Jesus Birth Promoted Shepards to Missionaries
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Luke 2:7–18 “7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. 8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished,”
Luke 2:7–18 “7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. 8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished,”
THE HOUR OF THE AGES HAD COME
THE HOUR OF THE AGES HAD COME
History had been waiting for the hour, this hour of Christ’s Holy Birth.
History had been waiting for the hour, this hour of Christ’s Holy Birth.
The words of the prophets in the OT had been waiting for fulfillment for centuries. When Mary gave birth to Jesus, the long-awaited hour, blessing, time had arrived.
The words of the prophets in the OT had been waiting for fulfillment for centuries. When Mary gave birth to Jesus, the long-awaited hour, blessing, time had arrived.
God provided witnesses to Confirm This Holy Historic Event. God provided the perfect timing, the perfect location to Glorify His Holy name.
God provided witnesses to Confirm This Holy Historic Event. God provided the perfect timing, the perfect location to Glorify His Holy name.
Angels were dispatched to a nearby hillside to announce the birth of Christ.
Angels were dispatched to a nearby hillside to announce the birth of Christ.
Shepherds were invited and provided with the latest GPS to find Bethlehem’s manger to see the newborn Savior.
Shepherds were invited and provided with the latest GPS to find Bethlehem’s manger to see the newborn Savior.
Can you just imagine being with the shepherds on this night? Miracle of all Miracles? Their joy, their praising God, they were there! We see miracles everyday don’t we? Are we taking the time to observe these miracles? Are we taking the time to ask God that we see these things then thank Him?
Can you just imagine being with the shepherds on this night? Miracle of all Miracles? Their joy, their praising God, they were there! We see miracles everyday don’t we? Are we taking the time to observe these miracles? Are we taking the time to ask God that we see these things then thank Him?
Verse 8 tells us abut the first announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ, it was at night!
Verse 8 tells us abut the first announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ, it was at night!
The world was in spiritual darkness, kind of like today right church? God chose that Jesus be born at night. The shepherds following the star, the wise men following the star, can’t see the stars during daylight can we? Perfect planning and execution by God again!
The world was in spiritual darkness, kind of like today right church? God chose that Jesus be born at night. The shepherds following the star, the wise men following the star, can’t see the stars during daylight can we? Perfect planning and execution by God again!
Jesus was born to deliver those, you and I from the darkness of our sin.
Jesus was born to deliver those, you and I from the darkness of our sin.
Romans 13:12–13 “12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.
Romans 13:12–13 “12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.
So, the things that are going on today, our sins were going on in the day that Christ was born. God knew we needed a Savior!
So, the things that are going on today, our sins were going on in the day that Christ was born. God knew we needed a Savior!
Christ’s birth that night would doom the powers of darkness, doom Satin forever.
Christ’s birth that night would doom the powers of darkness, doom Satin forever.
Ephesians 6:12–18 “12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
Ephesians 6:12–18 “12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
So what exactly did nighttime mean to the shepherds, what did night mean when the angels came?
So what exactly did nighttime mean to the shepherds, what did night mean when the angels came?
Night was a time of weariness and worry over their sheep. Wild animals, running away, the shepherds falling asleep.
Night was a time of weariness and worry over their sheep. Wild animals, running away, the shepherds falling asleep.
Nighttime was the end of another day of unfulfilled ambitions, unfulfilled dreams, maybe a bla-bla job.
Nighttime was the end of another day of unfulfilled ambitions, unfulfilled dreams, maybe a bla-bla job.
Night was a time of uncertainty over what might happen as they slept. then the angelic announcement of salvation changed everything. Just like today when we give our hearts to Jesus. Jesus changes everything. Our world would never be the same.
Night was a time of uncertainty over what might happen as they slept. then the angelic announcement of salvation changed everything. Just like today when we give our hearts to Jesus. Jesus changes everything. Our world would never be the same.
Verse 9 tells us, suddenly, the hillside was flooded with light! Remember, Jesus is the light of the world. The Glory of the Lord shone all around them.
Verse 9 tells us, suddenly, the hillside was flooded with light! Remember, Jesus is the light of the world. The Glory of the Lord shone all around them.
The darkness in their lives was about to flee away. Can you imagine? All darkness gone, the glory of the Lord had arrived.
The darkness in their lives was about to flee away. Can you imagine? All darkness gone, the glory of the Lord had arrived.
There is light in the Lord Jesus. All we have to do is look and receive this light. The first words of creation written in scripture are:
There is light in the Lord Jesus. All we have to do is look and receive this light. The first words of creation written in scripture are:
Genesis 1:3 “3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”
Genesis 1:3 “3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”
Psalm 27:1–2 “1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? 2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.”
Psalm 27:1–2 “1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? 2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.”
We read in John 1:4–5 “4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
We read in John 1:4–5 “4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
The one in the manger, (Jesus) would say, John 8:12 “12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
The one in the manger, (Jesus) would say, John 8:12 “12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
Jesus Christ came to call us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Jesus Christ came to call us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9–10 “9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
1 Peter 2:9–10 “9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
We as believers are headed for heaven because of Jesus, because of God sending His only Son. We will be where the Lamb is the light forever. AMEN Revelation 21:23 “23 And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.”
We as believers are headed for heaven because of Jesus, because of God sending His only Son. We will be where the Lamb is the light forever. AMEN Revelation 21:23 “23 And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.”
Remember last week, Fear not? verses 9-11 tells us, “they were so afraid.”
Remember last week, Fear not? verses 9-11 tells us, “they were so afraid.”
Luke 2:9–11 “9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”
Luke 2:9–11 “9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”
The light of God reveals His holiness and our sinfulness. We read in: Isaiah 6:3–5 “3 They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” 4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke. 5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
The light of God reveals His holiness and our sinfulness. We read in: Isaiah 6:3–5 “3 They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” 4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke. 5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
Luke 2:15–18 “15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone,
Luke 2:15–18 “15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone,
(The first missionaries) what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished,”
(The first missionaries) what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished,”
This message, this angelic message took their fears away, “Fear not; behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.”
This message, this angelic message took their fears away, “Fear not; behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.”
This message, these words were of a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” Faith in Christ, inviting Jesus into our hearts as sinners takes our sins away, takes our fears away and allows us to live with Him forever.
This message, these words were of a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” Faith in Christ, inviting Jesus into our hearts as sinners takes our sins away, takes our fears away and allows us to live with Him forever.
Amen
Amen
Invitational Hymn
Invitational Hymn
Last song.
Last song.
