Angels – The Journey to Bethlehem

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14 (NRSVue)

You can’t find Bethlehem or tell the Christmas story without the angels. Angels appeared three times to Joseph—giving guidance, direction, and protection to the holy family’s harrowing journey to Bethlehem. The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. Gabriel also appeared to the Virgin Mary. Angels play an important role in key moments of Jesus’ life. After Jesus’ baptism, the angels comforted him in the desert after being tempted by Satan.  An angel in heaven appeared to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and gave him strength to face the cross. Angels rolled away the stone when Jesus rose from the dead and they appeared to several women on Easter morning. Angels appear to the disciples after Jesus gave the Great Commission and ascended to the Father–giving them a swift kick in the pants to start sharing the good news. And angels will accompany Jesus upon his Second Coming. And of course, angels announce “the good news of great joy for all the people” that our Messiah, Lord, and Savior is born in Bethlehem!

Sermon Art: “Angels Announcing the Birth of Christ to the Shepherds” by Govert Flinck, Rembrandt’s Pupil, Dutch Master, c. 1650

December 3, 2023

 8:30 am – Alternative Worship Service Bulletin (click) 
11:00 am – Traditional Worship Service Bulletin (click)

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Bible Study Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts about angels?
2. Who was the “angel” that first told you about Jesus?
3. What effect has the news of Christ’s birth had on you?
     Renewed commitment? Sense of joy? Hope for the future?
     Thankfulness for God’s rescue? Confusion? Other?
4. Who would you like to tell about the good news of joy this Christmas season?
 

Other Sermons In This Series

Shepherds – The Journey to Bethlehem

December 10, 2023