Sermon Theme
“… but the Angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy...”
“Advent: Preparing For a Savior Who Forth a Season of Hope, Peace, Love and Joy!”
When I read the Christmas story narrated by Luke, my mind wonders off and I begin to think of how it would have felt being one of the shepherds who experienced the powerful Angelic proclamation of the Savior’s birth. The surprise appearance of the angel… the fright of the unknown… the lights surrounding this heavenly figure, and the power of his voice proclaiming the glorious message that “onto us a Savior has been born…”, would have certainly overwhelmed me with so many emotions! How I wish I would have been there… I’m sure most of us would have wanted to be there to witness the glory of God. The good news, however, is that even though we weren’t with the shepherds, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and we can still experience the fullness of His glory today!
Christmas is the manifestation of God’s glory in the midst of His Creation. It is Emmanuel--God with us, intervening within our reality to bring forth salvation. The Christmas message of hope, peace, love and great joy continues to shine upon us like it shone upon the shepherds. It is a message that challenges us “not to be afraid”. In the midst of all kinds of crises and hardships, God calls out and tells us not to fear for a “Savior is born”, praise the Lord. The good news of Christmas is that we no longer have to live in darkness because the “light of the world” has arrived to shine upon you and me. It is His light that brings forth His Spirit and assures us that “all things work out for those who trust in the Lord.”
The “good news of great joy” transformed the shepherds into worshippers and messengers of the new born King. They travelled to Bethlehem, met the baby Jesus, and returned, glorifying God and proclaiming the arrival of the Savior. For us, the Christmas message must also be about lifting our voices in praise and proclaiming to the world that Christ is born!
Have a blessed and joyous Christmas
The Pastor
Christmas is the manifestation of God’s glory in the midst of His Creation. It is Emmanuel--God with us, intervening within our reality to bring forth salvation. The Christmas message of hope, peace, love and great joy continues to shine upon us like it shone upon the shepherds. It is a message that challenges us “not to be afraid”. In the midst of all kinds of crises and hardships, God calls out and tells us not to fear for a “Savior is born”, praise the Lord. The good news of Christmas is that we no longer have to live in darkness because the “light of the world” has arrived to shine upon you and me. It is His light that brings forth His Spirit and assures us that “all things work out for those who trust in the Lord.”
The “good news of great joy” transformed the shepherds into worshippers and messengers of the new born King. They travelled to Bethlehem, met the baby Jesus, and returned, glorifying God and proclaiming the arrival of the Savior. For us, the Christmas message must also be about lifting our voices in praise and proclaiming to the world that Christ is born!
Have a blessed and joyous Christmas
The Pastor