christmas_wallpaper_prettyblueWith Christmas just over a week away, I want to continue the series on Rediscovering Christmas. If you missed part 1 you can read it here: Rediscovering Christmas: Lay Hold of Hope. So without further ado, here is part 2:

Be Awestruck with Glory – The Story of Angels & Shepherds – Luke 2:8-20

The Uncommon Announcement – The Angels – vs. 8-14 

  1. There was a Personal Proclamation by An Angel.
    • He terrified the shepherds by his appearance.
    • He comforted the shepherds by his words.
    • He informed the shepherds of the good news. – Luke 2:32 
    • He directed the shepherds to the Messiah.
  2. There was Passionate Praise by the Angels
    • They proclaimed God’s glory. – Hebrews 1
    • They announced the possibility of peace.
    • They declared God’s grace.

The Unlikely Witnesses – The Shepherds – vs. 15-20 

  1. Who were the shepherds?
    • They were the outcasts of society.
    • They were ceremonially unclean.
    • They were receptive to the message.
  2. Why did God choose the shepherds?
    • God calls the poor and lowly. – Luke 1:51-53; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29; James 2:5
  3. What can we learn from the shepherds?
    • They responded to the message.
    • They came and saw.
    • They went and told.
    • They returned and lived their faith. 

Conclusion

  • When awestruck with glory, do you allow the message of Christmas to bring about true life change seen in eagerness to worship and witness? – Acts 4:19-20

Rediscovering Christmas series will conclude next week. In case you missed Part 1: Lay Hold of Hope, catch it here. 

Until then…

***Sermon preached by Pastor Rick Wilson at Denbigh Baptist Church December 8th, 2013.***