An Invitation
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Introduction
Text
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
This is a mis-translation (partly due to 400 years of changes in the English language.
It is a peace that God chooses to give.
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Peace, of course, means peace between God and people, the healing of the estrangement caused by human evil
It is God who takes the initiative. It is God who brings Good news to us all.
By his very words, we can experience peace in our lives.
WHAT DOES THE WORD OF GOD DO IN OUR LIVES?
Point 1
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 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.
The Word of God Interrupts Life.
The Word of God Interrupts Life.
Moses: A man on the run interrupted to be a deliverer of slaves.
David: A shepherd interrupted to be anointed king of Israel.
God interrupts our life for His purpose:
That demonstrates His love.
That fulfills His redemptive plan.
That reveals His glory.
This interruption is necessary to get our attention to what matters most—what will change our lives.
Point 2
What will change our lives?
10 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.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
The Word of God is Good News.
The Word of God is Good News.
The Good News is Jesus Christ. Specifically the Good News is God’s love that rescues our lives from the devastation of sin.
Good News
We all have fallen short of God’s glory—and have sinned.(Rom 3:23)
The result of sin is death—eternal separation from God (Rom 6:23)
But God sent His Son to take the penalty of sin upon Himself—dying on the Cross—so we can have opportunity to be in right relationship with God.
The Good News: Salvation for all who would believe.
Point 3
What is the result of salvation?
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
The Word of God Inspires Worship.
The Word of God Inspires Worship.
God’s words, His Good News, ushers in our lives genuine joy and peace.
The weight of sin and unbelief is lifted.
The result of this is engagement with authentic worship.
15 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.”
16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.
17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.
19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
When we hear and see the Good News, we respond with love, joy, and peace!
Illustration: Engagement to my wife (Christmas theme)—the joy of getting married—the joy of relationship.
Conclusion
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Questions for Personal Reflection and Group Discussion
How has God interrupted your life to get your attention?
Why does the Good News of Jesus change our perspective in life?
What should motivate the believer to engage in authentic worship?
What is authentic worship?