While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night

INTRODUCTION

A fresh look at a familiar passage.

1. THE ANNOUNCEMENT

Luke 2:10-12 "the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." In making this announcement God by-passed the religious establishment who had departed from the faith. God still does this today. He by-passes the ’big knobs’ and communicates with nobodies like these shepherds.

2. THE ANXIETY

Luke 2:9 "they were sore afraid."

The shepherds had no reason to fear but if you are lost in sin you have every reason to fear - Matthew 10:28 "fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

3. THE ANCIENT OF DAYS

"a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord...the babe." Notice the word "wrapped." Gifts are wrapped. Jesus is the Father’s gift to a world of hell-bound sinners. Accept Him today. Remember - it’s bad manners to refuse a gift.

Was e’er a gift like the Saviour given?

No, not one! no, not one!

Will He refuse us a home in heaven?

No, not one! no, not one!