Sermons on Luke 2:10-12
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:10-12 Interpretation:
Embracing Humility: The Inclusive Message of Christmas (Quail Lakes Baptist Church) interprets Luke 2:10-12 by emphasizing the humility and accessibility of Jesus' birth. The sermon highlights that Jesus was born in a stable, a place familiar and approachable to shepherds, who were often seen as outsiders or rough individuals. This setting underscores the message that Jesus came for the everyday person, not the elite. The sermon also explores the idea that the angel's message to the shepherds to "not be afraid" is an invitation to replace fear with joy, as the birth of Jesus is good news that brings great joy. The sermon uses the analogy of a birth announcement to convey the excitement and significance of Jesus' arrival, noting that while ordinary birth announcements are joyful, this one is extraordinary because it is the announcement of a Savior.
Luke 2:10-12 Theological Themes:
Embracing Humility: The Inclusive Message of Christmas (Quail Lakes Baptist Church) presents the theme of Jesus' humility and accessibility. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' birth in a manger signifies God's willingness to enter the world in a humble and approachable manner, making the divine accessible to all, especially the lowly and marginalized. It also highlights the theme of replacing fear with joy, as the angel's message to the shepherds invites them to experience joy instead of fear in response to the good news of Jesus' birth.
Luke 2:10-12 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Embracing Humility: The Inclusive Message of Christmas (Quail Lakes Baptist Church) provides historical context by explaining the cultural perception of shepherds during biblical times. Shepherds were often seen as outsiders and rough individuals, yet they were the first to receive the announcement of Jesus' birth. This context highlights the inclusivity of the message and the significance of Jesus being born in a setting familiar to shepherds, making the divine accessible to those on the margins of society.
Luke 2:10-12 Cross-References in the Bible:
Embracing Humility: The Inclusive Message of Christmas (Quail Lakes Baptist Church) references John 14:9, where Jesus says, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." This cross-reference is used to emphasize that the shepherds, in seeing Jesus, were also seeing the nature of God the Father. The sermon underscores that the attributes of mercy, compassion, and love seen in Jesus are reflective of God the Father, challenging any notion that God the Father is different in character from Jesus.
Luke 2:10-12 Christian References outside the Bible:
Luke 2:10-12 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Embracing Humility: The Inclusive Message of Christmas (Quail Lakes Baptist Church) uses an illustration from a 1998 Christmas column by columnist George Will. The column mentions a 19th-century skeptic who suggested that a sign reading "Important if true" should be placed in front of every church after reading the Christmas story. The sermon uses this illustration to emphasize the significance and truth of the Incarnation, stating that the Incarnation begins what the resurrection celebrates, highlighting that God became one of us.