The Story of Christmas #5 - The Proclamation of the Story
Our December series, "The Story of Christmas," tells the familiar story of Christmas from a variety of perspectives.
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Grace Church holds a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church on the 4th Sunday of each month. Our next Meet & Greet will be held on January 26th following the service in CJ's coffee shop. It is a great opportunity to meet the staff and leadership of Grace Church and learn a little more about the church. It also gives us an opportunity to learn a little about you! Contact Leslie Booher if you have any questions ([email protected]).
CJ's coffee shop will be open on Wednesday nights 6:00-7:30 pm. This is a great time to invite others and "pull up a chair" to have conversations.
Sunday, December 29th - Holly Paul
Monday, December 30th - Ava Bernheisel
Tuesday, December 31st - Leroy & Stephanie Starks
Wednesday, January 1st - Phet Schilz, Jared Mater
Monday, December 30th - Ava Bernheisel
Tuesday, December 31st - Leroy & Stephanie Starks
Wednesday, January 1st - Phet Schilz, Jared Mater
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It's Christmas time! As Christians, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
The past few weeks we've looked at some of the key people, a few of the well-known places, the reality of problems associated with The Story of Christmas, and the true purpose of Christmas.
Today we take our final look at the second chapter of the gospel of Luke.
The past few weeks we've looked at some of the key people, a few of the well-known places, the reality of problems associated with The Story of Christmas, and the true purpose of Christmas.
Today we take our final look at the second chapter of the gospel of Luke.
At least four families in the church have had babies in the past five months of this year. The birth of a child stirs family and friends of the newborn to proclaim to one-and-all, the happy event. Over the years, learning of the birth of a baby has changed.
This morning we'll look at how the birth of Jesus impacted a group of people and then the news spread as they told others The Story of Christmas.
Let's begin with a quick review of verses 4-7 in Luke chapter 2.
Let's begin with a quick review of verses 4-7 in Luke chapter 2.
Luke 2:4-7
BSB
4 So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David.
5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.
6 While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born.
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.
6 While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born.
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
BSB
Bethlehem was about 5 miles south of Jerusalem. It served as a stopover for trade and military as people passed through the middle of the land.
At times in history, it was a fortified city which would cause the normal 200-300 population to swell over 1,000. Its name means "House of Bread" and is a reference to the fertile nature of the land around the village. Many homes in Bethlehem were built over or in front of caves, where they often kept their livestock stabled and stored grain for the animals.
The Bible links Bethlehem to the burial place of Rachel, Jacob's wife, whose tomb is still seen today.
Bethlehem is also the location for the story and book of Ruth, the birthplace of King David, near where David conquered Goliath, and his battles against the Philistines.
At times in history, it was a fortified city which would cause the normal 200-300 population to swell over 1,000. Its name means "House of Bread" and is a reference to the fertile nature of the land around the village. Many homes in Bethlehem were built over or in front of caves, where they often kept their livestock stabled and stored grain for the animals.
The Bible links Bethlehem to the burial place of Rachel, Jacob's wife, whose tomb is still seen today.
Bethlehem is also the location for the story and book of Ruth, the birthplace of King David, near where David conquered Goliath, and his battles against the Philistines.
Now we'll look at those who first saw Jesus after He was born and then proclaimed the news far and wide.
1. The Shepherds' MANNER of life.
Luke 2:8
While the act of shepherding was well understood, the occupation and profession of shepherding was looked down upon by people in Jewish culture. They were viewed as outcasts in nearly every area of their life; religiously, socially, legally, and culturally.
God's announcement to these shepherds teaches us that He truly cares about, values, and has a plan for every single person on earth.
1. The Shepherds' MANNER of life.
Luke 2:8
While the act of shepherding was well understood, the occupation and profession of shepherding was looked down upon by people in Jewish culture. They were viewed as outcasts in nearly every area of their life; religiously, socially, legally, and culturally.
God's announcement to these shepherds teaches us that He truly cares about, values, and has a plan for every single person on earth.
Luke 2:8
BSB
8 And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
BSB
2. The Shepherds' MIRACULOUS encounter.
Luke 2:9-14
Miraculous: "outside of natural laws and human explanation"
Along with an angel (messenger), we see The Shechinah (or aura of brightness). We see this often in the Bible symbolizing God's divine presence.
In vv. 10-11 Gabriel the Angel demonstrates how to speak in a positive way that will encourage the hearts of others.
In vv. 12-14 Gabriel announces the birth of Jesus
Luke 2:9-14
Miraculous: "outside of natural laws and human explanation"
Along with an angel (messenger), we see The Shechinah (or aura of brightness). We see this often in the Bible symbolizing God's divine presence.
In vv. 10-11 Gabriel the Angel demonstrates how to speak in a positive way that will encourage the hearts of others.
In vv. 12-14 Gabriel announces the birth of Jesus
Luke 2:9-14
BSB
9 Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:
11 Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!
12 And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:
11 Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!
12 And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”
BSB
3. The Shepherds' MOMENT that changed their lives.
Luke 2:15-16
Many of us have had moments that have changed our life entirely...they are called pivot points. But have you had a moment that changed your life for eternity??
Last week we learned that Jesus came into the world to be our Savior. He came to save us from something and for something. That moment requires a conscious choice - to repent of our sin and to have faith in Jesus alone.
Luke 2:15-16
Many of us have had moments that have changed our life entirely...they are called pivot points. But have you had a moment that changed your life for eternity??
Last week we learned that Jesus came into the world to be our Savior. He came to save us from something and for something. That moment requires a conscious choice - to repent of our sin and to have faith in Jesus alone.
Luke 2:15-16
BSB
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger.
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger.
BSB
4. The Shepherds' MISSION is why they are remembered.
Luke 2:17-20
The reality of their moment with Jesus was demonstrated by a transformation in their passions and their priorities. They were stirred into action.
Good questions to ask ourselves:
1. If you have encountered Jesus in your life, what transformation has taken place?
2. Has there been any change in the passions and priorities of your life?
3. What kind of action has knowing Jesus stirred up in you?
The shepherds heard the words of the angels and talked with Joseph and Mary and then they spread the word! They became story tellers! Telling His Story and our story to those we encounter. And when we do, the potential of impact can leave people amazed (v. 18).
The Shepherds have been remembered for their willingness to tell others The Story of Christmas. Their transformation was seen in the communication of the Story - God's and their own.
Luke 2:17-20
The reality of their moment with Jesus was demonstrated by a transformation in their passions and their priorities. They were stirred into action.
Good questions to ask ourselves:
1. If you have encountered Jesus in your life, what transformation has taken place?
2. Has there been any change in the passions and priorities of your life?
3. What kind of action has knowing Jesus stirred up in you?
The shepherds heard the words of the angels and talked with Joseph and Mary and then they spread the word! They became story tellers! Telling His Story and our story to those we encounter. And when we do, the potential of impact can leave people amazed (v. 18).
The Shepherds have been remembered for their willingness to tell others The Story of Christmas. Their transformation was seen in the communication of the Story - God's and their own.
Luke 2:17-20
BSB
17 After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him.
18 And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them.
18 And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them.
BSB
Soon it will be a new year and you will be encountering scores of people...many who don't know Jesus as their Savior.
God will be providing you opportunities to be a shepherd; to demonstrate the reality of your faith and be a story teller. You just might amaze someone!
God will be providing you opportunities to be a shepherd; to demonstrate the reality of your faith and be a story teller. You just might amaze someone!
