Sermon Series: The Gospel of Luke
A Season of Promise
A Promise Proclaimed
Pastor George Stephens | December 22, 2024
“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.”” (Luke 2:8–12, ESV)
Who Will Value It?
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” (Luke 2:8, ESV)
“When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”” (Genesis 46:33–34, ESV) )… “Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, as our fathers were.”” (Genesis 47:3, ESV)
Answer: Those who know themselves
1. Jewish Culture had turned away from the shepherd class as “unclean”
2. It is only when I rightly define myself as a sinner – as unclean – that I can identify the value of God’s promise in Jesus.
How To Value It
How You Wrap It
The Best Presents Have the Biggest Bows
“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.” (Luke 2:9, ESV) …“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,” (Luke 2:13, ESV)
And Are Often Kept in The Simplest of Wrappings
“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”” (Luke 2:12, ESV) …“And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:16, ESV)
The Ultimate Statement of Value is in its Use
“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.”” (Luke 2:15, ESV) … “And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.” (Luke 2:17–18, ESV)
