The Birth of a King

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Reconciling Differences

• Matthew’s genealogy– Royal right to the throne– From Joseph’s line

• Luke’s genealogy– Biological right to the throne– From Mary’s line

Life is the Light

• “. . .and the Word was God. . .”– God from the beginning– Creator of all things

Life is the Light

• “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”

Life is the Light

• “and the Word became flesh. . .”• Spoke his “creation” into the womb• He dwelt among us• Full of Grace and truth– Law comes by Moses– Accused (Law) – John 5:45

The Movement of Light

• On a mission– Gabriel is sent to Nazareth

• Mary . . . “I am the Lord’s servant”– “May your word be fulfilled”

The Movement of Light

• “Joseph, take Mary as your wife”– God’s Story differs from ours

The Movement of Light

• Full Circle– From Nazareth to Bethlehem– Bethlehem to Egypt– Egypt to Nazareth

• To Jerusalem

Directed Light

• General, X-ray, laser light– (Thy Word is a) lamp unto our feet• To give light to them that sit in darkness

(Luke 1:79) • The light of the body is the eye – if the eye

is evil, the body is full of darkness

Directed Light

– Light shines into our heart• Idea: wisdom and truth embodied in

Christ and is imparted to “believers”• To expose darkness (John 3:19-21; 1 Cor

4:5)

Directed Light

– Light penetrates darkness• John 3:16; Acts 9:3-; 2 Cor 4:6• Convict – Acts 2:37 – “they were cut to the

heart. . .”• “. . .it is hard for you to kick against the

pricks. . .” – Acts 9:5

God’s Story

• God leads us to Jesus Christ• He works through people to bring

light to the nations

Their Story

• Their light went out• Progression is that light burns out– Start strong, but finish weak– Lot of good intention

Our Story

• Believe Jesus is the Son of God– Not a “once for all”– A daily choice