Nativity
of our Lord Jesus Christ
The
Saviour of the World
Christmas
Midnight Mass
1st Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7: The birth of the Messiah who
will inaugurate a new era.
2nd Reading: Titus 2:11-14: God did for us in sending His
Son into the world and what obligations it imposes on us.
Gospel: Luke 2:1-14:
Jesus’ Birth: Its Unusual Events, Lk 2:1-24
The
prophecy given by Jacob back in Genesis was now being fulfilled (Gen 49:10: The sceptre will not depart from
Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he (Messiah) comes to
whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his). The messiah had
been foretold since the world began. He was the seed of the woman crushed the
head of the serpent (Gen 3:15). The birth of Jesus was in the very beginning of
the Genesis to save the humankind as God’s steadfast love, mercy and promise.
The
Messiah waged the war against the enemies i.e. sin, death, condemnation,
corruption, injustice, inequality and
persecution. God showed mercy and delivered humankind through faith in Christ
that humankind might serve Him without any fear from death, sin and other
gods and that humankind might live
righteously and serve God forever.
1.
The miraculous taxation (v.1-6): God controls through..
a.
An event of the world used by God to fulfil His plan
b.
An event that forced Joseph to Bethlehem (house of bread=beth+lehem)
1) from Galilee
2) out of Nazareth
3) to the city of David, Bethlehem
c.
An event that led to the fulfilment of Scripture despite man’s plans
2.
The shocking place of birth (v.7): manger, stable, Bethlehem- a tiny village
3.
The unbelievable appearance of a real angel to shepherds (v.8-12): Vs.
Emperors, governors, kings, priests, politicians and leaders
a.
His appearance: shone in the glory of the Lord
b.
His appearance: Reassured-Good News
1) A proclamation: The Messiah’s birth
2) A charge: Visit the Child
3) A sign: The location and dress
4.
The spectacular appearance of the heavenly host (v.13-14): Glory to God…on earth peace to His people.
Thought: The crying need of the hour for believers is to live in the
Lord and to grow strong in the spirit of Jesus Christ the Saviour of the world.
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