Luke 2:8-20

BIG IDEA: God’s glory causes great fear but his good news brings great joy to all people.

GOD’S GLORY | GREAT FEAR

• “Angel of the Lord” – most likely Gabriel as also described with Zacharius.
• “Glory of the Lord” – ‘devouring fire’ (Exodus 24:17), No need for sun or moon (Revelation 21:23-24)
• Why “Great Fear?” – Shepherds were religious outcasts, their testimony was not allowed in court.

GOOD NEWS | GREAT JOY

• “Savior… Lord” – both title for YHWH
• “Christ…” – the promised Messiah and all that goes with this
• “Sign” – this is how you will find the promised King… swaddling clothes, lying in a manger
• “A multitude of Heavenly Host” – This was a military term and most likely represented 1,000 or more armed angels (Joshua 5)

SHEPHERDS’ RESPONSE

• “Let us go…” – they went with haste
• Shepherds Returned…” – they returned to their responsibilities but they were changed.