Law/Gospel Theme: Today people need to understand the importance of the announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. This event demonstrates God’s love for all people, even the humblest among us. Today will learn to appreciate God’s grace and share the Good News with others.
Prayer: Almighty God, help us to look forward to the glory of the birth of Chrit our Savior. His coming is proclaimed joyfully to the ends of the earth for He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit forever and ever Amen.
Hymn: #63 Oh Come All Ye Faithful Vv. 1-2
Confession/Absolution:
LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.
In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit.
That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
Hymn: #63 O Come All Ye Faithful Vv. 3-4
Have you ever wondered why the birth of Jesus is so important to us? Why do we celebrate it every year with such joy and enthusiasm? It’s because Jesus’ birth was not just an ordinary event; it was the beginning of God’s great plan to bring salvation to all people, including you and me.
Luke tells us the wonderful news.
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.”
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”
In this passage, we see that Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem due to a decree from Caesar Augustus. Mary was pregnant with Jesus, the Son of God, who was about to be born. We are reminded that Jesus was born in time and space to be our Savior. That’s why He came. That’s why he was born.
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'”
The shepherds were humble and lowly people who were chosen by God to receive the first announcement of Jesus’ birth. This shows that God’s love is for everyone, regardless of their status or position in society.
Why did God chose the shepherds to receive the news of Jesus’ birth? No one is too low for Jesus. He came for all people. Great and small.
Christmas is a time to celebrate God’s love and grace in many ways. God’s love is unconditional. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
God’s grace is available to all. Jesus came for everyone. No matter what they have done. God’s grace is unmerited, unearned, and undeserved.
God’s love is the focus. Christmas is about God’s love and mercy. It’s a time to focus on the good news of God’s love, not the ban news of our failures.
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'”
The birth of Jesus was a significant event, not only for the shepherds but for all of humanity. God sent His Son to be our Savior, showing His love and grace to everyone, even the humblest among us. Let us remember to share the Good News with others and help them understand the love of God revealed through the birth of Jesus Christ.
Have you ever wondered why the birth of Jesus is so important to us? Why do we celebrate it every year with such joy and enthusiasm? It’s because Jesus’ birth was not just an ordinary event; it was the beginning of God’s great plan to bring salvation to all people, including you and me.
Isn’t it amazing to think that God chose shepherds, simple and humble people, to receive the first announcement of Jesus’ birth? This shows us that God’s love and grace are for everyone, no matter who we are or where we come from. And that, my dear friends, is something worth celebrating!
How can we share this message with others? It’s simpler than you might think. We can start by living our lives in a way that reflects the love and grace of Jesus. By showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to those around us, we can demonstrate the power of God’s love and inspire others to seek Jesus as their Savior.
Thank you, Jesus for your love and care. Thank you for coming into our world to be our Savior, Lord and King. [1]
The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers for the sick and suffering.
The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for gathering us on this day.
The Lord has given us life in a nation of opportunities and liberty; with public services such as fire and police protection, ambulances, food pantries, schools, libraries, and hospitals. We thank you Lord for our national life.
The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.
The Lord has given us a world full of creatures that crawl, fly, swim, and climb. We enjoy a bounty of flowers and shrubs, grass and trees, plants and moss, and rocks and hills. We thank you Lord, for your creation.
The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.
We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.[2]
[1] Luke 2:1-14 - The Birth of Jesus Announced to the Shepherds | PDF Sunday School Works!
[2] September-15.2024-10AM-17th-Sunday-after-Pentecost.pdf (stmarksnewcanaan.org)
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