December 17, 2023 –Joy of Every Longing Heart – Luke 2:8-14
In this message, we interact with the story of a group of shepherds living near Bethlehem. They represent the ones often forgotten about and left out. Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, has come as God’s message of love. No one is being left out of God’s redeeming grace. Jesus is Lord of All! Shepherds and Kings alike find salvation in none other than Jesus. This is the good news of great joy.
Luke 2:8-14
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[a] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,[b] praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”[c]
Bulletin December 17, 2023