Those touched by His birth

How well do you know the story?

What sign were the shepherds told to look for by the angel? Baby wrapped in clothing A lion and lamb together A star over Bethlehem They were told no sign

A (Luke 2:12)

What did the heavenly host praising? Joy to the world Glory, glory, hallelujah And on earth peace, goodwill toward men Holy, holy, holy

C. (Luke 2:14)

If we can get the story wrong with the birth of Jesus, what about the story of doctrine or practice?

“The end is near. Turn around before it’s too late”

Charlie Brown Christmas Linus presents the message from God’s Word Shultz said, “if we don’t who will?”

Shepherd’s faith “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby” Angelic message to shepherds like with Mary Shepherds show us the importance of the message

They Heard the Message They heard about Jesus and they went to see for themselves (2:15) They spread the message (2:17) Faith comes by hearing the Word of God The message remained in them and not the messenger They were not dependent upon the messenger What about us?

They accepted the Message They were afraid by the presence of the angel This originated with our separation from God (Genesis 3) Behold the message and you won’t be afraid

The shepherds accepted the message They know had a greater purpose because of the message Acceptance is hard to do They left with a greater purpose than they had prior to hearing it

They responded to the Message “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find, knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7) The shepherds are responding after hearing the message Our response is not confined to an invitation in a service We will find Jesus if we respond to the message

It’s something else to accept and respond to the message It takes faith!