December 25, 2022
Lessons Learned
Christmas Story
by Wayne Gaeddert
1. Some of the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled when Jesus was born:
· Jesus would be a descendant of Abraham. Genesis 22:18, Matthew 1:1
· Jesus would be of the kingly line of David. Jeremiah 23:5, Luke 3:31
· Jesus would be born of a virgin. Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18; 24-25
· Jesus would be born in Bethlehem in Judah. Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1
2. In Luke 1:32-33 the angel told Mary her son, Jesus, would be given, “...the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
3. Jesus is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew Joshua meaning, “Yahweh is salvation.”
4. Mary and Joseph’s life plan was interrupted by God’s call for them to be the earthly parents of Jesus, God’s Son.
5. God chooses to use humble people who are willing to sacrifice their lives for His purpose.
6. Both Mary and Joseph were told to name the child Jesus. Luke 1:31, Matthew 1:21
7. Jesus did not inherit Adam’s sinful nature because of the supernatural conception.
8. “He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Colossians 1:15
9. John the Baptist referred to Jesus as the ‘lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world’ (John 1:29). It is interesting that God announced through angels to the shepherds (keepers of the sacrificial sheep in Jerusalem) the birth of Jesus.
10. The sign given to the shepherds that they have found ‘the Savior who is Christ the Lord’ was a baby in the manger.
11. The news of the birth of a king was not comforting to the residents of Jerusalem. Matthew 2:3
12. Although the chief priests and scribes knew where the King was to be born (Matthew 2:4-5), none of them were interested to go see the King.
13. The wise men brought gifts for Jesus. What gift have you offered to your Savior this year?
14. The wise men did not see Jesus in the manger but when He was a child in a house. Matthew 2:11
15. The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was around 90 miles.
16. Scripture does not tell us how long Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem until Jesus was born. Luke 2:6 states, “And while they were there…”
17. The shepherds understood the message of the angels was from God. Luke 2:15
18. Jesus was born for the purpose of sacrificing His life for our sins:
· “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
· “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” John 10:17-18
19. Looking to Jesus is the only way for man to effectively deal with their sin problem.
20. A. Jesus was born according to God’s timetable. Galatians 4:4
B. Jesus will return according to God’s timetable. Acts 1:8, 11
21. Our understanding of Jesus must go beyond the baby in the manger on Christmas. We must also see:
· His sinless life.
· His sacrificial death for our sins.
· His resurrection on the third day.
· His ascension into heaven
· The promise of His return for the church His bride.
