Good news for All People

The Greatest Gift: God is Available to All

Bible Passage: Luke 2:1–20

Summary: In this passage, Luke narrates the birth of Jesus, emphasizing how God made Himself available to all people, from common shepherds to the noble lineage of David. The humble setting of Jesus' birth in a manger highlights God's approachability and the joy of His arrival for everyone, regardless of status or circumstance.

Application: This sermon invites Christians and others to recognize that God is accessible to anyone who seeks Him. It addresses the struggles of feeling unworthy or distant from God, encouraging the audience to approach Him with trust, knowing that His grace is sufficient for all. It assures believers that no matter their background or current situation, God is eager to meet them.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God's availability is a central theme of the Christmas story, reminding us that Jesus came for all, emphasizing the inclusivity of the Gospel and the importance of reaching out to those who feel marginalized or forgotten.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader biblical narrative, Jesus represents the ultimate availability of God to humanity. His incarnation is a profound statement that God is not distant but has entered human history to redeem and relate to us. This accessibility culminates in Christ’s sacrifice and the promise of the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers, further illustrating God’s desire to abide with us.

Big Idea: God is intimately available to all who call on Him, inviting us to embrace His joy and presence in our lives.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring the cultural and historical context of first-century Judea, particularly regarding shepherds' social status. Utilize Logos to examine the Greek terms for 'call' and 'available,' which could provide insight into how these concepts function in the larger narrative of Luke. Delve into the Christology of the birth narrative, examining connections to prophecies about the Messiah in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 9:6, to enrich your sermon.

1. Humble Beginnings Beckon Believers

Luke 2:1-5

You could begin by exploring the context of Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem and the census ordered by Caesar Augustus. Emphasize the humble circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth, despite His royal lineage. This context sets the stage for God’s astounding availability to humankind. Suggest that God's choice to enter the world amidst such humility underscores His accessibility to every person, regardless of social or economic status. Encourage the audience to recognize that God meets us in our ordinary and sometimes difficult circumstances, much like He did with Joseph and Mary.

2. Manger Marks Majesty

Luke 2:6-7

Perhaps focus on the significance of Jesus being born in a manger. This simple beginning symbolizes God’s deliberate choice to be approachable and relatable. Explain that the manger setting signifies that Jesus was not born in luxury but in a place accessible to ordinary people. This point can encourage your audience to see the simplicity in which God often operates, making His love and presence available in unexpected ways and places, inviting us to experience His grace in our everyday lives.

3. Shepherds Embrace Savior’s Song

Luke 2:8-14

Maybe highlight the angelic announcement to the shepherds as a powerful demonstration of God's availability. Shepherds, often marginalized and overlooked, represent the 'lowest' whom God first called to witness Christ’s birth. This heralds the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. You could suggest that the angels’ message of peace and joy is still offered to everyone today, no matter their place in society, inviting each of us to respond in faith and share this Good News.

4. Shepherds Share Sacred Story

Luke 2:15-20

Consider concluding with the shepherds' response to the angel's message as they journey to see the newborn Savior. Their actions show the immediacy of faith and the joy of encountering Christ. You could encourage your listeners to follow in the shepherds' footsteps by seeking Jesus earnestly and sharing their experiences of God's presence with others. This part of the passage illustrates the transformative power of realizing God’s availability and the joy that comes from sharing the Gospel.