Joined by a special guest, Keith has a casual discussion of the events in the Christmas account found in Luke 2:1-20.

Recreating our low-key, low-tech style from our former podcast, Alive and Still Married, Robin and Keith share a few moments to say hello to listeners, then read the scripture. We no longer have our old, noisy refrigerator that liked to kick in during the podcast. However, since it has been so long in having to remember some nuances in our recording setup, Keith’s phone tries to chime in at a couple spots. Sorry.

Though we comment without notes, the following is the cross references that Keith refers to in the episode. Scripture is from the NASB, and references are from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.

Caesar. Luke 3:1; Ac 11:28; 25:11,21; Php 4:22

  • Identifies the time. as during Caesar Augustus.

all. Mt 24:14; Mr 14:9; 16:15; Ro 1:8

  • As in taking the gospel to all the world.
  • As in all the inhabited earth.

taxed. or, enrolled.

2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

taxing. Ac 5:37

  • A census is also mentioned in acts.

governor. Luke 3:1; Ac 13:7; 18:12; 23:26; 26:30

  • Other encounters with, and mentions of governors.

3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,

Joseph. Luke 1:26,27; 3:23

  • Joseph is mentioned as Mary’s betrothed, and in genealogy.

of the city. Luke 4:16; Mt 2:23; Joh 1:46

  • Nazareth is clearly Jesus’ home town.

unto. Ge 35:19; 48:7; Ru 1:19; 2:4; 4:11,17,21,22; 1Sa 16:1,4; 17:12,58; 1Sa 20:6; Mic 5:2; Mt 2:1-6; Joh 7:42

  • Bethlehem. The burial place of Rachael, home to Ruth and Naomi,
  • Ruth is accepted and blessed by the people. Too become famous like Leah and Rachael. To be mother of nations.
  • Samuel is directed there by God, and anoints David to be king.
  • Micah prophecies the messiah is to be born in Bethlehem.
  • In Matthew 2, After the birth, magi come to Bethlehem.
  • John acknowledges the connection to Bethlehem and Judah.

he was. Luke 1:27; 3:23-31; Mt 1:1-17

  • Prophecies, genealogies.

5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.

De Luke 22:22-27; Mt 1:18,19

  • He came to serve, not to be served as king.
  • Humble beginnings.

6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.

A.M. 4000. B.C. 4. so. Ps 33:11; Pr 19:21; Mic 5:2

  • God’s plans stand forever.

the days. Luke 1:57; Re 12:1-5

  • Relates the birth of John
  • The woman in Revelation 12 giving birth. The birth of Christ.

7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

she. Isa 7:14; Mt 1:25; Ga 4:4

  • A virgin will conceive. Prophesied in Isaiah, confirmed in Matthew, and continued to be taught by Paul

and wrapped. Luke 2:11,12 Ps 22:6; Isa 53:2,3; Mt 8:20; 13:55; Joh 1:14; 2Co 8:9

  • A wrapped newborn baby.
  • Like a root out of ground.
  • No place to lay his head. Despised.
  • The Word became flesh.
  • He Was rich, became poor.

the inn. Luke 10:34; Ge 42:27; 43:21; Ex 4:24

  • Various other mentions of an inn, or overnight encampment.

8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.

abiding. Ge 31:39,40; Ex 3:1,2; 1Sa; 17:34,35; Ps 78:70,71; Eze 34:8; Joh 10:8-12

  • Shepherds. Guarding, and enduring hardships of weather.
  • Moses, as a shepherd led the flock and had his encounter with the burning bush.
    !

      David. Going from shepherd to king.

    • Bad shepherds devour the flock.
    • Jesus is the good shepherd. Lays down his life, doesn’t flee.

    watch over their flock by night. or, the night-watches.

    9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

    lo. Luke 1:11,28; Jud 6:11,12; Mt 1:20; Ac 27:23; 1Ti 3:16

    • Angels shown appearing to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and Paul.
    • Jesus’ relationship with angels.

    and the. Ex 16:7,10; 40:34,35; 1Ki 8:11; Isa 6:3; 35:2; 40:5; 60:1; Eze 3:23; Joh 12:41; 2Co 3:18; 4:6; Re 18:1

    • Times where the Glory of the lord. is revealed, fills.
    • Glory portrayed as a light out of darkness.

    and they. Luke 1:12; Isa 6:4,5; Ac 22:6-9; 26:13,14; Heb 12:21; Re 20:11

    • In the presence of angels or God. men fear, tremble and fall. Men are undone, ruined.
    • Jesus is the light and voice heard by Paul. His companions didn’t understand.

    10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

    Fear not. Luke 1:13,30; Da 10:11,12,19; Mt 28:5; Re 1:17,18

    • Various mentions of angels and Jesus saying don’t fear.

    I bring. Luke 1:19; 8:1; Isa 40:9; 41:27; 52:7; 61:1; Ac 13:32; Ro 10:15

    • Messengers of good news proclaim. Messengers can be Angels or Jesus prophets.
    • Good news of promise to cheer to captive.
    • Messengers of good news have beautiful feet.

    to. Luke 2:31,32; 24:47; Ge 12:3; Ps 67:1,2; 98:2,3l; Isa 49:6; 52:10; Mt 28:18; Mr 1:15; 16:15; Ro 15:9-12; Eph 3:8; Col 1:23

    • The good news is a light from Jerusalem, shining to gentiles.
    • For repentance, forgiveness of sin, gods’ ways made known
    • For salvation, grace, faithfulness made known.
    • All authority given to Jesus.
    • Repent, believe the gospel, then preach it.

    11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

    unto. Luke 1:69; Isa 9:6; Mt 1:21; Ga 4:4,5; 2Ti 1:9,10; Tit 2:10-14; 3:4-7; 1Jo 4:14

    • Various prophecy is fulfilled.
    • Saved out of law into grace.
    • Jesus abolishes death, brings eternal life.

    in. Luke 4; Mt 1:21

    • Jesus was tempted, overcame. then healed. saved from sin.

    which. Luke 2:26; 1:43; 20:41,42; Ge 3:15; 49:10; Ps 2:2; Da 9:24-26; Mt 1:16; 16:16; Joh 1:41,45; 6:69; 7:25-27,41; 20:31; Ac 2:36; 17:3; 1Jo 5:1

    • Various prophecies of Judah connection.
    • Recognizing Jesus as Christ.
    • All who believe are sons of God.

    the Lord. Luke 1:43; 20:42-44; Ac 10:36; 1Co 15:47; Php 2:11; 3:8; Col 2:6

    • Recognizing him, confessing him as lord.

    12 “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

    Ex 3:12; 1Sa 10:2-7; Ps 22:6; Isa 53:1,2

      Various signs of gods promise.

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

    a multitude. Ge 28:12; 32:1,2; 1Ki 22:19; Job 38:7; Ps 68:17; 103:20,21; 148:2; Isa 6:2,3; Eze 3:12; Da 7:10; Lu 15:10; Eph 3:10; Heb 1:14; 1Pe 1:12; Re 5:11

    • Various mentions of the armies of angels. obedient, serving him.
    • Angel armies in his presence. ministering.

    14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

    Glory. Luke 19:38; Ps 69:34,35; 85:9-12; 96:11-13; Isa 44:23; 49:13; Joh 17:4; Eph 1:6; 3:20,21; Php 2:11; Re 5:13

    • Shout, praise, joyful, roar.
    • The sound of voices of all creatures. Those above, on or under the earth.

    and. Luke 1:79; Isa 9:6,7; 57:19; Jeer 23:5,6; Mic 5:5; Zec 6:12,13; Joh 14:27; Ac 10:36; Ro 5:1; 2Co 5:18-20; Eph 2:14-18; Col 1:20; Heb 13:20,21

    • Prophecies of peace. fulfilled in Christ.

    good. Joh 3:16; Eph 2:4,7; 2Th 2:16; Tit 3:4-7; 1Jo 4:9,10

    • Gods rich mercy and grace. Poured out on men through Christ.
    • Salvation is from His grace, not our works.

    15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”

    into. Luke 24:51; 2Ki 2:1,11; 1Pe 3:22

    • Elijah is taken into heaven.
    • Jesus is taken, where he sits next to gods throne.

    shepherds. Gr. men the shepherds. Let. Ex 3:3; Ps 111:2; Mt 2:1,2,9-11; 12:42; Joh 20:1-10

    • God’s work is worthy of being examined.
    • Moses turned to see the burning bush.
    • Magi pursuing to see the star.
    • Mary at the tomb, going to tell the disciples.

    16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.

    with. Luke 1:39; Ec 9:10

    • Go, do it with all you might.

    found. See on ver. 7,12 Luke 19:32; 22:13

    • Found the sign, exactly as it was told them.

    17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.

    Luke 2:38; 8:39; Ps 16:9,10; 66:16; 71:17,18; Mal 3:16; Joh 1:41-46; 4:28,29

    • Instances of rejoicing, telling what has been fulfilled.

    18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.

    wondered. Luke 2:33,47; 1:65,66; 4:36; 5:9,10; Isa 8:18

    • His parents marveled, at the prophecy marveled in the temple about him.
    • All in the temple who heard him teach.
    • All those in Galilee marveled as he ministered in the region.
    • His disciples marveled, and others witnessing his miracles.

    19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

    Luke 2:51; 1:66; 9:43,44; Ge 37:11; 1Sa 21:12; Pr 4:4; Ho 14:9

    • Various times where people took matters to heart.
    • Mary, Moses, David, others.

    20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

    Luke 18:43; 19:37,38; 1Ch 29:10-12; Ps 72:17-19; 106:48; 107:8,15,21; Isa 29:19; Ac 2:46,47; 11:18

    • Various instances of people praising, after encountering God.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *