Christmas Chronicles Part 4 – The Shepherds

Christmas Chronicles

Part 4 – The Shepherds

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Luke 2:1-18

INTRO

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:1-5

6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:6-7

Instead of coming to earth as a pampered, privileged, pious prince, Jesus was born in , as .

Jesus’ humble birth matters because it reveals that He’s , accessible, !

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to 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. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12

This world-changing Good News was not shared first with intellectual elite, religious rulers or powerful politicians; it was shared with !

Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, !

43 “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10:43

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

    for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk

    through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

    for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

    they comfort me. Psalm 23:1-4

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14

is available to all who receive God’s gift of grace!

15 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.” Luke 2:15

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 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 the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:16-20

The shepherds with everyone they could!

When you realize Who Jesus is, you’ve got to with everyone you know!

18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:18

When people hear the Good News, and understand what it means for them, they can’t help but be !

When you’ve heard the good news, you can’t help but be filled with great joy and respond to Him with heartfelt !

Worship Song List

I Believe

He Shall Reign Forevermore

Jesus at the Center/All Hail King Jesus

Worthy