An (Extra) Ordinary Christmas

Luke 2:1-20
Darrin Mariott, Lead Pastor

Big Idea: God often uses ordinary people to reveal His extraordinary grace.

Luke 2:1-20
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town.4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

I. An Extraordinary Gift…

A. Luke’s straightforward narrative regarding Jesus’s birth not only
roots these events in history, it also reveals God’s sovereign
grace, mercy, and love. Here we see the fulfillment of God’s
promises and the birth of salvation and hope for humanity.

B. The newborn Christ-child in a manger is one of the enduring
images of Christmas—so vulnerable, so sweet, and so innocent.
But it also communicates some important truths:

1. The depth of human need
Galatians 4:4-7
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”

2. The depth of God’s love.
John 3:16
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

3. The depth of God’s character – His humility and
compassion.
John 1:9-13
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
Phillipians 2:5-8
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

C. While we may lament the materialism and secularization of
Christmas, we need not throw out the baby with the bathwater.
At Christmas, we ought to be a giving, compassionate people
because God has been so compassionate and giving to us.

II. …Given to Ordinary People

A. Christmas is called the most wonderful time of the year, but its
beauty is not in the extravagant display of wealth or power.
Rather, it’s in the humble way God displayed His extraordinary
love, grace, and glory to average, even marginalized, people.

B. Practically speaking, the manner of Jesus’s birth reminds us:

1. God does extraordinary things through ordinary people
James 5:17-18
17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

2. God’s gift of redemption is an act of His grace
Romans 3:21-24
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus

3. YOU can make a difference for God’s kingdom.

C. At the birth of Messiah Jesus, God demonstrated the wonder
and majesty of His love and grace. May this season prompt in
us a desire to worship Him and share the joy of Christmas with
others for the glory of God.