Christmas – Ministry of Grace Church

Category: Christmas

Matthew 2:1 – Learn the Truth

Posted on December 17, 2018 by Will

And Jesus having been born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,

Truth to Learn

We need to believe what the Bible says, not what tradition has taught us, no matter how interesting they might make the story.

Behind the Words

“Bethlehem” is a transliteration of the Hebrew Bēth Lechem, which literally means “house of bread.” It previously was called Ephrath, where Jacob’s wife Rachel was buried.

The words “wise men” are translated from the Greek magos, which refers to a priest or wise man among the Medes, Persians and Babylonians. In Daniel 2:48 we find that Daniel was made the leader of the magi (plural form of magos). It is believed by some that these magi were following a prophecy of Daniel that predicted the birth of the King of the Jews.

The word translated “East” is anatolē, which is from the verb anatellō, made up of ana, meaning “up” and tellō, meaning “to set out for a goal.” Anatolē literally refers to “the rising [of the sun.]” Thus, it is a reference to the direction from which the sun rises each day, that is, the East.

Meaning Explained

Matthew’s gospel account portrays Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, King of the Jews. In the first chapter of his gospel, Matthew traces the lineage of Jesus back to King David, the greatest of the earthly kings of the Jewish people.

At the time that Jesus was born, Herod the Great was the king over the country of the Jews. Initially, he was made governor (tetrarch) of Galilee and his brother, Phasael, was made governor of Jerusalem. Later, Herod was proclaimed “King of the Jews” by the Roman senate and became the ruler of all of Judea. He was the son of an Idumean man named Antigonus and his mother was Arabian. The Idumeans were descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother (God renamed Jacob as Israel). Even though Herod practiced the Jewish religion, he was never accepted by the religious leaders as a Jew. Because of his many massive building projects, including the expansion of the Temple in Jerusalem, he became known as “Herod the Great.” He had at least nine sons by five wives and five of his sons were named Herod (Herod Phillip I, Herod Antipas, Herod Archelaus, Prince Herod, and Herod Phillip II).

About 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem:

And you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being least among the thousands of Judah, out of you He shall come forth to Me to become the one ruling in Israel, and His goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity. (Micah 5:2)

However, Herod was a highly jealous man who maintained his power by killing off anyone who might become a rival of his. Therefore, when the magi came seeking the new born King of the Jews, Herod was determined to eliminate this new king any way he could.

Application

Because of traditions started centuries ago, many of the things we think we know about the Christmas story are not necessarily true. For instance, we don’t know if these magi were kings (they probably weren’t). Also, we don’t know how many of them there were. It is assumed that there were three because of the three different gifts that were offered to the Christ child (Matthew 2:11). We don’t know their names, and they didn’t come to the stable. But we do know that they were seeking a prophetically foretold King of the Jews and that they got incredibly excited when they knew they were about to come into His presence. As Christians, we all need to study our Bibles to learn the truth about the birth of our Savior. And, we too should be excited about coming into the presence of the King of King, the Lord of Lords, and our Savior.

In God's service, for His glory,

Luke 2:13, 14 – Singing Angels?

Posted on December 22, 2017 by Will

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace on men with whom He is pleased."

Truth to Learn

We need to believe what the Bible says, not what tradition has taught us, no matter how good it might make the story.

Behind the Words

“Suddenly” is translated from the Greek word exaiphnēs, which means, ”without warning” or “suddenly.”

The word “multitude” is from the Greek noun plēthos, which refers to “fullness” or “an extremely large amount.”

“Army” is translated from stratias, derived from stratos, meaning “an army.” Stratias refers to God’s army of angels.

“Praising” is from aineō, which means “to declare the praises of and to give glory to someone or something.”

The word “saying” is the Greek verb legō, which literally means “to lay forth,” that is “to verbally deliver a message.” It is not a word that means “to sing.” There are three Greek words translated “sing.” They are adō (generic word for singing), humneō (to sing hymns), and psallō (to play music on an instrument or with the voice.)

The words, “among men with whom He is pleased” are translated from the words en anthropois eudokias. The first word, en, means “in” or “on.” The word anthropois is a plural form of the word for “a man.” The word eudokias is from the verb eudokeo, which means “to please” or “to favor.” The noun form here is in the genitive case, meaning “of favor” or “of pleasure.” Now, we have to ask ourselves, “Of whose favor?” and the only logical answer is, “Of His favor.” Therefore, it is best understood to mean “of His favor” or “of His pleasure.” Thus, our translation of “with whom He is pleased.”

Meaning Explained

Every time I sing Gloria in Excelsis Deo (Latin for “Glory to God in the highest”), I imagine a sky full of angels singing in multi-point harmony with a few lowly shepherds and their flocks as the only audience. What a magnificent sound that must have been, coming from the voices of thousands of angels! There’s only one problem with that. The angels didn’t sing to the shepherds … Say what!?

Before we get into that, let’s step back a little bit. On this particular night there were few shepherds camping out with their sheep. These shepherds were banned from entering the Temple in Jerusalem, the very Temple where the sheep under their care would someday be sacrificed. In spite of that, they were faithfully doing their job when they were surprised by the sudden appearance of a magnificent angel hovering over them, casting his glorious radiance all around. This angel announced to them that the Messiah had just been born. Then, as if telling the shepherds that they must go find this Messianic Baby, the angel informed the shepherds that they would find the child wrapped in strips of cloths, lying in an animal’s feeding trough.

But before the shepherds could even process all this information, the sky was suddenly and unexpectedly filled with thousands of angels, giving praise to Jehovah God and they were saying, not singing, “Glory to God in the highest!”

“So what’s the big deal?” you ask. I agree that singing angels makes a better story, but I believe what the Bible says, not what I want it to say. I believe that we are all sinners, deserving of Hell. I believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was shed to pay the penalty for my sins. I believe Christ died physically and rose from the dead physically. I believe these things, not because they’re reasonable and make perfect sense, because they don’t. I believe them because the Bible says so. Singing angels makes for a great Hollywood scene, but imagine what a wondrous sound it must have been when thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, of angels proclaimed in unison, “Glory to God in the highest!”

Application

We may not understand why God tells us what He tells us in the Bible, but we need to believe what it says. Spiritual maturity comes from careful study, believing what the Bible actually reveals, not what tradition has taught us.

Laying all that aside, let’s remember what this passage of Scripture is here to tell us. The God of all creation, the Almighty, the All Knowing, the Everywhere and Everytime Present Supreme Lord of the universe, humbled himself and took on the form of a poor carpenter’s son. His first bed was an animal’s feeding trough. He lived His life with little or no material possessions. He wasn’t forced to do this anymore than he was forced to die on the cross. He humbled himself for our sakes. Christmas is one of the greatest examples of God’s humbling Himself as an expression of His supreme love for His loved ones (you and me). And all that He asks in return is for us to humble ourselves as an expression of our gratitude to Him.

Let’s focus ourselves this Christmas on humbling ourselves before our Savior, the little baby lying in a manger.

In God's service, for His glory,

Luke 2:12 – Poor Messiah

Posted on December 21, 2017 by Will

And this is the sign to you: You will find a newborn baby wrapped up, lying in the manger."

Truth to Learn

The conquering Messiah arrived as a very poor baby.

Behind the Words

Sēmeion is the Greek word translated “sign.” This is based on the verb sēmainō, which means “to mark,” “to indicate,” or “signify.” Sēmeion is used throughout the New Testament to specify a miracle with a spiritual message. Here it is both a miraculous sign as well as an identifying mark.

The words “newborn baby” are translated from brephos, which specifically refers to “an unborn child,” but it is also used to refer to a newborn child.

“Wrapped up” is from the Greek verb sparganoō, which is from the noun sparganon, meaning a strip of material. Thus, the verb refers to wrapping something in strips of cloth. The rich had blankets or “birth robes” for newborn children. Mary and Joseph could only wrap Jesus is strips of cloth.

The word “manger” is translated from the noun phatnē, from the verb pateomai, meaning “to eat.” A phatnē was where animals ate. It refers either to the stall in which an animal was fed or the feeding trough itself. Here, it probably refers to the feeding trough.

Meaning Explained

Having been startled and amazed by the appearance of an angelic being suspended in mid-air above them with his glory shining all around, the shepherds were told that the Christ had just been born. The Christ (Greek equivalent of Messiah) was the One for whom all of Israel had been waiting since the time of Abraham. The Messiah was to be a conquering king who would sit on the throne of David and who would rescue Israel.

The Jews believed that their Messiah would be born of the kingly line of David. Therefore, they expected that He would be born in a king’s palace with all the accoutrements that royalty and wealth could afford. The Prophet Isaiah had said:

For a Child has been born to us, A Son has been given to us; And the government is on His shoulder; and His name is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. There is no end to the increase of His government and of peace on the throne of David, and on His kingdom, to order it, and to sustain it with justice and with righteousness, from now and forever. The zeal of Jehovah of Hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

After hearing the angelic announcement that the Messiah had been born, there is no doubt that the shepherds wanted to go see Him, but they probably knew they would not be admitted into His presence, expecting royal soldiers to have been guarding Him. But the angel then told them how they would be able to identify this child. He gave them a sign, this baby would be wrapped in strips of cloth and He would be found lying in a manger. This was not the way they expected the Messiah to be born.

The King of kings and the Lord of all creation could have come into this world with all the celebration and show of wealth beyond anything that you or I can ever imagine, but this was God’s way. And that’s the way with the gospel message today. Salvation doesn’t come with a great outward show of conquest with celebration and ceremony. It comes with humility and submission and an inward presence of peace.

Application

Most people spend their lives seeking wealth, power, and prestige. God, in the person of Jesus Christ, has shown us that it is better to be poor than rich and it is better to be humble than proud. During this Christmas season, let’s evaluate what our life goals really are and how we want to achieve them. Jesus’ birth was not for his own glory, it was for us. Likewise, our life in Christ is not for ourselves, it is for Him. This Christmas, do you want more “stuff” or do you want to be more like Jesus?

In God's service, for His glory,

Luke 2:10, 11 – Born To Die

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Will

And the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid!” Look, I proclaim good news to you, a great joy, which will be to all people. Because there was born to you today a Savior (who is Christ the Lord) in the city of David.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ came forth as a baby so that he would grow up and die on a cross so that we, being dead sinners, might have eternal life.

Behind the Words

“Afraid” is translated from phobeō, from which we get our English word phobia, meaning “fear.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command. It is also accompanied by the negative particle mē. Thus, the angel commanded the shepherds not to be afraid.

The words “I proclaim good news” are from the verb euangelidzomai, meaning “to announce good news.” This is the word from which we get our English verb “to evangelize.”

“Was born” is from a form of the Greek verb tiktō, meaning “to bring forth,” “to bear,” or “to give birth.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense indicating a past completed single action. Thus, when the angel made this announcement to the shepherds, Jesus had already been born.

The word “Savior” is translated from sotēr. This is derived from the verb sodzō, which means “to save,” “to deliver,” or “to preserve safe from danger, loss, or destruction.” This is a very good description of the purpose of the birth of Jesus, to preserve us safe from danger, loss, or destruction.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that the shepherds to whom this angel appeared were “afraid with mega-fear.” This is certainly understandable for some simple shepherds, alone in the middle of the night, suddenly visited by a person hovering in the air above them wrapped in brilliant, blazing light.

However, the first words out of this messenger’s mouth were, “Don’t be afraid!” This same exact expression is found at least eighteen times in the New Testament. In every case but one, it was spoken either by Jesus or by one of His angelic messengers. The next thing this angel said was, “I proclaim good news to you, a great joy, which will be to all people.” The reason that the angel told them not to be afraid is because their Savior had come.

Today, the word “gospel” is often used to mean “authentic.” However, in the New Testament it is always the translation of the word euangelion, or “good news.” We Christians usually think of the gospel message as the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which secured our salvation. However, this good news began with His incarnation, His birth as a human being. When we think of our salvation, we think of the cross. When we think of Christmas, we think of the manger. However, without the manger there would be no cross. The good news of salvation through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ began with the good news that God became a man and He did so as a helpless little baby who was laid in an animal’s feeding trough.

Application

As we hurry and scurry about during this Christmas season of celebration, let’s not forget that the little baby whose birth we celebrate is our God, who sacrificed Himself for us. This little baby was born to die so that we might live eternally with Him.

In God's service, for His glory,

Luke 2:9 – Full of Fear

Posted on December 19, 2017 by Will

And an angel of the Lord stood over them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

Truth to Learn

The shepherds were afraid when the angel appeared to them.

Behind the Words

The words “stood over” are translated from the Greek word ephistēmi, from epi meaning “on, above, over, or against” and histēmi, meaning “to stand.” The most common translation of this word in the New Testament is “stand upon.” In this occurrence, however, most translators give it the meaning of “stand against” or “stand before.” However, given the content of this verse, I believe a more literal translation of “stand over” is reasonable. Hence, rather than standing before the shepherds, this angel was probably above them or over them. That is why the glory of the Lord shone around them – because the angel was in the air over them and his magnificent glory shone all around them.

“Glory” is translated from doxa, a form of dokeō. The root meaning of this word is “to think” or “to suppose.” Therefore, the root meaning of doxa is “thought” or “opinion.” There are a number of secondary uses of this word including, reputation, praise, honor, perfection, light, or splendor. In this verse it is used to indicate “bright visual splendor.”

“Shone around” is from the Greek verb perilampō, which is made up of peri, meaning “around” and lampō, meaning “to give light” or “to shine.” Literally, this word means “to illuminate all around.” Thus, perilampō refers to a light which is shining all around.

The expression “they were greatly afraid” is from the words ephobēthēsan phobon megan. This literally means “they feared great fear.” In Greek, repetition of words indicates emphasis, so saying “they feared fear” would indicate that they were very afraid. In addition, the inclusion of the word megan (mega, meaning “great”) indicates that their fear was extremely great.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that shepherds (probably those responsible for the sheep to be used for the Temple sacrifices) were camping out among the sheep. They were “watching watches,” that is, they were taking turns during the night looking around in order to detect any possible dangers to the animals. Shepherds in those days were fully responsible for the protection of their flocks. In fact, they cared so greatly for the animals under their protection that they experienced mourning over the death of even a single lamb.

While these particular shepherds were protecting their flock in the middle of the dark night, a bright and glorious angelic being appeared to them. This angel seems to have suddenly appeared out of nowhere, suspended in mid-air with his glorious brightness lighting up everything around them.

The sudden appearance of this glorious angelic being caused these normally unflappably courageous shepherds to become extremely afraid. They were used to fighting off lions or bears, but they were not prepared for the presence of this angel.

It’s interesting that the announcement of the birth of the Messiah should start out with fear, because the whole purpose of His incarnation was to bring peace. Just as the fear that Adam and Eve experienced after sinning was taken away by the sacrifice of animals, so the fear of all sinners can be removed by faith in the blood of the Lamb of God.

Application

There are many who are afraid even in this season of celebration of the birth of our Savior. It may be fear caused by sickness, financial worries, or fear of physical harm. Look around! Perhaps there is someone around you who is fearful even in the midst of this season of celebration. Is it possible that you can be God’s angel of peace for them? What can you do to relieve their fear?

In God's service, for His glory,

Luke 2:8 – Celebrating Whom?

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Will

And shepherds were in the same region spending the night in the field and keeping the night watch over their flock.

Truth to Learn

Christmas was first announced to those who were banned from the accepted religious observances.

Behind the Words

“Shepherds” is translated from poimēn, which refers to “someone who watches over to protect and provide for a flock or herd of animals.”

The word “region” is from chōra which is based on choros, meaning “a place where cattle range and feed.” By extension, Chōra is used to refer to a region, a country, or a land.

“Spending the night in the field” is the translation of the Greek verb agrauleō, which is made up of agros, referring to “the country” as opposed to “the city” and aulidzomai, which means “to spend the night.” Thus, these shepherds were spending the night camped out in the country.

The words “keeping watch” are from the verb phulassō, meaning “to watch over” or “to guard.” The Greek text actually says phulassontes phulakas, meaning “watching watches.” These men were taking turns watching the sheep throughout the various "watches" of the night which were evening, middle of the night, cock crowing, and morning.

Meaning Explained

In Greek, word order is significant, implying importance or emphasis. In the Greek text, this verse starts out with “and shepherds …” because this is an account of what transpired with the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth.

Shepherds spent most of their time out in the fields with their flocks, especially in the spring and summer (these events probably occurred in the springtime). Because of this, they were not able to keep the religious ordinances and ceremonial responsibilities that were required by the religious leaders. As a result, these same religious leaders considered shepherds little better than the heathen Gentiles. They were even banned from entering the Temple. This is particularly ironic since these shepherds were most likely watching the very sheep which were to be used in the temple sacrifices.

Based on the Prophet Micah, the Jews believed that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem:

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being little among the clans of Judah, out of you He shall come forth to Me to become ruler in Israel; and His comings forth have been from of old, from the days of antiquity. (Micah 5:2)

Near Bethlehem, on the road to Jerusalem, there was a watchtower called Migdal Eder, meaning “watchtower of the flock.” This is where shepherds watched over the animals destined for sacrifice in the Temple in Jerusalem. It was a commonly held belief among the Jews that their Messiah would be revealed from Migdal Eder, because the prophet Micah also said:

And you, O tower of the flock [Migdol Eder], the hill of the daughter of Zion, it shall happen to you… (Micah 4:8 a).

These shepherds, responsible for guarding the sacrificial lambs and who were banned from the Temple, are likely the very ones to whom the Sacrificial Lamb of God was announced by God’s angelic messengers.

Application

Isn’t it amazing. Even though the Jews believed that their Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and that he would be revealed at Migdal Eder, they completely missed His birth? They were likely too busy living their lives and following their "religious" observances to be bothered with looking for their Messiah! How about you? Are you so busy “celebrating” His birth with presents that you completely miss the presence of the One for whom the celebration is intended? Are you busy decorating, shopping, wrapping, cooking, and otherwise preparing for Christmas Day, or are you reading, studying, praying, and humbling yourself before the God-child who was born on this day so that He could die to pay for your sins.

This year, instead of celebrating Christmas, let's celebrate the Christ Child!

In God's service, for His glory,