Behold Wk 4- Stand in Awe

INTRODUCTION – “The Awe of Christmas”

Main Idea: Christmas invites us to stand in awe of God — not just to celebrate His blessings but to marvel at His power, love, and plan through Jesus.

Key Points:

Recap last week: the shepherds urgently sought Jesus and told everyone what they’d seen.

Christmas is here — excitement, gifts, family, and celebration! But do we still stand in awe of Jesus Himself?

“Awesome” is often overused — but true awe combines amazement and reverence.

Illustration: Share your personal “best thing about Christmas” story — how what amazed you as a kid (presents) has changed into something deeper (watching your kids experience joy).

Transition: Let’s look at a group that never lost their awe of God — the angels.

TENSION – Shock and Awe

1. Shock:

Scripture has shocking moments — Abraham and Isaac, the Red Sea, the Resurrection.

The Christmas story is shocking too — a virgin birth, angels in the sky, God in human flesh.

2. Awe:

Awe = amazement mixed with reverence or respectful fear.

True awe humbles us. It reminds us that God is big, powerful, and good.

The angels display this perfectly — they never lost their awe of God’s work.

Illustration: Talk about an “awesome” experience (rollercoaster, mountain, ocean, etc.) — it thrilled and terrified you at once. That’s awe.

TRUTH – The Angels’ Awe (Luke 2:13–14)

1. Who are the Angels?

Spiritual beings created by God before humanity.

They exist to serve, obey, and worship God (Hebrews 1:14).

They don’t become human — and we don’t become angels after death.

They were present at creation (Job 38), throughout Scripture, and at Christ’s birth.

2. What Did They Do at Jesus’ Birth?

A multitude appeared, praising God.

Their song: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.”

They declared God’s glory and the peace offered through Jesus — God’s redemptive plan in action.

3. Why Were the Angels There?

They had long awaited this moment — the fulfillment of God’s promise.

The angels knew who Jesus was — and they celebrated His coming before anyone else could fully understand.

Their praise confirmed that this birth wasn’t ordinary — it was divine intervention.

Cross References:

Isaiah 6 – Angels cry, “Holy, holy, holy.”

Revelation 4 – Angels still cry, “Holy, holy, holy.”

Angels worship from beginning to end — they never stop standing in awe of God.

APPLICATION – What We Learn from the Angels

1. Stand in Awe of God.

Awe reminds us of who God is — holy, powerful, merciful, and just.

Don’t confuse awe with fear; it’s reverent respect.

Illustration: Aslan in Narnia – “He’s not safe, but He’s good.”

When you truly know God, you’ll stand in awe like the angels do.

2. Worship God Without Ceasing.

Worship isn’t just singing; it’s living in gratitude, obedience, and faith.

Angels praise God continuously — we’re invited to do the same.

True worship flows from awe — when we remember who God is and what He’s done.

Practical Applications:

Spend time in prayer daily.

Be thankful for God’s blessings.

Serve others joyfully.

Worship with your whole life, not just your voice.

GOSPEL – The Most Awesome Gift

1. The True Meaning of Christmas:

The angels’ awe came from knowing God’s plan of salvation was unfolding.

Jesus’ birth points to His mission — to fulfill the law, die for our sins, and bring us peace with God.

2. The Greatest Gift We Don’t Deserve:

Salvation cost Jesus His life.

Our sin earned death, but Jesus took our place.

Through repentance and faith, we receive forgiveness and new life.

2 Corinthians 5:17 — “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

Key Takeaway: We give God our brokenness, and He gives us new life — what better gift could we ask for?

CONCLUSION – Behold the Savior

Main Point Recap:

Anticipate Jesus like the prophets.

Behold Him like Mary.

Wonder like the shepherds.

Stand in awe like the angels.

Final Challenge: This Christmas, enjoy the traditions — but don’t lose your awe. Let your worship mirror the angels’, your joy reflect the shepherds’, and your heart rest in the peace Jesus brings.

Closing Thought: “Christmas wouldn’t really be Christmas if we didn’t behold the Savior.”

Pray.