Where are You Going for Christmas? Luke 2:8-20

Psalm 56:3 ESV

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

When led to places of deep, emotional distress there’s only one place to go

When I am afraid I will trust in you - Psalm

psalm 56:3

Luke 2:8–20 ESV

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

When led to places of deep, emotional distress there’s only one place to go

Christmas 1994 - I did the wedding on Friday night, December 23. We left for Nova Scotia on Christmas Eve and stayed near Montreal that night. We headed to Nova Scotia Christmas morning and everything was closed. We ate donuts and chips all day and arrived late at night. The next day all three kids had chicken pox. On the way down I noticed that the oil light kept coming on so we had to buy a used car to get home. As we left for home we said that we would never be back in Nova Scotia for Christmas ever again. That winter I was approached by a church and ended up moving to Nova Scotia in July of 1995. Sure enough, we had Christmas in Nova Scotia.

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and God uses the circumstances of our lives to change us - Mary and Joseph God uses the circumstances of our lives to change those around us - the shepherds God uses the circumstances of our lives to change the world - the wise men

God uses the circumstances of life to change those around us.

and God uses the circumstances of our lives to change us - Mary and Joseph God uses the circumstances of our lives to change those around us - the shepherds God uses the circumstances of our lives to change the world - the wise men

God uses the circumstances of life to change the world

We need to rest in the manifold presence of Jesus

(1) We need to rest in the manifold presence of Jesus (8-10)

- replace fear with praise

- replace fear with praise

Philippians 4:6–7 ESV

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

philippians 4:6-7

Mary was the first person to ever wrap a Christmas gift

Mary was the first person to ever wrap a Christmas gift

We need to rest in the manifold presence of Jesus

(2) We need to listen to what those around us are saying about Jesus (11-14)

(3) When looking for ultimate answers, go to Jesus (15-16)

(4) When meeting people who are looking for answers, tell them about Jesus (17-20)