Christmas—Messiah’s Birth: Prophesied, Unique, Witnessed, and Response

John Wesley’s last words, “The best of all, God is with us.”  See Matthew 1.23…and they shall call his name Immanuel, which translated means, “God with us.”

1. Messiah’s birth was prophesied and expected.
   1. Planned by God in eternity past (Genesis 3.15; Hebrews 1.6; 2.14; 10.5-7).
   2. Predicted by the Old Testament prophets (Isaiah 7.14; 9.6; Micah 5.2; 1 Peter 1:10-11).
   3. Angel told Joseph (Matthew 1.20-21).
   4. Gabriel told Mary (Luke 1.26-38).
   5. Elizabeth knew Mary was pregnant with Messiah (Luke 1.39-45).
   6. Simeon was waiting for the Messiah (Luke 2.25-35).
2. Messiah’s birth was a unique event.
   1. Virgin conception (Isaiah 7.14; Matthew 1.21-25).
   2. Conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1.18; Luke 1.35).
   3. Happened at just the right time and place in history (Galatians 4.4).
   4. Birth of a child, a son, and a king (Isaiah 9.6-8).
   5. Birth of the savior (Matthew 1.21; 1 Tim 1.15)
3. Messiah’s birth was witnessed by many.
   1. Mary (Luke 2.6-7, 19).
   2. An angel of the Lord (Luke 2:9-11).
   3. Angels (Luke 2.13-15).
   4. Shepherds (Luke 2.8, 15-20).
4. Many responded to Messiah’s birth (Luke 2:15-20).
   1. Shepherds sought him (Luke 2.15-16), proclaimed him (Luke 2.17), and praised God (Luke 2.20).
   2. People wondered at the shepherds’ proclamation (Luke 2.18).
   3. Mary treasured and pondered the events (Luke 2.19).
   4. Simeon the priest praised God and prophesied Jesus’ ministry (Luke 2.25-35).
   5. Anna the prophetess thanked God and proclaimed Jesus as the redeemer (Luke 2.36-38).
   6. Magi saw him about 2 years later (Matthew 2.1-2, 7-16).
   7. Herod tried to kill him (Matthew 2.1-18).
5. What is my response to Messiah’s birth? Like the shepherds? Like Mary? Like Simeon? Like Anna? Like the Magi? Like Herod?