Christmas Family Service
What is you favourite Christmas story? – examples
My favourite story – The shepherds watching their flock by night and the heavenly hosts appearing to them
There has never been another time in history when the heavenly realm was opened to those on earth
A multitude of angels
Heaven and earth were to join in harmonious praise
Not a still or a silent scene like our nativities or carols by candlelight
A night of great joy and celebration
Heaven could not keep quiet
“Glory to God in the Highest”
Does the advent of Christ Jesus bring joy to your heart?
Christmas is worth celebrating with all joy and praise
“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.” (v8)
The announcement was made in a field outside Bethlehem
Not in the King’s palace or the great temple
First to poor shepherds
Why were they the first people to receive the announcement?
Shepherds were often seen as low and outcasts of society
God comes to the weak and lowly, the poor and the broken
Would I have missed out on this wonderful experience if I had been in that field?
The Kings of Judea sought to kill Jesus
How would you respond to the message that a King was coming to take rule over your life?
Many do not want to bow to the King and believe they don’t need a Saviour [they do]
Let us humble ourselves before God and man
God’s glory shone around the angels as they announced great news
God’s glory is always present when the truth of Christ is proclaimed
Pure radiant brightness
The shepherds would have surely been filled with awe and great fear
Are you aware of the presence of God?
Do not be afraid, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (v10-11)
Good tidings of great joy
We have neglected God choosing to be kings and queens of our own lives
God could have come in judgment
God came to bring peace and joy to all people
Christ came to save – but you must respond to His call of salvation
Christ came to live a perfect life and die upon the cross in our place
We praise God for coming to be the Saviour of the world
Heaven could not contain itself and burst open “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'”
Covid-19 has had a tremendous impact upon us this year
Listen to God’s message – peace on Earth
Christ Jesus came to bring peace – to all who would receive Him
Life is difficult and hard
There is a joy in my heart that is unspeakable – Christ the Prince of Peace
There is a difference between the Christian and non-Christian in peace
Have you received Christ as Lord and Saviour?
If not, call out to Him today
“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21, Rom 10:13
Worship Christ the King