jesus born

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 their 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 guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So, they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Not only was myrrh used in biblical times for a perfume, it was also a painkiller. Remember in Mark 15:23 when Christ is hanging on the cross, the roman guards offer myrrh, and He didn’t take it. He wanted to take the punishment meant for us and he died feeling the full measure of our sin. More significant, myrrh was used to prepare dead bodies for burial - it was known as the death spice. Later in John chapter 19, we see Joseph of Arimathea ask Pilate for Christ's body so that it could be wrapped and anointed for burial. It's a beautiful foreshadowing of Christ’s death on the cross as substitute for us, by bestowing Him with the death spice at His birth.

Frankincense it was a standard tool of worship used it in sacrifice for the priest. It represents the priest who was the middleman between God and man as being set apart for service. Frankincense was also used to present a pleasing odor to God, and it symbolized the people obedience in worship. As we look to why the Maji presented this to Christ, we see that He is our priest, our go between, our mediator to God the father on our behalf. The Maji knew the Jesus was the ultimate high priest as foretold in scripture. You can accept Jesus today as your savior by taking the next step - burnthickory.com/next

This year God has impressed upon me more than ever before, the significance of the Virgin Birth of Jesus. It is incredible that He came. But even more incredible is how He came. When you look at the "how" of His coming we understand even more, the how of our being born again. I pray this teaching/message will reveal God's love for you and encourage you beyond measure!

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