This sermon explores the joyous announcement of Jesus' birth and the profound, sustaining joy found in union with Christ. Key
Good morning, beloved family in Christ. Isn't it a wonderful day to gather together in His name, to bask in the warmth of His love and the light of His word? We are here today, not by chance, but by divine appointment. Our hearts are ready to receive, our spirits are eager to embrace the message that God has for us today.
In the quietude of the night, under the vast expanse of the starlit sky, a group of humble shepherds were the first to receive the glorious news of Jesus' birth. The angels, heavenly messengers, broke the silence with their jubilant announcement. This was no ordinary birth; it was the arrival of the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord. The shepherds, simple men tending their flocks, were chosen to receive this divine message. The choice of the shepherds, the setting, and the message itself all carry significant meaning.
The shepherds were ordinary men, performing their ordinary tasks in the ordinary course of their lives. Yet, they were the ones chosen to receive the extraordinary news of Jesus' birth. This tells us something about the nature of God's kingdom. It is not exclusive to the high and mighty, but accessible to all, including the lowly and humble. It is a kingdom where the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. The shepherds' inclusion in this divine event is a testament to God's love and grace that extends to all people, regardless of their social status or occupation.
The setting of the announcement, in the open fields under the night sky, is also significant. It was not made in a palace, a temple, or a city square, but in the quiet solitude of the countryside. The vastness of the night sky, dotted with countless stars, served as a fitting backdrop for the announcement of the One who would bring light into the world. The serene setting underscores the peace that Jesus brings, a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that the world cannot give.
The message of the angels was one of great joy. "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." The birth of Jesus was not just an event of local or temporal significance, but of universal and eternal significance. It was the fulfillment of God's promise, the realization of humanity's hope, the dawn of a new era of grace and truth.
The response of the shepherds to the angels' announcement is instructive. They said to one another, "Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." They acted on the message, they went to Bethlehem, they saw the baby Jesus, and they spread the word. Their faith was active! They did not just hear the word, but acted on it. This is a model for us, as we are called not just to hear the word, but to do what it says.
Transition. The jubilant announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem is a rich and multifaceted event. It speaks of the inclusiveness of God's kingdom, the peace that Jesus brings, the joy of the gospel, and the call to active faith. As we reflect on this event, let us open our hearts to receive the good news with the same eagerness and joy as the shepherds, and let us respond with the same faith and obedience.
As we continue we find ourselves drawn to the figure of Jesus, the newborn King, the promised Messiah ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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