The Angels of Christmas: The Shepherds’ Angelic Encounter! | Luke 2:1-21

We’re wrapping up our series on the Angels of Christmas today, reading from Luke, 2:1-24.

Oh, it’s the greatest story ever, and you know, if the angels appeared to you right now at your home or at your workplace, and the shepherds were working that night, their message to you would be the same.

Do not be afraid. Christ has come.

If you’re scared, the Bible says He holds you in the palm of His hand and no one can snatch you out of it. And if you’re lonely, especially this Christmas, the Bible says He will never leave you or forsake you, and that He will be with you until the end of the age. So, this Christmas, that’s where you’re gonna find Christ… right beside you. He is mighty to save. Your Savior the same yesterday, today, and forever.

You are loved.

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Transcription:

It wasn’t a silent night when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It couldn’t have been. Every inn was full because Caesar had to create a census. There were shepherds who were taking care of sheep, and sheep make noise. There was a woman in labor, and the cry of a baby who was born to save the world. I believe all of the Christmas songs we sing about what a silent night it was, what a holy night it was, perhaps describe the holy hush that came over the world. Maybe the stars themselves were holding their breath as the son of God was born. Hi, I’m Erica. Welcome to the Bible for Busy People.

Today, we’re gonna read the Christmas story together as we wrap up our series called, Do Not Be Afraid, the Angels of Christmas. Join me in Luke chapter two, beginning in verse one.

At that time, the Roman Emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. This was the first census taken when Quirinius, was governor of Syria. All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth and Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who is now expecting a child. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.

She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. That night, there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.

They were terrified, but the angel reassured them; don’t be afraid, he said. I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior, yes, the Messiah, the Lord has been born today in Bethlehem, and you’ll recognize him by this sign; you will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth lying in a manger.

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others, the armies of heaven praising God in saying, glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased. When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherd said to each other, let’s go to Bethlehem. Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph, and there was the baby lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened, and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherd’s story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them Often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just As the angel had told them.

Oh, it’s the greatest story ever. And you know, if the angels appeared to you right now at your home or at your workplace, and the shepherds were working that night, their message to you would be the same. Do not be afraid. Christ has come. Now, you’re not gonna find him lying in a manger anymore, but if you’re broken hearted, The Bible says he’s close. If you’re scared, the Bible says he holds you in the palm of his hand and no one can snatch you out of it. And if you’re lonely, especially this Christmas, the Bible says he will never leave you or forsake you, and that he will be with you until the end of the age. So, this Christmas, that’s where you’re gonna find Christ right beside you. He is mighty to save. Your Savior the same yesterday, today, and forever. Merry Christmas. You are loved.

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