12/17/06

Intro: Luke 2:1-20- definition of “irony”—birth of Jesus

was like any other in many ways.  The irony of love is

seen in O.Henry’s “Gift of the Magi”-

I. The Irony of a King  born as a subject.

1) Luke opens with a “taxation” or census.

2) The relocation by the parents fulfilled scripture-

Micah 5:2

II. The Irony of royalty introduced in a stable.

Manger = phatne- crib  “crèche” – box for animal fodder

1) Jesus was of royal background—Matt.1:1

2)It may have expressed the divine principle of reversal of

fortune-  Mark 10:43 and Luke 14:11

III. The Irony of aristocracy associated with common

peasantry. 2:15-16

1) Clearly, Jesus comes from aristocratic roots—

2) in every age, there are people of culture and birth who

reach out to identify with the common people- Mk.12:37

IV. The Irony of good tidings  being mistaken

for terror. 2:9-10

1) It is the greatest message since Malachi, the last OT prophet.

2) Even today, people are sometimes frightened by the word of

God.