The birth of Jesus was like this
Rev. Ken Armstrong of West Side Baptist Church
Friday, December 12, 2008
By the Rev. Ken Armstrong
West Side Baptist Church
The birth of this infant was of such significance to the entire population of mankind that it was explained in great detail by the gospel writers.
It would have an immediate impact on the Jewish people and state of the Roman Empire to the extent that in 300 years Rome would declare their faith in, and allegiance to, this one “Jesus” born on that first Christmas night. We can understand why the birth of this little lad would have such an impact by the information given us by these writers. It was a birth unlike any that ever was or ever would be. When Mary was informed by the angel Gabriel that she would bring forth a son, she was startled and exclaimed, “How can this be seeing I know not a man.” This to her was impossible because she was a virgin. The virgin birth, to men, truly is impossible, but “with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37
Mary herself could not fully understand the virgin birth, but she knew her own situation. When Joseph was informed of the birth to come, he wanted her to go into seclusion until the child was born. However, the revelation that this birth was the fulfillment of the prophecy made by the great prophet Isaiah some 700 years before, settled it in his heart and mind. Isaiah 7:14 “Behold, a virgin shall be with child.” Jesus Christ was the virgin born Son of God; the expression of God’s love for mankind so that He could prepare a way to heaven for us. Mary, Joseph, and billions of others have happily realized this great miracle took place so that we could experience the miracle of salvation. This birth was like none other because this child was not only from God, but was God.
Mary was also informed that her child would be called “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us.” The great Lord of heaven was to take upon Himself the form of sinful man. What an awesome fact! God would become flesh and walk among men. Jesus said several times during His life, “If ye have seen me, ye have seen the Father. I and the Father are one.”
Nicodemus realized that “no man can do these miracles that Thou (Jesus) doest, except God be with him.” When Jesus stretched forth His arms over the troubled sea and it was calmed, those in the ship said “of a truth Thou art the Son of God.” I hope each of us reading this today will also come to this understanding; that the baby in the manger was indeed the Lord God.
This miraculous birth was like none other because of its purpose. It was not the fulfillment of the love between a man and a woman. It was the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior to redeem men from their sins. He told Mary that His name should be Jesus (v 21) and when He was born, Joseph called Him Jesus. (v. 25) Of course Jesus means Savior. So every time we hear His name, we are reminded that He came to “seek and to save that which was lost.” Any one and every one that, by faith, asks the Lord Jesus to come into their heart and save them from their sins, will be saved and will immediately understand why the birth that we celebrate during Christmas was so outstanding and miraculous. Hopefully, every one of us will come to know this Son of God, born of a virgin, as our own personal Savior and Lord.
F “Sunday Sermon” is a forum for Emporia area ministers to share their sermons, thoughts and observations. This week’s author is the Rev. Ken Armstrong of West Side Baptist Church.