Real Life & the Christmas Story

By: Dr. David E. Walker

Luke 2:1-7

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.

Matt 2:7-15

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Introduction

The first advent of the Lord Jesus Christ was indeed important and miraculous. It was really the beginning of our salvation. For, if Jesus had not been born, He could not have died, and we could not be spared death: eternal death (Rev. 20:14,15).

Years ago, a visitor to a small community which lacked worldly pleasure chided one of its citizens. He asked the resident why there were no bars or gambling joints. The reply from the resident was revealing. He said, “Sometime ago a man named John Wesley came to these parts.”

Well, Jesus Christ has come to the world; and it has never been the same since. He has had faithful followers for over 2,000 years and He continues to change lives and save the souls of those who will trust in Him alone for their salvation.

When the Lord was laid in that lowly manger, Mary wrapped Him in strips of cloth called “swaddling clothes.” If you were to look at the baby lying there, it would be akin to looking at someone who was prepared for burial: in grave clothes!

The baby was not “a way” in a manger but “THE WAY” in a manger (John 14:6). The birth of Christ brought God to man, but it took the cross of Christ to bring man to God. He that made man was made man. And the Son of God became the Son of man that he might make the sons of men into the sons of God! He that was infinite was an infant. He was eternal, yet He was born of a woman.

While the birth of our Lord was indeed miraculous, mystical and majestic, I believe all too often we overlook the real life lessons that are taught in the Christmas story. Don’t forget that God always has a common sense practical application for us to live by! That is one reason He gave us the Bible.

2 Tim 3:16-17

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

We must not forget that Mary and Joseph were common ordinary folks. They were not the icons that society makes them to be today, and they sure were not worshipped, prayed to or adored like Roman Catholicism teaches.

Yes, Mary and Joseph had some struggles, hard decisions and tests of their faith during that first Christmas season, and we are going to try to learn some of what they learned.

The first thing we are going to see from Luke 2 is that:

GOD USES THE COMMON TO BRING ABOUT THE UNCOMMON

Taxes! Taxes! Taxes! Someone said: “There are only two things that are sure in this life - death and taxes.” You’ve got to pay them. Someone else said: “I pay taxes for the same reason a man hands over his wallet when he has a gun pointed at his head.”

[For those of you who want to argue with the IRS read Romans 13:1-7. Face it. Federal judges run the country – not constitutional law!]

Here is a work of the government no doubt motivated by greed and power. But here also is a work of God fulfilling ancient Bible prophecies as to the location of the Saviour’s birth!

Mic 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Isa 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

I don’t think it occurred to Joseph and Mary that the Lord God was using this governmental decree for His purpose and pleasure. They were probably like a lot of us. We don’t seem to see God in the common, mundane things of life.

There is a legend about a wicked king who ruled a far away land with an iron fist. He had control over every aspect of the people in his realm except one: he couldn’t destroy their belief in God.

In his anger and frustration he brought all of his advisors to a special meeting to discuss how to “hide God” so the people will forget about him. One suggested hiding God on the dark side of the moon, but that argument was soon over turned. They figured scientists would soon discover a way to go to the moon and then find God.

Then, they argued over whether or not to hide God in the deepest part of the ocean. Soon that argument too was shot down for the same reason.

Finally, the oldest and wisest advisor to the king spoke up. He said: “Why don’t hide God where no one will ever think of looking for Him – the ordinary events of people’s everyday lives?”

And so it was done. And they say that people in that far away land are still looking for God.

Joseph and Mary learned a very important lesson – God is in the common circumstances of everyday life. They had to pay their taxes. They had to go to Bethlehem. They had to obey the law. They followed the rules and found themselves in the center of God’s will.

If people can just get back to the basics they would often find the Lord right in their midst. The Lord is not interested in some big fan fare or extraordinary eye catching event! He is in the still small voice, not the blazing fire (1 Kings 19:12). He is there on the road to Bethlehem – obeying the rules – doing what is right!

Life is about choices. A person chooses whether or not they not they want to go to college. A person chooses who they marry, where they want to work, and many other important details. Let’s quit making excuses for people! It is a sad day when people spend more time deciding what they are going to wear than where they are going to spend eternity!

The Lord is looking for someone who will simply OBEY HIM! Remember King Saul? He started out as a humble king who relied on the Lord and His word. But when things got difficult and the situation changed a bit, he quit obeying and began reasoning. In 1 Samuel 15 we read how Saul tried to cover up his lack of obedience by justifying his actions. Samuel rebukes him and says these solemn words:

1 Sam 15:22-23

22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

Someone aptly said: “It is our business to see that we do right; God will see that we come out right.”

God saw that everything came out right that first Christmas. Even though the way was rough and hard, Joseph and Mary persisted. Things had to be tough for them, especially for Mary but they knew that life was not always fair – the king didn’t care that Mary was pregnant, that traveling over 60 miles (as a crow flies) would be harsh and dangerous and even life threatening!

Life is not always easy, and it certainly is not always fair. But, you have to learn “to make the best of it.” The end is what we are working for; the conclusion; the goal; the finish line. Getting there may be bitter, but when we get to the end it will be sweet.

Dr. Harry Ironside (a preacher of yesteryear) commented on some biscuits a lady had made and she said: “Just consider what goes into the making of these biscuits - the flour itself doesn’t taste good, neither does the baking powder, nor the shortening, nor the other ingredients. However, when I mix them all together and put them in the oven, they come out just right.”

That’s how it is in life. The news about the taxing was bitter; the packing and preparation was a drag; the trip itself was horrendous; but the end was GLORIOUS!!

The ingredients of life are there to make us stronger not weaker; better not bitter. You should:

1. Use disappointment as material for patience:

2. Use success as material for thankfulness:

3. Use suspense as material for perseverance:

4. Use danger as material for courage:

5. Use reproach as material for longsuffering:

6. Use praise as material for humility:

7. Use pleasures as material for temperance:

8. Use pains as material for endurance.

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Not only did Joseph and Mary learn that God uses the common to bring about the uncommon, they learned:

You don’t have to have the best in order to have God’s best

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.

Here we have the single most important event since Genesis 1:1 – God Himself taking the robe of human flesh and being born into this world! Instead of a world that should have been ready to receive Him, worship Him and praise Him – there was no room for Him. Instead of being born in the best facilities money or fame could provide, He was born in a manger – fit for feeding cattle!

Joseph and Mary didn’t have a nice house for Him, a baby room, a crib or any other amenities we afford in modern America. They didn’t have the best but they had God’s best!!

Some of you need to quit griping and bellyaching about how hard you’ve got it! You need to stop your murmuring and complaining – you are bitter to others and to God! You can’t see what is really important. You have been deceived into thinking THINGS = happiness. Your eyes have been glazed over with materialistic lenses. Your lusts for the “finer things of life” have over powered your desire for holiness and closeness to God!

A preacher preached on “God’s ownership” and it offended a very affluent man in the congregation. After the service the rich man took the preacher out to lunch and then proceeded to walk him though his elaborate gardens, woodlands and farm. After his boastful display the man said “Now are you going to tell me that all this does not belong to me?” The preached smiled and said “Ask me that same question in 100 years!”

Money will buy a bed, but not sleep; books but not brains; food but not appetite; medicine but not health; luxuries but not contentment; amusements but not happiness; a passport to everywhere but heaven.

Money and nice things are no substitute for real love or family values. There are things people never experience because they cannot be purchased or bargained for. They come through faith and acceptance of God’s will.

One day a father and his rich family took his son to a trip to the country with the firm purpose to show him how poor people can be. They spent a day and a night in the farm of a very poor family. When they got back from their trip the father asked his son, “How was the trip?” “Very good Dad!” “Did you see how poor people can be?” the father asked. “Yeah!” “And what did you learn?” The son answered, “I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden, they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lamps in the garden, they have the stars. Our patio reaches to the front yard, they have a whole horizon.” When the little boy was finishing, his father was speechless. His son added, “Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are!”

If you can’t see past the physical and material things of life you will never find God’s best for your life. If you are looking for a husband or wife, and only look on the outside you’re looking at the wrong place. You see, we are to view things as the Lord does. If you are to be a happy Christian you are going to have to have heavenly eyesight. Note the following verses:

1 Sam 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Do you want God’s best for you, or the world’s best. I’m not saying that the Lord will not sometimes give you nice things, or it is a sin for you to have nice things. You simply have to be careful and not MISS the best God has for you by emphasizing the package instead of the contents.

Joseph and Mary did not have the best, but they were in the perfect will of God with HIS BEST! Where are you? Are you judging your life by the outward appearance? Do you cut corners in your giving to missions and God’s work because you “have to have” some material things? Where are you in this point? Do you have God’s best? Do you know what God’s best is?

Are you so warped by the world (via. Media) that you don’t even know how to properly judge what is the will of God? You’d better get in the Bible (KJV) and in a good Bible preaching church where the Holy Ghost can work on you!

Not only did Joseph and Mary learn that God uses the common to do the uncommon and you don’t have to have the best to have God’s best, they learned:

When the Lord guides He always provides.

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

In Matthew we learn that the Lord appeared to Joseph (not Mary!) and told them to go down and sojourn in Egypt. Here the Lord was guiding them in His perfect will. But what I want you to see is that the Lord had already provided the means for them to make that long and expensive trip. You see, the wise men gave them some gold – prior to the Lord telling them to go down to Egypt. The Lord will provide when He gives you instructions in His will. Whether He provides before, during or after the calling, He never fails!

Lam 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Remember when the Lord guided David to that infamous battle against the Philistines? He provided him with the stones, ability and courage to slay the giant. How did David receive these provisions from the Lord? By faith!

When you got saved you were saved by faith (Eph. 2:8,9). You did not see the Lord visibly hanging on the cross for you. You saw it through the eye of faith. The Bible defines faith for us:

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Now that you are saved you are to continue to live by faith (Rom. 1:17). When you pray, you can’t see God or the results of your prayers. You are to see them through the eyes of faith. If you don’t think the Lord can provide why are you praying? If you don’t think He can answer your prayers don’t pray!

When you begin to tithe a portion of your income to your local church (and you should be doing that!), you have to do that by faith – in obedience. It takes faith in doing the will of God. Some Christians never grow practically even though they grow theologically. They never experience what they say they believe because they never DO what God says for them to do. They never obey by FAITH! If God doesn’t have your wallet, He doesn’t have you!

Listening to the Lord on a daily basis requires a couple of things:

1. Faith that the Lord is leading you through the word and preaching.

2. Faith to carry out what the Lord wants you do to – obedience.

What are you doing with the responsibilities that the Lord has placed upon you? When He guides and deals with you about something are you acting upon it? Are you exercising FAITH in what He wants you to do? He promised that He would provide for us:

Phil 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Ps 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Martin Luther said, “God wants nothing to do with the lazy, gluttonous bellies who are neither concerned nor busy; they act as if they just have to sit and wait for God to drop a roasted goose into their mouth.” You have to ACT UPON what the Lord tells you to do. Joseph didn’t question the Lord – he obeyed!

When you have simple faith to obey the One with limitless resources you can’t go wrong. George Mueller supported his orphanage exclusively on prayer. Mueller never directly asked anyone for a contribution. He simply prayed to God about his circumstances. Someone observed, “It looks like a hand-to-mouth proposition.” “Yes, it is,” Mueller responded, “But it is God's hand and my mouth.”

Go ahead and trust God! Do what He wants you to do! You are not happy in the condition you are in and you never will be. Exercise your faith and believe God.

Back in 1880 a Christian couple, George and Sarah Clarke bought a lease for what was known as Pacific Beer Garden. They dropped the word “beer” and added the word “mission” and began a ministry to reach the homeless of Chicago. Also known as the Old Lighthouse, it is the second oldest mission in the country.

The Clarkes paid for all operating costs themselves, but after the ministry expanded and took off, they soon found themselves not able to pay the rent.

They went to the Lord in prayer and told the Lord that He had called them into that ministry and if He was to keep it open He would have to provide. They prayed all through the night.

When they came out of their house the next morning, they were startled at what they saw. White everywhere! Their entire lawn was covered with what looked like the manna of the Bible – white mushrooms.

They gathered the mushrooms and took them down the street to the famous Palmer House hotel and sold them. They had enough to pay the rent and cover other expenses.

The Pacific Garden Mission is still in operation today because where God guides He always provides.

Conclusion

Folks, this story is about real life. Yes, this was the miracles of all miracles, but there are some lessons here for us to live by today. What if Joseph and Mary would have rebelled against the law of the day? What if they considered the journey too arduous and stayed in Nazareth? What if they had demanded a place better than a manager? The Christmas story just wouldn’t be the same, and we wouldn’t have these very important truths to follow.

Life is hard, ordinary and unfair. God is gentle, supernatural and has our best interest at heart. He wants to guide you into His best will. Will you follow?