“The Birth of Christ”

Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:   “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means “God with us.”

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.  But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son.

Luke 2:1-7

In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

The second candle of Advent, while it may be associated with different aspects of the Advent story in different churches, or even in different years, is focused on Peace.  We recognize this morning that the light of the world is Jesus, and He is our peace in the midst of everything.  His coming into the world as an infant and His coming return as King both usher in ultimate peace for the heart of man.   The Scripture readings, prayers, lighting of the candle, the participation of worshippers in the service, all are geared to telling the story of redemption through God’s grace in the Incarnation and His second coming.

Advent Prayer

Almighty God,

You are the Author of history.  You created the heavens and the earth, all that is seen and unseen.  In the fullness of time, Your

Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.  Open our eyes, so that we cannot overlook the coming of Your only-begotten Son.  Purify our hearts as we await His coming in glory.  Through Your Son we pray.  Amen

Bible Readings

These daily Bible readings are for you to use at home as you prepare your heart for the coming Messiah.  Set aside some of the hectic business of the holiday season, and quietly reflect on the promise of the baby born in Bethlehem

Monday, December 7, 2009
Isaiah 19:19-25—A Savior and Deliverer

Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Isaiah 40:9-11—The Sovereign Lord Comes

Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Isaiah 42:1-4—Behold My Chosen One

Thursday, December 10, 2009
Isaiah 49:1-7—A Servant Brings Salvation

Friday, December 11, 2009
Isaiah 53:1-12—A Man of Sorrows

Saturday, December 12, 2009
Isaiah 61:1-3—God’s Spirit Is Upon Him