Capturing the Immensity of the Moment

Introduction

This morning, we sang the song, “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” Hark is not a word we use much anymore except when we sing this song! What does it mean?

Hark means, “Listen Up,” “Lean In,” or “Pay Attention.” So, parents, you could just tell your kiddos, “HARK!” when they aren’t listening to the sermon, ya know?

No, the song captures this listening to the angels that is very important. The words they speak to the shepherd are very important. We are going to spend one week on the pronouncement of Jesus and two weeks on their exclamation of worship before Jesus.

I like to think that heaven just spilled over into the world, and where the Son of God incarnate was born, angels songs were just meant to be.

Luke 2:8–13 ESV

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

Explanation

THREE QUESTIONS

1. How do the angels describe the message they are bringing? This gospel of Jesus Christ. It is good news of great joy.

Our world and our culture would say that the gospel is bad news that steals joy. The angels say that it is good news, AND it brings great joy.

We hear “good news” all the time, so it doesn’t really feel like good news.

Remember the moment where you made the basketball or soccer or cheer team. Remember the moment you found our you got into the college you always wanted. Remember the moment you found out you were going to be grandparents.

This good news is 1000x times greater than the best news you have ever received.

Christmas is a sufferers holiday. We can have JOY no matter our circumstances.

2. Who is this message for? This good news is for all the people.

Christianity is for anyone ho will call upon the name of Jesus to be saved.

We see this referenced in their pronouncement of Christ’s birth… the personal nature of it - for UNTO YOU.

Mom’s, you give birth to a child and some rando walks in your hospital room and says, “Oh, thanks for having that child. He is for me.”

We fighting. Right? Why? Because that is your child.

Mary’s birth story is unique. Her child is uniquely for the world.

He is marked from his birth to life a life for the will of His Father.

He is marked from his birth to be tempted and tried by Satan to sin against His own nature.

He is marked for hunger, hurt, sickness, disappointment, and grief.

He is marked for suffering and sorrow.

But ultimately, He is marked for death.

He is marked for death so that he might be a ransom for many, and that they may know the Father through his sacrifice.

3. The good news. A child is born in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

A child is born this day

Luke uses the term, “Today” throughout the book to reference the fulfillment of prophecy in the presence of the people who are witnessing it. They are seeing the events real time.

David Garland says, “Today, connects the yesterday of God’s promises in the Old Testament to their fulfillment in God’s presence.

In the city of David

A prophecy has been fulfilled. A child is born in Bethlehem.

Jerusalem has always been known as the city of David. Why does Luke reference Bethlehem as the city of David.

Jerusalem was always the city of power, the citadel, the place where the throne was. David consolidated his power and moved to Jerusalem. Anyone who was anyone lived and worked in Jerusalem. It was the place of power and might - David had made it so.

When Luke refers to Bethlehem as the City of David, he is saying that an insurrection - against Herod, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and Pilot, himself - has entered the scene.

Jesus Christ, born a child in a humble manger - is the new king. Guess what… He wins!

A Savior, who is Christ the Lord

Jesus as Savior

The very name Jesus means, “Yahweh saves.”

Jesus is not a military leader, but rather, he is one who will destroy sin and death.

Jesus as the Anointed

What does anointing mean?

He is the final prophet anointed to lead GOd’s people to spiritual liberty.

He is the greater priests anointed to offer one sacrifice of Himself to take away the sins of the world.

He is the true King anointed to conquer sin and death and usher forth the true Kingdom of God.

Jesus as Lord

Even as a child, Jesus is the sovereign over all things.

He is Lord of Lords. No one challenges his throne.

Invitation

Christ is everything that we need.