Luke 2:8-14 † Why We Need Christmas

Luke 2:8–14 “8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 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. 10 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. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was 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 those with whom he is pleased!””

INTRODUCTION

The difficulty of telling people what you want when you have so much more than you need.

Today, I want to answer the question, “Why do we need Christmas?”

WE NEED GOOD NEWS

Our lives are marked by the bad news of our own brokenness and the brokenness of the world around us.

The context of the Shepherd’s world in anticipation of Christ’s arrival.

God’s Good News Overcomes Fear

The cause of the Shepherd’s fear. (A) the reality of supernatural power beyond their comprehension. (B) The gap between the power of heaven and the weakness of humanity.

The angel can say “don’t be afraid” because God’s good news is for our benefit and not our destruction.

“The ‘great joy’ (of God’s gospel) is the antidote for (the Shepherd’s) ‘great fear’.” - Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Luke’s Gospel

God’s Good News Creates Joy

Biblical joy is a deep delight and gladness that transcends human circumstances.

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people:” (Luke 2:10, NET)

The truth of God’s work to rescue his people through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection creates a reality of joy for God’s people that can’t be stolen or destroyed.

God’s Good News is Verifiable

Luke 2:12 (ESV)

12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

The good news of Jesus is rooted in historically reliable facts and not just mystical ideas. We have real hope because Jesus was a real man.

God’s Good News is For Everyone

The Shepherds may have asked (1) “Why us?” And (2) “Why a manger?”

The humility of Jesus’ birth narrative reminds us of God’s upside down kingdom.

1 Corinthians 1:26–29 ESV

26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

WE NEED TRUE PEACE

What does “peace on earth” mean and why do we need it?

Like “joy” the biblical definition of “peace” is deeper than just a lack of current conflict.

“Shalom represents God’s vision for creation and redemption, signifying a state of wholeness, harmony, and flourishing in all aspects of life.” Jeremy Treat, The Atonement: An Introduction, 90-91.

An Internal Peace for Our Souls

Ephesians 2:14 (ESV)

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

Jesus lived a life of true “shalom” and invites his people to live in peace here and now.

Biblical peace is not the absent of anxiety or conflict, but the ability to filter it through the eternal promises of God.

Psalm 23:4–6 (ESV)

“4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

A Kingdom of Peace for Our Flourishing

Christianity is not a faith of superficial peace achieved through ignoring the problems inside us and around us.

Christian’s have peace rooted in God’s promises to build a Kingdom of “shalom” through Jesus and his followers.

“The Greek word for today (σήμερον, sēmeron) occurs eleven times in the Gospel of Luke … and nine times in Acts. Its use…signifies the dawning of the era of messianic salvation and the fulfillment of the plan of God. Not only does it underscore the idea of present fulfillment in Jesus’ ministry, but it also indicates salvific fulfillment present in the church.” - D. L. Bock, Luke [BECNT], I. H. Marshall, Luke, [NIGTC].

Jesus’ incarnation is the pivotal point of God’s Kingdom coming to restore creation to the peace of Eden.

The Bible promises an eternity void of sin, strife, conflict, oppression, disease, addiction, and death.

THE COST TO MEET THE NEED

[Invite praise band and initiate communion.]

We’re going to close out today’s message by remembering the cost of Jesus’ meeting our needs. Communion is a visible symbol that we see, touch, smell, and taste that reminds us of what Jesus did to bring us eternal joy and peace.

The body of Christ is a reminder of Jesus’ humility and descent into our darkness.

“[Jesus’ incarnation] means a temporary leaving of the glory that the Word had from eternity with God the Father. This amounted to a sacrifice of astounding magnitude. At times, we marvel at missionaries leaving behind the comfort of their homes, extended families, and native cultures for the sake of proclaiming the gospel to an unreached people group. Any such sacrifice, while significant and noble, pales by comparison with the sacrifice of the Word leaving behind the glory he shared with the Father before the world began.” - Köstenberger & Stewart, The First Days of Jesus, 220.

The blood of Christ is a reminder of the cost of our peace and victory.

Colossians 1:19–20 ESV

19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

God’s gift to us meets our deepest needs. He gives us himself. Let’s respond to his gift with praise, thanksgiving, and humble submission.

PASTORAL PRAYER

Father, your love displayed in the true story of Christmas goes beyond our comprehension apart from your Spirit applying the truth to our hearts. We respond this morning with praise and thanksgiving. Jesus, you reconciled all things through your blood. You give us the gift we could never acquire on our own. We have a deep joy that passes the fleeting happiness of worldly desires. We have peace that means a table in the presence of our enemies. Thank you, God! As we close this morning, we pray for your name to be glorified. We pray that you give us opportunities this week to share your good news, to meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to offer generosity to those in deep trouble. Go with us. Be glorified in our church today and for as long as we have the ability to call ourselves Tapestry. Amen.