HEARD at CHRISTMAS: Angels

Luke 1:13 CSB

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John.

INTRO—

[[WUV: “O Holy NIght” - Michael Crawford]]

What comes to mind for you when you think about what is heard at Christmas? Do you hear crowded stores…or the sound of another successful online order? Carolers at your door…or the school choir’s holiday concert? The bells ringing for the salvation army…and the bells on Christmas Day?

During this Christmas Season this year, I invite you to join with me in listening to the various voices we hear at Christmas—the very first Christmas. Today let’s begin with Angels. We hear angels all throughout that historical first Christmas...

… [and] ANGELS...

When they speak—especially in the setting of our Lord’s first arrival, they...

ANNOUNCE

The Forerunner to Come (Luke 1.5-25; 1.11-20)

The crux of the announcement (1.15-17)

John will turn people to Christ. [v.17—especially as they came to the appropriate age for Jesus’ earthly ministry and the Cross.]

The Messiah to Come (Luke 1.26-38; 1.26-37)

The crux of the announcement (1.28, 30-33, 35-37)

Jesus will be the Son of God (Messiah). [Son of the Most High; his kingdom will have no end; Son of God; nothing will be impossible with God]

The Messiah has Arrived (Luke 2.8-12)

The crux of the announcement (2.10-12)

The awaited Messiah (Christ) has been born. [a Savior; the Messiah]

The angelic announcements are met with disbelief, doubt, faith, & enthusiasm.

WARN

To Not Fear God’s Plan (Matthew 1.18-25; 1.20-21)

Joseph was concerned by a situation for which he didn’t have all the information. [Don’t be afraid…; what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit; name him Jesus; he will save his people from their sins]

To Protect from Harm (Matthew 2.12-13)

[Caveat: 2.12 is conjecture that an angel was the messenger in the wise men’s dreams. There is reason for it, though.]

God superintends every aspect of his plan. He kept Mary, Joseph, and Jesus from harm…so that the plan of Father, Son, & Holy Spirit would be accomplished. [flee to Egypt; Herod is about to search for the Child to kill him]

CELEBRATE

The Goodness & Greatness of God and His Plan (Luke 2.13-14)

Simply on merit of the words alone, this message from the angelic messengers is AMAZING!! The praise & worship from the angels is contagious. [GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST HEAVEN, AND PEACE ON EARTH TO PEOPLE HE FAVORS!]

CONCL—

Announcements…Warnings…Celebration! God’s work at the first Christmas…God’s work in our lives today! [Today = The word of God (announcement and warning) AND the response of God’s people (celebration)]

Have you heard the Good News about Christmas?

If you have and haven’t responded, can I warn you not to pass by the importance of repenting of your sin and trusting Jesus as your Savior and Lord?

If you have heard and have repented, trusting Jesus as your Savior and Lord, let’s together celebrate this Christmas…once again praising and thanking God for his greatness, goodness, mercy, forgiveness, and grace.

Luke 2:13–14 CSB

Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!