Why Christmas Glory Came to Lowly Shepherds
December 21, 2025 · 1:02:07 · Watch on YouTube ↗
Summary
On the Sunday before Christmas the service opens by answering those who claim the Nativity is pagan or absent from Scripture. Matthew 1:18 states plainly that "the birth of Jesus Christ was" - so God coming to earth in human flesh is a biblical fact. When we grasp who was born, why He came, and what our lives would be without Him, we have every reason to celebrate.
The main message walks through Luke 2:8-20 and asks why God's glory appeared not to priests or kings but to poor, ordinary shepherds. The answer is simple: God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble, a truth echoed in Zephaniah 3 and in "the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3). Christ Himself modeled this, entering the world as a defenseless infant and living in quiet obedience.
The shepherds leave us a pattern to follow. They did not delay but hurried to obey, they testified to others about what they had seen, and they went home glorifying and praising God. The preacher urges believers not to sink back into worry after the service but to keep their hearts tuned to praise for the gift of Jesus.
Key Points
- The Nativity is no pagan invention but a biblical fact: "the birth of Jesus Christ was" (Matthew 1:18).
- God reveals His glory to the humble and lowly, never to the proud or the so-called cream of society.
- True simplicity and humility come from above and are found in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).
- Honor one another above yourself, in the fear of God.
- Like the shepherds, answer God's call at once instead of putting it off.
- Share your testimony - tell others plainly what Christ has done in your life.
- Leave worship changed: go home glorifying God rather than slipping back into worry.
Devotional
The shepherds were busy, ordinary men, yet heaven chose them to hear the first announcement of the Savior. They did not argue or delay; they hurried, they looked, they told others, and they walked home praising God. Ask yourself how you answer the quiet prompting of the Spirit - do you run like a child eager to obey, or do you keep saying "later"? This Christmas, let the wonder of God born for you carry you from silent gratitude into open, joyful praise.
“The birth of Jesus Christ was - it is a biblical fact, whether the world receives it or not.”
“God resists the proud, but to the humble He gives grace.”
“Don't carry your worries home from worship - change the tune of your heart and praise God.”
