The Modesty of Christmas (Chantilly)

Luke 2:1-20 CSB – In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered.2 This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.4 Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant.6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth.7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors! , 15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger.17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them.20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.

1. An Astounding Announcement… Made in Obscurity

Luke 2:8 CSB – And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

Luke 2:9-10 CSB – An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Luke 2:9 CSB – An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

2. A World-Altering Arrival… in a Manger

Luke 2:11-12 CSB – Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

3. A Life-Changing Message… for the Undeserving

Luke 2:13-14 CSB – Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:17-18 CSB – When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

The Modesty of Christmas