The Glory of Christ’s Birth
The Glory of Christ’s Birth
Tuesday December 23, 2025
Luke 2:8-20 ESV 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. [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." [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!" [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.
1. Shepherds…the humble and lowly Luke 1:52-53 ESV
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; [53] he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
2. Angel… messenger from God. Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and now shepherds had messengers from heaven
3. Glory… the Palpable, unmistakable Presence of God always produces fear
4. Great fear
5. Fear not… God always assures. He is not interested in terrifying us, but in inviting us and introducing Himself correctly.
6. Good news… Gospel
7. Great joy… the intended outcome of the gospel.
8. Christ, the Lord… the anointed is first introduced as Lord.
9. A baby wrapped in swaddling cloth, and lying in a manger… His appearance is humble
10. Multitude of heavenly hosts praising God… Praise in heaven preceding praise on earth. As it is in heaven …
11. Glory to God in the highest… Glory has to go to God, higher than any other glory
12. Peace on earth among those with whom God is pleased…. Peace on earth is not general but individual and corporate.
