Another Christmas Sermon?

This text describes the Christmas message and its first preachers.

1. The shepherd's initial encounter produced fear vs 9
   a) This angel was the first preacher of the good news.
   b) The visible manifestation of God's glory surrounded the Shepherds.
   c) Shepherds had a bad reputation.
   d) God chose to appear first to shepherds.

2. The angel's announcement v10
   a) Fear not.
   b) I bring you good news of great joy.

3. The reason for the great joy

4. The Token (the sign): a baby wrapped in rags lying in a manger

5. The celestial hymn
   a) Glory to God in the highest
   b) On earth peace among those with whom God is pleased.

6. The Shepherds were the first preachers.
   a) Christmas is about God showing good will to men.
   b) God's good will is spontaneous.
   c) Now God had to remain righteous while justifying the guilty.
   d) Living the Gospel is a discipline harder than what we think.
   e) Do you know how it looks?

7. Conclusion
   'Tis the Reason for the joy of the Season: "behold I give you glad tidings of great joy, for today a Savior has been born, who is Christ the Lord."