Celebrating God's Love

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 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 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. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests."

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." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this Child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

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 2:8-20

For the past four weeks we have observed Advent, which looks forward to the birth of Jesus. Tonight we celebrate His arrival!

We will look at the way God announced this to the shepherds.

God loves everyone equally – rich and poor, humble and proud, and everyone in between. The first Jews were shepherds – and the baby Jesus was placed in a manger because there was no room in the inn.

God sent an angel of the Lord to the shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks by night. They were not in bed – they were wide awake, preventing wild animals from killing their sheep.

Suddenly (unexpectedly and without warning) an angel showed up! Some translations suggest he “stood among them.” The shepherds were startled – even scared – just as we would be. Not only was an angel standing in their midst, but a bright light – “the glory of the Lord” shone around them, and they were terrified.

The calming voice of the angel assured them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you 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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a Baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Shepherds were poor people. This particular group probably raised the sheep used in the Temple for the sacrifices. That God first told the poor shepherds is consistent with the Baby being placed in a manger.

If we go about our normal responsibilities of daily living that the Lord will be watching over us – and can speak to us at any time.

Yes – I believe that we should consistently be in the house of the Lord. I certainly believe in a daily time of personal devotions – just you and the Lord visiting. But God is always ready to speak to us!

After the initial shock of the angel of the Lord they had an even bigger surprise of the heavenly choir singing “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to all men!”

Then they were told to go and see this miracle – “This will be a sign to you: You will find a Baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

They did exactly what we would have done – they went! They did two unusual things. First they left their sheep in God’s care, and secondly they mixed with the people in town. They had a purpose and a holy boldness that caused them to do something unusual.

Can you imagine the joy they felt? Can you feel the “wow” in Mary and Joseph as these excited and animated shepherds told them what had taken place! It’s a wonder that the other animals in the cave didn’t cause a ruckus!

Then the shepherds left the birthplace of the King of Kings and told everyone they saw what they had seen!

It was an exciting celebration! And we have been celebrating this Birth for over 2000 years since that time.

Four ways to celebrate Christmas:

SECULARLY – Just leave Christ out of it.

CYNICALLY - See it as a time to make money; perhaps a time to take advantage of the gullible. Not everyone who collects money for the poor gives it to the poor!

GRACIOUSLY – If you are not a Christian, let the Christians enjoy themselves!

REVERENTLY – Refocus on God. Granted, December 25^th may not be the day that Jesus was born. The scriptures do not even try to pinpoint the day. However, it is consistent with scripture to celebrate the birth of Jesus and reaffirm our commitment to serving the Lord in all areas of our lives!

Actually, the best way to celebrate Christmas is to have a mix of the secular and the religious! Just have a lot of fun! Celebrate the birth of Jesus; make sure He is your Lord and Savior, then continue enjoying life just like you do the rest of the year!

The Christmas Thing
A Christmas Poem by Jane Merchant

My grandmother sat
On Christmas morning
Mending overalls.
A tall tree glittered,
A hen was roasting,
And the room was merry
With dolls and balls,
So why was she mending
Overalls?
The air is magic
On Christmas morning
And it isn't a time
For doing chores.
We had given her
A brooch that glittered
After anxious searchings
Of ten cent stores
So why was she working
At everyday chores?
I didn't know then
But I learned much later
That Christmas magic
Goes through and through
The fabric of living
Love, threading her needle,
Made mending
The Christmas-thing to do.

http://www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/poems.htm

Baby's First Christmas
A Christmas Poem by Alice E. Chase

You have to hold him up to see
The angel on the Christmas tree.
And even though he's still too small
To know the meaning of it all
You watch his eyes reflect the glow
Of colored lights that come and go
And feel him quiver with delight
At every new and wondrous sight.
There's Santa with his jolly face
Beaming from the fireplace.
And from the stocking hanging there
Peeks a cuddly teddy bear.
Bright ornaments and candy canes --
Musical toy and wooden trains --
There's just no end to the delights
Spread out for him this night of nights!
He points and grins from ear to ear
And then he yawns - his bedtime's near!
Dad gives him a kiss and you tuck him away
To rest up for the fun of his first Christmas Day!