Billy Conover
New Day Christian Church
Christmas Behind the Scenes
Ordinary – Luke 2:1-20
December 21-22, 2024
INTRODUCTION
- Story of a student dreaming of fame but feeling “too ordinary.”
- Have you ever felt ordinary or insignificant?
- Examples: striving to be the best parent, employee, or friend, but feeling average or unworthy.
- Christmas magnifies these feelings, with social media and advertising highlighting extravagant moments that can make us feel “less than.”
- The story of the shepherds reminds us that God uses the ordinary to reveal His extraordinary glory.
READ: Luke 2:1-7
- A decree for a census—ordinary and administrative, tied to taxes.
- Mary and Joseph: humble travelers without a place to stay.
- Jesus born in a stable, laid in a manger—a scene far removed from grandeur or wealth.
- God chose a humble setting to bring His Son into the world, highlighting His accessibility to all people, including the lowly.
READ: Luke 2:8-14
- Shepherds’ Context:
- Social outcasts, ceremonially unclean, working a low-status, ordinary job on the night shift.
- A dark and quiet night, typical and uneventful.
- An angel appears, and the “glory of the Lord” shines around them.
- Notes on the significance of God’s glory:
- Rarely mentioned in Scripture as appearing physically: manna in the desert, Mount Sinai, the tabernacle.
- A manifestation of God’s divine presence—something awe-inspiring and holy.
- The Angel’s Message:
- “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy for all people.”
- The Messiah has been born—a Savior for everyone.
- The Heavenly Host Appears:
- A multitude of angels joins, praising God and declaring peace on earth.
- The term “host” (a military term) signals power, but the message is peace, joy, and glory to God.
- God chose shepherds—ordinary, humble, and overlooked—to receive and witness His glory and the announcement of Jesus’ birth.
READ Luke 2:15-20
- The shepherds hurry to Bethlehem to find Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus.
- They confirm the angel’s message and are moved to share what they’ve seen.
- The Shepherds as the First Evangelists:
- They spread the word about the Messiah’s birth.
- Despite being “just shepherds” without formal training or influence, they couldn’t keep their experience to themselves.
APPLICATION:
- God Uses the Ordinary:
- The shepherds remind us that God works through humble, ordinary people and settings to display His glory.
- He can use us no matter how unworthy or insignificant we feel.
- Sharing Our Stories:
- Like the shepherds, we don’t need extraordinary qualifications to share the Good News—only a willingness to tell what we’ve seen and experienced.
- Each testimony, no matter how “ordinary,” has the power to glorify God and impact others.
- Living in God’s Glory Today:
- Recognize that God is present in our daily lives, transforming the mundane into something extraordinary through His Spirit.
- Practical ways to act:
- Share your testimony with a friend or neighbor.
- Invite someone to church or to hear the Christmas story. Use the invite cards.
- Trust that your unique story can glorify God in your workplace, family, and community.
CONCLUSION
- From a bare stable to a group of humble shepherds, God’s glory filled the first Christmas with significance and hope.
- God’s glory can flood our lives, no matter how ordinary they seem.
- Invitation to Encounter Jesus:
- Like the shepherds, come and see Jesus this Christmas.
- Start your story of faith and let God use it for His glory.
- Closing Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 – Rest and purpose are found in Jesus, who calls us to experience His extraordinary glory in our ordinary lives.
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