Come See 'This THING' that Has Happened
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Dear Congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
If you had been one of those lowly shepherds on the fields, would you have dropped your work and gone to see this thing that the angelic hosts said had happened? Suppose you could think it was a like a dream, mind playing tricks. Tuesday night driving to school Christmas program - longest shooting star, ever seen must have been close - could say whatever not that long. But little kindergarten girl, said same thing to mommy and daddy - they said hah right - but corroboration - even without it the magnitude of what’s described here be crazy not to go.
But it is curious, is it not, that they didn’t say Let’s go see if there is such a baby? After all not much to look at at - actually pathetic situation - inn would be shabby affair in tiny Bethlehem - only small guest room, provide fodder for animals in open court, and water for guests. In this case, no room in that guest room, so tired couple baby swaddled in a manger. It is curious that they say lets us see this thing -
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.”
Seems irreverent - call the Christ this thing - but not like dingus, what’ch ya m call it . But in Greek - this matter this event. Elsewhere Luke uses this word saying
But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.
these shepherds know that what has just been announced, what they have been invited to participate in, was not just the birth of a baby, but the entrance of the LORD, Messiah into their world, and the dawn of salvation into their humble lives!
Christ could be born 1000x in our world, he could also die on the Cross and rise a 1000x, but it would do you no good. You could have a thousand angelic explanations from heaven , but it will do you no good, unless you, like these shepherds actually, go and make THIS GOD-MATTER, THIS GOSPEL-THING part of your life!
Key Truth: We must respond to the ‘THING’ of Christ’s coming to us personally
First thing that should tip us off to this birth of the Son of God incarnate, being more than a curiosity or even a mystery, but that it is an event a matter involving a much bigger plan than any baby’s birth, even of God incarnate; Is how Luke records it for us. How is the birth story begun - not with the angel’s decree and announcement. Strange but with another decree and announcement. Luke is carefully doing this, to alert us of a contrast that you must see Christmas in.
A) Understand the Contrast of Two Kings
It is lost on us, who didn’t grow up with Rome, and particularly Caesar ruling over us. but this contrast would not be lost on any of Luke’s readers. Do you see that decree? Whose is it? Augustus - who was he? Real name is Octavian, but he was the first Emperor to take the title Augustus, which up till that time was the title only for gods. On his birthday celebrated, Sept 23 as the first day of the New Year, and hailed him as one inscription put it “the saviour of the whole world!” Though it took something like 20 years of civil war, this born fighter, clawed his way past Antony & Cleopatra to solidify the Empire. He was the world leader who brought Pax Romana? -say whoopty do … what does that have to do with jesus birth? With Angelic announcement - Augustus is lounging around in his luxury in silken robes - but the King of Heaven and earth is in a coldstone cave like stable in a manager, in linen swaddling clothes. Augustus’ decree is for what? Taxes - make even this unfortunate couple travel. Luke’s contrast is that the message of Augustus’ decree is: Rome comes to take, its luxury is on the backs of the humble poor.
Now by contrast, how about the angel’s decree? But second decree startling. Imagine shepherds gathered around with Mary and Joseph, discussing it. Yes we had an announcement like you all had, an angel, but we had more - true both Mary Joseph Zech angel announcements , but only place in the NT you have the heavenly hosts… birth of Son of God Incarnate into our world to save it, and God pulls out all the stops . But not just unique because host of angels. What else before the host, when one angel what else shone aroudn them - the glory of the LORD and what was the result they feared with mega fear!
Now by contrast, how about the angel’s decree - But second decree startling - imagine shepherds gathered around with Mary and Joseph yes we had what you did but more -
gospel announcement of birth of Ceasar … possbily making a direct contrast. .. . all these seats of power in firs decree - and taking taxes.. don’t mess with Rome!
But it is the content of the birth announcement so short and direct that the biggest contrast lies. Look at it
But second decree startling - imagine shepherds gathered around with Mary and Joseph yes we had what you did but more -
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. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Yes, its a big deal that it’s the Son of God, the Messiah of the world, but who is he born unto? His birth is a gift to his people, it is not unto Mother or adoptive father, its not to humblest of people - to poor outcast shepherds!
Why book of Hebrews says that night - that host of angels long too look into this salvation, they sent to serve but couldn’t particiapte in - and the first ones, sent oserve those receiveing slavation, - not rich powerful not smart, not homey and accepted … shepherds… first decree of Roman power cous onbig whigs and power, God’s decree to little people
Why the NT says that night - that host of angels long too look into this salvation, they sent to serve but couldn’t participate in - and the first ones, sent serve those receiving salvation, - not rich powerful not smart, not homey and accepted … shepherds… first decree of Roman power focuses on big wigs and centres of power, God’s decree to humblest of locations and the littlest of people. Listen to how else the angels praise is described:
It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
They are almost jealous, they never fell, but they are sent to bring this message and to protect and serve those who get to participate in this salvation of Jesus.
B) Respond to the Angelic Birth Announcement of the Divine King Now if this is true - that Christ entered the world and it was for you and me - how do they respond to the intial announcement of this angel? How do you?
But not jsut uinque because host of angels. What else before the host, when one angel what else shone aroudn them - the glory of the LORD and waht was the result they feared with mega fear!
Can you remember the last time you feared with mega fear - probably loud crash ,and sudden jolt, but less obvious fears - nag at you - future, safety, fear of dath - but if God ever came this close and He has - fear of being close to God … That’s the message God with us - Immanuel and that isscary!
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.
Can you remember the last time you feared with mega fear - probably loud crash ,and sudden jolt, but less obvious fears - nag at you - future, safety, fear of dath - but if God ever came this close and He has - fear of being close to God … That’s the message God with us - Immanuel and that isscary!
Can you remember the last time you feared a mega fear - probably loud crash ,and sudden jolt, but less obvious fears - nag at you - future, safety, fear of death - but when an angel and a the glory of the Living Lord comes this close and He has - fear of being close to God … That’s the message God with us - Immanuel and that is scary! Think of Sinai, think of Isaiah, response even to angels seen in glory - fall down trembling, like Peter before Jesus when he recognizes His divine power - depart from me - for I am a sinful man!
Kind of like if I just met you, you asked me how are you doing - and I really told you - sad because my closest uncle died two weeks ago - these are my financial worries, here are my health concerns, then that’s not even the concern of my kids what they are doing … You’d go whoa whoa whoa - why don’t you just say fine. Someone draw too close to quick - brings you into spot of vulnerability. Afraid to be that close - that’s just with each other . What about with the Holy God - with the fireworks of angel, awesome vision of glory - theophany - feel like what will God think of me, let me try a little harder, get a little better before I get close give me some time and I will earn my way…
Tonight I am asking you to take all your fears in one hand on this side, and then lift up this message on the other. Kind of like Simon and Garfunkle, 1996 - beautiful singing of silent night but in the background - playing of the 7 O Cock Nightly News - there’s the stabbing murder of four students nurses in Chicago, the VP Nixon take on Vietna war, wrangling of political enemies in Congress. Tonight, what is the background of all your fears? Why is it you won’t come closer to God, where is the hurt the fear, the guilt the shame, But now hear this message spoken into all of them:
This is God’s message to little people like you and me, who live in fear
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.
Don’t know about you, but I need that message tonight. Need it all through my life. Throw out all that fear and draw near - because I have gospel good nws for you - and it is goign to be the greatest joy - draw closer - JESUS Savciur who is Christ.
But you hesitate and as both of those songs are playing, you wonder can the gospel of Jesus really meet my fears? And teh agnel says I wil give you a sign!
C. Read the Sign of Christ’s Birth UNTO YOU and of Christ’s Death FOR YOU
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
And what is the sign - swaddling clothes - don’t miss this one other time word wrapped is used in the gospel of Luke when they wrap his lifeless body after this Crucifixion his sacrifice - wrap him in linen burial cloths not in a feed trough manger but in stone cold , abandon stone quarry. Announcement from heaven split the sky at his birth, announcement at death same swaddling clothes split the temple veil between heaven and earth - This is why he comes into this world, born to die to save us!
Johan Sebastian Bach did not miss this happy Christmas Oratorio - great majestic themes, happy, but all of a sudden at the end - Here this familiar tune to us: - from a Passion Chorale of Christ’s death - what’s that doing in a happy Christmas Oratorio - Right off the bat in 5th movement, the first chorale: Taken a text of a popular Christmas song by Johan Cruger - everyone new that tune, changed the tune: Sang it to song of Christ ‘s death: Try it with me: How shall I fitly meet Thee, And give Thee welcome due? The nations long to greet Thee, And I would greet Thee too. O Fount of Light, shine brightly Upon my darkened heart, That I may serve Thee rightly, And know Thee as Thou art.
Do you feel what he is doing, the shadow of his death for you and me is in His birth, in His coming. Weaves the same melody at the end but this most joyful way to sing the tune with trumpets -this time celebrating Christ’s triumph. DO you feel it - not just celebrating a birth - but born not to Mary and Joseph, born not to God the Father, born in human flesh - to these shepherds, to you who humbly recognize your needs as sinner - he was born unto you. But Luke’s message is that in the same way his most unique death was not died unto Himself, but for you, in your place, for your benefit!
Never forget it as Augustine has put it - the one who made the trees of every forest, is now bound up and enclosed in a tiny manger ark of wood. The maker of every towering tree, would be bound again and laid not on the wood of a manger, but the word of Calvary’s Cross - His birth wasn’t for Himself, most unique in the world, unto you. His death was not for himself for you. He was born to die, born to raise the sons earth, born to give them second birth!
And that is also why that single angel must mover and make way. Here comes the host, the whole army of angels! Screeching to halt, they arrive from the other side of the heavens. It strikes me, these angels, they do what Zechariah does - they get it - they see the plan of salvation now being carried out - and they do what is most important, not our wellbeing but BENEDICTUS - Bless the LORD, O My Soul! Are you doing this tonight?
But move over single angel, make way, here comes the host - screeching to ahlt as they arrive from the otherside of the ehavens. Strike sme they do what Zechariah does - they get it - they see the plan of salvation now being carried out - and they do what is most important not our wellbeingk nto the shepherdds, they point us to even higher purose of Jesus coming:
D) Give Glory unto God
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They point us to even higher purpose of Jesus coming than our salvation:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Do you know how many a multitude of angels is? Not 150, 150,000, million. It is an uncountable number. Commentators probably right who say, All the angels dispatched to mark not just birth, but the event, the fullness of time, the eternal plan of salvation materializing before their eyes! So an army has come to earth to announce a peace on our turf. How does the carol simply put it: God and sinners reconciled! Listen to how Hebrews explains why the angels are singing:
And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”
When’s the last time you said glory, such a thing glory hints of it every where - in creation whole earth is full of his glory, night after night sky pours forth speech - But when was the last time you looked upon the Christ entering our world and glorified God -
When’s the last time you said glory, such a thing glory hints of it every where - in creation whole earth is full of his glory, night after night sky pours forth speech - But when was the last time you looked uopon the Christ entering our world and glorified God -
This is a cosmic Christmas. Oh there will be cheering and booing this Christmas a plenty - whole stadiums sporting events, Junior nationals. Maybe even stir in your heart. In your board games. But will your voice, and if not strong enough, will your heart -record the praise to God for sending us Jesus!
The Greatest event so far in history of the universe, planned from the beginning, centre of salvation and goodness and mercy and grace - God records it and announces it! Think of it at the dawn of creation of the physical universe we read that the morning stars/the angels began to sing! Job. But now, with the Son of God’s coming into our human nature. Now with Him living out the righteousness God requires but we couldn’t. Now with Jesus come to restore what has fallen. The new creation is beginning, and again a company of angels.
And do notice theoorder of their nanoucenemnt first glory to God - in the highest heaven, then its effect on earth! Greatest eevent so farin history of the universe, planned from teh begining, centre of salvation and goodness and mercy and grace - God records it and annoucens it!
And what is the reason for the praise that God deserves? That’s the second part of the hosts of angels annoucnemtn to us: and on the earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.
And that brings us to the last way we must respond to this Thing that God has done!
E. Come to Christ & Rest in the God’s Favour Upon You
What is the reason for the praise that God deserves? That’s the second part of the hosts of angels announcement to us:
Now this is glory - we are sinners, we are cowering fear or proudly ignoring and keeping God at an arms distance; He has revealed that he has wrath their is a curse on our sins.
And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”
Do you share this evening that incredible sense of privilege that poor humble sinners have who will come the Christ and receive the Christ. What do those words mean to you tonight? Do you have peace? Do you have peace on earth? Do you know God is pleased with you?
Listen to how else the angel’s praise is described:
Do you know how many a multitutde of angels is? Not 150, 150,000, million. It is an uncountable nubmer. Commentators probably right who say, All the angels dispatched to mark not just brith, but the event, the fullness of time, the eternal plan of salvation not materializing: Listen to how else the angel’s praise is described:
inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
They are almost jealous, they neever fell, but they are sent to bring this message and to protect and serve those who get to participate in this salvation of Jesus.
And it brings them unspeakable joy! Do you sahre this evening that incredible sense of privilege that poor humble sinners have wwho receive the Christ. Just look at the last part of the Hosts announcement:
And one earth Peace among those with whom he is pleased!
Peace among those with whom he is pleased!
What do those words mean to you tonight? Do you have peace? Do you have peace on earth? Do you know God is pleased with you?
Remember Luke is recording a contrast. If all you know is the kings of this earth, the fears of this earth. You can have no real peace of heart, no real peace with God! A contemporary of Luke’s wrote: Epictetus: ‘The emperor may give peace from war on land and sea. He is unable to give peace for passion, grief and envy.’ No peace for the heart. You have little peace from this world. But it can’t be that deeper peace of the heart. Luke records an angelic announcement for you - the peace on earth that you need is between the One and Only Living God and you - and you can have that peace in this child!
It’s Christmas, the time when Santa asks - have you been naughty or nice - and if your nice then maybe Santa has a nice present for you> Is that what the end of this announcement means.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
It is important that you know because, unlike our Christmas cards that begin with the name of the one the card is addressed, is at the end not the beginning.
Who is this peace for, already said for all people. Gospel for all people, but qualification it for all people with whom He is pleased.!
Is this peace then for those who haven’t been too naughty, and little more nice - In other words how can you know that God has favour is pleased with you? If you know this it would change everything! The announcement is that all who receive this Christ - God is unequivocally graciously and pleased with them in Christ.
That’s precisely why this is good news: God in grace, is loving the world he sent His Son into… he is pleased, he has favour, he has grace, not earned by how good or your standing, but as puts to all who received him who believed on his name - he gave the right to become children of God.
belive that God was pleased with them . Could you believ it tonight - Words don’t mean Santa Clause asking have you been naughty or nice, but that God in grace, loving the world he sent His Son into… he is pleased, he has favour, he has grace, not earned by how good or your standing, but as puts to all who received hiim who believed on his name - he gave the right to become chidlren of God1
Nothing in us can make us acceptable - Don’t believe Satan's liethat you can be good enough in your self - Never bring peace nor closeness to God.
And that’s where we close tonight, those shepherds as lowly as they were, raising upward to 15,000 for sacrifices of the temple, they knew that the living God in His glory with His angels had announced the way of salvation they way of peace the way out of fear - the way to heaven - it was all wrapped in this Christ-child! And they go with haste - and they hnot only adore him they go - telling the world that in this child -is the gospel of God!
Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?
But do what these shepherds do:
Paul says: not many were wise -
Jesus, poor in spirit is how and only how you enter the kingdom!
And that is why you need to be able to recognize the difference of how the princes of this World come with grandeur and huge public displays, but Christ came persoanlly and priaveetly lowely to the lowly! And can you put your name there - you are all peoples, and you are the lwoly humble sinners on whom God’s favour rests as you reciefve Christ?
If you can, what will you do quiily and whole heartedly? What did these shepherds do:
So what these shepherds do:
Imgine them explaining to fellow shepherd s that night - thi8s all happneend and then … angels and the light all gone. Wondered to ourselves going crazy -
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.”
Do you see it - they knew the LORD was revealing the Christ who makes us acceptable, the Servant of the LORD. V.16 they went with haste - where?
Not a stable or inn, but guest rooms used up - and stables really cave like dwelling. And there in a manger - is there acceptance with God, there in the manger is the kingdom that God sends an army of heavenly angels to call us into - and look at their response:
And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
Absolutely astonishing - God doesn’t want the smartest, most reliable , witnesses, goes out of his way to the lowest level of society and says - in Christ accepted, in Christ saved, in Christ equipped and called to serve - Go and spread the news of this Messiah , of this God - and it is the child, not the miracles, not the angel visitation, it is the child that is all their witness!
Oh we tonight here have had opportunity to respond to the Christ of Christmas with the praise, but as you leave this place with other Christians, you have the opportunity to either leave in disbelief and not check out the child, too far fetched, too content with my shepherding… or you could with other Christians or a friend- say - this child and all that’s promised about him - go to him and study him. And going out from this place, have the opportunity - to share that with others. How was your Christmas this year? For me all about the living Christ - stand in awe and follow him!