The Joy of Christmas: Embracing the Good Shepherd
Summary
On this blessed Christmas day, we gather to celebrate the profound mystery and joy of the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, our Savior and King. The story of His birth is not just a tale of a baby in a manger but a revelation of God's infinite love and grace. In the beginning, the Word was with God, and through Him, all things were made. This Word, Jesus, is the light that shines in the darkness, a light that the darkness cannot overcome. Yet, when He came into the world, many did not recognize Him. But to those who received Him, He gave the power to become children of God, born not of human will but of God.
As we reflect on the shepherds who first received the announcement of Christ's birth, we see a powerful message. These shepherds, considered lowly and unclean, were chosen to hear the good news, illustrating that the gospel is for everyone, especially the marginalized and overlooked. This choice underscores our need for a shepherd, for we are like sheep, often lost and in need of guidance. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, seeks and saves the lost, laying down His life for us.
In Luke 15, we find another Christmas story, a parable of a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep. This story is a reminder of God's relentless pursuit of us, His lost sheep. It is a story of grace, where the shepherd rejoices over finding the lost one, just as there is rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. This parable is a call to recognize our need for Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who became like us to save us.
The true wonder of Christmas is that the Good Shepherd became a lamb, taking on our sins to bring us back to God. Without the cross, the manger holds no significance. The joy of Christmas is found in the salvation Jesus brings, a joy that causes heaven to sing. As we celebrate today, may we acknowledge our need for Him and rejoice in the salvation He offers.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Light of the World: Jesus, the Word made flesh, is the light that shines in the darkness, offering hope and salvation to all who receive Him. His coming into the world is a testament to God's love and desire for us to become His children. [15:44]
2. The Gospel for All: The announcement of Jesus' birth to shepherds highlights that the gospel is for everyone, especially the marginalized and overlooked. It reminds us that God's love reaches beyond societal boundaries to embrace all who are lost. [37:43]
3. Our Need for a Shepherd: Like sheep, we are often lost and in need of guidance. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, seeks and saves us, demonstrating His love by laying down His life for us. This is the heart of the Christmas message. [39:36]
4. The Joy of Repentance: There is great rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. This parable of the lost sheep calls us to recognize our need for Jesus and the joy that comes from being found by Him. [51:49]
5. The Good Shepherd's Sacrifice: The true wonder of Christmas is that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, became a lamb to save us. His sacrifice on the cross gives meaning to the manger, offering us salvation and a reason to rejoice. [54:33]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [15:44] - The Word Made Flesh
- [16:50] - Infinite Love of God
- [25:26] - Recognizing Jesus
- [27:21] - The Shepherds' Story
- [32:02] - Good News of Great Joy
- [37:43] - The Gospel for the Marginalized
- [39:36] - Our Need for a Shepherd
- [41:22] - The Parable of the Lost Sheep
- [43:52] - The Good Shepherd's Mission
- [45:08] - The Shepherd Becomes a Lamb
- [49:07] - The Good Shepherd's Sacrifice
- [50:04] - The Cross and the Manger
- [51:49] - Heaven's Rejoicing
- [54:33] - The Songs of Heaven
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 1:1-14
2. Luke 2:8-20
3. Luke 15:1-7
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 1:1-14, how is Jesus described in relation to God and creation? What significance does this have for understanding His role as the "Word made flesh"? [15:44]
2. In Luke 2:8-20, why were the shepherds chosen to receive the announcement of Jesus' birth, and how did they respond to this news? [32:02]
3. What is the main message of the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:1-7, and how does it relate to the theme of Christmas? [43:52]
4. How does the sermon describe the connection between the shepherds in the field and the parable of the lost sheep? [37:43]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for Jesus to be the "light that shines in the darkness," and how does this concept relate to the Christmas story? [16:50]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the idea that the gospel is for everyone, especially the marginalized and overlooked, through the story of the shepherds? [37:43]
3. In what ways does the parable of the lost sheep challenge our understanding of repentance and God's pursuit of us? [51:49]
4. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, becoming a lamb to save us? [49:07]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in darkness. How did you experience Jesus as the light in that situation, and how can you seek His light in your current circumstances? [15:44]
2. The shepherds were considered lowly and unclean, yet they were chosen to hear the good news. How can you reach out to someone in your life who might feel marginalized or overlooked? [37:43]
3. In what areas of your life do you feel lost and in need of guidance? How can you invite Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to lead you in those areas? [39:36]
4. The sermon emphasizes the joy of repentance. Is there something in your life you need to repent of, and how can you take steps towards that repentance this week? [51:49]
5. Consider the sacrifice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who became a lamb for us. How does this understanding of His sacrifice impact your view of Christmas and your daily life? [49:07]
6. How can you celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in your family and community, focusing on the salvation and joy that Jesus brings? [50:04]
7. The sermon mentions the rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. How can you be part of bringing joy to heaven through your actions and relationships? [54:33]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Jesus, the Light in Our Darkness
The coming of Jesus as the Word made flesh is a profound testament to God's love, offering hope and salvation to all who receive Him. Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness, a light that the darkness cannot overcome. This light is not just a metaphor but a reality that transforms lives. In a world often overshadowed by despair and confusion, Jesus' presence brings clarity and direction. His light reveals the truth of God's love and the path to becoming children of God. As we embrace this light, we are invited into a relationship with God, where we are no longer defined by our past or our failures but by His grace and love. [15:44]
"In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel surrounded by darkness? How can you invite Jesus' light to shine in those areas today?
Day 2: The Gospel's Reach to the Marginalized
The announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds is a powerful reminder that the gospel is for everyone, especially those who are marginalized and overlooked. Shepherds, considered lowly and unclean in society, were chosen to receive the good news first. This choice illustrates God's heart for the marginalized and His desire to reach beyond societal boundaries. It challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards those who are different or marginalized in our communities. The gospel calls us to embrace all people with the same love and grace that God extends to us. [37:43]
"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong." (1 Corinthians 1:26-27, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community might feel marginalized or overlooked? How can you extend God's love and grace to them today?
Day 3: Our Need for the Good Shepherd
Like sheep, we are often lost and in need of guidance. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, seeks and saves us, demonstrating His love by laying down His life for us. This is the heart of the Christmas message. The imagery of sheep and shepherds is a powerful reminder of our vulnerability and need for guidance. Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd is not just about protection but also about leading us to abundant life. He knows each of us by name and calls us to follow Him. In a world where we can easily lose our way, Jesus offers direction and purpose. [39:36]
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them." (John 10:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways do you feel lost or in need of guidance? How can you allow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to lead you today?
Day 4: The Joy of Being Found
There is great rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. The parable of the lost sheep is a beautiful illustration of God's relentless pursuit of us. It reminds us that no matter how far we wander, God is always seeking us, ready to bring us back into His fold. The joy of repentance is not just about turning away from sin but about being found by God and restored to a right relationship with Him. This joy is shared by all of heaven, emphasizing the value God places on each individual. [51:49]
"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing." (Luke 15:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to experience God's forgiveness and restoration? How can you embrace the joy of being found by Him today?
Day 5: The Sacrifice of the Good Shepherd
The true wonder of Christmas is that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, became a lamb to save us. His sacrifice on the cross gives meaning to the manger, offering us salvation and a reason to rejoice. Without the cross, the manger holds no significance. Jesus' willingness to become like us and take on our sins is the ultimate expression of love and grace. This sacrifice calls us to respond with gratitude and a commitment to live for Him. As we reflect on the Christmas story, let us not forget the cost of our salvation and the depth of God's love for us. [54:33]
"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth." (Isaiah 53:7, ESV)
Reflection: How does the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross impact your understanding of Christmas? What steps can you take to live in response to His love and grace today?
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Quotes
"The word made flesh, the Messiah, the babe in the manger be yours to overflowing today and every day. We invite you to stand as together we rejoice in the birth of Lord and Savior, our Redeemer and our King. In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God." [00:13:16]
"He was in the world. The world came into being through him yet the world did not know him. He came to that which was his own and his own people did not accept him but to all who receive him who believe in his name he gave power to become children of God who were born not of blood." [00:16:14]
"Brothers and sisters on this Christmas day, may the infinite inexpressible love of God, our father, the glorious joy of Jesus Christ and the sweet fellowship of the Holy Spirit be yours in abundance. Amen." [00:17:05]
"So busy, so occupied, so distracted by the allurements and the temptations, the burdens of this world that when life, and love, and joy, and peace, and hope came right into the very midst of them, they missed you. They didn't recognize you." [00:25:26]
"And Lord, this morning, we acknowledge that even we now, many of whom who have been adopted into your family because of faith in you, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as an atonement, a sacrifice for our sin, that even we who are your children can go hours and hours on end without ever thinking of you, and praising you, and honoring you, and thanking you." [00:25:56]
"An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, do not be afraid. I bring you a new life. I bring you a new life. I bring you a new life. I bring you a new life. good news of great joy that will be for all the people today in the town of david a savior has been born to you he is christ the lord." [00:31:42]
"Well, if you were here a number of weeks ago and we considered the joy that is ours in Christ through the announcement of the angels, one reason is surely that Jesus, the Holy Spirit, is teaching us that the gospel is not reserved for only the pretty and the powerful and the privileged, the prestigious. Not at all. It is for the outcast, for the disregarded, the marginalized, the dismissed, the miserable, the poor, the poverty stricken." [00:37:14]
"And the reason is simply this, to convince us that we are sheep in need of a shepherd. To convince us that you and I are sheep, who are desperately in need of a shepherd. Listen to what Jesus tells us in his parable in Luke chapter 15." [00:39:24]
"God came to earth he made himself nothing he took on the nature of a servant he humbled himself he who created all things apart from whom was nothing made that has been made entered into his creation the word God became flesh and lived with us if you're not tracking the meaning of this parable that Jesus tells let's be very clear in this Christmas parable we're the dumb sheep and Jesus is the shepherd who seeks and to saves and to save the dumb sheep his sheep." [00:45:08]
"Without the cross, there is absolutely zero reason to celebrate the cradle. Without Calvary's hill, Bethlehem's manger gives us zero cause for rejoicing. If all of this is about simply a babe in a manger and we never get to the cross of salvation, there is no joy to the world." [00:50:04]
"Friends, today is a day for rejoicing because today is the day in which we celebrate the day of the Lord. The good shepherd who goes and he searches and he looks, he seeks, notice what it says, until he finds if you are one of God's sheep, you can run, you can hide, you can keep leaping into the ditch, but he will not give up until he finds you and he takes you and he puts you over his shoulders and he takes you home." [00:50:51]
"Listen, when the shepherd comes home, he calls his friends and his neighbors together and he says, rejoice with me. I have found my lost sheep and I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who do not repent. You do not need to repent." [00:51:49]
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