12/13/20
Rev. Clint Smith
Sermon Direct Link
This passage of Holy Scriptures begins with one of my favorite phrases, “and it came to pass…” Have you ever spent much time thinking about God’s Word coming to pass? God is all powerful, He is faithful, He never lies. God’s Word is true. Knowing we were created, saved and we are sustained by such a wonderful God, should cause us great joy!
Joseph and Mary journeyed by foot some 90 miles to Bethlehem (this is the city the Prophet Micah said the Ruler would be born (Micah 5:2). Mary was close to the time of giving birth.
When they arrived, Mary went into labor. She gave birth to her firstborn Son, in a place where animals were kept.
She wrapped Him in strips of cloths (swaddling cloths) and used a manager (animal feeding trough) for His crib.
Shepherds who watched over the sacrificial sheep were nearby. They were busy doing their job.
God’s angel appeared to them and the glory of the Lord lit up the night sky. They were greatly afraid.
Just as Gabriel told Mary not to be afraid, the angel told the shepherds not to fear. The angel brought good news for them and for the whole world.
With great heavenly host and tremendous celebration, the angel told the shepherds that the Savior had been born in Bethlehem.
The shepherds left their important job and quickly went into the Town of Bethlehem and found the Baby just as the angel said.
After they visited with Jesus, they began confessing Christ to anyone who would listen. They became evangelist (ones who share the good news that is the gospel).
Many in the Town of Bethlehem heard from the shepherds and marveled. Curiosity was aroused but we have no record of anyone else visiting Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.
They shepherds returned to their fields glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen. These young men experienced God! They worshiped God!