LGC - The Angels' Song Part 1

The Angels' Song (Part 1)

Rhordan Wicks

INTRODUCTION

The glory of God was brought to bear in the Incarnation of Christ, when God sent Jesus to Earth as a human baby. In the announcement of Christ’s birth in Luke 2 to a gaggle of lowly shepherds, Heaven broke forth in an angelic chorus, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests.”

This kind of spontaneous praise is unique to scripture, and begs the question, “Why?” What made the Incarnation so worthy of praise to God? In this week’s sermon, we dive deep into Luke 2:8-14 to get a glimpse of what makes the Incarnation so praise-worthy and what it might look like for us to truly glorify God.

DISCUSSION

When you hear the word ‘incarnation’, what is your response?
NB: From the Latin ‘incarnatus’: ‘in-’ + ‘carn-, caro’ (flesh)
Read Luke 2:8-9.
a. The shepherds were in the midst of doing their average mundane work when the angel appeared. Have you ever experienced God’s presence in the middle of your everyday life? Share with your group how you reacted.
b. When you think of God’s glory, what comes to mind?
c. The angels reflected the glory of the Lord, and this terrified the shepherds. What is your response to the glory of God? How can you be like the shepherds, glorifying and praising God for what He has done?
Read Luke 2:10-14. The angel announces the birth of Christ and Heaven sends an angelic choir to give praise and glory to God.

a. What is your normal response when you think of the Christmas story?

b. Read Hebrews 2:14-18. Think of the Christmas story again. What does the Incarnation tell you about the character of God? What does it tell you about humanity?

c. What does it mean to you that the angel announces, “for unto you…”?

d. How can you be like the angels, shining God’s glory into the world?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO

This week we were reminded, “Don’t just worship God for what He does for you, worship God for what He has already done for you.” We have been admonished, “Let the incarnation bring joyful adoration.” How can you do this? Let’s remember our assignment. For one week, ponder anew these seven implications of the Incarnation:

A. Heaven is Real – this life is not all there is; there is a heavenly reality

B. We are loved – if the God of the universe would send His son, He must really love us. You know you are loved because He pursued you (and still does).

C. God is knowable – we can know Him, and He wants to be known.

D. God keeps His promises – 300 prophecies over thousands of years needed to be fulfilled for Jesus to be born. He keeps His promises today.

E. Sin is horrific – it requires God to come to earth; we couldn’t solve it on our own.

F. God truly understands – in taking on human form, He demonstrates His complete understanding of us.

G. Christianity is entirely unique.

MEMORY VERSE

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” – Luke 2:14 NIV