The Shepherds: Joy for the Lowly
Characters of Christmas • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Transcript
(Luke 2:8–20)
(Luke 2:8–20)
Title: “Joy Came to the Fields First”
Title: “Joy Came to the Fields First”
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Shepherds were the last people you’d expect to receive royal announcements. They were unclean, uneducated, and unimportant. Yet they were the first to hear of Christ’s birth.
Shepherds were the last people you’d expect to receive royal announcements. They were unclean, uneducated, and unimportant. Yet they were the first to hear of Christ’s birth.
God loves to start big news in small places.
God loves to start big news in small places.
POINT 1 — God Came to the Forgotten First
POINT 1 — God Came to the Forgotten First
Exposition
Exposition
The shepherds were outsiders to religious life. Still, heaven’s armies appeared to them, not to kings or priests.
The shepherds were outsiders to religious life. Still, heaven’s armies appeared to them, not to kings or priests.
“Good news of great joy for all people.” (Luke 2:10)
“Good news of great joy for all people.” (Luke 2:10)
Illustration
Illustration
It’s like the UPS guy finding out what’s inside your Christmas presents before you do.
It’s like the UPS guy finding out what’s inside your Christmas presents before you do.
Application
Application
No matter how overlooked you feel, God sees you. Christmas is proof that heaven knows your name.
No matter how overlooked you feel, God sees you. Christmas is proof that heaven knows your name.
POINT 2 — God Turns Fear Into Joy
POINT 2 — God Turns Fear Into Joy
Exposition
Exposition
Their first reaction to the angels? Terror.
Their first reaction to the angels? Terror.
Their second reaction? Joy.
Their second reaction? Joy.
Fear became joy when Christ became present.
Fear became joy when Christ became present.
Illustration
Illustration
A child terrified of the dark feels safe when a parent walks in — not because the room changed, but because the right person entered it.
A child terrified of the dark feels safe when a parent walks in — not because the room changed, but because the right person entered it.
Application
Application
Bring your fears to Jesus this Christmas. Joy grows where Jesus is welcome.
Bring your fears to Jesus this Christmas. Joy grows where Jesus is welcome.
POINT 3 — Joy Leads to Witness
POINT 3 — Joy Leads to Witness
Exposition
Exposition
After seeing Christ, they spread the news “with haste.”
After seeing Christ, they spread the news “with haste.”
Joy naturally overflows.
Joy naturally overflows.
Illustration
Illustration
People don’t need instructions on how to post engagement photos — joy just spills out.
People don’t need instructions on how to post engagement photos — joy just spills out.
Application
Application
Share Christ this season — invite someone to church, pray for them, encourage them. Let your joy speak.
Share Christ this season — invite someone to church, pray for them, encourage them. Let your joy speak.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
The shepherds remind us that God delights in lifting the lowly, calming fears, and multiplying joy. Christmas is for everyone — starting with the ordinary and overlooked.
The shepherds remind us that God delights in lifting the lowly, calming fears, and multiplying joy. Christmas is for everyone — starting with the ordinary and overlooked.
