Cmas Carol Devotions

Intro

This AM, Just want to read the announcement story pertaining to X’s birth & challenge us with a few points as we remember that amazing time, this yr

This fam. narr. opens with >>

An Uncommon Greeting (Luke 2:8-9)

Luke 2:8–9 “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”

A common scene unfolded on a seemingly normal night amidst a group of very ordinary people - shepherds!

myth - shepherds drunks or ne’er do wells; most ref. from 400yrs after X’s birth!

Likely, Luke pointing out ‘ordinariness’ of their story

Shepherds were nobodies, ghosts, wallflowers… never been summoned by a magistrate or ruler; never given any honors.

Techn. def: ordinary = “profane”

In the OT system, profane things could not be used in temple/Tab!

Ordinary things were NOT set apart for use in God’s house/priests

But God chose to shine His GLORY on these everyday shepherds!

“Into which profane area of my life does the Holy need invade?"

…an area that is not yet in service to Jesus?

God chose to use a very ordinary people … Given Holy quest.

These poor lowly shepherds became the first to >>

Hear the Good News (Luke 2:10-12)

Luke 2:10–14 “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.””

“Gospel” = good news! Announced the birth of an emporer or mili. victory!

That Good news would have affected lives of the ppl living in land.

New ruler or more ‘peace’ from enemies should mean more prosperity, happines (Roman propaganda)

This Angels’ good news brings even BETTTTTER change!

Not an emporer, the chosen one of YH! Not the fearful peace of Rome, but complete cosmic rest.

God’s glory was praised from the skies & His peace will be promoted on the land.

This good news was a shift for the whole world, nay all of Creation!

“How does the Good News about Jesus affect change in my life?”

Understanding what Jesus came to do — display the character of God & create a way for us to be part of His family — should change your whole life!

If u trust in Jesus as your savior, how does that truth affect the words you speak? The attitude by which you address your family/cowok/friends?

Spoiler alert - it should change it all! “Xian” means u choose to live like Jesus.

Inside: peace, love; desire to do right; conviction when in the wrong

Outside: express love; curb habits; control passions/desires

If you’ve found that hope today (if not, love to talk to you after), the next step is to >>

Spread the Good News (Luke 2:15)

An authentic encounter with love of Christ (gospel) should not only transform you, but arm you with desire t spread that news!

Let’s read about the shepherds.

Luke 2:15,17-18 “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”… 17 “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”

This Christmas season, let us respond like the shepherds.

“How can I show that Jesus changed me? Who can I tell?”

Our life should be a walking testimony (story) of God’s grace in me.

Don’t be afraid to tell others what Jesus has done, EVEN IF you aren’t yet perfect (secret: no one is)! Humbly admit you’re a work in prog.

1 Peter 3:15 NET “But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.”

Don’t think twice. Always be ready with what you’ll say

Like these ordinary men who didn’t hesitate—they went to see the child & shared the good news with others—

May we, too, carry the joy of Christ into the world, shining His light in the dark corners of life.

As Jesus himself commands his followers after the end of Mark’s account:

Mark 16:15 “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

Let’s worship together as we’re challenged today by His Spirit.