Luke 2:8-14 (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. 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!”

Intro: Of all people, the LORD let shepherds in on His plans …

THE HUMBLE RECEIVE A MESSAGE
Why is it significant that shepherds are told good news?

OTHIS IS OUTLANDISH
What stands out about what the shepherds are promised?

HEAVEN COME TO EARTH
Rather than just being an oddity or a curiosity, why is this good news?

YOU CAN PRAY WITH US …
1 - Worship the LORD for His graciousness to the humble and lowly. Praise Him, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for being true to His Word, being high and lifted up, to also dwell with whoever is contrite and lowly.

2 - How have you lived resisting (and resenting) ever being in need? Confess your pride to Jesus, asking Him to forgive you for denying reality and to help you to humbly trust Him to be what He says He is – Savior, Christ, the LORD.

3 - Give thanks to Jesus for being the Ultimate Treasure in a jar of clay. Thank Him for humbling Himself to become human (without ceasing to be God), ultimately to die for our sins and conquer death as only He could.

4 - Who do you know that struggles with humbling themselves? Pray for them, asking the Lord to help them see the humiliation of their sin and guilt and the glory of how HE humbled Himself to save people like us.

5 - Ask the Holy Spirit to bear in you His fruit of joy at all God has done to save sinners like us. Pray that, like the shepherds, you would hear what God has promised, pursue what He has done, and eagerly tell others as His Grace changes your life.