First Told: To Lowly Shepherds

Minister:
Date: AM (Christmas Day)
Text: Luke 2:8-12
Psalters: 14, 406, 243, 262
  1. God’s way.
    1. Shepherds were normally young boys (youngest in the family).
      1. The work was long and hard: day and night, cold and heat, dealing with the natures of sheep.
      2. We know very little about these shepherds: no names, not even how many.
    2. A grand announcement by the most glorious messengers comes to the poor, despised shepherds.
      1. It is one of the glories of Jesus’ coming that it is announced to shepherds.
      2. The angel made no mistake to come first to the shepherd boys.
  2. This is the wisdom of God.
    1. The Messiah could not be welcomed by the important and mighty, for they did not seek Him.
      1. They were looking for an earthly king, not One Who came to seek and to save those lost in sin and death.
      2. Additionally, they would not give the Christ the right welcome.
    2. The welcome must come from the lowly shepherds.
      1. They see the Babe to be what the angel declared Him to be: the Savior, Christ (the Messiah) the Lord.
      2. Those who seek the Savior from sin are not distracted by all that attracts human attention away.
    3. It is God’s wisdom that not many wise, mighty and noble are called, but God has chosen the foolish, weak, and base.
      1. This emphasizes that it is of God’s grace, not because of what we are or have done.
      2. This shows the great love and mercy of our God, that all of salvation is completely in Him.
  3. God comforts those who know their salvation in Jesus Christ.
    1. Then we see our unworthiness of such blessing.
    2. Our comfort is not in our health, strength and might, but in God’s grace and mercy only.
    3. Let us commemorate His birth properly!