CHRISTMAS EVE: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE GIFT

Pastor Jonathan Falwell 

Luke 2:1–7 (NKJV) 

In Those Days… 

Luke 2:1-5 (NKJV) And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

What do you think Mary was really thinking about during this moment?

• “You’ve got to be kidding me”
  • Bethlehem was about 90 miles from Nazareth. It would have taken a week to travel, especially with a VERY pregnant wife. Whether on foot, or on a donkey, this would not have been an enjoyable journey.
• FINALLY!
  • Micah 5:2–5 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.” 3Therefore He shall give them up, Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth; Then the remnant of His brethren Shall return to the children of Israel. 4And He shall stand and feed His flock In the strength of the Lord, In the majesty of the name of the LordHis God; And they shall abide, For now He shall be great To the ends of the earth; 5And this One shall be peace…

Regardless, the days would have been difficult, until the moment arrived.

Luke 2:6-7 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The day had finally arrived! Many today are feeling the same. Excited that in just a few short hours, Christmas will be here.

Too often, we get caught up in the gifts we want rather than the one gift we truly need!

Mary understood the significance of the gift of Jesus…DO YOU?