The Shepherds: The Shepherds: Sharing the Good NewsSharing the Good NewsReflections for Renewal Series [3]Reflections for Renewal Series [3]

Luke 2:1-20Luke 2:1-20

THE ANGELS’ ANNOUNCEMENT: “GOOD NEWS, GLORY & PEACE!”

• “GOOD NEWS of great joy”: That Jesus is born to us. It is for all the people (v. 10; cf. Gal. 3:28).

• “GLORY to God in the highest”: The glory of God’s sovereign plan is revealed

(Rom. 1:2-3). The glory of God is shown in Jesus, as the

GREATEST GIFT to the mankind (John 3:16).

• “On earth PEACE among those whom he is pleased”: Christmas does NOT bring peace to all. The peace is only for those with whom God is

pleased–i.e., those who believe in God’s Promise, Jesus (Heb. 11:6).

HOW SHOULD RESPOND TO THE GOOD NEWS OF CHRISTMAS?

1) KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON what the GOOD NEWS of Christmas is—Jesus Christ (vs.10-11)!  

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. 

Luke 2:10-11

Focus on Jesus who is our (1) Savior, (2) Christ, and (3) Lord.

He is not just a baby but “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

We are also to see Jesus and receive him as our Savior and Lord—the good news of Christmas (John 1:12).

11 He [Jesus] came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive

him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to

become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh

nor of the will of man, but of God.John 1:11-12

 

  

HOW SHOULD RESPOND TO THE GOOD NEWS OF CHRISTMAS?

2) REJOICE AND PRAISE GOD for his amazing grace and sacrificial love for us. (vs. 15, 16, 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.” 16And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising

God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.Luke 2:15,16, 20

For those who believe, fear turns to joy—seeing Jesus. Their response is worship—to rejoice and praise God! We are also to worship the King, rejoicing in Jesus and

praising God for his greatest gift for us.

HOW SHOULD RESPOND TO THE GOOD NEWS OF CHRISTMAS?

3) SHARE THE GOOD NEWS starting with the people who are near you about Jesus the Savior of the world (vs.10, 17).

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 . . .

17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 

Luke 2:10, 17

This good news was NOT for certain people but ALL PEOPLE.

The shepherds’ firsthand-experience of the good news compelled them to share what they saw and experience!

We are also to share what we saw and experienced in Jesus with all people.

[RECAP]: HOW SHOULD RESPOND TO THE GOOD NEWS OF CHRISTMAS?

On this Christmas Day . . .

1) Focus on Jesus and receive/follow him as our Savior and Lord—the good news of Christmas.

2) Worship the King of Kings, rejoicing in Jesus and praising God for his greatest gift for us.

3) Share the good news of Christmas—what we saw and experienced in Jesus with all people.

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE

1. How can I keep my focus on the good news of Christmas— Jesus Christ—today?

2. What are some ways I can praise God in my attitude, words, and action for the greatest gift of God?

3. With whom shall I share the good news of Christmas—about Jesus—today/this week?