This Christmas season the sermon series on Sunday mornings are focused on Luke 2 and specifically on the response; the response that the shepherds had to the message they heard and the response that we must also take to the message of Jesus Christ.
Luke 2:8-11 says: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “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 shepherds were...ordinary men...living ordinary lives...doing ordinary tasks.
In the middle of the night it was...quiet...dark...and still
And an angel of The Lord appears to them. And the glory of the Lord came to them.
And their initial reaction was...TERROR!
The angel announces to them...comfort...goodness...and joy. But also...a sign...and an invitation.
Luke 2:12 says: This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Jesus birth was a sign...of God's promises fulfilled...of Jesus' humility...and of Jesus' humanity.
And because of these signs, the angel extends an invitation to the shepherds; "you will find a baby". But, the shepherds would only "find a baby" if they responded to the message...in faith and I'm action.
But, these shepherds were terrified. What could take them from their state of terror to a state of faith and action?
Luke 2:13-14 says: Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
This one angel is joined by a great company of angels proclaiming praise to God...glory to God...and peace to men.
But this is not peace on earth as many understand it today, it is a peace that comes through...this invitation of Christ...forgiveness of our sins...freedom from this world...the control of God...the security in eternity...and a response to God.
And, this peace only comes when we first make peace with God. When we give Him all the glory, with our lives and our actions.
And that's what the shepherds did, they responded.
Luke 2:15 says: When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
The shepherds responded inwardly. They said to one another...let's go...let's see.
Let's go and see what the...glory of The Lord I'd all about...glory of the Lord has brought to us...Lord's comfort and joy is...Lord's peace is.
You see, the shepherds had to respond to the message of Jesus Christ. And so do we!
How will we act inwardly this Christmas season?
Will will continue to go and see?
Will we continue to act?
Will we continue to respond to the glory of God?
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