The Message and the Messengers 3

The Shepherds and The Angel

Luke 2:13–15 NKJV

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, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”

Thankful for people who helped Angelo

Advent: Joy

Putting all the scenes of the Nativity together is a little like a patchwork quilt; but God is not Random!

These are more than just stories.

“God did not merely write us “information” about himself; he wrote himself into the drama of history.” Tim Keller

He came into our world as Jesus Christ to save us, to die for us.

The people in each of the stories were specifically selected. An honest man, trying to live an honest life. A young girl of no means, from no where who has to put her entire trust in God. A small town of no regard in a vast kingdom. Dedicated prophet and prophetess who served outside the temple waiting on a promise. Wandering wisemen who made the journey to worship. And shepherds, a people of little regard who were “out.” Out of the city and out in a field.

Heavenly host (Hebrew: צבאות‎ sabaoth or tzva'ot, "armies") refers to the army

Micaiah Mikay'hu

The Savior has come to save you from a dark past.  

So many people are suffering with intense guilt over bad things they have done in the past.  The devil beats them to death with shame and guilt.  But be beaten no longer!  All the terrible, horrible things you have done are no match for the Savior’s blood that He shed for you on the cross.  The moment you confess those sins to God and repent of them, you are forgiven!!  Remember what the Savior said to Peter, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy” (Acts 10:15).

The Savior has come to save you from an empty present.  

Many people are surviving and not really living.  Jesus came at Christmas not to fill your empty stocking, but to fill your empty life!  He has a purpose and a plan for you.  Come to Him.  Surrender to Him.  Let Him lead you.  He wants to bring you joy and peace, regardless of your circumstances.  He wants to use your life to make a difference in others, a difference that will last for all eternity.  It makes life worth living to know that everyday is an exciting adventure with the Lord, an opportunity to touch another person with the love and joy of Jesus.

The Savior has come to save you from a hopeless future.  

Everyone without God is without hope.  No one comes to the Father without the Savior, Jesus Christ.  But now He has come, and we can really know Him personally, and we can be assured of His presence and provision while we live … and His heaven when we die.  Paul said, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9).  WOW!  What a future is in store for the child of God!

Dr. Jeff Schreve

Pause

Ponder

Celebrate

Purim