INTRODUCTION: A long time ago there was no Christmas: No Santa Claus, no Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, no Christmas tree, no presents, no carols, no baby in the manger, no wisemen. Then, in the fulness of time, Jesus was born. Here in Luke we read of the very first Christmas. The angels announced His birth. Let's take a closer look at their announcement.

I. The Angel's Message was given to Shepherds.
A. God carefully chose the recipients.
B. God chooses to reveal Himself to the humble (Is. 66:1-2; I Cor. 1:26-28).
C. As we become wealthier, is our faith becoming weaker?
Would the angels have announced the message TO US?

II. The Angel's Message was given Gloriously.
A. Angels are glorious beings. Heaven is a glorious place.
B. God is glorious in His infinite power and infinite holiness.
C. We are often commanded to FEAR GOD.

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. (Deut. 6:13)
And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul (Deut. 10:12-13).
And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. (Luke 12:4-5)

III. The Angel's Message was Unexpected Good News.
A. Why unexpected? Because of God's holiness and our sinfulness.
B. A message of great joy. Do we rejoice in our salvation?
C. For all people, every nation, not just Jewish people.
D. The missionary imperative: Jesus is for all nations. He is the only way of salvation.
We must go with the message. (John 14:6).

CONCLUSION: Christmas is here! Everywhere we see Santa, the reindeer, green and red decorations, and so on. The merchants are luring us with sales! But let's remember what Christmas is really all about, as we think upon the Angel's Message.