Christmas Connections
Luke 2:8-18
The Announcement to the Shepherds
- Angelic appearance and the shepherds' fear
- The angel's message of good news and great joy for all people
The Birth of Jesus
- The Sign of the Savior:
- Birth in the city of David
- Description of the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger
- The appearance of a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God
The Shepherds' Response
- Journey to Bethlehem
- Shepherds decide to visit Bethlehem
- Discovery of Mary, Joseph, and the baby
Significance of the Location
- Geographical Significance
- Bethlehem as the city of David
- David’s connection to Bethlehem (1 Samuel 17:15)
- Prophetic Significance
- Prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)
- Mention of Migdal Eder (Micah 4:8)
Historical Context and Commercialism
- Commercialism in Bethlehem during the visit
- Reflection on the commercial aspect of Christmas today
Old Testament Prophecies and Fulfillment
- Genesis 35:21 and the significance of Rachel’s tomb
- Micah 4:7-8 and the Messianic prophecy
- The connection between Bethlehem and Jerusalem
Typology and the Lamb of God
- Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 Corinthians 5:7)
- Birthplace of sacrificial lambs
- Significance of swaddling clothes
Theological Implications
- Jesus’ identification with sacrificial lambs
- Jesus’ willingness to become flesh and to be the Passover lamb
- Hebrews 10:5-7 and Jesus’ mission
Worship and Witness
- The shepherds' witness and worship
- Connection between Bethlehem and Jerusalem
- Encouragement to share the message of Christmas
Closing Prayer and Reflection
- Gratitude for Jesus' birth and sacrifice
- Fulfillment of prophecy
- The significance of Jesus’ birth and its impact
*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.
About the Contributors
Mark L. Bailey
Dr. Bailey assumed the role of DTS Chancellor after serving for 19 years as the Seminary’s fifth President, and continues his role as Sr. Professor in the Bible Exposition department. In addition to his years at Dallas Theological Seminary, he has pastored various churches in Arizona and Texas. He was a seminar instructor for Walk Thru the Bible Ministries for twenty years and is in demand for Bible conferences and other preaching engagements all over the country and world. His overseas ministries have included Venezuela, Argentina, Hungary, and China. He is also a regular tour leader in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Rome. His board service includes Bible Study Fellowship, Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, and Word of Life.