Luke 2 – Champion Builders

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If you are like me, sometimes the repetitive nature of things can make me a little dull and it can be easy to miss the true impact of certain events or experiences. In all the commercialization and busyness of this season, it is easy to miss how truly amazing Christmas is. So we are going to ask: What is the big deal about Christmas? And why it is THE ANSWER to life’s most pressing problems.

Why Christmas?

Have you or anyone else you know asked the question: “If God is real why doesn’t He do something about all the evil in the world?”

If you watch or listen to the news at all, it will not take long to be confronted and at times overwhelmed by all the unrest and tragedies in our city and the world. You may even wonder what you or anyone else can do about it. The amazing news is that God is not blind to all that is happening. In fact, he saw it coming before it even happened. He set forth a plan, called Christmas, to eradicate all the evil and problems in the world.

Check out part of the story here: ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬ & ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭25‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV

The angels revealed that God was bringing good news and joy (v.10), a Savior (v.11), and peace (v.14).

Likewise, the Holy Spirit revealed through Simeon, a devote man that God has provided salvation (v.30) for not only for people that have grown up in church (aka. Israel or Jews; v.32) but for all people (Gentiles; v.32). Meaning God had rescue plan and Rescuer that is now on the scene to set things right.

The birth of Jesus (aka Christmas) was Gods response to the pain and problems of the world. It was His great rescue plan to bring people out of darkness.

Why is there still pain in the world?

You may be thinking…”well that’s sounds great and all, but why is there still pain and trouble in the world?” What has helped me is knowing that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than mine (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭8‬). Meaning His overall plan is greater and better. Also, what we have to realize is God’s salvation plan is happening….it is in motion. It has not fully culminated yet.
How can we know this? All we need to do is look around a little closer.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In other words…just look for love. Where have you seen some “good”? Where have you seen some kind of “perfect gift” in your life? Whatever good or beauty we see or experience, we can know that God had a part in it.

Action:

When you see all the Chrismas lights and decorations, try to reframe them as a celebration signally the reality that God has given us an answer to the problems of the world.
And that when we ➡️see love and ➡️act love out, we can join in with God’s rescue plan.

READ: Luke 2:1-40

DO I REALLY HAVE JESUS IN MY LIFE?
AM I REALLY CARRYING JESUS IN MY HEART?

Honestly…have you ever wondered this?

If so, be encouraged that you are not alone in those thoughts. Many people who had vital roles in the revelation of God’s work in this world, had doubts too.

Mary and Joseph are examples of this. Think of it…

This is most likely the first time since the original time the angel appeared and told Mary how she was going to carry the Messiah. Imagine how she may have been feeling and the realities they were dealing with:
– Difficult travel to Bethlehem
– No room at a hotel…crowded town
– No proper baby provisions

Maybe she might have been thinking “is all what God promised true?” But look at how God brought three different kinds of people in her life to encourage her…and others.

The Shepherds: The “Working-Class” Faithful –Luke 2:8-20

In verse 12 it says, “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

This was a sign not only to the shepherds, but to Mary and Joseph. They may have been thinking… “did we miss it, why are we having so much trouble in our lives if the Christ is in our life?”

I think that is why it says that Mary “treasured all these thing in her heart”. God brought encouragement to Mary.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. -Luke 2:19

Simeon – “The righteous and devout” and “Spirit-led man” –Luke 2:22-35

Simeon confirmed to Mary and Joseph what was spoken to them months ago was true. When he said, “my eyes have seen your salvation”, they had to know again that God was truly there now in their life.

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. -Luke 2:33

Anna- The Prophet –Luke 2: 36-38

Think about how God used Anna to encourage everyone there. She was able to look at Mary and Joseph (and others) and say, “God has not forgotten you….God sees how you have longed for Him in your life…The King Jesus is here now!…Whatever you are going through now, He has overcome it.”

Our Encouragement Today

So if you are having doubts right now in you life or don’t sense His presence like you have in the past, take time to remember some people who God has brought into your life in the past to encourage your faith. The same God who worked in the past, is working now.

Once we realize this, everyday is an opportunity for us to be encouragement too. Who is coming to your place…your space this Christmas? What encouragement will you find…or give this week? Will we openly share the Good news of what God has done in the world? Are we expectant of how God might encourage us?