 The Troubling Birth Luke 2:1-7 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

 The Troubling Birth › An historical event (circa 4 BC) Luke 2:1-7 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

 The Troubling Birth › An historical event (circa 4 BC) › Born in a barn. “she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger ”

 The Troubling Birth › An historical event (circa 4 BC) › Born in a barn. “she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger”

 The Troubling Birth › An historical event (circa 4 BC) › Born in a barn. › But he was a king! Isaiah 9:6 (NASB) For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

 The Troubling Birth › An historical event (circa 4 BC) › Born in a barn. › But he was a king! › He deserved a palace!

 The Troubling Birth › An historical event (circa 4 BC) › Born in a barn. › But he was a king! › He deserved a palace!

 The Troubling Birth  Troubling Indifference › The King was here! “…laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn ”

 The Troubling Birth  Troubling Indifference › The King was here! › “But I didn’t know!” “…laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn ”

 The Troubling Birth  Troubling Indifference  Troubled Many Lives › The Astrologers  From a great distance  Willing hearts. Matthew 2:1-2 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

Luke 2:8-9 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.  The Troubling Birth  Troubling Indifference  Troubled Many Lives › The Astrologers › The poor shepherds …Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God…

 The Troubling Birth  Troubling Indifference  Troubled Many Lives  Violence › Herod’s reaction Matthew 2:16 Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance.

 The Troubling Birth  Troubling Indifference  Troubled Many Lives  Violence  God Wants Peace Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

 The Troubling Birth  Troubling Indifference  Troubled Many Lives  Violence  God Wants Peace  It’s a Violent World › Not everyone wants peace with God… “When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” Matt. 2:3

 The Troubling Birth  Troubling Indifference  Troubled Many Lives  Violence  God Wants Peace  It’s a Violent World  So God Must ‘Save’ Us For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men Titus 2:11

 The Troubling Birth  Troubling Indifference  Troubled Many Lives  Violence  God Wants Peace  It’s a Violent World  So God Must ‘Save’ Us › ‘Grace’ means ‘free’ For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men Titus 2:11

 The Troubling Birth  Troubling Indifference  Troubled Many Lives  Violence  God Wants Peace  It’s a Violent World  So God Must ‘Save’ Us  It Changes Everything …He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good… Titus 2:14

 The Troubling Birth  Troubling Indifference  Troubled Many Lives  Violence  God Wants Peace  It’s a Violent World  So God Must ‘Save’ Us  It Changes Everything …He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good… Titus 2:14

 The Troubling Birth  Troubling Indifference  Troubled Many Lives  Violence  God Wants Peace  It’s a Violent World  So God Must ‘Save’ Us  It Changes Everything …He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good… Titus 2:14

 The Troubling Birth  Troubling Indifference  Troubled Many Lives  Violence  God Wants Peace  It’s a Violent World  So God Must ‘Save’ Us  It Changes Everything …He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good … Titus 2: ? ‘doing good’

For a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us. He shoulders responsibility and is called: Extraordinary Strategist, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace …God’s kindness leads you to repentance. Romans 2:4 …God’s kindness leads you to repentance. Romans 2:4