The Christmas Series: 1. When and How Jesus was born

Sunday message by Pastor Paul Lloyd, 1st of December 2024

As we step into the Christmas season, let me ask: does it feel like this year has been the fastest one yet? For many of us, time seems to fly, but this season gives us an opportunity to slow down and reflect. Over the next four Sundays, we’ll embark on a deep dive into the birth of Jesus Christ—the Savior, Lord, and King of all creation.

Through this series, we’ll address four key questions about His birth and explore what they mean for us today:

1. When was Jesus born?

2. Where was He born?

3. Why was He born?

4. Who came to witness His birth?

   
   

To begin, let’s look at when and how Jesus was born through the lens of Scripture:

The Birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25, NLT)

"This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit."

Joseph, described as a righteous man, struggled with the unexpected news but responded with grace and humility. When an angel appeared to him, explaining that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and would save His people from their sins, Joseph obeyed. This obedience fulfilled the prophecy from Isaiah:

"The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’"

Addressing Misconceptions About Christmas

Some argue that December 25 wasn’t the actual birthdate of Jesus, citing connections to pagan festivals. While this debate persists, the date itself isn’t the central point. What truly matters is the significance of His birth and what it reveals about God’s will and timing.

The Astronomical Perspective

Exploring Scripture reveals fascinating insights about Jesus' birth and the celestial signs surrounding it. Scholars have drawn connections between the prophetic imagery in Revelation 12:1-2—a woman clothed with the sun, standing on the moon, wearing a crown of twelve stars—and the actual astronomical events of September 11, 3 BC.

On that date, an extraordinary alignment occurred:

• The sun, moon, and the constellation Virgo were aligned.

• Jupiter, the "king planet," was in conjunction with Regulus, the "king star."

This alignment is thought to have been the "Star of Bethlehem," guiding the Magi to Jesus. The event coincided with the Jewish feast of Rosh Hashanah, symbolizing new beginnings and the arrival of the Messiah.

The Human Response: Lessons from Mary and Joseph

Mary's Trust in GodMary’s response to the angel’s announcement reflects unparalleled faith:

"Trust God and leave all the consequences to Him."

Despite the immense personal sacrifice, Mary embraced her role with joy and obedience, exemplified in her song of praise, the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-56). Her faith challenges us to trust God’s plans for our lives, even when they seem overwhelming.

Joseph's Humility and Integrity Joseph’s quiet strength and willingness to follow God’s instructions, even when they defied societal norms, demonstrate true integrity. He provided stability and protection for Mary and Jesus, embodying the qualities of a faithful servant.

A Time for Reflection

As we navigate the pressures of the Christmas season—gatherings, gifts, and endless to-dos—let’s remember the deeper meaning of this time.

Jesus’ birth represents hope, renewal, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. By reflecting on Mary and Joseph’s examples, we can approach this season with trust, humility, and a readiness to let God work through us.

Closing Thoughts

The story of Jesus’ birth is a profound reminder of God’s love and His desire to include us in His plan of redemption. As we continue this Christmas series, let’s open our hearts to the significance of this miraculous event.

May this season inspire faith, reflection, and a deeper connection to the One who makes all things new.

Watch the message on Youtube.