Gifts of the King of kings ( Luke 2:1-14)

Gifts of the King of kings ( Luke 2:1-14)

1.	And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

 

2.	(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

 

3.	And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

 

4.	And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

 

5.	To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

 

6.	And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 

7.	And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

 

8.	And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

 

9.	And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

 

10.	And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 

11.	For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 

12.	And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 

13.	And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

 

14.	Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 

Head)

 In retrospect, throughout my life I have received many gifts indeed.  What a gift it is to be so vividly reminded when receiving prayers of gratitude.  I have taken this opportunity to share the joy in my life of individuals who gave a gift, whether large or small, I want to thank you sincerely.

Among all the memorable gifts I have received, the most precious is my family.  Consistently over the last 16 years of my life I have been blessed with a steadfast companion who has never left my side my loving wife, but the journey would not be complete without the joy given to me by my four sons.  The moment of my four sons’ births are still the greatest gifts to me.  I gave thanks to God, because all of my sons were born in nice medical facilities with excellent doctors.  Since they were born, Justin, Nathan, Timothy, and Joseph have brought me moments of happiness and joy through their lives.  They make me happy and they bring a smile to my face everyday even though I am separated from them due to the service I must perform.  My family is one of my many reasons to live my life the way I choose.  I have never doubted or hesitated to sacrifice myself for my wife and sons even if sometimes I am not with them physically.  I take time out of every day to pray for them and offer my life to take care of them, because they are my greatest gift of joy in my life.  

           In the gospel of Luke, one day in a Jewish village called Bethlehem, a baby was born.  Apparently, his parents came from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem the town of David because of a census.  Why?  It was to fulfill God’s word.  Our King, Jesus Christ our savior, had to be born in the town of David.  So… Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem.  It is about 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  It would not easy travel for them.  First, they were not rich, so they might walk.  Second, Mary was ready to delivery her baby.  Unfortunately, there was no room for the baby and his parents at the inn.  So his mother wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger.  The manger was not ideal for the baby to be born in, however it was a stable.  Have you thought about this manger?  To me, this manger is like me, or all human being in this world.  It is all about acts of sinful nature. (So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature Gal 5:16) I was by nature objects of wrath.  But, He came to us for save us.

His father and mother were happy even though the situation was not ideal for a newborn.  Nobody wants to have the first day of their child’s life in a stable with horses.  It looks so bad and it seems uncomfortable to be there.  However, they chose to change quite possibly the saddest moment into the happiest by celebrating the birth of their son and the good fortune of having a roof over their head for the evening.  This is one of good stories in the Gospel.

           Without complaining, when they had a happy moment with the baby in the stable (not a nice hotel room), the Angel brought news of great joy for all the people.  Yes!  They decided to take a thankful heart and to have a happy moment given their circumstances.  Like the Apostle Paul stated, the parents knew how to be content whatever the circumstances.  The baby is the king of kings, the peace of peace, and the joy of the joy.  Jesus Christ was born in the stable of Bethlehem. 

On the other hand, we never skip another point of this story.  Luke 2:11~12 says, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  We cannot assume how many babies were born in the town at the same day.  Maybe more than twenty to fifty babies were born.  However, it was the only one who was born in stable, wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.  So, these circumstances became a sign to the people who were waiting for him.

 

           In conclusion, one thing that I want to remind all of us is to know how to rejoice greatly given our circumstances.  It will become your unique sign for giving hope and joy to others.  Lastly, I humbly encourage all of us to love and serve each other, and devote part of your time to serve more Jesus, our savior and take care of one another for this blessed Christmas seasons.   Love to all of my brothers and sisters.  Amen.

• By Pastor; Hwang, ji yong 121616