The Wonder Of Christmas

The First Family Of Christmas

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Luke 2:1–6 (ESV)

MARY AND JOSPEH WERE THE FIRST TO SAY YES TO JESUS

Luke 1:38 (ESV)

38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Saying yes to Jesus meant their lives would change forever—still said yes!

They said Yes to Being Misunderstood

They said yes to being Mistreated

They said yes to being Maligned

The most precious things are only produced through patience and perseverance

Because they said yes and remained faithful

Their mistreatment became vindication

MARY AND JOSPEH WERE THE FIRST TO EXPERIENCE THE BOND OF BELIEVERS

Luke 1:41–42 (ESV)

41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

Only those who have experienced the supernatural in themselves understand when something supernatural happens in you

Elizabeth has a miracle baby in her womb and she validates the miracle baby in the womb of Mary

God gave Mary Elizabeth, He gave you his church

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near Hebrews 10:23–25 (ESV)

MARY AND JOSPEH WERE THE FIRST TO DISCOVER THE JOY OF MAKING ROOM FOR JESUS

Luke 2:6–7 (ESV)

6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Because she made room for him, He makes room for us

Luke 18:28–30 (ESV)

28 And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.” 29 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”