Luke 2:1–7 (ESV) 2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Psalm 23:1 (ESV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. • When Emmanuel shows up to the Shepherds Luke 2:8 (ESV) 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 1 Corinthians 1:26–28 (ESV) 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, Luke 2:9 (ESV) 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. Luke 2:10 (ESV) 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 3 Key Points in this verse: Good News: Not advice. Not philosophy. Not self-help. News- revealing something God has already done. Great Joy: Not temporary happiness. Not occasional pleasure. Deep joy anchored in God’s incarnation action. For all the people: The shepherds weren’t the exception, they were the example of God’s complete mercy. • Jesus is the Shepherd in Psalm 23 and Reaches the Shepherds in Luke 2 Luke 2:11–12 (ESV) 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Psalm 23:2–3 (ESV) 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. John 10:10–11 (ESV) 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Psalm 23:4 (ESV) 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Luke 2:16–17 (ESV) 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. • Encountering Jesus Changes Everyone and Everything Luke 2:17–19 (ESV) 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. Psalm 23:6 (ESV) 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Luke 2:20 (ESV) 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. What Happens When we Meet Jesus: Encounter leads to obedience. Revelation leads to declaration. Worship leads to witness.