In Luke 2:8-14 we find the familiar and heartwarming story of the appearance of the angel to the shepherds out in the fields with their flock near the little village of Bethlehem. It is within this nighttime scene that the first public announcement of the birth of our Savior is made. Having received the angelic proclamation, the shepherds eventually made their way to the place where our infant Lord was discovered, just as the heavenly messengers had declared—“wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” (vv. 12, 15-17).

According to verses 13-14, that tender moment—when the shepherds initially heard the blessed announcement—was interrupted unexpectedly. “Suddenly” the sounds of “a multitude of the heavenly host” joined in unison to praise the God who had brought about such a miracle! They said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased” (v. 14).

As you know, during Advent our sermons are investigating the things said about the incarnation of our Lord by men and angels—the words of which we have recorded for us in the Matthew and Luke. Last Lord’s Day we considered Mary’s reply to the angel Gabriel, who informed her that she would give birth to the Savior. This coming Sunday we will be making a close inspection of the praise-filled words spoken by the “host” of heaven in Luke 2:14.

Also on Sunday, in keeping with the Advent theme, I will be leading our Adult Sunday School class in a two-week study of the Doctrine of the Incarnation. We will begin at 9:15 AM in the Worship Center.

Before I go, let me remind you once more of two special events during the Christmas Season. On Sunday night, December 17 at 6:00 PM, our Children’s Alleluia Choir, under the direction of Dr. Carol Bart, will present the Christmas story to us in song. Following their musical presentation, there will be a Church-wide coffee and dessert fellowship. We encourage all of our members and visitors to attend. Then on Sunday night, December 24 at 5:00 PM we will have our annual Christmas Eve Service of Worship and Communion.