Pastor Sean Doughtie | December 17, 2023
In this message, Pastor Sean teaches from Luke 2:1-20. These verses track Joseph and Mary's trip to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. The story serves as a character study in faith and obedience, that leads to action — culminating in the first Advent. This message also looks at the significance of God announcing the arrival of Messiah, not to the religious leaders, but to lowly shepherds and what that means for the Church, awaiting the second Advent.
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Read Isaiah 9:6-7
During the season of Advent, we celebrate and reflect on the birth of Jesus and look forward to His triumphant return. First, we look back on the birth of Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah whose arrival was foretold by Isaiah. Second, we eagerly anticipate Christ's return, when He will fulfill the promises of His eternal reign.
Familiarity with the story of the birth of Christ can sometimes breed complacency. When we've heard the Christmas story countless times, it's easy to let its significance fade into the background. The birth of Jesus can become just another story, and the anticipation of His return can lose its urgency. Will you spend time today meditating on Jesus's sacrifice for us? Will you meditate on the names given Him – Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace?
Read Luke 2:1-5
In the heart of the Christmas story lies an often-overlooked aspect – the census. While seemingly mundane, this historical event is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to use corrupt systems and broken individuals to accomplish His divine plans. As you reflect and look forward, where is your hope? Is it in a job, a career, the future, family, a politician, government, or anything other than Jesus Christ? May our eyes, hearts, minds, and hope be firmly planted and fixed on Jesus Christ—the One who works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Read Luke 2:6-20
Can you imagine how inconvenient it must have seemed for Mary to travel while pregnant? In these moments of apparent inconvenience and adversity, we often lose sight of God's divine plan. God is in every detail. He planned to fulfill the prophecy of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah. His sovereignty, which stretches beyond human understanding, orchestrated the circumstances leading Mary and Joseph to the humble place where Jesus would be born.
This reminds us that His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). Even when we find ourselves caught up in the systems and circumstances of this world, God is at work, fulfilling His promises and accomplishing His purposes. Our responsibility is to walk in faith and obedience.