Dec. 22, 2024

Background (Part 2):

• From Part 1:
  • Jesus Christ's birth
  • Angels showed up with a message for the shepherds
  • Angels praising the Savior
• Like in the manger, there are some that haven't made room for the Savior
• The Savior ought to reign supreme in our hearts
• We must make room for the Savior

Key Sermon Points (from Part 2):

3. Angels praising the Savior

• The angels were Heaven meeting earth and began praising God (Dan 7:10)
• The angels left Heaven to give glory and honor to the Savior
• The angels have 3 jobs:
  • They were messengers of God (Luke 1:11-15)
  • They worship and praise God (Isaiah 6; Revelation 4:8-11)
  • They were protectors and providers (Psalm 68:17; Psalm 34:7; 2 King 19:35-36)
• There were a host of angels that appeared (ie thousands of angels)
• The angels came to give glory to God that is due to Him and Him alone
• The angels cried out for peace and goodwill toward men because The Peacemaker came (after men hadn't heard from God for 400 years)
• Joy is from the inside and not based on something that you own or posses...it comes from Jesus
• We can have unspeakable joy no matter what in the midst of trials and tribulation
• We have the peace of reconciliation with God

4. The shepherds responded to the angel's message

• The angelical presence didn't last forever...they showed up and then they left
• People must respond to what God is sending to them
• God sends the message, and we must respond
• The shepherds did the following things:
• They received the Word (and we must too)
• They responded
• They were obedient
• We will do one of the above or none of them at all...we must do all of the above
• The shepherds wanted to be part of the work in this world
• Obedience is the spark that lights the passion
• To develop a love for people requires that we are obedient

5. The shepherds had to share the good news

• Seeing the Baby Jesus wasn't enough; the shepherds had to share the good news
• Once we see God, we want to work for Him
• They shared what they were told about Jesus
• The fact of Jesus' birth was news and truth and the child's function was good news
• Salvation is intended for all
• Jesus doesn't see color, but the heart of the person
• They marveled at the good news
• Salvation comes to us through dedicated lives of insignificant people
• Truth comes from God and lies come from the pit of hell
• Expect pain and opposition as we learn to serve the Lord
• Only what we do for Christ will last
• God will work everywhere and anywhere that He chooses to...we can't put God in a box
• The shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for everything that they heard and saw
• When we have an encounter with Jesus, then we will leave another way