Christmas Sermon

Luke 2:8-20

8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.

17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

·       The Bible tells us that the shepherds were out in the fields keeping watch over their flock.

o     While Abraham Isaac and Jacob were shepherds, in the days of Jesus shepherds were considered outcasts and sinners.

§       They were considered untruthful.

§       Their testimony was not excepted in the courts of the Jewish leaders.

o     But It is fitting that the angel made this announcement to the shepherds.

§       For Jesus came to minister to outcasts and sinners.

§       God values that which those in high society despise.

§       God despises what the wealthy value.

·       The shepherds did more than wonder when the Angel appeared.

o     They were scared and afraid.

o     They were terrified in fact.

·       The Bible says that the glory of the Lord shone about them.

o     This is the manifestation of God's presence among his people.

o     It had been hundreds of years since the glory of God had appeared among Israel.

§       It now appears to lowly and despised shepherds.

·       "A Savior ... Christ the Lord"

o     Jesus was a Savior, because he came to save people from their sins.

·       After the Angels had departed, the shepherds went and worshiped Jesus.

o     God expects us to worship Him still.

o     The shepherds were able to find Jesus, but many today still miss him.