TEACHING NOTES Introduction A few weeks ago we began this Christmas series that is focused on the story behind the story. Instead of trying to bring something new out of a story that almost everyone knows, we want to know the purpose behind Christmas. We want to know why this story was so important back then and why this event is still important for us today. ‌ Series Review ‌ Part 1: The Goal of Christmas The main point of the Christmas story, and the entire story of the Bible, is that God’s greatest desire is to be a with-us God. ‌ Part 2: The Worst Situation The birth of Jesus is the greatest event in history that happened in the most insignificant place, to the most insignificant people, who were in the most difficult circumstances. God can do His best work in the worst situations. ‌ Christmas is not merely a story to believe, but an event that calls us to a life of faithfulness to Christ. ‌ Who is Jesus? What does that mean for us? ‌ Luke 2:8–9 ESV 8 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. ‌ Shepherds keeping watch by night = Traditionally, Christmas is celebrated in December (winter), but Jesus was likely born in September. There are actually good reasons to believe Jesus was born on September 11, 3 BC. It would be very unlikely for shepherds to be out in the field at night during winter as it would be freezing and any grass would be dead. ‌ The glory of the Lord shone around them = In the Bible, God’s glory is usually visible as a pillar of fire or a bright light. The Greek word for “glory” is doxa, which means splendor, radiance, or brightness. The picture here is of a bright light shinning all around them in the middle of a dark field. ‌ They were filled with great fear = Obviously, anyone would be afraid if a massive bright light suddenly appeared in the middle of the night. It is a recurring event in the Bible for people to be very afraid when God’s presence or angels show up. ‌ Luke 2:10 ESV 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. ‌ Fear not = This is also a common greeting from angels in the Bible. It is also an important example of how we should share the Gospel. While it is common for Christians to use fear to scare people into believing, this is the exact opposite method of God’s messengers in the Bible. It always begins with “Do not be afraid!” ‌ Side Note: The book of Acts shows us exactly how the apostles shared the Gospel in the community. Not once did the apostles even mention hell. They did not scare people with the threat of hell to win converts. They simply shared that Jesus had come to rescue humanity from sin and death by dying and rising again. Then they called people to repent and be faithful to Jesus as their Lord. ‌ Good News = The Greek word for “good news” is euangelion, which was a common word at that time. It does not simply mean an announcement of something good. It actually refers to common practice in the ancient world. ‌ Euangelion = When a king had conquered a nation or region, he would travel to the major cities to announce to the people that he is now their king. When the king was on his way into a city, a person would sent ahead with a message called the “euangelion” to announce the coming king. This message would include an introduction describing the identity of the king, the recent accomplishments or battles that the king has won, and a call to pledge allegiance to the king. This is exactly what we see in the preaching of the apostles. They describe the identity of Jesus as Messiah and King, they describe how He defeated sin and death, and they call people to turn away (repent) from other gods/lords and pledge allegiance/faithfulness to Jesus. ‌ Great joy = While people in a conquered city would likely be troubled by the arrival of new ruler, Jesus is not a common tyrant king. King Jesus is a loving and benevolent King who wants to bless everyone in His kingdom. The character of God in Christ is cause for great joy. ‌ For all the people = When Jesus arrived, the Israelites had been taught for centuries that God loves Israel alone. Gentiles were seen as unclean and deserted by God. However, Jesus has come for “all the people” both Jews and Gentiles. He has come to save all the nations. ‌ Luke 2:11–12 ESV 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.” ‌ Savior = Grk. soter - deliverer, rescuer, preserver/protector. A soter is one who rescues others from bondage or slavery. The foundational salvation story in the Old Testament is the Exodus story where God rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt. In that story, the Angel of the LORD is referred to as “the Yeshuah of Yahweh” (salvation of the LORD). The Angel of the LORD is God in human form saving His people from the hands of their enemies. This is the template for understanding salvation in the New Testament. Jesus is conducting a New Exodus by saving all of humanity from slavery to sin, satan, and death. ‌ Christ = Grk. Christos - This is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Messiach or Messiah, which means “the anointed King.” Jesus is the anointed one of God. In the Old Testament, priests and kings were “anointed” for a specific purpose decided by God to lead and bless His people. What was God’s purpose for sending Jesus? God wanted to rescue humanity so He could be with them forever. ‌ Lord = Grk. kyrios - Lord, master, owner, ruler. When Jesus arrived, the Roman emperor had claimed the titles “Kyrios” and “son of god.” This is why the Romans persecuted Christianity, because they were claiming that Jesus is Lord and Son of God, not the emperor. ‌ To be saved by Jesus requires us to turn away from what enslaves us and follow Jesus faithfully. ‌ Luke 2:13–14 ESV 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!” ‌ Peace on earth = Jesus was born at a time when the Roman empire ruled the known world. Israel had been occupied by the Romans for generations and experienced oppression, violence, heavy taxation, and immorality. It was far from peaceful to say the least. However, the birth of Jesus was a sign that the God of peace had returned to rescue humanity. Later, Jesus would teach that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9). ‌ Among those with whom he is pleased = Notice that the “peace on earth” is limited to “those with whom he is pleased.” Those who reject Christ and/or refuse to be faithful to Him are refusing God’s peace on their lives. ‌ How do we become “those with whom he is pleased”? We pledge allegiance to King Jesus by living faithful and repentant lives. ‌ Hebrews 11:6 “And without faithfulness it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must keep believing that he exists and that he rewards those who diligently seek him.” ‌ How did the shepherds respond? It is vital realize that when a person in the Bible receives a message from God, there is always a command to do something, not merely believe. When describing people of faith in the Old Testament, the author of Hebrews gives examples of what those people DID (Heb. 11). ‌ Luke 2:15–16 ESV 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. ‌ Let us go = Notice that the shepherds did simply believe what the angel said, but they acted on what they believed. “Let us go” is an act of obedience that was grounded in belief. Believing is the first step, but it must be followed by action to be considered real faith. As James said, “faith without works is dead” and “a person is justified by works and not by faith alone” (James 2:14-26). ‌ Luke 2:17–18 ESV 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. ‌ They made known = Not only did the shepherds go to see, but they also spoke up and spread the message they had received. Their experience convinced them of the truth and this conviction led them to share the truth. ‌ All who heard it wondered = The Greek word for “wondered” is thaumazo, which means “to be astonished or amazed.” Even though this event occurred in a small village with seemingly insignificant people, those present knew that this was a unique event that had drastic implications. ‌ Luke 2:19–20 ESV 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. ‌ Glorifying and praising God = What they believed led them to action and resulted in worship. How do we know that these shepherds continued to be faithful? Because Luke tells us in the beginning of his Gospel that he investigated these events closely (Luke 1:1-4). Luke likely wrote his account in the early 60s AD. Even after decades, the message of the shepherds’ experience was still being told. There is little doubt that these shepherds continued sharing this story and it is likely that Luke interviewed them. ‌‌ Conclusion ‌Christmas is not merely a story to believe, but an event that calls us to a life of faithfulness to Christ.