“The Shepherds - the Window of Affirmation, Celebration & Proclamation”
FOCUS
There are many details to the Christmas story, let alone the entirety of Jesus’ earthly life & ministry, that we sometimes overlook or just simply ignore. One of the big ones is not connecting the dots concerning the fact that the first ones to receive the birth announcement of “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) were shepherds. What a foreshadowing of the purpose & plan of God the Father through His Son who came not only to offer a sacrifice but to be the sacrifice.
May we see through the window the shepherds show us about how we too should be affirming, celebrating & proclaiming ”the good news that will cause great joy for all the people” of Jesus our Savior who is the Messiah, the Lord.
The Shepherds Show Us that …
1. God delights in elevating the outcast & the overlooked.
The shepherds, not the religious elite, were the first ones to receive the breaking news.
Luke 2:8-15 ( 2 Samuel 9:1-12 & John 4:1-26)
2. affirmation, celebration & proclamation
should be ongoing realities we regularly express.
The shepherds show us the message of the Messiah is meant to be heard & seen.
Luke 2:16-20 / Luke 24:45-49 & Acts 1:8
Making It Real
1] How does knowing God brought the message first to outcasts speak to you?
2] How will you increase your affirmation, celebration & proclamation this year?
Action Step
Memorize Gabriel’s message to the shepherds in Luke 2:10 (“Do not be
afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people”) .
Notes
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Cornerstone Community Church 5344 Fishcreek Rd Stow OH 44224
Pastor Dan Page December 19, 2021 www.ccc-stow.faithlifesites.com