Podcasts about shepherds

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One of the amusing sides of Christmas is people shopping in departments they never otherwise shop in - generally clueless. Let me give you an example that I can relate to - men shopping in the ladies clothing department. Oh, we're a mess. Now, if you need a good laugh; you're feeling a little down, you ought to go to the ladies garment department somewhere; especially the more personal the item is, the funnier it is to watch men shopping. They're slightly embarrassed, generally incompetent at what they're doing, and it's very important if you're going to go shopping for a woman during the Christmas season that you get the woman's size: your wife, your mother, your sister, your girlfriend, or whatever. And you trust that the tags are right, of course, on the size. You know that a small had better be a small, because you don't know anything. A large had better be a large. Now, you want to know how to sow some confusion and have some fun? (Don't anybody do this, please.) Imagine if someone snuck into that store late one night and just changed the tags around. Well, people would make a lot of wrong choices, all because the sizes were wrong. Now, that doesn't happen to clothes, but it does happen to people, and it takes the Christmas Story to straighten out small and large. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "How Christmas Rightsizes the World." Our word for today from the Word of God is found in Luke 1:52-53. Mary is pregnant; she's carrying the baby Jesus, and we get a little idea of the insight God has given her as she prays this prayer, what is often called The Magnificat. She says, "God has brought down rulers from their thrones, but He has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, but He has sent the rich away empty." You know, Mary has the right sizes on the right people. She has the smalls on the small, and the bigs on the big. You see, the world would call these the big people - those people who are called rulers and rich. But she says, "the rulers have been brought down. The rich have been sent away empty." God's heroes - the people the world calls small. They're identified as the humble, who He lifts up, and the hungry, who He fills up. You see, what is a big deal to men is a little deal to God - big deal like money, gifts, title, fame. That's a little deal to God. Conversely, what's a little deal to men: "You don't have much money. You don't have much influence. Not many people know you. You're average." See, that's a big deal to God. You hear people say all the time, "Well, I'm just a... I'm just a student. I'm just a mother. I'm just a secretary. I'm just a helper. I'm just a Sunday school teacher. I'm just a laborer. It's just a small church. It's just a little class. I'm just a choir member." With God, there are no "just a's," not in God's value system. Bethlehem, we're told, was "little among the villages, but out of you (little village) will come the Prince," Mary, the peasant but the Mother of God's Son. Shepherds, the outcasts of their society, the first evangelists. I wonder if you have the two qualifications for God's heroes: humble, which means you are totally depending on the Lord, and hungry, restless to know and serve Him more. God likes to make folks like that big for Him - the humble and the hungry. Remember to give attention to the people others ignore. They're the big people to God - children, the poor, the powerless. Oh, by the way, don't ever call yourself "just a..." again. God does His biggest things through the smallest instruments. Call big what God calls big. Make sure you've got the right size.

Luke 2: 15-20 - 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. (ESV) THE EVENING MINDSET IS COMING! Beginning January 1 - 2026 - A new DAILY podcast will be available to help you wind down, reset your mind on God’s truth, and prepare for a night of rest and rejuvenation. “The Daily Mindset” will launch on the podcast player of your choice on January 1, 2026. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode: https://EveningMindset.com

Notes Luke 2:1-20 John 1:1-14 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy explore the significance of Christmas Eve, focusing on the Gospel of Luke and John. They discuss the nativity story, emphasizing themes of hospitality, community, and the deeper meanings behind familiar narratives. The conversation highlights the importance of welcoming God into our lives and the transformative power of the incarnation. Through reflections on the shepherds and the poetic nature of John's Gospel, the hosts invite listeners to engage with the Christmas story in a meaningful way. Takeaways This year Christmas falls on a Wednesday, which is exciting for many. The podcast will focus on the Gospel of Luke and John for Christmas Eve. Rob is hosting a preaching retreat in January for those interested in planning their sermons. The story of Jesus' birth is often simplified, but it holds deeper meanings. The concept of 'no room at the inn' can be reframed to highlight hospitality. Shepherds symbolize the vulnerable and caring nature of leadership in the story. The Gospel of John presents a poetic view of the incarnation. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot extinguish it. The story of Jesus' birth invites us to reflect on our own hospitality. The community aspect of faith is emphasized in the discussion. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Christmas Eve Preaching 02:56 Retreat Announcement and Preaching Preparation 05:46 Christmas Reflections and Personal Experiences 08:52 Exploring Luke 2:1-20 - The Birth of Jesus 14:44 The Significance of the Shepherds 21:55 Juxtaposition of Empire and Hospitality 28:19 The Kingdom of God and Vulnerability 38:50 The Word Made Flesh: A Poetic Exploration 54:47 Radical Hospitality and Welcoming God 56:42 Community and Connection in Faith  

Born in a manger and announced to unlikely shepherds, the arrival of Jesus turns the world’s expectations upside down.

Good Morning, ‘Hark!' ‘Do you hear what I hear?' ‘They said there'd be snow this Christmas; they said there'd be peace on earth' ‘Do they know it's Christmas?' ‘I pray God it's our last!' Throughout the land the lyrics of Christmas songs are being piped in shopping centres and pubs and, loved or loathed, we sing along. This year's official Christmas No1 will be decided on Friday. Current favourite is Kylie, with oldies from George Michael and Slade chasing hard. As Slade's Noddy Holder sings; ‘Does your granny always tell ya that the old songs are the best.' Then, in a tradition begun by Lennon and taken up by Rage Against The Machine, there are the Christmas protest songs. This year's from Brian Eno and Peter Gabriel with ‘Lullaby', a song for Gaza, and Billy Bragg's ‘Put Christ Back Into Christmas', with Bragg asking us ‘to stand with those who need the most' and reminding us that Christmas celebrates the birth of a refugee. It seems very British to me that we are free to mix protest in with sentimentality and silliness. The Christmas story is spacious enough to contain all our hopes and fears, our joy and praise, our rage and indifference. Even our scrooge-iest revulsion. For I contend that the birth of Christ is itself a kind of cosmic protest song. The original Christmas No.1 was after all sung by angels to people at the margins of society: the young Mary and Shepherds, those far from the corridors of power and status; a startling song that announces a change to the status quo, a tune sweeter and louder than the prevailing mood music of despair, the monotonous dirge of violence and oppressive power, of one bad thing after another: ‘Do not be afraid' it declares. ‘There will be peace on earth.' It's arguable that we might never have heard this story had the message not been sung to people who were immediately in tune with it, and able to sing back in words of astonished wonder and praise: ‘he has scattered the proud, put down the mighty, exalted those of lowly degree.' Or ‘My eyes have seen your salvation.' Once you've ‘hailed the incarnate deity'; or seen the Godhead veiled in flesh, the chances are you're going to sing about it. Christmas invites the world to sing a different tune. I'd even suggest that part of the reason we still sing about it – even if we stray into sentiment - is that its core melody is like a pop tune or great carol you can't help but sing along with. ‘No. I can't get you out of my head; because God and sinners are reconciled; because mild he lays his glory by; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee; And so this is Christmas.'

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The Awe of the Shepherds by

Matt Shiles is out this week, so we join Pastors Gus and Josh as they discuss this week's sermon. Listen in as PG leads PJ through a discussion about "In order to understand the Good News, you have to understand your need for it". This is the third of our 4 weeks of Advent leading up to Christmas!

Luke 2:8-20 Pastor Eric Mounts

Some of Israel's great heroes were shepherds: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. Both Psalm 23 and Jesus compare God's care to that of a Good Shepherd. But in the first century, it seems, shepherds, specifically, hireling shepherds, had a rather unsavory reputation. But what about the New Testament shepherds of Luke’s Christmas infancy narrative? Ee47. Books by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson available at https://amzn.to/46ORT00 Gospel of Luke available at https://amzn.to/45vVii4 ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's HISTORY OF NORTH AMERICA podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Mark's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Sources: Shepherds in Bethlehem (Luke 2:8-20) by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson (JesusWalk Bible Study Series; Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Follow a shepherd and their flock as they make their way down familiar mountain trails in the golden light of evening. The peaceful bleating of sheep mingles with the whisper of grass underfoot and the distant tinkle of bells. As the group descends through meadows dotted with wildflowers and past trickling streams, the day's warmth gives way to the cool promise of night. This gentle pastoral journey captures the timeless rhythm of shepherding and the quiet satisfaction of guiding others safely home. --Follow Michael Galyon on Instagram: @michael.galyon AND @lettingitsettleTik Tok: @coachmichael1Visit his website at https://www.michaelgalyon.com/Email the show at lettingitsettle@michaelgalyon.com Subscribe to Letting It SettleProudly produced and managed by Good Mess MediaSponsorship and brands, Please contact Tracey Thomas hello@goodmessmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Sunday, we slowed down a familiar story and discovered just how disruptive it really was. In Luke 2, the announcement of Jesus' birth may have taken only about 30 seconds, but in that moment the veil between heaven and earth thinned, time seemed to pause, and everything changed. What looked small—a baby in a manger, an announcement to shepherds—was actually God making a move that would shake the universe. While everyone else was expecting a king on a throne, God introduced the birth of Jesus, first to shepherds.Luke, the only Gospel writer to include the shepherds, wants us to see something essential: God does not see humanity through social status, credibility, or influence. He sees us through availability. Shepherds—considered culturally unreliable and untrustworthy—became the first witnesses and the first evangelists of the Messiah. From the very beginning, the gospel revealed itself to be upside-down, surprising, and deeply hopeful.This story may be two thousand years old, but it's still unfolding. The question it leaves us with is simple: Are we available and are we paying attention to when God moves in ways we didn't expect? May our hunger for God grow, our expectations be reshaped, and our hearts stay open to the kind of Kingdom that still turns the world upside down.Merry Christmas!For more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

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Let's revisit the Christmas moment when God chose ordinary, overlooked workers to be the first witnesses of the greatest news ever told. This message reminds us that the gospel is good news for ALL people and is meant to be seen, shared, and celebrated. Like the shepherds, we're called to go, tell, and return to everyday life glorifying God for what we've heard and seen.

This week in our Advent series Come and Behold Him, we turn to the shepherds—the first public witnesses to the birth of Christ—and the angelic announcement that reveals the true purpose of Christmas.When the heavens opened over the fields of Bethlehem, the angels proclaimed a message that still defines the meaning of Christ's coming: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.” In this message, we explore why Jesus came—not first for our comfort, but for God's glory—and how true peace is found only in receiving the Savior He sent.Through the shepherds' encounter with the angels, we are reminded that:God's glory is the ultimate purpose of creation and redemptionThe peace Christ brings begins with peace with GodFrom that peace flows peace within our souls and with othersThose who truly behold Christ are compelled to proclaim HimThis sermon invites us to see Christmas as more than a sentimental story—it is the declaration that God has entered history to reclaim His world, receive glory, and bring lasting peace to His people.Come and behold Him—the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord.

Finding Joy in the Midst of Struggles: A Journey Through Advent Join us as we discuss the importance of joy during the Advent season, even amidst struggles and uncertainties. This episode includes important announcements for our Journey Christmas party and upcoming services. Explore the biblical context of joy, how it transcends circumstances, and how we can experience it despite challenges. Learn about the significance of hope, the role of joy in overcoming fears, and practical steps to recognize and ask for joy in our lives. Don't miss this uplifting and insightful message, culminating in a celebration of God's presence and love. 00:00 Welcome and Announcements 00:14 Journey Christmas Party Details 01:40 Upcoming Services and Events 02:20 Introduction to Advent Series 02:40 The Human Experience of Hope and Disappointment 03:42 Historical Context of the Christmas Story 06:24 The Shepherds and the Roman Empire 10:10 Understanding Joy in the Midst of Fear 19:50 Joy Rooted in Hope 23:30 Introduction to Paul's Importance 24:26 Paul's Message to the Thessalonians 26:31 Joy in the Midst of Suffering 28:15 The Gift of Joy 30:23 Finding Joy in Everyday Life 34:49 Celebrating Life's Joys 38:15 The Strength of Joy 41:30 Concluding Thoughts on Joy

Will you imagine something with me for a moment? You're a shepherd, out in the middle of the night, and then suddenly, the whole sky lights up! It's full of angels announcing the birth of a Savior. The One who will make all things right…God in human form…He's arrived. In that moment, everything changes. For those shepherds, they weren't especially rich or powerful people—they were just workers doing their jobs. Yet they were the first ones to hear the greatest news the world has ever known. Christmas was a world-changing event then, and it continues to change the world to this day. Jesus, Himself- He was born. He came for all of us. He came for you. And so this Christmas, don't let the Good News pass you by. Like those shepherds, you can respond with joy. You can believe the message, and you can follow Jesus. Always remember, there is hope with God. "The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!" Luke 2:11 radio.hopewithgod.com

As we take a close look at the song "O Come All Ye Faithful", sometimes we wonder about the "feelings" of Christmas. The Shepherds were in awe of Jesus, the Magi brought gifts and worshipped Him, and Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. When was the last time you were in awe? Have you ever beheld glory? Maybe this Christmas you can experience it all as though it were the first Christmas. Join us as we dive into the Christmas story.Each December, familiar carols fill our homes, our cars, our churches and our playlists. We sing them once a year–but their truths were never meant to be seasonal. In “A Christmas Playlist” we'll explore four beloved Christmas songs and discover how their powerful messages of hope, peace, presence, and joy–still speak to us today. Join us for service every Sunday at 9:15am or 11:00am (EST). Here are ways to connect with us!Text TODAY to 937-358-6565 to let us know you decided to say 'Yes!' to Jesus leading your life. Text BAPTISM to 937-358-6565 to find out more about getting baptized as an expression of your new faith.Text SERVE to 937-358-6565 to find a serve community to join that matches your skills and passions.Text PRAYER to 937-358-6565 to let us know how we can be praying for you!And if you would like to support The Valley Church financially or participate in Be Rich, you can GIVE online via our website: www.thevalley.church/give.Music: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videosLicense code: 1EBH3J7EM5DURCTO

Dive into this powerful Advent sermon on the shepherds in Luke 2, exploring God's glorious arrival, the fear and trembling of His presence, and the transformative good news of great joy that changes everything. Discover why the gospel is still worth singing about—like the angels and shepherds—and how beholding Jesus as Savior and Lord brings true peace with God.Key moments:- Waiting in a distracted world- The shepherds' encounter with God's glory- Fear not: Understanding holy fear and repentance- The good news: A Savior who is Christ the Lord- Peace on earth: Reconciliation through the cross- Going and telling: We are the modern shepherdsIf you're waiting on God this Christmas season or seeking fresh wonder in the gospel, this message will encourage you to behold, praise, and share the arrival of Jesus.

Last week we read how the Shepherds in the Christmas Story received a marvelous message from the Angels and responded immediately in faith.  Today, we will go back to that same scene and focus on the Angels message of peace to the world and our Prince of Peace. #fsbccoalinga #coalinga #fsbcsermon Contact us at TheWordInfusion@gmail.com with your comments, questions or praises.  Let us know how our podcast has blessed, encouraged or helped you.  Join us on our Facebook pages at http://www.facebook.com/fsbccoalinga & http://www.facebook.com/..  Help us to grow a community that infuses the Word of God into their lives each day.  Follow us on Twitter @TheWordInfusion or @fsbccoalinga .  To support this ministry click on: https://giving.myamplify.io//app/giving/fsbccoalinga or copy and paste it into your web browser.

12/14/2025 – Third Sunday of Advent Isaiah 35:1-10 Chris Breslin Slides for Sunday's worship gathering Music for Sunday's worship gathering Shepherds & Angels by The Jonah Project Joy to the World by WattsWhat Child is This? by DixPsalm 126 by Bifrost ArtsO Come Emmanuel by Traditional O Come Emmanuel, Traditional Reckoner (An Axe Laid at the Root) by Guerra Doxology

Rev. Charley Reeb will be preaching on Luke 2:8-20, as we continue the season of Advent.

What if the greatest announcement in human history wasn't given to kings, scholars, or warriors—but to ordinary men working the night shift? In Luke 2:8–20, the first people to hear about the birth of Jesus weren't the powerful or prestigious—they were shepherds keeping watch in the dark. In this message, we look at how God used these unnoticed, rugged men to teach us what real strength looks like: staying alert, recognizing our desperate need for a Savior, obeying quickly when God speaks, and returning changed because of an encounter with Jesus. The shepherds didn't just hear the good news—they moved with haste, shared what they had seen, and worshiped with transformed hearts. Their story reminds us that real men don't wait for perfect circumstances… they respond in obedience and lead with courage. How is God calling you to respond this Christmas?

Why did God choose angels, shepherds, and lambs to announce the birth of Jesus?In this message, Pastor Bayless Conley teaches from the Christmas story in Luke and shows how every detail points to Jesus as the Lamb of God who came to bring salvation and forgiveness. Be encouraged to reflect on the meaning of Christ's birth and the hope He offers to every person.

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DateDecember 14, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we venture into the dark fields alongside the shepherds, discovering that the first announcement of the Incarnation was entrusted to those on the margins. We explore how the angelic proclamation disrupts our fear, revealing a joy that is not a scarce commodity for the pious, but a generous, cosmic invitation for all humanity. This is a story about a God who breaks through the silence to offer a love that is unapologetically inclusive and meant to be shared.Scripture: Luke 2:8–18About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Luke 2:1-17; John 1:1-18 // Brooks NesseLuke presents the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, focusing on the historical event, the census, the manger, and the joyful announcement to the shepherds. John's opening reveals the cosmic identity of Christ as the Word of God—who was with God, was God, and became flesh. This sermon beautifully connects the majesty of the eternal Son with the simplicity of the child in the manger, showing that the Creator entered His own creation as our Savior and Light. Essential for understanding the profound reality of Christmas.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new25.12.14

December 14, 2025 | Jordan Adams

Shepherds and Angels, ordinary men among magnificent heavenly hosts. This story is remarkable, the characters are unexpected, God's plan of salvation and the way it is carried out by the creating and sustaining God is challenging for us to fully grasp. Still, we don't have to grasp it completely in order to join with the shepherds and angels in singing praises to our worthy and mighty Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!Prepare for this week's teaching by reading Luke 2:8-20 with 1 Peter 1:3-12For your continued pursuit, utilize our Advent Reflections each week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Leon and Lindsey celebrate Advent through the words of O Holy Night, highlighting key moments with Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men. This week's episode with guest ONU Chaplain Ryan Green reflects on a line from the hymn, connecting it to their stories and the wonder of Jesus' birth.

Luke 2:1-17; John 1:1-18 // Ben BeasleyLuke presents the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, focusing on the historical event, the census, the manger, and the joyful announcement to the shepherds. John's opening reveals the cosmic identity of Christ as the Word of God—who was with God, was God, and became flesh. This sermon beautifully connects the majesty of the eternal Son with the simplicity of the child in the manger, showing that the Creator entered His own creation as our Savior and Light. Essential for understanding the profound reality of Christmas.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2509/responses/new25.12.14

"The Characters Of Christmas - Part 3: The Shepherds" Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Micah‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬-‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬ John‬ ‭7‬:‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Psalm‬ ‭145‬:‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬ 1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭ESV

Pastor Josh preaches a message about the shepherds who were visited by an angel from Luke 2. 

Pastor Rob Byker joins us with a message from Luke 2:8-20, titled “Shepherds, Finding Joy this Christmas.” Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Shepherds, seriously? They couldn't even give testimony in court--no respect at all; and yet, God has always loved shepherds. God sees what we do not.

RIFE STEWART - Sunday, December 14, 2025

SCRIPTURE PASSAGESLuke 2:8-20 Reflection Questions on pause until the New year Subscribe!YouTubeSpotifyApple Podcasts

Title: A Better AnnouncementScripture Reading: Luke 2:8-20Series: A Better StoryWe're celebrating Advent at Grace 242 with podcast-style sermons on the theme: A Better Story. God's plan to send His Son on Christmas was a far better story than any of us could have possibly written. Today Kathy Rosen joins Pastor Bill to explore the God's plan to announce the birth of His Son to an unlikely group of shepherds. 

This week in The Characters of Christmas, we look at the shepherds and discover the radical grace of God. Jesus didn't come for those who had it all together but for those the world overlooks. Their story reminds us that the gospel is for everyone… including you.

Luke 2:1-17; John 1:1-18 // Manny CheryLuke presents the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, focusing on the historical event, the census, the manger, and the joyful announcement to the shepherds. John's opening reveals the cosmic identity of Christ as the Word of God—who was with God, was God, and became flesh. This sermon beautifully connects the majesty of the eternal Son with the simplicity of the child in the manger, showing that the Creator entered His own creation as our Savior and Light. Essential for understanding the profound reality of Christmas.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new25.12.14

We're blessed to hear from our Lead Pastor, Jeff Ellis, this morning as he brings us the first message in our mini series about the songs of the original Christmas, called "The Carols of Christmas". This message from Luke 2 invites us to rediscover the wonder of Christmas by focusing on the shepherds—the first people God chose to hear the announcement of Jesus' birth. Through their story, we are reminded that God delights in using ordinary, overlooked people who are simply willing to be available and responsive to Him. This message offers encouragement for anyone who feels unqualified, too busy, or uncertain about sharing their faith, while pointing to the joy, hope, and transformation that come from encountering Jesus personally. It is a timely reminder that the good news of Christ is for all people and that God still works powerfully through willing hearts today.

Luke 2:1-17; John 1:1-18 // Rachel NesseLuke presents the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, focusing on the historical event, the census, the manger, and the joyful announcement to the shepherds. John's opening reveals the cosmic identity of Christ as the Word of God—who was with God, was God, and became flesh. This sermon beautifully connects the majesty of the eternal Son with the simplicity of the child in the manger, showing that the Creator entered His own creation as our Savior and Light. Essential for understanding the profound reality of Christmas.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new25.12.14

Series: Extraordinary Peace for Ordinary People Title: Steadfast Speaker: Pastor Daron Earlewine Date: December 14, 2025 In a world filled with noise, hurry, and anxiety, the story of Jesus' birth reminds us that peace isn't the absence of problems—it's the presence of Jesus. Through the eyes of Mary, Joseph, Zechariah & Elizabeth, the Wise Men, and the Shepherds, we'll see how the Prince of Peace meets us in our fear, waiting, uncertainty, and striving. Because peace has a name, and His name is Jesus. STAY CONNECTED Website: https://mrne.info/church Mercy Kids: https://mrne.info/kids Mercy Students: https://mrne.info/students Mercy Road Northeast Facebook: https://mrne.info/facebook Mercy Road Northeast Instagram: https://mrne.info/instagram HELPFUL LINKS Connect Card: https://mrne.info/getconnected Prayer: https://mrne.info/prayer Give Online: https://mrne.info/giving Outposts: https://mrne.info/outpost Subscribe to MERCY ROAD CHURCH - NORTHEAST YouTube channel to watch this message again later this week! https://www.youtube.com/@mercyroadnortheast

Have you ever wondered why God chose shepherds—society's outcasts—to receive history's greatest announcement? In this powerful message, Pastor Blake unpacks the divine orchestration behind Christ's birth, revealing how even Caesar's census decree fulfilled ancient prophecies. Through vivid details about first-century shepherding practices and stone mangers used for sacrificial lambs, we discover profound symbolism pointing to Jesus as the ultimate Lamb of God. Whether you're feeling overlooked or seeking deeper meaning this Christmas season, this message illuminates how God's salvation plan includes you. Don't miss this fresh perspective on the familiar nativity story—watch now to experience the joy that transformed those humble shepherds into history's first evangelists.