Series: Longing
December 22, 2024 | Damian Thompson
Passage: Luke 2:1-7
Luke 2 narrates the birth of Jesus, beginning with a Roman census requiring Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, Joseph’s ancestral home as a descendant of King David. In Bethlehem, Mary gives birth to Jesus and lays him in a manger due to a lack of lodging. Bethlehem's significance is rooted in prophecy and history, being the city of King David and the foretold birthplace of the Messiah as prophesied by Micah. This fulfills centuries of anticipation by Israel for a Savior who would bring peace, justice, and restoration.
Matthew 2 highlights the arrival of wise men seeking the "King of the Jews," which incites King Herod’s paranoia. Herod orders the massacre of Bethlehem’s male infants to eliminate the threat, forcing Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to flee to Egypt for safety, making them refugees. This flight draws a poignant parallel to modern-day refugees seeking safety from persecution and conflict. After Herod’s death, Joseph’s family returns to Israel and settles in Nazareth, an unremarkable and poor village with no prior religious or historical significance.
Jesus' upbringing in humble Nazareth contrasts with His divine purpose, emphasizing how extraordinary things arise from ordinary places. The narrative ties prophecies, historical context, and modern relevance, reminding readers of God’s care for all, especially the vulnerable.
Series Information
From the very first promise of a Messiah in Genesis 3:15 to the miraculous arrival of Jesus on that first Christmas, God’s people lived with a deep, aching longing. They waited through generations, clinging to hope, trusting in the faithfulness of God.
Today, we find ourselves in a similar season of waiting—longing for the return of Jesus, our Savior and King. Yet Christmas reminds us of a profound truth: God always keeps His promises. The same God who sent His Son into the world will one day send Him again to restore all things.
This holy longing should ignite something within us. It should awaken a steadfast trust in the One who came to save and will come again in glory. Let the waiting inspire us to live with bold faith, unshakable hope, and a heart fully surrendered to Jesus. The promise is sure—He will return.
