Candlelight Service (Luke 2)

Opening:

Thank you, kids.

Introduction:

Luke tells us that the night Jesus was born began like any other night.

Shepherds were out in the fields, doing what they always did—watching their flocks—unaware that history was about to change.

Then, in a moment, heaven interrupted the ordinary. 

“An angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.”

And before the angel explained who Jesus was, he first spoke to what they felt: “Do not be afraid.”

1. (V9) The glory of the Lord shone around them

a) They were greatly afraid

The shepherds were out tending to the flock

When all of the sudden, an angel of the Lord stood before them

It was the radiant glory of the Lord that made them greatly afraid

1.1 (V10) Do not be afraid, behold I bring good tidings

a) The shepherds feared, but they were reassured

The angel of the Lord, said do not fear, I come bringing good news

He comes with peace to save humanity

b) The angel brought good tidings 

In Luke joy is associated with salvation

The Jews had been waiting for many years for the messiah

The Angel of the Lord brings the long awaited

Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Its a time of celebration because God sent Christ

c) To all people

To Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, young and old

To all people

Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.””

Jesus came to give His life as a ransom

The choice is our, as to what we do with with Christ

1.1 (V11) There is born today a savior, who is Christ the Lord

Christ means anointed or chosen one

Christ” is His title, signifying Jesus was sent from God to be a King and Deliverer

a) A savior from sin

What ever you have done, you can be forgiven

Matthew 1:21 “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.””

Romans 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,”

The announcement of a Savior always demands a response.

2. (V34) This child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel

a) The same Savior who brings joy, also brings a decision.

Some will stumble and fall because they reject the savior of the world

Jesus is like the Christmas present under the tree

The present has your name on it, but its up to you if you want to open it up and make yours

In conclusion:

The shepherds heard the good news, but they still had to respond. Jesus has come, the gift has been given—now the question is simple: what will you do with Christ?

Context:

The glory of the Lord suddenly shone around the shepherds, and they were filled with great fear. The angel told them not to be afraid, for he brought good news—the gospel that brings joy and peace through salvation.

Application:

This message was for all people, because Jesus came to serve and give His life as a ransom. That night a Savior was born, Christ the Lord, sent by God to forgive sin by grace through faith. This Savior brings both joy and a decision—each person must choose whether to receive the gift of Christ.