Gifts from the Father: Christ

Gifts from the Father: Christ 2. God’s message for the world is good news. [Gospel] Luke 2:8-20 December 19, 2021 The Big Idea: The Christmas story of God’s Son coming to us in flesh is full of all kinds of people. This is a part of the Good News – that God’s offer of salvation as a gift is open to any who will trust Christ as Savior and follow Him as Lord. § Salvation § Joy § Peace 3. God’s message for the world demands a decision. Luke 2 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, 8 14 “Glory to God in the highest, 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. 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. 15 GOD’S MESSAGE TO THE WORLD ... A SAVIOR IS HERE! 1. God’s message is for real people living real life. 4. God’s message changes lives forever. Notice the change in the shepherds’ lives. Salvation meant they were reconciled (“made right”) with God. Then, their newfound faith prompted them to do at least two things: à Tell others about Jesus. à Offer praise to God. The Gospel: A holy God made us. We rebelled against him. By default, our punishment is his wrath. God loves us. He sent his son to earth (Christmas) to take our punishment for us. He conquered death. He promises eternal life to those who believe in and obey him. – LeAnn Stauffer