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The Angels' Song - Tracy
Sermon Summary
Tracy invites us to remember and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by glorifying Jesus, recognising His perfect glory, and intentionally sharing the good news of His arrival with others as we reflect on the hope, joy, and peace He brings.
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How do we remember truly important news? Some events are so significant—like September 11 or the COVID pandemic—that they are etched into our memories forever. In the same way, over 2,000 years ago, the arrival of Jesus was the most significant news humanity has ever received. God sent His Son as a baby to restore our relationship with Him, and we remember this by celebrating Christmas. But as we reflect on the first Christmas, we see it was not just a sentimental holiday, but a moment of awe, fear, and overwhelming joy, especially for the shepherds who first heard the angel’s announcement.
These shepherds were not ordinary; they were likely temple shepherds, entrusted with caring for the special sheep used in sacrifices. They were waiting for the Messiah, and the news of His birth fulfilled centuries of prophecy. The angels’ message was not just for them, but for all people: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests.” The word “glory” (kavod) in Scripture means weight, significance, and honour. God’s glory is the standard we cannot reach on our own, but through Jesus, we are lifted up to share in His glory.
God’s glory is revealed in creation, in the beauty of a sunrise or the face of a newborn, but most perfectly in Jesus Himself. The transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain was a dramatic unveiling of His true identity—God’s own Son, radiant in glory. Yet even those closest to Him struggled to grasp the fullness of who He was.
As we approach Christmas, it’s easy to let the true meaning fade, just as Da Vinci’s Last Supper painting lost its original brilliance over time. We are called to be image bearers of God, but sin and the distractions of life can dull that image. Restoration, not mere decoration, is needed. We do this by deferring to Jesus—honouring Him in our words and actions—and by deflecting praise back to Him, recognising that all good comes from God. Like the shepherds, we are invited to spread the good news, to let our celebrations point to Christ, and to welcome others into the story of God’s love.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Remembering God’s Glory in Everyday Life:
God’s glory is not just a distant theological concept, but something to be recognised in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life. Whether in the beauty of creation or the kindness we show, we are invited to see and reflect His kavod. This requires intentionality—pausing to notice, honour, and give thanks for God’s presence and work in our world. - 2. Restoration Over Decoration:
Like the faded painting of the Last Supper, our lives can lose their original brilliance through time, distraction, and sin. True restoration comes not from adding more “decorations” to our lives, but by allowing God to renew us from within. This means seeking to bear His image more clearly, letting Christ’s life and love shine through us, especially in seasons like Christmas. - 3. Deferring and Deflecting to Jesus:
To glorify God, we must practice deference—honouring Jesus openly in our daily routines—and deflection—redirecting praise and recognition back to Him. This is a humble posture, acknowledging that all we have and all we accomplish is by His grace. Such humility not only honours God but also points others to the true source of our hope and joy - 4. Sharing the Good News Through:
The shepherds responded to the angel’s message by seeking Jesus and then spreading the word. We are called to do the same: to let our lives and celebrations be a testimony to Christ’s love. Welcoming others, sharing our stories, and making space for conversations about Jesus are practical ways to glorify God and invite others into His story.
- 1. Remembering God’s Glory in Everyday Life:
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