God provided the birthplace location of His promised Messiah in 8^th century B.C.-Micah 5:

² But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Jesus Christ always performs His word!

Do you find confidence in His faithfulness and ability to do what He says He will do?

Can you fathom the wisdom behind a prediction 700 years before it happens?

Observations on the way to Bethlehem-Luke 2:

³ And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

⁵ To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

The trip was about 80 miles. Notice the Bible does not give details on how they travelled. There is no mention of a donkey. Were others caravanning with them or were they alone? Did they go slow and stop often due to Mary’s pregnancy? Did Mary walk? The Holy Spirit gives us only what details He deems necessary for our understanding.

It is sufficient for us to know that Joseph took his espoused wife, already pregnant, with him and that Mary obeyed.

Is Jesus Christ asking you to obey in some way that seems difficult to you?

What lessons do you see in the obedience of Joseph?

What lessons do you see in the obedience of Mary?

Observations at Bethlehem-Luke 2:

⁶ And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

⁸ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

⁹ And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

¹⁵ And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

¹⁶ And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Notice the text does not read that the inn was full. There was no room for them.

Have you ever felt unwanted?

What does it mean to you that the Creator would send a message of peace and good will to His rebellious creation?

What does it mean to you that Jesus Christ is both Savior and Lord?

Observations after Bethlehem-Luke 2:

¹⁷ And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

¹⁸ And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

How did the shepherds respond?

How did those who heard respond?

It seems amazing to me that they wondered. What an understatement!

Didn’t they know the scripture?

Why didn’t the priests call for national celebrations?

Why didn’t they run to look on the Messiah and worship Him?

Do you do more than just wonder about these events?

How did Mary respond?

How do you respond?

Have you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?-John 3:

¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

¹⁷ For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

¹⁸ He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

What about the wisemen? Although the Christmas events are recorded in Luke, the visitation by the wisemen to the Christ child is recorded in Matthew. The wisemen did not worship Jesus in the manger.

Matthew 2:

⁷ Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

⁹ When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

¹¹ And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Notice the wisemen entered the house not the stable with the manger.

Notice Jesus was a young child at this time not a new born.

What does the faithfulness of the wisemen in following the star mean to you?

Have you received God’s gift of Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord?

O little town of Bethlehem-Phillip Brooks, Lewis Redner

O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie!
Above your deep and dreamless sleep, The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light.
The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love.

O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God, the King, And peace to men on earth.
How silently, how silently, The wondrous Gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sins and enter in, Be born to us today.
We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell:
Oh, come to us, abide with us ,Our Lord Emmanuel!

Hebrews 12:

¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you, has uniquely designed and created only one you, has a good

plan for your life, runs with you and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti