Touching the Forgotten (Luke 2:8-20)

On December 20th Pastor Greg MacCallum will be continuing with the fourth message in our Christmas Series: A Touch of Christmas.

Video

If you can’t attend in-person, the service will be streamed at 10:30 Sunday morning: https://youtu.be/DKX76tikhqo

Sermon Audio

The sermon audio is here.

Notes

(Printable sermon notes: Advent2020-4.pdf )

 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2:14

  • The Island of Misfit Toys…
  • Have you ever forgotten something? Dinner? Keys? Kids? 

3 ways to describe the Shepherd’s role in the Christmas story:

1)  The Shepherds were ORDINARY (vs. 2:8)

  • Forgettable, marginalized, uneducated, low-class, unclean, thieves…
  • Protectors, Valuable to all society 
    • Front-line workers, Essential workers

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”  – Colossians 3:23-24

  • Nothing about poverty prevents people from knowing God!

2)  The EXTRAordinary Announcement (vs. 9-14)

  • God INTENTIONALLY chose shepherds!  

“…But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.  God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are…” 

– 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

3)  The Shepherds DEVOTION (vs. 2:15-20)

  • When was the last time you were amazed at the Gospel?  

“So you must go and make disciples of all nations… And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end.” 

– Matthew 28:19-20 (Mark 16:15)

Touch the Forgotten

  • We NEED to connect with those who are overlooked (Matthew 25:35-36, 40)
  • Jesus is the SAVIOUR of all people equally 

“I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide…” – Luke 2:10 (MSG)

Digging Deeper

(For use in personal/family devotions or with your care group)

Q1: What was the best news you have ever been given?

Q2: Why was the first announcement of the Messiah’s birth given to shepherds?  In what ways are the shepherds good examples for us today? 

Q3: Share a story of when you felt marginalized.  How did that change you?

Q4: Why is “fear not” one of the key themes of the Christmas story?

Q5: Reflect on the things of the Lord that you “treasure in your heart.”

Q6: Read 2 Corinthians 8:9. How has Jesus poverty made you rich? How does that make you feel in light of your salvation?

Q7: Read John 1:29 & John 10. How is Jesus the Good Shepherd?

Q8: Can you think of three people to share the gospel with? How will you share with them? Write down your plan including when and what you hope to share.