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| The Shepherds and the Angels |
The Hymn #77:1-7 All My Heart This Night
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
Introit
Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder.
And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God: the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
Psalm. Oh, sing unto the Lord a new song: for He hath done marvelous things.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19
Collect
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that the new birth of Thine only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free, who are held in the old bondage under the yoke of sin; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.
The Epistle and Gradual
Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Gradual
Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord: God is the Lord which hath showed us light.
V. This is the Lord’s doing: it is marvelous in our eyes. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
V. The Lord reigneth, He is clothed with majesty: the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith He hath girded Himself. Hallelujah!
The Gospel
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Luke 2:1-20
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #77:8-15 All My Heart This Night
The Complete Gospel
Communion Hymn #311 Jesus Christ Our Blessed Savior - John Huss the Martyr
The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn #646 Silent Night
Announcements and Prayers
Luke 2:13 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, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
The Jewish people, widely scattered by the time of Christ, and the Gentiles, who had access to the Old Testament - longed for the Savior of the World. The Greeks had philosophy, engineering, and all the departments of a modern university. But only the Old Testament had the history and the Promises of the Gospel.
Even today, a university may talk about religion but it is impossible to have a religion department taught by believing Christians. As one insider told me about the community colleges in Phoenix - "They will never let a Christian teach religion, not even part-time. They need you but they will never hire you."
Everything seems impossible until it happens. Joseph and Mary came to Bethlehem because of the Roman tax being tied to their census. America does the same thing.
When the birth of the Savior was predicted by the Old Testament prophets, the Roman Empire was not even an empire. It grew to be a Republic (which America copied) and degenerated into a shaky empire, much like ours. So the great and powerful in Jerusalem were on edge but the census doubtless engaged them - big family reunions and gossip about the Star of Bethlehem.
We are so engaged in the celebrations that evasions give away Christmas itself. When people say "Happy Holidays" I point out the obvious meaning - Happy Holy Days." When they are more evasive (typical of schools today) and note the Winter Break, I ask about whether to say Merry Winter and to shop for Winter Presents.
Of course, Christ-mas is the Mass - Holy Communion - recognizing the Birth of Christ.
The best, greatest, richest, most powerful people ignored Mary and Joseph - so the angel recruited the shepherds watching their flocks. This is important. They did not delay or make excuses about the great event.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
The order of salvation is clear. The angel (messenger) revealed the truth about the great event, truly the unique miracle, the Savior born.
God's good news sows faith in our hearts. Even those who have been fooled and taught false doctrine can rely on the truth revealed in a trustworthy Bible.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
God gave them good news through His angels (messengers) and the shepherds made sure everyone possible learned about it. Faith comes from the Holy Spirit teaching us the Gospel, and this faith grows like yeast in dough, like mustard seed. That is God's work and we nurture and treasure what God has given us.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Those who heard (faith comes from hearing the Gospel Word, Romans 10) - were full of wonder. The faith of a few grew to many, and that is what led up to multitudes following Jesus.
Bethany Lutheran Church
Christmas Eve Service, 7 PM Central Time, 2023
Springdale, Arkansas
Pastor Gregory L. Jackson
Christmas Day Holy Communion - 10 AM
New Year's Eve Communion - 7 PM
Hymn #81 O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is
The Place of Jesus’ Birth
KJV Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Hymn # 102 O Come All Ye Faithful
KJV Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Virgin Birth
KJV Isaiah 7:10 Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying, 11 Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. 12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. 13 And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. 16 For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.
Incarnation
KJV Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Hymn #109 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
KJV Luke 2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men.
God and the World Have Different Values
KJV Luke 2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
The haughty sceptics like to deny this happened, but it is recorded in Gospel, when Jesus was challenged about the coin for taxing, and He said, "Whose image is on this?" And then said, "Pay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar." The tax was collected after this time and was being collected before Jesus was crucified.
The tax brought Jesus to Bethlehem, as everyone knows, and that would have been completely different without the requiring the family to come at that time to the City of Bethlehem. As we know today, that was where David grew up, and became the model of the Savior - the Son of David. That also made the journey difficult, with Mary ready to give birth and the cities crowded. We tend to forget that was an uphill journey - from the north they passed down through Jerusalem - the fortress on the hill and then a little further to Bethlehem.
1. It is written in Haggai 2:6-7, that God says: “I will shake the heavens; and the precious things of all nations shall come.” This is fulfilled today, for the heavens were shaken, that is, the angels in the heavens sang praises to God. And the earth was shaken, that is, the people on the earth were agitated; one journeying to this city, another to that throughout the whole land, as the Gospel tells us. It was not a violent, bloody uprising, but rather a peaceable one awakened by God who is the God of peace.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Nothing but difficulties were before them, and the greatest event of all time, God becoming man and being born of a Virgin, gave no one any pause - and they offered no help for this family. Doubtless the great and powerful were taken care of, but no one did anything for the family. What is a big deal for mankind is pitifully small for God, and what is great for God is of no consequence for most people.
This must be understood only through faith. The great and wise despise Christmas and what it truly means. I always tell my students, "Merry Christmas!" because no one says Merry Winter! and no one shops for Winter Presents. The rich and pampered church officials today sidestep the meaning of God becoming man. Their passion is for institutional wealth and changing society for the better - without faith.
See how God shows that he utterly disregards what the world is, has or desires; and furthermore, that the world shows how little it knows or notices what God is, has and does.
9. See, this is the first picture with which Christ puts the world to shame and exposes all it does and knows. It shows that the world’s greatest wisdom is foolishness, her best actions are wrong and her greatest treasures are misfortunes. What had Bethlehem when it did not have Christ? What have they now who at that time had enough? What do Joseph and Mary lack now, although at that time they had no room to sleep comfortably?
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luther points out that Mary had an easy labor - if such a thing can be said - but one without fanfare. The manger was a feeding trough for animals, not the place we would put newborns, especially one with so little to claim for his own. One phrase says it all - there was no room for them at the inn, so the birthing room, bed room, and kitchen were a stall for the animals. Doubtless the angels watched over them, as they do for us. But this was the humblest surroundings for the King of Kings.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
The best and the brightest were not there to offer any comfort, so the angels had to find some working shepherds to share this great story. The spectacle lit up the sky with angels and the angel of the Lord gave the solemn and comforting message.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men.
The angelic message has always struck me as little catechism, memorized and passed down through the generations. It is like poetry, easily remembered by children and recited by them. The Word of God is everything thing, bringing faith and grace to us, always showing us how much God can do.
Our little church is mocked because it is so small, but almost 10 million views say otherwise. Every day a new set of lessons is provided, sometimes only 500 views - but that is a big classroom for daily information about the Chief Article, Justification by Faith. Some days have 7,000 views. The blog drew people together and more blogs added more view, and hundreds of book titles -- The Lutheran Library.
And stained glass windows - Christian graphics.
And I have seen many miracles take place, beyond anyone's expectation.
12. Just imagine what kind of swaddling clothes they were in which she wrapped the child. Possibly her veil or some article of her clothing she could spare. But that she should have wrapped him in Joseph’s trousers, which are exhibited at Aix-la-Chapelle, appears entirely too false and frivolous. It is a fable, the like of which there are more in the world. Is it not strange that the birth of Christ occurs in cold winter, in a strange land, and in such a poor and despicable manner?
13. Some argue as to how this birth took place, as if Jesus was born while Mary was praying and rejoicing, without any pain, and before she was conscious of it. While I do not altogether discard that pious supposition, it was evidently invented for the sake of simple minded people. But we must abide by the Gospel, that he was born of the virgin Mary. There is no deception here, for the Word clearly states that it was an actual birth.
14. It is well known what is meant by giving birth. Mary’s experience was not different from that of other women, so that the birth of Christ was a real natural birth, Mary being his natural mother and he being her natural son. Therefore her body performed its functions of giving birth, which naturally belonged to it, except that she brought forth without sin, without shame, without pain and without injury, just as she had conceived without sin.
Hymn # 646 Candles Lit Silent Night
The Prayers and Benediction
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