Luke 2:16-20 If you've ever seen A Charlie Brown Christmas you remember that iconic scene where Charlie Brown is depressed, mocked, and at his wits end. In frustration he cries out, “Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” His best friend Linus replies matter-of-factly, “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about” He then walks to center stage, the lights dim, and Linus recites Luke 2:8-14 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night, and lo the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid, and the angel said unto them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior, tis Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” He then walks back to Charlie Brown and says, “That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” I want to ask one simple question tonight: How should we respond to this? Consider the angel's claim… Good News! Great joy! All people! A Savior! Christ (Messiah) The Lord (Yahweh) How do you respond to claims that huge?!? I think the answer is found in the way the shepherds responded. Listen to what the Bible says in Luke 2:15, the verse immediately after what Linus quoted… When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” Shepherds aren't just taking the angels word for it, they're going to see for themselves! 1) GO AND SEE Don't believe the stories are true? 2) SEE AND BELIEVE Luke 2:20 -- they really believed 3) GO AND TELL Luke 2:16-18 Advent - Christmas Eve - Christ Candle The three purple candles and one pink candle on our Advent Wreath have been lighted over the past four Sundays of Advent. The candles represent hope, peace, joy, and love. Advent is the period of preparation that looks back to the coming of Christ at Christmas. Tonight, however, Advent is over. Now is Christmas - the celebration, not of waiting, but of having; having Christ living among us. In that day, He came as a child and lived with us. In this day, He lives in us by His Holy Spirit. Waiting is over, knowing is here. On our Advent Wreath, the white candle in the center, symbolizes Christ. John 1 says, “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness.” The white candle reminds us of the purity and holiness of Christ; and the light reminds us of the life of Christ. John also says this about Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Would you pray with me? Most Loving Father, thank you for this night and for all it represents. Thank you for the hope you bestow, the peace you bring, the love you pour out, and the joy you give. We praise you most of all for Jesus, your Word