Christmas Eve 2019 sermon

Shepherds…yeah they stink

Luke 2:1-20

Luke 2:1–20 ESV

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 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.

So in the past few weeks we have seen qualities and traits in the character of Mary and Joseph that we can take and apply to our lives.

Tonight we turn our attention to the Shepherds.

But before we can learn something about them we get to learn something about God.

Luke 2:8–11 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.

This is the first occurrence of people outside of the family, (Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zachariah) knowing of Christ.

But its beyond a simple birth announcement. In this moment God trust the information of a Savior to ALL PEOPLE (v. 10) to this group of people that on the fringe of society, isolated, looked down upon, but this is who God first reveals the birth of the Messiah and the truth that Jesus is the Savior of ALL!

So God is a God for EVERYONE and Jesus is a Savior for EVERYONE!

What do we do with this information?

This is where we learn about these shepherds...

The Shepherds are the only characters in the Christmas Story that don’t get a command or a job, instead they get information.

What do they do with this information?

Luke

Luke 2:15–20 ESV

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.

The shepherds immediately go to see if this is true.

When we are nudged by God we have a choice; act like it didn’t happen or go running towards the nudge. That’s what the shepherds do. (vr. 16)

Luke 2:16 ESV

16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

So they confirm what God has done and then they “keep it to themselves” NO!

Luke 2:17–18 ESV

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.

You are hear tonight because someone was a shepherd in your life.

Shepherds don’t make sheep, they don’t buy or sell sheep, they move sheep from place to place and make sure they are going in the right direction.

These shepherds do just that they start the move of people (sheep) in the direction of Jesus.

Other notable shepherds; John the Baptist, Mary mother of Jesus, Peter and the disciples, Paul the apostle, Billy Graham, you and me.

Tonight we have gathered and heard like the shepherds about the birth of Jesus.

We have worshiped Him.

In just a few minutes you will have the opportunity to share with those around you about who Jesus is as we take Communion and shine lights in the darkness. All symbols of the truth about Christ.

And as you leave this place you will have one last opportunity. Will you leave like the shepherds did?

Luke 2:20 ESV

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

We can return to our homes and communities and be different. We can glorify God through our lives and praise him in our day to day, because we know the truth of who Christ Jesus is. He is the babe in the manger that came to save the world, and we get to share to message of hope, love, peace, joy, and grace not only at Christmas but all year round!

Let’s continue to celebrate this season and our savior tonight!

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