53. The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-40).

by Wesley Blackburn

So chances are that many of you are probably already familiar with this story. We've all probably sat through Christmas services at one time or another and heard the story of the birth of Jesus read. Maybe in your family you all gathered together to read it aloud a time or two before Christmas. Certainly, the birth of Jesus is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible.

But sometimes these well-known stories cause us to sort of grow complacent. We're so familiar, we don't really think about what's special in this story, or how bits and pieces of it apply to our lives. To be really honest, my familiarity with the whole birth of Jesus narrative makes me sort of dislike it; it's just been beat into my brain so many times I've grown tired of it.

But yet, Scripture still speaks into our lives. That's part of the power of Scripture. And I think that the birth of Jesus has something huge to show us about worship.

Think about this story. Jesus is born. He is a little baby, wrapped in some old blankets in a stinky barn. But what happens? A choir of angels appears to some lowly shepherds, announcing his birth. This may sound stupid to say, but Jesus is a big deal. Big enough that before He has even really done anything (other than just be born), a choir of angels is already singing praise to the King of Kings. That's huge.

And then the temple... Jesus' parents bring him there to consecrate and dedicate their son, just as was the custom for every other firstborn Jewish boy. But what happens? There is a prophet and a prophetess at the temple, and both sing the praises of Jesus, announcing Him to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Again, not to sound stupid, but Jesus is kind of a big deal. In the biggest possible way.

This should lead us to worship. Obviously, Jesus has done way more than just being born. He lived the perfect life. He taught us how to live. He has shown us the perfect image of what and who God is like. But most importantly, He died on the cross to forgive our sin and rose from the dead to secure us life forever. Jesus lived in a way that means we never have to wonder if God loves us, if God has grace for our sin, or if God truly can overcome. He's already shown us that the answer to all of those questions is a firm "yes."

And that, my friends, is a real reason to worship.