2. Scene 1 (vs. 1-6)
Setting (general): Decree to be registered (decree emphasized, not Caesar)
Result (general): All went to be registered, each to his own town
Result (specific): Joseph went “up” from Galilee to Judea (to be registered)
To Bethlehem (b/c he was of the house & lineage of David) – 3-5 days
With Mary
His betrothed
“With child” (not his child – cf. 1:34-35)
While there, the time came for her to give birth
At this point there is a
She gave birth to her firstborn son
shift in which character(s)
Wrapped him in swaddling cloths the action follows
Laid him in a manger (b/c there was no room for them in the inn)
3. Scene 2 (vs. 7-15)
Setting: Shepherds in the field near Bethlehem (watching flock by night)
An angel of the Lord appeared to them
The glory of the Lord shone around them
They were filled with fear
Angelic message:
Fear not – Good news of great joy for all people
Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior (Christ the Lord)
A sign – a baby, wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger
Angelic chorus – praising God
Introduction of
Glory to God in the highest two realms
On earth, peace among men on whom His favor rests (NIV)
Angelic departure (to heavenly realm)
Shepherds’ determination: Let’s go to Bethlehem and see
Shepherds’ recognition: The Lord has made this known to us
4. Scene 3 (vs. 16-20)
They went with haste
They found Mary & Joseph, and the baby (“lying in a manger”)
When they saw it, they made known the saying told them concerning child
Good news of great
All who heard it wondered joy for all people
Mary treasured up & pondered A Savior, who is
Christ, the Lord
Shepherds returned, glorifying & praising God
Shalom on earth
For all they had heard & seen among men of favor
As it had been told them
5. Text: Luke 2:1-21 Height of Conflict: Reversal:
Shepherds hasten to Bethl. Shepherds make known the saying told them concerning child
Find Mary & Joseph
Find the Baby (in manger)
Conflict Intensifies:
Resolution Begins:
Shepherds in fields outside of Bethlehem
Angel appears with glory (shepherds fear) All who heard it wondered
Angelic message (Savior)/sign (baby in manger) Mary treasured & pondered
Angelic chorus – distinction of two realms
Angelic departure (return to heavenly realm) Driving Conflict:
Shepherds’ determination to see
Shepherds’ recognition – God has made known Conflict Unravels:
Conflict Builds:
Joseph leaves Galilee for Bethlehem
Mary pregnant – gives birth
? Shepherds return, glorifying God
Rejoicing in what they’d seen & heard
Rejoicing that it was as it was told them
Baby laid in manger (no room)
Setting: Occasioning Event: Conflict Resolved: Outcome:
Palestine Registration decree After 8 days the Baby is named Angelic instruction fulfilled
(under Roman rule) (by Caesar Augustus) (Jesus – “YHWH is Salvation”) Divine identification initiated
6. Text: Luke 2:1-21 Height of Conflict: Reversal:
Shepherds hasten to Bethl. Shepherds make known the saying told them concerning child
Find Mary & Joseph
Find the Baby (in manger)
Conflict Intensifies:
Resolution Begins:
Shepherds in fields outside of Bethlehem
Angel appears with glory (shepherds fear) All who heard it wondered
Angelic message (Savior)/sign (baby in manger) Mary treasured & pondered
Angelic chorus – distinction of two realms
Angelic departure (return to heavenly realm) Driving Conflict:
Shepherds’ determination to see
Shepherds’ recognition – God has made known Conflict Unravels:
Response to the
difficult, yet Shepherds return, glorifying God
Conflict Builds: authoritative Rejoicing in what they’d seen & heard
Joseph leaves Galilee for Bethlehem word Rejoicing that it was as it was told them
Mary pregnant – gives birth
Baby laid in manger (no room)
What is at stake?
Setting: Occasioning Event: Conflict Resolved: Outcome:
Palestine Registration decree After 8 days the Baby is named Angelic instruction fulfilled
(under Roman rule) (by Caesar Augustus) (Jesus – “YHWH is Salvation”) Divine identification initiated
7. But what about this familiar story
remains difficult for us?
8. The whole point of the story is the sign –
the baby was found “in the manger”
“as it had been told them.”
And if that part of the angel’s message was true . . .
9. So, what should be
our response this morning?
2:18-20
• Be filled with wonder over the full truth about Jesus
• Be sure to treasure the full truth about Jesus
• Take time to ponder the full truth about Jesus
• And if you believe them…
rejoice in the full truth about Jesus
10. Do you believe the Christmas story?
Unto YOU is born this day
in the city of David
a Savior,
who is Christ the Lord!
