Tonasket Free Methodist Church
Recapturing the Wonder of Christmas
Luke 2:8-20
Pastor Ryan Willson
December 4, 2016
1. Wonder in the lives of Mary and Joseph
A. Wonder is being astonished at the fantastic, jolted by splendor. It’s a byproduct of being in the presence of something that takes your breath away.
B. Luke 1:28 tells us that Mary was highly favored; God was her savior (Luke 1:47).
C. Mary was filled with wonder as she asked: “How this will be,” Mary asked the angel, “Since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34)
D. Joseph was a righteous man obedient to the law and thought about divorcing his wife quietly (Matthew 1:19)
It all boils down to one question. Do you trust God to work out the details?
Notes:
2. Wonder in the lives of Shepherds
A. Vs. 9 “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”
B. The Bible describes the Glory of the Lord as brightness and dazzling light. God also described that is Glory is also about his character: good, compassionate and gracious. (Exodus 24:16-17, Exodus 34:45, Exodus 33:19)
C. God displayed his Glory to shepherds, who were considered outcasts.
Notes:
3. Recapturing the wonder of God in our own lives.
A. We can recapture the wonder of God by spending time in his presence. (vs. 16). The shepherds hurried off and put themselves in the presence of the Glory of God now manifested in Jesus.
B. Our wonder of God leads us to share with others and blesses others. (vs.17).
C. Wonder leads to Worship (vs. 20)
Notes:
Application: Spend time in God's presence, tell others about His glory, and worship and praise Him for all He has done.
Tonasket Free Methodist Church
Recapturing the Wonder of Christmas
Luke 2:8-20
Pastor Ryan Willson
December 4, 2016
1. Wonder in the lives of Mary and Joseph
A. Wonder is being astonished at the fantastic, jolted by splendor. It’s a byproduct of being in the presence of something that takes your breath away.
B. Luke 1:28 tells us that Mary was highly favored; God was her savior (Luke 1:47).
C. Mary was filled with wonder as she asked: “How this will be,” Mary asked the angel, “Since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34)
D. Joseph was a righteous man obedient to the law and thought about divorcing his wife quietly (Matthew 1:19)
It all boils down to one question. Do you trust God to work out the details?
Notes:
2. Wonder in the lives of Shepherds
A. Vs. 9 “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”
B. The Bible describes the Glory of the Lord as brightness and dazzling light. God also described that is Glory is also about his character: good, compassionate and gracious. (Exodus 24:16-17, Exodus 34:45, Exodus 33:19)
C. God displayed his Glory to shepherds, who were considered outcasts.
Notes:
3. Recapturing the wonder of God in our own lives.
A. We can recapture the wonder of God by spending time in his presence. (vs. 16). The shepherds hurried off and put themselves in the presence of the Glory of God now manifested in Jesus.
B. Our wonder of God leads us to share with others and blesses others. (vs.17).
C. Wonder leads to Worship (vs. 20)
Notes:
Application: Spend time in God's presence, tell others about His glory, and worship and praise Him for all He has done.