pivotal point of human history and our calendar marks His birth by B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. Anno Domini (The year of the Lord). Matthew’s Gospel affirmed His virgin birth. He was conceived in the womb of Mary by the Holy Ghost fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 and fulfilled in the fullness of time.
Isaiah 7:14 (KJV) Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Matthew 1:22-23 (KJV) Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
To further affirm the truth of the virgin birth of Christ, it is recorded in the Scriptures that Joseph knew her not until after Jesus was born. Jesus, thus, is the sinless, Son of God.
Matthew 1:24-25 (KJV) Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
The mission of Jesus was explained by the angel of the Lord, encompassed in His Name – for He shall save His people from their sins (v21). There is only one true Saviour of the world and that is the Person Jesus whose Name means “Saviour”. The disease of sin that plagued all mankind was dealt with in the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It was the angel Gabriel who revealed to Mary concerning the child that was growing in her womb.
Luke 1:26-32 (KJV) And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
Luke 1:33-35 (KJV) And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
As we remember Jesus’ birth, we are thankful that God has provided the solution to man’s sin problem and we have appropriated Him for the forgiveness of our sins. By believing who Jesus is and acknowledging and repenting of our sins, we are gloriously saved. Such is the good news the church proclaims near and far.
2 Timothy 1:10 (KJV) But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
Jesus is God. He has come in human flesh, God with us (v23). Because Jesus is fully God and fully man, He represented the Godhead to reach out to fallen man and He represented man to provide the way for man to come back to God.
1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
This is the good tidings of great joy that we proclaim to all people.
Romans 10:8-11 (KJV) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, 11 Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
This is the time to share the joy of salvation to the people around us.
Romans 10:15 (KJV) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Have you someone in mind to share your joy in the Lord? This is the charge of the Lord for His church to go forth to proclaim the gospel. This proclamation of Jesus Christ in His birth is a good starting point. Let us go forth and do His bidding, receiving His blessings. Amen.
Yours lovingly,
Pastor Lek Aik Wee