John 1:4 Jesus was life and that life was the light of men.

Jesus Light of the World Night Light Luke 2:8-20

Luke 2:8-20 What does this tell us about God? Who is Christmas for? Is it just for our children? Is it just for the shop-owners? Is it just a time to visit relatives, a holiday? Is it only for the rich, the well connected, the religious?

Shepherds Outsider. They worked outside, in all weathers, all the time. They did not even keep the Sabbath rest. They hardly ever went into the city. They could not keep ritually clean. They were unable to enter the Temple and offer sacrifices

Shepherds Religion said they could not even approach God. They were not part of the religious hierarchy or the wealthy elite. They were poor and insignificant They were normal people like you and me. “The glory of the Lord shone around them”.

Shepherds God chose to tell these shepherds the news first before anyone else. They would be the very first visitors to see and worship the Messiah, the One who was to bring hope into the world. People who were economic, social and religious outsiders had now received the greatest invitation the world has known.

Shepherds They did not hesitate. They told everyone they met this amazing news They were glorifying and praising God as they returned to their sheep. They did not even give Jesus a present They felt lonely, isolated, sad, unimportant and rejected

“Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.”

The Message of Christmas! No one is excluded Jesus is the light of the whole world, all of mankind If you are walking in darkness, it is your choice Whoever follows Jesus will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.