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Christmas isn’t just about a baby in a manger—it’s about LOVE that stepped into our broken world and changed everything. Come discover how Love Came Down and why His first coming gives us hope as we await His return.

Joseph returns to the town of his ancestors. Luke the historian had the topography correct when he says, “Joseph also went up.” Bethlehem (south of Nazareth) is 2,564 feet above sea level while Nazareth is 1,830 feet above sea level.

Bethlehem was the prophesied place the Messiah would come from, according to the prophecy of Micah (700 years before the birth of Jesus).

The focus is on the baby - a son. There is reference to cloths and a manger - a feed trough. That’s not the normal spot to lay an infant. This likely took place on the lower floor of a relative’s home - where the animals slept at night OR in cave near a home - where animals were protected at night. Joseph was likely expecting to find refuge at a relative’s home, but the guest rooms were already filled. So, Mary & Joseph make the best of it, but it’s certainly not the place where the King of Israel would be expected be birthed.

Shepherds are the least likely audience to announce the birth of a king, yet these shepherds of Bethlehem (where King David had once been a shepherd) were the first that God chose to tell about the birth of the GOOD SHEPHERD. The angel has come to bring good news which will bring joy for all the people who are humble enough to receive it.

The manger was a signpost to the Savior - the long awaited Messiah, the Lord (a specific reference for God). 

For centuries those who believe the New Testament Scriptures have recognized that answering ‘Who is Jesus?’ is the most important question one could answer. 

Codex Beratinas 

Dan Wallace, professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary - an expert in New Testament Greek manuscripts, tells us of a 6th century (500s) hand-written Greek copy of the Gospel of Matthew, found on parchment dyed purple reserved for the Gospels. Every word on this parchment has been carefully written in silver...except for God, Jesus, Christ [Messiah], Lord, and Son - all in GOLD.

• Dr. Dan Wallace "What does this tell you about what the Christians thought about Jesus Christ? He is God. He is Lord.
• It's remarkable how just the form of the text itself is telling us something of their theology."

These 6th century Christians believed what the 1st century shepherds believed, what Mary & Joseph believed...what WE should believe...that LOVE came down - God in skin. Jesus would not be just another prophet who speaks for God. Jesus IS the Savior, Messiah, & Lord - God who speaks.

LOVE Came Down! God made the 1st move in our lives because…He loved us! God’s love didn’t hit the brakes at the cradle - His mission continued all the way to the CROSS. 

• If THAT day were TOday…what regrets would you have - regrets that you could CHOOSE to do something about?
• What are some ways you can serve others & share you faith during this ADVENT season - as you appreciate Jesus’ birth and anticipate His return?