Advent #3 – The Proclamation Advent as Preparation Advent is a season of intentional for the coming of Jesus. Week 1: Looked at the —humanity’s rejection of God and the resulting brokenness. Week 2: We explored our for new hearts—not just forgiveness, but transformation. The Setting: Shepherds and the Glory of God The shepherds “ a great fear” when the angel appeared. Their terror was caused not only by the angel but by the of the Lord shining around them. God’s glory has not only radiant beauty also a moral that exposes us. In Scripture, the normal response to God’s holiness is (Exodus 20, Isaiah 6). What the Angels Announce The angel says, “Don’t be afraid… I bring you good of great for all people.” This good news is for people, including the socially marginalized shepherds. The “heavenly host” means the of heaven. Why Jesus Is Different From All False Claims Some struggle with the problem of (“Why do children die?”). Others struggle with the problem of (“How could God be a 33-year-old carpenter?”). Jesus is different because He did not seize power—He emptied Himself and came in , even to death on a cross (Philippians 2). His resurrection and ascension show that God is healing history toward a future with no more or . The Shepherds’ Response After seeing Jesus, the shepherds return glorifying and God. The story begins with heavenly glory causing fear but ends with human overflowing in joy. God’s pattern: His glory exposes us, His grace surprises us, His presence transforms us into people of joyful . Our Invitation Like the shepherds, we face reality: God’s glory reveals who we really are. But the same God who exposes also . In Jesus, we are fully and fully . Seeing Jesus turns fear into Reflection Questions When you think about God’s glory exposing the truth about you, what feelings surface first? Where do you identify most with Isaiah’s “Woe is me”? The angel says, “Don’t be afraid.” In what areas of your life do you most need to hear that right now? What fears are revealed when God draws near? The good news is “for all people.” Who are the “shepherds” in your world—those you assume God wouldn’t choose? How does the inclusion of the shepherds challenge your assumptions? Which part of the angel’s announcement do you most need today: Jesus as Savior, Messiah, or Lord? Why that one? Jon Stewart struggled with God’s “specificity.” Do you? How does the humility of Jesus—God becoming a baby in a manger—shape your understanding of God’s character? The shepherds went from fear to joy to proclamation. Where are you in that movement? What step might God be inviting you to take? If Jesus truly brings the future where “everything sad comes untrue,” how might that reshape one fear, grief, or frustration you’re carrying this Advent?