Shepherds: The Humble Heralds of Christmas Joy

 

Summary

In the sermon delivered on Sunday 17-12-23, the speaker delves into the significance of the shepherds in the Christmas narrative, drawing attention to their humble status and the universal message of the gospel. The shepherds, often depicted in modest attire, represent the everyman and are integral to the story of Jesus' birth. The speaker imagines them discussing both trivial and profound matters before being startled by an angelic announcement that prompts them to seek the newborn Savior. Despite initial doubts, they are filled with peace and a sense of purpose, understanding that they have been chosen to spread the extraordinary news.

The sermon humorously brings to life the shepherds' experience through a reenactment with children from the congregation, who are dressed up and instructed on how to portray shepherds. This playful moment serves to engage the audience and encourage them to reflect on the real events of the first Christmas. The speaker also recounts a lighthearted conversation among the shepherds, highlighting their inclusivity in the Messiah's birth, which is meant for all, regardless of one's background or perceived importance.

The speaker emphasizes Jesus' universal love and acceptance, reminding the listeners that He was born for everyone, including those who feel unworthy or marginalized. The congregation is encouraged to emulate the shepherds' eagerness to witness Jesus' birth and to share the joyous story of His arrival, along with the freedom and love He embodies. The message is clear: no one is excluded from the significance of Jesus' birth, and even those who feel like the lowest in society are part of His story.

The true essence of Christmas is underscored by the shepherds' role in the biblical account. The angels' announcement to these simple men in Bethlehem about the birth of the Savior, who is King and God for all, is presented as the greatest story ever told. Despite the lack of precise historical details, the importance lies in the shepherds being the first recipients of this news. Their low social standing and the negative perceptions of shepherds at the time contrast sharply with the honor of being chosen by God to hear the good news of the Messiah's birth. The speaker draws a parallel between the tranquility of sitting by a campfire and the shepherds' peaceful experience on that momentous night.

Key Takeaways:

- The shepherds' inclusion in the Christmas story serves as a powerful reminder that the gospel is meant for everyone, transcending social status and background. Their humble circumstances and the peace they found in being chosen by God to witness the Savior's birth illustrate the accessibility of God's message to all people. [19:27]

- The reenactment of the shepherds' experience with children from the congregation not only adds a touch of humor to the sermon but also serves as a visual representation of the simplicity and authenticity of the first Christmas. It invites the audience to consider the reality of the events and the significance of the shepherds' role in the narrative. [02:57]

- The universality of Jesus' birth is emphasized through the shepherds' story, highlighting that the Savior came for every individual, regardless of their past or present circumstances. This inclusive message encourages believers to respond with the same haste and joy as the shepherds did when they received the good news. [23:47]

- The shepherds being the first to hear of Jesus' birth underscores the notion that God often chooses the unexpected and the overlooked to play pivotal roles in His divine plan. Their experience serves as a testament to the upside-down nature of God's kingdom, where the last are often first. [15:20]

- The peacefulness associated with the shepherds' experience on the night of Jesus' birth is a metaphor for the inner tranquility that comes from understanding one's part in God's story. Regardless of one's position in life, the peace of God is available to all who embrace the message of the Savior's arrival. [17:24]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Luke 2:8-15 (ESV)
> "And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 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. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!' 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.' And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger."

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the shepherds doing when the angel appeared to them? (Luke 2:8)
2. How did the shepherds react to the angel's announcement? (Luke 2:9-10)
3. What specific instructions did the angel give to the shepherds about finding Jesus? (Luke 2:12)
4. How did the shepherds respond after the angels left? (Luke 2:15-16)

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose shepherds, who were considered lowly and unimportant, to be the first to hear the news of Jesus' birth? [13:06]
2. What does the shepherds' immediate response to the angelic message tell us about their faith and character? [19:27]
3. How does the inclusion of shepherds in the Christmas story emphasize the universality of Jesus' message? [23:47]
4. In what ways does the peace experienced by the shepherds reflect the inner tranquility that comes from understanding one's part in God's story? [17:24]

#### Application Questions
1. The shepherds were considered the lowest in society, yet they were chosen to receive the good news first. How does this challenge your view of who is worthy to receive God's message? [13:06]
2. The shepherds responded with haste to the angel's message. Is there something God is calling you to do that you have been hesitant about? How can you respond with the same urgency? [19:27]
3. The sermon highlighted the peace the shepherds felt after hearing the angel's message. What areas of your life are lacking peace, and how can you seek God's tranquility in those areas? [17:24]
4. The shepherds shared the news of Jesus' birth with joy. Who in your life needs to hear the good news of Jesus, and how can you share it with them this week? [23:47]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy or marginalized. How does the story of the shepherds help you understand God's love and acceptance for you? [23:47]
6. The reenactment with children in the sermon served as a reminder of the simplicity and authenticity of the first Christmas. How can you bring a sense of simplicity and authenticity to your celebration of Christmas this year? [02:57]
7. The shepherds' story shows that God often chooses the unexpected to play pivotal roles in His plan. How can you be open to the unexpected ways God might want to use you in His story? [15:20]

Devotional

Day 1: Gospel for the Humble Hearts
The shepherds in the Christmas story symbolize the accessibility of the gospel to all, regardless of social standing. Their humble beginnings and the peace they received upon being chosen to witness the birth of the Savior demonstrate that God's message is open to everyone. This narrative invites reflection on the inclusivity of the divine invitation to salvation. [19:27]

Luke 2:10-11 - "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.'"
Reflection: How can you embody the humility of the shepherds in your daily interactions to better receive and share the gospel?

Day 2: Simplicity in the Savior's Birth
The reenactment of the shepherds' experience with children highlights the simplicity and authenticity of the first Christmas. It strips away the commercialism often associated with the holiday and brings focus back to the humble and genuine circumstances of Jesus' birth. This simplicity is a call to remember and cherish the true essence of Christmas. [02:57]

James 2:5 - "Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?"
Reflection: In what ways can you simplify your Christmas celebrations to focus more on the birth of Christ and less on materialistic aspects?

Day 3: Embracing the Savior's Universality
The shepherds' story underscores the universality of Jesus' birth, affirming that the Savior came for every individual, irrespective of their past or present circumstances. This inclusive message is a call to action, to respond with haste and joy to the good news, just as the shepherds did. [23:47]

Galatians 3:28 - "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you reach out to someone who feels excluded or marginalized to share the inclusive love of Jesus with them?

Day 4: God's Upside-Down Kingdom
The shepherds being the first to hear of Jesus' birth illustrates that God often chooses the unexpected to play pivotal roles in His divine plan. This serves as a testament to the upside-down nature of God's kingdom, where the last are often first. [15:20]

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."
Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where you feel 'least'? How might God be calling you to serve or lead from that place?

Day 5: Inner Tranquility in God's Story
The peacefulness associated with the shepherds' experience on the night of Jesus' birth is a metaphor for the inner tranquility that comes from understanding one's part in God's story. This peace is available to all who embrace the message of the Savior's arrival, regardless of one's position in life. [17:24]

Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What are some areas of your life where you are seeking peace? How can you find that peace by understanding and embracing your role in God's narrative?

Quotes

"But today, in the town of David, the Savior was born to us, to all of us. I can't let you miss out on that. Well, better not keep that baby waiting." [08:41] (Download)

"There is no one who Jesus says his love is not for. It's for all of us. So will you respond like the shepherds did with all haste?" [23:47] (Download)

"Jesus was born for you, and then he went on to die for you, to set you free, to show you love, to do the will of the Father, to call you brothers and sisters." [23:47] (Download)

"Even if you're a shepherd today, you can't take the shepherds away from Christmas, you can't take you away from Jesus's birth." [23:47] (Download)

"The message that his son was born, a savior Christ the Lord, and that he came to be with us, all of us, even the shepherds, seeking those with simple faith who still rejoice with his peace that settles in the soul and never dies." [21:09] (Download)

"Because the gospel is for everyone. Whoever we are, whatever we've done, we can hear the angel's words again. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior who is Christ the Lord." [21:09] (Download)

"The first people to hear the greatest story ever told were shepherds who watched their flocks at night. And that's hugely significant because shepherds were not highly thought of people at the time." [15:20] (Download)

"It was to shepherds that God sent the angelic host. It was to shepherds that God made known that a savior was born in David's city. It was to shepherds that the good news was first given." [17:24] (Download)

"For me, it's always, well, peaceful to sit and watch a fire, a peace that settles in yourself. You know what I mean? Sometimes I think of the shepherds that night, sitting around their campfire, just like mine." [17:24] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?