The Real Nativity Was Messy

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. - Isaiah 7:14

2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans[a] of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.” - Micah 5:2

Four Christmas Themes

Do Not Be Afraid
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. - Matthew 1:20

Trust
11 “When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son. - Hosea 11:1

Peace
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” - Luke 2:14

Joy

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:10-12