Introduction

“The birth of Jesus is the foundation to peace and reconciliation with God.”

1. Shepherds

These shepherds are a picture of the lowly and humble people who respond to God’s message. The first message of the gospel came to ‘sinners.’

First, there is ‘good news.’

Angels announce to shepherds, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

Second, there is ‘great joy.’

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Our Savior - one who rescues, delivers and saves, in the case of Jesus, specifically rescues and delivers from sin's penalty and sin's power

Our Christ (Messiah) - This specific title surprisingly is only here in the NT. The Messiah had come to sit on the throne of David and deliver Israel from oppression, not from the Romans but from sin and Satan.

Our Lord - conveys the sense of a supreme one, one who is sovereign and possesses absolute authority, absolute ownership and uncontested power.

“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 2:36

1. Army of Angels (v.13,14)

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.”

“The Christmas message of this passage should make us sing year-round. The substance of the angels' song is instructive. It was first upward as they glorified God in "the highest" heavens, and then it was outward as it pronounced "on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests"—peace, wholeness, well-being for those who have been favored by God's grace. Has God worked in your heart? Are you the object of his good pleasure? Then you have a song to sing, for the best part is yours.” Kent Hughes

This peace is the transcendent peace that brings an end to the conflict between man and God.

Peace has become incarnated in the Prince of Peace, who came to reconcile us with God. Only in Jesus can we ever have true peace!

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

“The angelic praise contains two basic ideas: 1) the heavens rejoice and praise God for salvation’s outworking and 2) the people to whom God draws near through Jesus will experience the harmony and benefits that God bestows on his own.” D. Bock

• Conclusion

The spectacular glory of God’s love for us was revealed in the coming of Jesus.