Nativity
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 David, [5] 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 saying,
[14] “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. (ESV)
The traditional nativity of the birth of Jesus is based more on
We can treat Christmas the same way: a 30 or 40 day
Philippians 2:1–11
[1] So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, [2] complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. [3] Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [4] Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. [5] Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [6] who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] 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. [9] Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (ESV)
“The Lord did not come to make a display. He came to heal and to teach suffering men.” - Athanasius, De Incarnatione Verdi Dei, 330 AD
“God the Son became the Son of Man so that children of men might become children of God.” - Athanasius, quoted by Glen Scrivener
The entire point of the nativity is simply this: The
How will you intentionally and practically worship this King born in a manger this Christmas season?
How can your Harvest ekklesia (church) help you take your next step of faith?
A great resource from the American Bible Society about the state of Bible reading today: https://1s712.americanbible.org/state-of-the-bible/stateofthebible/State_of_the_bible-2024.pdf
We’re glad you’re here today! To contact Matt & Katrina, simply email matt@harvestchurchsi.com.
Thank you, and may God richly bless you as you follow Jesus today!
Download ESV Bible app here: https://www.esv.org/resources/mobile-apps/
A great resource from the American Bible Society about the state of Bible reading today: https://1s712.americanbible.org/state-of-the-bible/stateofthebible/State_of_the_bible-2024.pdf
Download ESV Bible app here: https://www.esv.org/resources/mobile-apps/