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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 Action:
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.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: The Good News of Jesus’ Birth Brings Great Joy
Scripture:
Luke 2:4-12
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202%3A4-12&version=NIV
Devotional:
The arrival of Jesus was the fulfillment of centuries of prophecy and longing, a moment when God Himself entered our world to restore relationship with humanity. The angel’s message to the shepherds was not just for them, but for all people: a Savior had been born, the Messiah, the Lord. This news was so significant that it was accompanied by the glory of God shining all around, and it continues to be remembered and celebrated as the heart of Christmas. The joy and awe of that first Christmas invite us to reflect on the true meaning of the season and to let the good news of Jesus’ birth shape our celebrations and our lives.
Reflection:
How can you let the good news of Jesus’ birth bring real joy and meaning to your Christmas celebrations this year, beyond the usual traditions?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the unforgettable good news of Jesus’ birth, the Saviour sent to bring me joy and peace. Help me to remember and celebrate this gift every day, not just at Christmas. May my heart be open to receive Your love and share it with others. Amen.
Day 2: Glory to God in the Highest—True Christmas Points to Jesus
Scripture:
Luke 2:13-15 (NIV)
“Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202%3A13-15&version=NIV
The angels’ song on the night of Jesus’ birth declared “Glory to God in the highest,” reminding us that the true purpose of Christmas is to glorify God and point to the arrival of the Savior. While many enjoy the festivities and beauty of the season, only a Christ-centred Christmas truly honours God and tells the story of His love for us. Our celebrations, decorations, and traditions can either reflect the world’s version of Christmas or become a living memorial that points others to Jesus and His glory.
Reflection:
What is one way you can intentionally make your Christmas celebrations this year point to Jesus and bring glory to God?
Prayer:
Father, Your glory is perfect and beyond my reach, yet through Jesus, I can enter into Your glory. Teach me to glorify You in all I say and do, reflecting Your image in my daily life. Help me to be a true image bearer of Your love and grace. Amen.
Day 3: We All Fall Short of God’s Glory, But Jesus Restores Us
Scriptures:
Romans 3:23 (NIV)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%203%3A23&version=NIV
Devotional:
God’s glory is the perfect standard—unimaginable and unattainable by human effort. Scripture reminds us that all have sinned and fall short of this glory, but through Jesus, the standard is met on our behalf. When we accept Jesus as Saviour, He lifts us up and allows us to share in His glory, restoring what was lost and making us true image bearers of God once again. This restoration is not about decoration or outward appearance, but about a deep, inner transformation that only Christ can accomplish.
Reflection:
In what area of your life do you most feel the need for God’s restoration, and how can you invite Jesus to restore His image in you today?
Prayer:
Jesus, You are the perfect image of the Father, full of glory and truth. Open my eyes to see Your glory clearly, even when I feel confused or afraid. Help me to listen to You and follow Your way with faith and courage. Amen
Day 4: Jesus Reveals God’s Glory: Recognise Who He Truly Is
Scripture:
Luke 9:28-36 (NIV)
“About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendour, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)
While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.”
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%209%3A28-36&version=NIV
Devotional:
Jesus is the perfect image of the invisible God, and His glory was revealed most dramatically at the Transfiguration. Even those closest to Him sometimes missed the fullness of who He was, but God’s voice declared, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him.” We are invited to recognise and honour Jesus for who He truly is, not just as a teacher or miracle worker, but as the glorious Son of God who reveals the Father to us,
Reflection:
How can you intentionally recognise and honour Jesus as the glorious Son of God in your daily life this week?
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to defer to You in all things, giving You the honour and respect You deserve. Help me to humbly acknowledge Your hand in my life and to give glory back to You in every success and blessing. May my life point others to Your greatness. Amen.
Day 5: Glorify God by Deferring, Deflecting, and Declaring His Goodness
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010%3A31&version=NIV
Devotional:
We are called to be image bearers who glorify God not just in belief, but in action—by deferring to Him in our choices, deflecting praise back to Him with humility, and declaring His goodness to others. This can be as simple as giving thanks publicly, choosing Christ-centred decorations, or sharing the hope of Jesus with someone who is alone or searching. Each act, no matter how small, can point others to the true meaning of Christmas and the glory of God revealed in Jesus.
Reflection:
What is one specific way you can defer to, deflect praise to, or declare the goodness of God to someone in your life this week?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I declare Your goodness and praise Your name! Lord Jesus, in all that I do this day, this week, for my life: I defer to Your will, deflect praise to You and declare Your goodness to others. Amen.
Day 6: The Glory Revealed in Jesus
Scripture:
John 1:14 (NIV)
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201%3A14&version=NIV
Devotional:
God's glory is ultimately revealed through Jesus. Just like the angels announced the birth of Jesus with glory shining all around, John tells us that Jesus is the Word made flesh — God’s glory made visible. Jesus is the perfect image of God, full of grace and truth. When we look at Jesus, we see who God really is. The glory that surrounded the shepherds at the first Christmas is the same glory that shines through Jesus’ life, teachings, and sacrifice. This glory is not just for a moment but is a constant light in our lives if we choose to follow Him.
Reflection:
How often do you stop to recognise Jesus as the perfect image of God’s glory? In what ways can you reflect His grace and truth in your daily life?
Prayer:
Jesus, help me to see Your glory clearly and to live in a way that reflects Your grace and truth. Amen.
Day 7: Sharing the Hope of Christmas
Scriptures:
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%203%3A15&version=NIV
Devotional:
The shepherds didn’t keep the incredible news of Jesus’ birth to themselves. They spread the word, and everyone who heard was amazed. Christmas is the biggest hope story ever, and we are called to share that hope with others. The sermon encouraged us to tell others about Jesus, to welcome those who might be alone, and to discuss the true reason for the season. Sharing our hope doesn’t have to be complicated or loud — it can be gentle, respectful, and full of love. When we do this, we bring glory to God and help others see the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.
Reflection:
Are you ready to share the hope of Jesus with those around you?
How can you show kindness and respect while sharing your faith this Christmas?
Prayer:
God, give me courage and kindness to share the hope of Jesus with others. Help me to be a light in their lives. Amen.
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