The Christmas Series: 2. Away in a Manger

Sunday message by Pastor Paul Lloyd, 08th of December 2024

The Story of the Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7, NLT)

At that time, the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) Everyone returned to their ancestral towns to register.

Joseph, being a descendant of King David, traveled from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He brought Mary, his fiancée, who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for Mary to give birth. She delivered her firstborn son, wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger because there was no lodging available for them.

Everything About the Christmas Story Is Intentional

The Christmas story reveals how God has everything under control. If there’s one takeaway from this season, it’s this: if you’re actively following Jesus as your Savior and Lord, He’s really got you. He has worked out a plan for your life that leaves nothing to chance.

Your role is simple: trust Him and show up where He wants you to be so you can fully experience the benefits of faith in Jesus Christ.

The How and When of Jesus’ Birth

We’ve seen the how and when of Jesus’ birth:

• When: Tishrei 1—a day symbolizing new creation and new covenant.

• How: Born of a virgin’s womb, fulfilling prophetic promises.

We’ve also seen two of the main characters, Mary and Joseph, whose simplicity and faith are both inspiring and incredible.

Where Jesus Was Born

In traditional nativity plays, we see Mary and Joseph traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem, only to find no room at any local inns. They end up in a stable, where Jesus is born and laid in a manger.

At first glance, we might think, “Poor Mary and baby Jesus—what an unfortunate situation.” But when we look deeper, we see that God’s plan was perfect. Both Jesus’ birth and death were hard, yet both happened in exactly the right places.

Prophecies That Set the Stage

Hundreds of years earlier, the prophet Micah wrote two key prophecies about where the Messiah would be born:

Micah 4:8 (NKJV):“And you, O tower of the flock,The stronghold of the daughter of Zion,To you shall it come,Even the former dominion shall come,The kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.”

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

These prophecies eliminated every other city or town in the world as the Messiah’s birthplace. The Messiah had to come from Bethlehem, near a specific place called Migdal Eder—the "Tower of the Flock."

Migdal Eder and Its Significance

Migdal Eder was a special place with profound symbolism:

• Shepherds used this tower to protect their flocks and guard against predators.

• Ewes were brought here to give birth under the care of priests.

• The lambs born in this location were destined for sacrifice at the temple in Jerusalem.

The shepherds who tended these flocks were a special group, tasked with raising lambs suitable for temple sacrifices. They maintained a ceremonially clean stable for birthing.

It was here, in this sacred setting, that Joseph took Mary. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was born in the same place as the sacrificial lambs, fulfilling both prophecy and symbolism perfectly.

The First Witnesses to the Birth of Christ (Luke 2:8-20, NLT)

That night, shepherds were in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks. Suddenly, an angel appeared to them, surrounded by the radiance of God’s glory. The angel said:

“Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! You will recognize Him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

A host of angels then appeared, praising God: “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem, found Mary and Joseph, and saw the baby lying in the manger. They spread the news, astonishing everyone who heard it. Then they returned to their flocks, glorifying and praising God.

God’s Perfect Plan

How amazing is God’s plan!

• The timing was perfect—Tishrei 1, a day of new beginnings.

• The place was perfect—Bethlehem, at the Tower of the Flock.

• The witnesses were perfect—shepherds who were experts in recognizing spotless lambs for sacrifice.

These shepherds immediately recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God who would take away the world’s sins (John 1:29).

What This Means for Us Today

Be encouraged—God’s plan for your life is just as detailed and intentional.

You are the right person to fulfill a specific part of His will and plan. Ultimately, that plan is to bring you into a restored relationship with the Creator through His Son, Jesus. But it doesn’t stop there; your real journey begins when you turn to Him for salvation.

God’s sovereign hand positions you for eternal impact. He’s preparing you for what He has prepared for you.

Staying Positioned in God’s Plan

To play your part, stay spiritually prepared:

• Don’t skip church, prayer, or Bible study.

• Be faithful in giving back to God what He’s given you.

Missing out on these things can derail you and waste valuable time. Don’t let the train leave without you—be in the right place at the right time, ready to fulfill your role in God’s story.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas, trust God completely. He’s got you, and His plan is perfect. Show up where He wants you to be, and you’ll find yourself part of His divine story, just as Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds were.

Let this season remind you: God’s intentionality in the birth of Jesus is a testament to His care and control over every detail of our lives. Play your part, trust Him, and watch His perfect plan unfold.

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