On Christmas Eve, 1968, the Apollo Eight astronauts - Frank Borman, James Lovell and William Anders - became the first human beings to see the far side of the moon. In light of the event's significance and because it was Christmas Eve, these men read from Genesis 1:1 "In the Beginning God created the heavens and the earth ..." The entire event was telecast to an estimated one billion viewers. Above is obviously a picture they took from that place.
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December 18, 2005
Sermon Outline
“The Big Event: The Birth of Christ!”
Luke 2:1-14
What was the “BIG EVENT” on the night on which Jesus was born? Well, it is easy to say the birth of Christ – which is true. Yet, on that night very few people knew about Christ’s birth, certainly they did not realize its significance.
What then was (or at least SEEMED) the BIG EVENT that night?
I. The census called for by Caesar Augustus seems to be “The BIG Event”
1. It involves “all the world” – Luke 2:1
2. It would work toward the advancement and / or stability of the already strong Roman Empire
3. It is decreed by Caesar Augustus (known as the greatest of all the Roman Emperors (his real name was Octavian)
Consider his titles:
A. Princeps – the first citizen of Rome
B. Imperator – leader of the Roman army
C. Caesar – the name taken from his famous adopted father “Julius Caesar”
D. Augustus – the “revered,” a title reserved for gods
Consider his accomplishments:
A. Pax Romana – his rule initiated a time of 200 years of world peace
B. He extended the already large Roman Empire to its largest extent
C. He established a professional bureaucracy to run the business of the empire
D. He built roads to reach the remotest parts of his empire
E. He organized a permanent professional army
F. He would solidify his empire through censuses, counting the population and figuring the value of property for tax purposes. In obedience to his decree Mary and Joseph, travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born.
II. Yet, as we all know now, the truly “Big Event” of this night was the birth of Jesus Christ – Luke 2:1-14
His birth into this world happened in the most humble, most unobtrusive manner. Yet, it was all according to the awesome decree of the Most High God!
1. It happened according to prophecy –
A. In the days of these kings (including Caesar Augustus) – Daniel 2:44-45
B. In Bethlehem, according to the prophet Micah (Micah 5:2) and according to God’s decree (650 years prior)
2. According to prophecy Jesus would have even greater titles and accomplishments than Augustus, and He would rule forever – Isaiah 9:6-7
The decree of Caesar Augustus reached the remote parts of his empire, even to Mary and Joseph, he commands and they must move, he did not even know them they were seemingly – insignificant!
Yet at least 650 years before, God through the prophet Micah let us know that according to His decree, Christ would be born in Bethlehem. Knowing of this prophecy and seeing things from the vantage point of 2,000 years later we realize that the less significant person in this story was Augustus – his decree brings Christ to HIS appointed birthplace, his roads eased the way for the preaching of Christ’s Gospel by Paul and others. As great as he was Augustus Caesar was still a mere pawn in the hand of God. God would have His King (Jesus Christ) in His proper (predicted) place of birth, and the Census of Caesar is His (God’s) method of moving His chosen people to their proper place.
The birth of Christ was unattended by human heads of state, yet, it was announced by a multitude of the heavenly host – Luke 2:8-14 and by the Shepherds – Luke 2:15-20. Jesus’ birthday was the REAL BIG EVENT!
III. I believe unnoticed (by earth) “Big Events” continue to happen today – Luke 15:10
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