As we have been singing various carols tonight, many ring with the theme of anticipation. The season of Advent, beginning four Sundays before Christmas is the season of the church year that emphasizes the anticipation of the first coming of Christ to this earth. His coming as the Messiah was first prophesied in the sixth century b.c. when the Jews were captive in Babylon. For centuries thereafter faithful Hebrews looked for their Messiah with great longing and expectation. (Osbeck, K. W. (1982). 101 hymn stories (p. 178). Kregel Publications.)
In the Gospel of Luke, he recounts the events of Jesus’ birth, and demonstrates how God sovereignly orchestrated events to bring about a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Divine intervention was required, because in the normal course of events, Jesus would not have been born in Bethlehem as the Old Testament predicted (Mic. 5:2), since Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth. Luke presents three settings for this birth: the world, national, and personal. Those settings are fitting for the One who would be the Savior of peoples across the world, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the redeemer of individuals who humbly put their trust in Him.
In Luke 2:8-20 we hear:
Luke 2:8-20. [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 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, [14]"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" [15] 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. (ESV)
• This passage recounts the appearance of angels to shepherds, announcing the birth of Jesus, and emphasizes the joy and wonder surrounding His arrival, inviting anticipation of God's promises being fulfilled.
Luke, in his simple, straightforward, unembellished language describes the most profound birth, with the most far-reaching implications, in the history of the world. On a night like any other night, in an obscure village in Israel, unnoticed by the world, a child was born. But while His birth was like that of every other child, the child was unlike any other child ever born, either before or since. For this child was the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, deity in human flesh, the long-awaited Messiah, who would save repentant people of their sins. In His birth, God entered human society as an infant; the creator of the universe became a man; the eternal “Word became flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). In examining the light that came into the world, God shines his light into our hearts and lives. Your reaction to this story is a good indication if it is good news for you or not.
In Luke 2:8-20, believers in Christ can find hope in times of uncertainty, encouraging us to anticipate God's fulfillment of His promises in our lives, just as the shepherds did when they received the good news of Christ's birth. Here we see God's fulfillment of His promises leading to a response of worship and joy, where God urges us to actively look for and recognize His work in our own lives. We can Anticipate the fulfillment of God’s promises in three ways as we see how the 1) Shepherds hear the News (Luke 2:8-12), 2) Heavenly Hosts Rejoice (Luke 2:13-14) and finally how the 3) Shepherds See and Share (Luke 2:15-20)
We can Anticipate the fulfillment of God’s promises in seeing first how the:
1) Shepherds hear the News (Luke 2:8-12)
Luke 2:8-12. [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 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." (ESV)
With dramatic swiftness, one moment, the shepherds are watching their sheep and then all of a sudden an angel of the Lord, holy, strong, brilliant, stood by them. They had not seen him come. At the same time an glory of the Lord—heavenly brightness, rightly regarded as the manifestation of God’s presence and power—flashed all around them. The angel brought the good news is that of the “evangel,” the gospel. See also 1:19; 3:18; 4:18, 43; 7:22; 8:1; 9:6; 16:16; 20:1. This was the good news of salvation through Christ (cf. to evangelize). This was “of great joy.” for what greater joy could there be than the realization this was “for all the people,” that is, all regardless of nationality, age, wealth, fame, social position, sex, education, etc.
The one who has come is the “Savior who is Christ the Lord.” In order to place all the emphasis on the saving work of Jesus. In all the Synoptic Gospels this is the only place in which Jesus is called Savior. This Savior, moreover, is here introduced as the Christ, that is, the Messiah or Anointed One. He is the One anointed by the Holy Spirit to be his people’s Great Prophet, Sympathetic High priest, and Eternal King. The Jews expected that one day God would send a very special deliverer. He would be not simply ‘an’ anointed, but ‘the’ anointed, the Messiah. It is this one whom the angel announces (Morris, L. (1988). Vol. 3: Luke: An introduction and commentary. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (102). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.).
• In order for Christ to save people from the consequence and penalty of sin, He must be regarded as Christ the Lord. For sins to be forgiven it means submitting to Him as Lord. That means that we no longer are the ultimate commanders of our lives but to submit to Christ as captain and Lord of our Lives since as believers, He has paid the penalty of our sins and redeemed us from the slavery of sin.
In Luke 2:8-12, we see how God's promises break into the ordinary and mundane, granting hope and anticipation even to those who might feel overlooked or insignificant in society. Here we see God choosing the humble and lowly to reveal His glory. We can anticipate God's works in our lives, fostering joy amidst uncertainty. The accounts here point to Christ as the fulfillment of God's promises, showing that even the humble and marginalized, like shepherds, are key players in His story, providing salvation for all His people.
Rebecca Barlow Jordan wrote: “If we had been the shepherds one night long ago, I wonder if we’d recognize the star or if we’d know the reason for His birth and if we’d really go to worship at the manger. I wonder, would we know? Is it really any different than if Jesus came today? I wonder, would we recognize His face in any way?
Or would we turn away from Him not knowing what to say? If Jesus walked among us in our hurried, busy pace, I wonder if this stranger would really find a place?”.
(Galaxie Software. (2002; 2002). 10,000 Sermon Illustrations. Biblical Studies Press)
We can Anticipate the fulfillment of God’s promises now seen in the response in how the:
2) Heavenly Hosts Rejoice (Luke 2:13-14)
Luke 2:13-14. [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, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (ESV)
In verse 13 the Angleic hosts proclaim that all creation shall praise God. They realize that this very Jesus, through the accomplishment of the task which the Father gave him to do, brings peace (John 14:27). John 14:27 [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (ESV). This peace is accomplished by Christ who achieved reconciliation between God and His people. The believer’s serene assurance that is that they share in this reconciliation. (Rom. 5:1, 2; II Cor. 5:18–21). The more people sincerely praise God for the salvation he has brought about, the more also they possess this peace.
This scene invites us to celebrate and worship, just as the heaven host does. We should also have an expectancy in recognizing God's ongoing faithfulness. This is a message of peace proclaimed by the angels as a gift from Christ, who is central in reconciling His people with God. Our worship should echo this heavenly pattern, celebrating the promise of peace fulfilled in Jesus.
Imagine the hopes of the Jewish people ringing through their communities, waiting for a Savior as prophesied for so long. Just as they paced with hope in their hearts, we, too, have dreams that fuel our anticipation. Each Christmas reminds us of that divine promise of peace and joy through Jesus. The birth of Christ fulfilled those hopes and dreams. As we prepare for another Christmas, let’s reflect on our hopes, knowing that just as the prophecies came true, so too shall our hearts' cries be met by God in due time.
Finally, as an appropriate response consider how the
3) Shepherds See and Share (Luke 2:15-20)
Luke 2:15-20. [15] 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. (ESV)
The Shepherds felt compelled to relate their marvelous experience: how first one angel had addressed them, exactly what it was he had said about the child, and the sign he had given them; how that first angel had been followed by an entire army of angels, and what this heavenly host had joyfully proclaimed. These men hid nothing. They told their story to Mary and Joseph, and to many others besides (note in verse 18: “and all who heard what the shepherds told them,” etc.). Psalm 107:2 [2]Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble
• So thoroughly convinced were these men of the truth of their story, and so sure were they of its importance, that they were willing to risk disbelief and even ridicule.
Now amazement is fine, but it should lead to something better; as, for example, in the case of Mary in Luke 2:19. Mary treasured this report. The idea in the participle is that of throwing things together, comparing, letting one explain and add to another (contemplating). We catch a glimpse of the depth of Mary’s character, it was calm and deep, spiritually receptive and strong, steady and persevering in grace. The Greek conceives the heart as being the seat not merely of the emotions but of the entire personality, will, mind, and emotions. (“She was putting them all together in her heart/mind”( Lenski, R. C. H. (1961). The Interpretation of St. Luke's Gospel (138–139). Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House.)
• Christ's birth inspires action and testimony, prompting believers to share the joy and hope of the gospel found in Jesus. Anticipate and celebrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, recognizing that just as the shepherds rejoiced at the news of Christ's birth, we too can find joy in our relationship with Him.
Our prayer for you this Christmas would be that you may receive and celebrate the greatest gift possible: the gift of eternal life. Far from being a seasonal fable, the real coming of Jesus Christ in this world can take you from despair to hope, from uncertainty to a certain faith and from self-love to love eternal. Admit your failings to God and place your faith in the King who has come. May this be the greatest Christmas for you and your family this year with Emmanuel, God with us. God bless you. Merry Christmas.
