John 1 4 Jesus was life and that

John 1: 4 Jesus was life and that life was the light of men.

Jesus Light of the World Night Luke 2: 8 -20

Luke 2: 8 -20 • • • What does this tell us about God? Who is Christmas for? Is it just for our children? Is it just for the shop-owners? Is it just a time to visit relatives, a holiday? Is it only for the rich, the well connected, the religious?

Shepherds • Outsider. • They worked outside, in all weathers, all the time. • They did not even keep the Sabbath rest. • They hardly ever went into the city. • They could not keep ritually clean. • They were unable to enter the Temple and offer sacrifices

Shepherds • Religion said they could not even approach God. • They were not part of the religious hierarchy or the wealthy elite. • They were poor and insignificant • They were normal people like you and me. • “The glory of the Lord shone around them”.

Shepherds • God chose to tell these shepherds the news first before anyone else. • They would be the very first visitors to see and worship the Messiah, the One who was to bring hope into the world. • People who were economic, social and religious outsiders had now received the greatest invitation the world has known.

Shepherds • They did not hesitate. • They told everyone they met this amazing news • They were glorifying and praising God as they returned to their sheep. • They did not even give Jesus a present • They felt lonely, isolated, sad, unimportant and rejected

• “Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. ”

The Message of Christmas! • No one is excluded • Jesus is the light of the whole world, all of mankind • If you are walking in darkness, it is your choice • Whoever follows Jesus will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.