A Tale of Three Kings

Luke 2:1-7
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.

1. In the days of Caesar, King #1
   A. The extent of his rule
   B. The Pax Romana and the Priene Inscription

2. In the shadow of Herod, King #2
   A. The Herodian Fortress

    B. The Priene Inscription and its claim

3. In the city and line of David, King #3
    A. A sign of God’s tender mercy (1:78)
    B. A light in the darkness, peace for the restless (1:79)

“Behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ (Messiah, King), the Lord!” (Lk 2:10-11)

This calls us to:
1. Celebrate his tender mercy and grace (in a world absent of both)
2. Grasp his shalom (in a world of counterfeit promises)
3. Surrender in loyalty (to his reign of truth, in the light)