Luke 2:1f
Introduction
: People often wonder why not every Christmas narrative is the same among the Gospel writers. The quick answer is that every one of the authors, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John had different purposes targeted for certain reasons and all of them with their own perspective.
I, like the authors, am choosing Luke’s version for my emphasis and purpose of this particular Christmas message.
I. The Setting
Luke describes the birth itself with surprising brevity compared to others. All we are told is that:
(there is almost his ordinary vs. extraordinary…I’m just glad everyone included)!
The ‘
Party’
begins rather on a strange note:
Application:
But like some/most parties… things start slowly but quickly pick up!
Transition
: Of important to Luke was the next scene in verses 8-20 which describe
the angelic announcement to the shepherds
.
II. The Players
Luke now introduces a new group that enters the party…. a group of angels.
Question
: What did the Angles bring to the party?
Isaiah 9:2
, ‘The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined’. (NKJ)
Application
: Of significance is the contrast between the humble setting of the birth and the glory of the angelic announcement…so dramatic a difference.
‘In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.’ (
Luk 15:10
NLT)
Transition
:
III. Message – Good News – Gospel
Application
: Joy and celebration are the only appropriate responses!
Transition
:
IV. The Song
– a great army of angles appears in the heavens. From the heavenly host a song rises in praise to God.
The song of the angels is a couplet with three parallel members in each line:
Conclusion
: Christmas is special! In so many ways!
Question
: My Christmas Prayer / Wish? That each and every one of you find God’s peace and goodwill for yourselves and then that you would have a desire to do likewise to others.
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