Christmas series 2011, preached on Dec 24, 2011

1. Hope for Impossible Hardships
Luke 2:1-7; Matt 2:1-15; others

2. Caesar’s Taxation (Lk 2:1-6)
• All forced to register in person in their
home region
• No provisions for exemptions or proxy
• Travel expenses and dangers were borne
by the registrants

3. Joseph’s Lack of Reservation (Lk 2:3,6-7)
• High demand, limited availability, mixed
with rising taxation meant no vacancy
• No suitable place for resting or birthing
• No help for Mary

4. but for the Shepherds… (Lk 2:11-12, 16-17)

5. The Magi’s Loss of Direction
• Studied, researched and calculated, but
were still lost
• These inquiries stirred up Herod, a tyrant
• Magi sent on Herod’s “errand” to find
the infant

6. …but for the Scribes & Pharisees (Mt 2:5,6)

7. Herod’s Extermination
• Herod dispatched the magi under false
pretenses to protect his own interests
• In his rage, he murders countless
children, but is unsuccessful

8. …but for Mary & Joseph (Mt 2:13,19,-20,22-23)

9. Some Helpful Observations
• God’s regular preservation of his children
– Into and out of “Egypt”, multiple times throughout their history
• God’s clear direction of people
– With Holy Spirit, angels, dreams, Scripture, prophets
• God’s powerful opposition of the wicked
one’s initiatives
– Herod did not kill Jesus
– Herod did not get intel from the Magi
– Fulfillment of Scripture promises, accomplishment of His perfect will

10. Christmas Eve Conclusions
• Whatever you are facing tonight, God is
able to deliver you through it
• He will use this hardship or trial to bring
glory to Himself and to build your faith
• God delights in doing the impossible and
making it look easy