Shepherds were not visited by angels. Angels appeared to people like Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Daniel, Peter, John, and Jesus. Why were the shepherds chosen to be the ones to first hear this good news? Because they fall into the category of “all the people.” Shepherds were not elite. Shepherds were poor. Shepherds were perceived as dishonest. They were unclean ritually. They were dirty sanitarily. They smelled like sheep. They looked scruff. They were not invited to social gatherings. They represented outcasts and sinners. The shepherds can believe this announcement is good news for “all” people because they were chosen to receive this gift. The shepherds could relate to a simple birth and baby like this. This baby was approachable. This baby was relatable. This baby was like them.
Good News for All People
December 24, 2023 • Andrew Cullen • Luke 2:8–20
Jesus Grew to Fulfill His Identity
December 31, 2023 • Andrew Cullen • Luke 2:39–52
We do not know much about the upbringing of Jesus. We know he is visited by magi sometime after his birth. We know that he lived in Egypt with Joseph and Mary for a little while. We know that he spent most of his early years in the small town of Nazareth in Galilee. And we know that Jesus traveled to Jerusalem with his parents for the major Jewish festivals, and once he was left behind in the Temple when he was twelve-years-old. What we do know is that Jesus grew during these transitional years. Jesus grew mentally (wisdom), physically (strong & stature), spiritually (favor with God), and relationally (favor with man).
The Birth of Jesus
December 24, 2023 • Andrew Cullen • Luke 2:1–7
The birth of Jesus was simple. Simple is carpentry as a profession. Simple is a teenage girl with a pure heart. Simple is a small town in Judea. Simple is traveling on foot. Simple is a dirty delivery room. Simple is one piece of cloth to wrap a baby. Simple is a feeding trough for a crib. Simple is resting your head on your husband’s shoulder after giving birth. Everything in this story points to its simplicity. God didn’t become like Caesar Augustus. He became like Joseph and Mary. He didn’t take on the nature of a ruler. He took on the nature of a servant. He didn’t choose a throne room for his first appearance. He chose an everyday home on an ordinary day. This wasn’t a disguise. There wasn’t a hidden meaning. His sincerity was revealed in his simplicity. He came in simplicity so we could approach Him and relate to Him.
An Expectant Family
December 3, 2023 • Andrew Cullen • Luke 1:5–25, Luke 1:39–80
Jesus’s family tree is full of people who experienced disappointment. Zechariah and Elizabeth are an older couple who live in the hill country of Judah. But they have a problem. Their problem is they do not have a child. Elizabeth is barren. But Elizabeth is not barren because of her sin. She is barren because of God’s plan. They had asked God for a child for years. Even when it felt like God was silent, God heard their prayers. When God answers, His delay had prepared them to understand God’s answer.