Summary

This sermon focuses on the shepherds who received the first announcement of Jesus' birth, emphasizing how God chose the lowly and marginalized to hear the good news first. The pastor explores why God selected night shift workers - shepherds who were considered untrustworthy and unclean - to receive this joyous proclamation. The message highlights that Christmas reveals the hope and joy of the world, and that Jesus came for everyone, especially those society overlooks. The sermon challenges listeners to recapture their initial fire for Jesus, share their testimonies, and celebrate what God has done in their lives, just as the shepherds did when they spread the word about what they had witnessed.

Intro Prayer

Father, as we gather together today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us through Your Word. Help us to set aside the distractions and burdens we carry, and prepare us to receive what You have for us in this time together. Like the shepherds who were open to Your miraculous announcement, make us receptive to Your voice and ready to respond to Your call on our lives. We pray that Your Spirit would move among us and that we would leave here changed and encouraged. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

If you had to work a night shift job, what would you choose and why?

Key Verses

1. Luke 2:8-14
2. Luke 2:15-20
3. Isaiah 53:4-6
4. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
5. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Questions

1. Why do you think God chose shepherds - people considered lowly and untrustworthy - to be the first to hear about Jesus' birth?
2. The pastor mentioned that many of us have lost our initial 'fire' for Jesus and become complacent. What are some signs that someone might be in this spiritual state?
3. How can we recapture the excitement and joy that the shepherds felt when they encountered the good news of Jesus' birth?
4. The shepherds immediately went to find Jesus and then shared what they had seen with others. What prevents us from sharing our own encounters with Jesus?
5. What does it mean that 'Christmas reveals the hope and joy of the world,' and how should this impact how we live during this season?
6. The pastor talked about being the most joyous and hopeful people year-round. How can we practically demonstrate this joy to others, especially during difficult times?
7. Mary 'treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.' What role does quiet reflection and meditation play in our spiritual growth?
8. How can we ensure that our Christmas celebrations focus more on Jesus and less on the commercial aspects of the holiday?

Life Application

This week, identify one person in your life who might feel overlooked or marginalized (like the shepherds were), and intentionally reach out to them with encouragement or an invitation to connect. Also, take time each day to 'ponder in your heart' what Jesus has done in your life, and look for one opportunity to share your testimony or God's goodness with someone else.

Key Takeaways

1. God chooses the lowly and marginalized to receive and share His good news first, showing that the gospel is for everyone
2. We need to recapture our initial fire and excitement for Jesus rather than becoming complacent in our faith
3. Like the shepherds, we should actively seek Jesus and then share what we've experienced with others
4. Christmas should make us the most joyous and hopeful people, especially during this season of celebration
5. True spiritual growth involves both active sharing and quiet reflection, treasuring what God has done in our hearts

Ending Prayer

Father, thank You for the reminder that You came first to the lowly and that You desire a relationship with each of us, no matter where we are in life. Help us to leave here today with renewed excitement about who You are and what You've done in our lives. Give us courage to share our testimonies and to reach out to those who might feel overlooked or forgotten. As we celebrate this Christmas season, help us to keep Jesus at the center and to be people who reflect Your hope and joy to everyone we encounter. May we be like the shepherds - quick to seek You, eager to share what we've experienced, and faithful to glorify and praise You for all You've done. In Jesus' name, Amen.