The Birth of Christ

The Birth of Christ
Text: Romans 14:5–6; Luke 2:1–20

Introduction
Each year, conversations about the season return. Some esteem a day to remember Jesus’ birth; others treat every day alike. Scripture calls me to be fully convinced in my own mind and to give thanks in either case (Romans 14:5–6). My aim in this lesson is to honor the Lord’s authority, walk in love toward consciences that differ, and use the moment to point hearts to the Savior.

Christian Liberty and Consideration
Paul teaches that disciples may reach different conclusions about days while both seek to please God with gratitude (Romans 14:5–6). Liberty thrives where love governs speech, influence, and example.

What Scripture Reveals—and Leaves Unrevealed
The Spirit did not reveal the date of Jesus’ birth, and many historical details remain unstated: the number of magi, the length of stays in Bethlehem and Egypt, the timing of the family’s return to Nazareth, and other biographical facts. What we do have is the inspired record that anchors the birth in God’s purpose and promises (Luke 2:1–20; Matthew 1–2).

Ten Truths About the Birth of Jesus

1. Long promised, long awaited: the woman’s seed, the virgin birth, Immanuel, the name foretold, the birthplace in Bethlehem (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 49:1; Micah 5:2; Luke 1:30–35; Matthew 1:21–23; 2:1–6).

2. God gathered witnesses from many stations—angels, shepherds, magi, prophets—so the good news would be heard and spread (Luke 2:8–20; Matthew 2:1–12; Luke 2:25–38).

3. The conception was miraculous and holy; Mary knew her purity, and others received it by faith on God’s testimony (Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 1:34–35).

4. The birth is unique: conceived by the Holy Spirit; the preexistent Son entered time; the event was heralded in advance and accompanied by signs (Matthew 1:20; Philippians 2:5–8; 1 Timothy 3:16).

5. God’s message in the manger is relationship—Immanuel, God with us; the Father and the Son; the Savior made like His brethren (Matthew 1:23; John 1:12; Hebrews 2:17).

6. The birth is precious, and the cross and empty tomb bring its purpose to completion (Luke 24:25–27; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4).

7. The new birth of believers echoes the theme: born of God, raised to walk in newness of life (John 1:12–13; Romans 6:3–4).

8. The birth clarifies core convictions: hope rests in the risen Lord; disciples remember His death in the Supper each Lord’s Day (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).

9. History’s rhythms acknowledge His impact—timekeeping and worldwide remembrance point to His unmatched significance.

10. The season can become a doorway for proclamation, mercy, and hospitality as we speak truth in love and keep Christ’s authority in view (Colossians 3:17).

What the Season Can Be About (Rightly Used)

• Proclamation and Joy: A star guided seekers; angels praised; shepherds reported; prophets rejoiced (Matthew 2:9–11; Luke 2:8–20; 2:25–38).

• Family and Fellowship: Joseph and Mary obeyed; Elizabeth and Zechariah rejoiced; households today can practice gratitude and kindness.

• Traditions with Teaching: Lights recall the Light of the world; evergreens suggest life; gifts remind us of God’s gift in His Son (John 8:12; 3:16).

• Friends, Reflection, Giving, Receiving, Love: A season to visit, to consider eternal things, to share, to receive with thanksgiving, and to practice the two great commandments (Acts 20:35; Matthew 22:37–39).

A Brief Chronology from Scripture

• Angelic announcement to Joseph (Matthew 1:18–25; Isaiah 7:14 fulfilled).

• Census and birth at Bethlehem (Luke 2:1–7).

• Angelic proclamation and shepherds’ visit (Luke 2:8–20).

• Circumcision and naming on the eighth day (Luke 2:21).

• Presentation at the temple; witness of Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:22–38).

• Magi guided and gifts presented (Matthew 2:1–12).

• Flight to Egypt; Herod’s atrocity; return to Nazareth by God’s direction (Matthew 2:13–23; Luke 2:39–40).

Why Many Decline a Religious “Holy Day” for the Birth
The New Testament gives no command, example, or necessary inference establishing an annual religious festival for the birth of Christ. Disciples act in the name of the Lord—that is, by His authority (Colossians 3:17). Human commandments presented as divine doctrine lead to vain worship (Matthew 15:8–9). The apostles warned against becoming bound to special days as spiritual requirements (Galatians 4:8–11; Colossians 2:20–23). The pattern we find is the Lord’s Day each week for the church’s memorial and worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; 16:1–2).

Historical notes explain how later traditions grew in the Roman world, yet the church’s standard remains the apostolic word. Where Scripture is silent, faith refrains from binding.

An Evangelistic Opportunity
Paul removed needless barriers for the sake of the gospel. He circumcised Timothy to open doors among Jews (Acts 16:1–3), and he refused to require Titus so the truth of the gospel would remain clear (Galatians 2:3–5). Wisdom still seeks open doors. Many neighbors are unusually receptive in this season; gracious conversations about the Lord can flourish when disciples keep both truth and love.

Conclusion
Give thanks for the birth of Jesus and the grace it announces: Immanuel has come. Keep the Lord’s pattern in worship and doctrine, and use every providential moment to point people to the crucified and risen King.

Invitation
God has given the world His Son. Believe the gospel, turn to God, confess Jesus as Lord, and be baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins, rising to walk in newness of life (John 3:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–5). Come today.

The Birth of Christ Sermon Outline:

• Introduction

  • Liberty and gratitude regarding days (Romans 14:5–6).

  • Aim: honor Christ’s authority, love consciences, seize gospel moments.

• I. Christian Liberty and Consideration

  • Conviction with thanksgiving; influence guided by love (Romans 14:5–6, 13, 19).

• II. What Scripture Reveals—and Leaves Unrevealed

  • No revealed date; several biographical gaps remain.

  • Focus on God’s purpose in the inspired narratives (Luke 2; Matthew 1–2).

• III. Ten Truths About the Birth

  • Prophecy fulfilled: virgin, Immanuel, Bethlehem, name foretold (Gen 3:15; Isa 7:14; Mic 5:2; Isa 49:1).

  • Witnesses gathered: angels, shepherds, magi, prophets (Luke 2; Matt 2).

  • Holy conception; received by faith (Matt 1:18–25; Luke 1:34–35).

  • Uniqueness: conceived by the Spirit; preexistent Son; foretold and sign-marked (Matt 1:20; Phil 2:5–8; 1 Tim 3:16).

  • Emmanuel and Sonship; made like us (Matt 1:23; Heb 2:17).

  • The cross and resurrection fulfill the purpose (1 Cor 15:1–4).

  • New birth parallels (John 1:12–13; Rom 6:3–4).

  • Weekly remembrance in the Supper (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 11:23–26).

  • History’s acknowledgment of His impact.

  • A doorway for good works and witness (Col 3:17).

• IV. Season Focused in Christ

  • Proclamation and joy (Luke 2; Matt 2).

  • Family and fellowship.

  • Traditions explained with Scripture (lights, life, gifts).

  • Friendship, reflection, generosity, gratitude, love (Acts 20:35; Matt 22:37–39).

• V. Chronology for Teaching

  • Joseph informed—prophecy fulfilled (Matt 1:18–25; Isa 7:14).

  • Birth at Bethlehem (Luke 2:1–7).

  • Angels and shepherds (Luke 2:8–20).

  • Naming and circumcision (Luke 2:21).

  • Presentation; Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:22–38).

  • Magi and gifts (Matt 2:1–12).

  • Flight, atrocity, return to Nazareth (Matt 2:13–23; Luke 2:39–40).

• VI. Why Many Decline a Religious Holy Day

  • Authority of Christ alone (Col 3:17).

  • Vain worship warned (Matt 15:8–9).

  • No apostolic festival for the birth; weekly Lord’s Day given (Gal 4:8–11; Acts 20:7).

• VII. Evangelistic Wisdom

  • Timothy circumcised to advance the gospel (Acts 16:1–3).

  • Titus not compelled, preserving the gospel’s truth (Gal 2:3–5).

  • Use seasonal openness for gracious witness.

• Conclusion

  • Thank God for Immanuel; keep apostolic pattern; pursue open doors.

• Invitation

  • Believe, repent, confess, be baptized into Christ (John 3:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3–5).

Call to Action
Set Christ apart in your heart this season. Speak clearly about what Scripture teaches, gather with the saints on the Lord’s Day, and practice generous hospitality. Begin two intentional gospel conversations this week with neighbors or family who are already thinking about Jesus.

Key Takeaways

• Liberty concerning days must be guided by gratitude and love (Romans 14:5–6, 19).

• Scripture centers the birth in fulfilled prophecy and God’s saving plan (Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; Luke 2:11).

• Worship and doctrine rest on Christ’s authority alone (Colossians 3:17; Matthew 15:9).

• The apostolic pattern is the weekly Lord’s Day memorial (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).

• The season can open doors for witness and mercy (Acts 16:3; Galatians 2:3–5; Colossians 4:5–6).

Scripture Reference List

• Romans 14:5–6 — Liberty about days with gratitude to God.

• Luke 2:1–20 — Historical setting, proclamation, and response at Jesus’ birth.

• Matthew 1:18–25; 2:1–23 — Conception by the Spirit; magi; flight; return.

• Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 49:1; Micah 5:2 — Messianic promises fulfilled in the birth.

• John 1:12–13; Philippians 2:5–8; 1 Timothy 3:16 — Incarnation, preexistence, new birth.

• Hebrews 2:17 — The Son made like His brethren.

• Matthew 15:8–9 — Warning against man-made doctrines in worship.

• Colossians 2:20–23 — Self-made religion lacks power.

• Colossians 3:17 — All in the name of the Lord.

• Galatians 4:8–11 — Enslavement to days and seasons warned.

• Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; 16:1–2 — Lord’s Day assembly, Supper, and giving.

• Acts 16:1–3; Galatians 2:3–5 — Evangelistic wisdom with Timothy and Titus.

• Acts 20:35; Matthew 22:37–39 — Generosity and the great commands.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO