The First Person to Ever Read the Christmas Story
Carols and Communion 2022
Luke 1:1–3 (NLT)
Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus.
Luke 1:4 (NLT)
so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.
“be certain” is the Greek term asphaleian, and it carries with it the idea of something being locked down, secure, unshakable, solid, stable, immovable
1. You can be certain that Jesus Came
Luke 2:1–7 (ESV)
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 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, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 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.
“…the Gospel of Matthew, which was written around 80 A.D. long after any of these events occurred, if they even did.”
Jamie Carter, Forbes.com - December 20, 2022
2. You can be certain that Jesus is God
Luke 2:8–11 (ESV)
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for 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 the Lord.
3. The Unshakeable Certainty that Jesus Saves
Luke 2:11–14 (ESV)
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
In Luke chapter 1 a man named Zechariah says that God, “has sent us a mighty Savior…” Luke 1:69a (NLT)
Matthew 1:21 (NLT)
And she (Mary) will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
And in Luke 2:14 the angel says that peace is for “those with whom he is pleased.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
