1. Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting” (NKJV).

2. Micah 5:2 One “whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting” (vs. 2b). For “goings forth” the RSV, NIV, ESV, HCSB put this “origin,” but Jesus has always been (cf. John 8:58). He would come from Bethlehem (vs. 2a). Where Rachel died (Gen. 35:19). The city of David (1 Sam. 17:12; cf. Matt. 2:4-5).

3. The Birth of Jesus I. The Biblical Account of Jesus’ Birth. A. Preceded by three divine announcements. 1. To a priest related to Jesus (Luke 1:13-17). 2. To Jesus’ mother, Mary (Luke 1:26-33). 3. To Jesus’ father, Joseph (Matt. 1:18-21).

4. The Birth of Jesus I. The Biblical Account of Jesus’ Birth. B. Jesus’ conception was to a virgin woman (Luke 1:34-35). 1. This demonstrated Jesus’ deity (Matt. 1:22- 23). 2. He is Immanuel “God with us”—A fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14.

5. The Birth of Jesus I. The Biblical Account of Jesus’ Birth. C. They came to Bethlehem to be registered (Luke 2:1-5). 1. Many scholars now understand this to mean “this census happened before Quirinius governed Syria.”

6. The Birth of Jesus I. The Biblical Account of Jesus’ Birth. D. Jesus was swaddled and laid in a manger (Luke 2:6-7). E. His birth was announced to shepherds (Luke 2:8-18).

7. The Birth of Jesus I. The Biblical Account of Jesus’ Birth. F. Wise men from the east came to visit Jesus (Matt. 2:1-2). 1. Wise men (magoi)—Gr. OT in negative sense (Deut. 18:11) and positive sense (Dan. 5:11). Daniel was chief of the magoi. 2. They brought gifts to Jesus (Matt. 2:9-11). 3. They followed “His star” (cf. Joel 2:30).

8. The Birth of Jesus II. Misconceptions about the Birth of Jesus. A. “Jesus was born on December 25th.” 1. The Bible does not tell us the date of Jesus’ birth. 2. It was likely either in February or September (Luke 1:5; 1 Chron. 24:10; 2 Kings 11:7; 2 Chron. 23:8; Exod. 12:2; Deut. 16:1; Luke 1:8- 9, 23-25, 26, 36).

9. The Birth of Jesus II. Misconceptions about the Birth of Jesus. B. “There were three wise men.” 1. This is probably assumed from the three gifts brought to Jesus (i.e. gold, frankincense, and myrrh). 2. Scripture does not tell us how many there were (Matt. 2:1).

10. The Birth of Jesus II. Misconceptions about the Birth of Jesus. C. “The Wise Men visited Jesus while He was in the manger.” 1. They came to Him in a house (Matt. 2:11). 2. Jesus could have been as old as two years old when they came to Him (Matt. 2:7, 16).

11. The Birth of Jesus II. Misconceptions about the Birth of Jesus. D. “The Shepherds brought gifts.” 1. The Bible does not tell us this (Luke 2:15- 17). 2. Unlike the wise men, they were not seeking Jesus, but were told by the angels about Jesus.

12. The Birth of Jesus II. Misconceptions about the Birth of Jesus. E. “The animals around the manger spoke.” 1. While the Bible does teach that Jesus was laid in a manger (Luke 2:7,12, 16) there is no reference to animals at all! 2. This would ascribe a miracle where none has been recorded by the Holy Spirit.

13. The Birth of Jesus II. Misconceptions about the Birth of Jesus. F. “The Bible teaches Christians to celebrate ‘Christmas.’” 1. The Bible says nothing about observing any type of memorial of the birth of Jesus. 2. Christians are commanded to memorialize Jesus’ death (Matt. 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:14-23; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; Acts 20:7).

14. The Birth of Jesus III. The Significance of Jesus’ Birth. A. His birth confirmed His identity as the promised Messiah. 1. His identity was revealed to Simeon (Luke 2:25-35). 2. The prophetess Anna confirmed His identity (Luke 2:36-38).

15. The Birth of Jesus III. The Significance of Jesus’ Birth. B. He came to become our High Priest and sacrifice (Heb. 2:14-18). 1. He can sympathize, with us, but He does not tolerate sin. C. Jesus came to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:15- 16).