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JESUS, BORN HOMELESS AT CHRISTMAS

Jesus came to bring “Good News to the Poor”. JESUS, BORN HOMELESS AT CHRISTMAS. Penge Baptist Church 25th December 2013. Luke 2:1-7.

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JESUS, BORN HOMELESS AT CHRISTMAS

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  1. Jesus came to bring “Good News to the Poor” JESUS, BORN HOMELESS AT CHRISTMAS Penge Baptist Church 25th December 2013

  2. Luke 2:1-7 • In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. • So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

  3. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

  4. A God of history, acting in history • Under Caesar’s power, but God was stronger • In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. • A God faithful to his promises in history • So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. • “Your house and your kingdom shall endure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever.’ (2 Samuel 7:18) • But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel (Micah 5:2)

  5. Where do we expect God’s son to be born? • Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

  6. He grew up before him like a tender shoot,and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. (Isaiah 53:2)

  7. Jesus identified with the poor • An unemployed father and unwed mother • He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. • Homeless • While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born • Sleeping with the animals • She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

  8. Later a refugee under threat of death • an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. (Matthew 2:13-14) • And a wandering rabbi without a home • Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20)

  9. Jesus brought good news for the poor • Jesus said “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (Luke 4:18-19)

  10. What does Jesus mean by “the poor”? • Physical poverty – lacking material needs, being without adequate food or money • Spiritual poverty - being attached to things of the world, blind to the need for God • Jesus the Son of God came to this earth particularly for the poor, the disadvantaged, the sick, the lonely, the lost and those who mourn – fulfilling God’s plan for humanity and bringing in God’s kingdom

  11. The rich are called to help out, to act as God’s humble servants for those in material need – alleviating their own risk of spiritual poverty • Jesus said “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20)

  12. If you are in need this Christmas • Struggling with debt? Contact Christians Against Poverty on 0800 328 0006 (there’s a debt counselling centre at St John’s church once you are registered). • Lonely at Christmas? Christmas lunches are served today at the Salvation Army (8659 7321) and Holy Trinity Beckenham (8778 7258). • Family difficulties affecting children at primary school? The interchurch charity “Amazing Grace” may be able to help you. Contact 07415 228 538

  13. Money too short to buy family food? There are food banks at Christ Central Church, Holy Trinity Beckenham and Christ Church Anerley, see local information for times and conditions. • In need of good advice? The Citizens Advice Bureau is weekly at Penge Baptist Church (Thur 1230-1430), Christ Church (Mon 1000-1300) and Anerley Town Hall (Wed 1000-1200). • Suffering with addictions, mental health problems, debt, homelessness or any other need? Come to “Living Well” on Friday lunchtime at Holy Trinity Beckenham for a good meal, advice and assistance (8778 7258).

  14. If you are not in need this Christmas • Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:12-14) • The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)

  15. “Invite the poor, the crippled…” • Tell someone the good news about Jesus today! • Tell someone needy what is available • Engage with local charities to bring “good news to the poor” • Give to charities for the poor, local or global • Do a good deed for someone in need in the name of Jesus….

  16. May you experience God’s love this Christmas!

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