The Angels' Song: Glory, Joy, and Peace

The Angels’ Song: Glory, Joy, and Peace Luke 2:1-20 December 20, 2020 The Big Idea: The best news in the world is that God sent a Savior, born for you, who is Christ the Lord. The inclusion of the Shepherds in the announcement of Christ was a surprising expression of God’s concern and love for them. You are not beyond the reach of God’s love. The shepherds are like us – ordinary people who are loved by God and offered a Savior. LUKE 2 Here is the first record in the New Testament of the preaching of the gospel; the good news of great joy for all people. 1. The Gospel is Good News For All People 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. 3 Things We Need to Know about who Jesus is: • He is Savior • He is the Christ • He is Lord Ý The offer of peace goes out to all people, but not all people have this peace – only those who receive the Savior. How is God Pleased by Us? • When we put faith in Him. [Hebrews 11:6] • When we are spiritually minded. [Romans 8:6-8} • When we do God’s will. [Hebrews 13:21] • When we offer the sacrifices of our life God is seeking. [Hebrews 13:15-16] So, in what ways does God give us peace? ü Peace with God [Romans 5:1] ü Peace within ourselves [Philippians 4:6-7] ü Peace with other people [Ephesians 4:31-32; Rom. 12:18] 3. The Gospel of Christmas Demands a Personal Response 15 2. The Gospel is For God’s Glory and Our Joy and Peace 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, 10 And on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 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. 4. The Gospel Song of Christmas Will Be Shared With Others 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.