Glory and Peace
Audio Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Advent
Luke 2:1-21 (ESV)
1 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.
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. 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. 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.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15 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.” 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. 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. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Sermon Outline
Reflecting on glory and peace in the song of the angels (v14) will help clarify why Christmas is worth celebrating.
1. Glory
v1 “a decree… from Caesar Augustus”
v9 “an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them”
v18 “And all who heard it wondered”
v20 “the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God”
2. Peace
v14 “on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased”
v10-11 “the angel said to them, ‘Fear not… I bring you good news of great joy… a Savior’”
v15, 17 “When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds… made known the saying… concerning this child”
v13-14 “a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God… and on earth peace…!’”
Prayer of Confession
Our glorious God, we praise you and rejoice at the good news of Jesus’ birth. Hear us as we admit our sin and appeal for forgiveness. We have sought our own glory, and are guilty of pride, envy, arrogance and idolatry. We have forfeited peace and struggle with the consequences. We have been troublemakers, not peacemakers. We humbly admit our need of your grace, and we marvel at your kindness. Forgive our sins. Thank you for the peace given to us in Christ. May all glory go to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Questions for Reflection
How are you feeling this season? How are you feeling about Christmas? Why? What are you looking forward to? What are you dreading?
What do you imagine the shepherds saw when the angels appeared? What did they hear (what did it sound like)?
Do you postpone peace in pursuit of glory? Have you given up striving for glory because you want to be at peace? Which is more of a priority in your life right now (peace or glory)?
What evidence is there that the world is not at peace with God?
Why is the birth of Jesus good news? What benefits come because he came into the world? How is Jesus a gift to the world?
How do we receive peace from God? What did Jesus do so that we would have peace with God?
How do we “give” glory to God? What attitude and actions should you cultivate?
As you practice receiving peace and giving glory, what will help set a clearer trajectory for a life of joy?