... through the eyes of the shepherds. Luke 2:8‑14 (NKJV) “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" The angel was bringing to them good news and great joy; the Savior is born! Here was the message:
1. Goodwill toward men. We should be desiring good toward those we are around the most. Our family...our friends...our church. It is easy for us as ministers (all of us) to want goodwill for those in the universal church, the community, and even in the world but it can become difficult for us to want good for those closest to us. Our ultimate test is not how we treat and feel about those who are outside our families but how we treat our families and those near and dear.
2. Peace on earth. Luke 2:14 (NKJV) "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Our goal should be peace for Israel and the middle east but also for our own families and our church.
What goodwill and peace we can offer to a lost world? We can help put the Merry back in Christmas!
3. Glory to God! 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT) “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do everything for the glory of God...how you love your spouse, your families, your church, the world! Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles...be gentle with your families. Don’t live in an offensive manner. The shepherds spread the word about the glory of God (Jesus Christ). Shouldn’t we do the same?
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