This is the manuscript of the sixth in a sermon series that will continue through the New Year's Day 2025.
There are shepherds in the world today still telling the good news. There are wisemen and women who have already given him their hearts and treasures; and instead of becoming poor, they have become enriched beyond words by trusting him and giving themselves to him. You would be wise to give yourself to this Christ.
Scripture
Matthew 5:14-16 NLT [14] “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. [15] No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Luke 2:8-14 NLT [8] That night there were shepherds ctrl bstaying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. [9] Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory. surrounded them. They were terrified, [10] but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. [11] The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! [12] And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” [13] Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, [14] “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
Introduction
On the night of our Lord’s birth, the shekinah glory of the Lord appeared, and the shepherds were made aware of the presence of the eternal God in a unique and unprecedented manner.
Text
Luke 2:9 NLT Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified,
If the shepherds were familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures, they would have recognized that this light that shone around them was a visible symbol of the presence of the invisible God. Which would have caused them to respond with fear and awe.
A little background;
I. The radiant light of the Lord’s presence.
When the Israelites left Egypt and were in the wilderness God manifested himself to them as a radiant light:
Exodus 13:20-22 NLT [20] The Israelites left Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness. [21] The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. [22] And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.
This entire group of people is estimated to be about 600,000 men plus women and children. This gigantic group was able to travel even at night by the glory of the Lord that shone about them as a radiant light. The children of Israel made their way through the wilderness by means of this radiant light of the Lord’s presence. Remember there was no electricity, no lighthouse with enough light to guide over one million people. During this time this was unprecedented.
The glory of the Lord also filled the tabernacle when it was dedicated also while they were in the wilderness.
Exodus 40:34-35 NLT [34] Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and thse glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. [35] Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.
The Shekinah Glory of God filled the temple in Jerusalem at its dedication by Solomon.
2 Chronicles 7:1-3 NLT [1] When Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple. [2] The priests could not enter the Temple of the Lord because the glorious presence of the Lord filled it. [3] When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell face down on the ground and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying, “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!”
Let me give you more instances from the Old Testament and you can read them for yourself later.
Mount Sinai: When God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai, His glory filled the mountain, causing it to smoke and tremble.
Exodus 19:18-20 NLT [18] All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently. [19] As the blast of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God thundered his reply. [20] The Lord came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses climbed the mountain.
Theophany at the River Jordan: When Elijah was taken up to heaven, a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared.
2 Kings 2:11 NLT As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven.
Theophany to Isaiah: Isaiah had a vision of the Lord seated on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.
Isaiah 6:1-4 NLT [1] It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. [2] Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. [3] They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” [4] Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.
The Burning Bush: When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, the bush was ablaze but not consumed. This symbolizes God's holy presence.
Exodus 3:1-2 NLT One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. [2] There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up.
II. The radiant light of the Lord’s glory was present at the birth of the Christ, as our text says
Luke 2:9 NLT Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified,
The Apostle John said that Jesus Christ was the radiant light of the Lord’s presence in the world.
John 1:1-9 NLT [1] In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He existed in the beginning with God. [3] God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. [4] The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. [6] God sent a man, John the Baptist, [7] to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. [8] John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. [9] The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
B. In the New Testament in addition to the light that appeared with the angel’s announcement of Jesus’ birth the radiant light of the Lord’s presence was manifested in the transfiguration where the deity of Jesus Christ shone through the veil of the flesh of his humanity.
Luke 9:28-36 NLT [28] About eight days later Jesus took Peter, John, and James up on a mountain to pray. [29] And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white. [30] Suddenly, two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared and began talking with Jesus. [31] They were glorious to see. And they were speaking about his exodus from this world, which was about to be fulfilled in Jerusalem. [32] Peter and the others had fallen asleep. When they woke up, they saw Jesus’ glory and the two men standing with him. [33] As Moses and Elijah were starting to leave, Peter, not even knowing what he was saying, blurted out, “Master, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” [34] But even as he was saying this, a cloud overshadowed them, and terror gripped them as the cloud covered them. [35] Then a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.” [36] When the voice finished, Jesus was there alone. They didn’t tell anyone at that time what they had seen.
There is an account of the transfiguration also at Matthew 17:1-8.
C. The radiant light of the Lord’s presence also accompanied the angels who announced the resurrection of Christ.
Matthew 28:2-7 NLT [2] Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. [3] His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. [4] The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. [5] Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. [6] He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. [7] And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
D. The radiant light of the Lord’s presence was manifested when the gift of the Holy Spirit was bestowed at Pentecost.
Acts of the Apostles 2:1-4 NLT [1] On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. [2] Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. [3] Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. [4] And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
The visible signs of the Spirit's presence, such as the wind and fire, are reminiscent of the Shekinah glory's manifestations in the Old Testament, Jesus’ birth, transfiguration, and His resurrection.
E. The glory of the Lord as a radiant light served to bring about the conversion of Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus.
Acts of the Apostles 9:3-4 NLT [3] As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. [4] He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
When Saul saw this light he may have remembered the glory of the Lord shining on the face of Stephen as he was stoned.
Acts of the Apostles 7:54-58 NLT [54] The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. [55] But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. [56] And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” [57] Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him [58] and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.
Satan spreads darkness in the world and in the heart to try and prevent this radiant light of the Lord’s presence from shining into the hearts and faces of the unsaved
2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT [4] Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
How does this darkness manifest in our world today? It could be in the form of:
Intolerance and hatred
Despair and hopelessness
Self-doubt and fear
III. But we the Believers are to be the glowing light of the Lord’s presence in the world today.
In the Sermon of the Mount Jesus said.
Matthew 5:14-16 NLT [14] “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. [15] No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
There is something very exciting about the followers of Christ being described as “a city on a hill, glowing for all to see.” This implies that we are to do more than to merely reflect light. We are to let the living Christ, who dwells within us in Spirit, shine forth through our humanity so that an unbelieving world finds the pathway to God illuminated and made clear.
Matthew 5:14-16 NLT [14] “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. [15] No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
By means of good works that are helpful to others, we become the glowing light of the Lord’s presence in the world that attracts people to our God.
Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT [8] God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. [9] Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. [10] For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
These good things glorify, God.
2 Corinthians 5:19-21 NLT [19] For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. [20] So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” [21] For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Jesus specifically declares that we must not just do good works to glorify ourselves but to glorify God..
Matthew 6:1-4 NLT [1] “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. [2] When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. [3] But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. [4] Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
We have the privilege of being living, symbols in the world today of the living God’s presence just like the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night symbolized God’s presence.
Matthew 5:14-16 NLT [14] “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. [15] No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
If we do these works and acts of mercy to “the least of these” in the name of Christ, then in a very real sense, we become the “glowing light of the Lord’s presence” to them.
Matthew 25:37-40 NLT [37] “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? [38] Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? [39] When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ [40] “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Matthew 5:14-16 NLT [14] “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. [15] No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
When we practice genuine caring love for others, we give proof of our relationship to Christ and in a sense become his representatives in the world today.
John 13:31-35 NLT [31] As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him. [32] And since God receives glory because of the Son, he will give his own glory to the Son, and he will do so at once. [33] Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going. [34] So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. [35] Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Matthew 5:14-16 NLT [14] “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. [15] No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
By practicing forgiveness we can be the glowing light of God’s presence. When we choose to forgive, we're not only releasing ourselves from bitterness and resentment, but we're also reflecting God's love and mercy to others. It's a powerful act that can transform lives and bring about healing and reconciliation.
Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. [32] Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Colossians 3:12-13 NLT [12] Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. [13] Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Matthew 5:14-16 NLT [14] “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. [15] No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Conclusion
We may be surprised to discover that in the world today we can be messengers of the Lord announcing, not only the birth, but the life, death, resurrection, and living presence of Jesus Christ. It is possible for us to be the radiant light of the Lord’s presence by which others can come to know God today.
Heavenly Father, We gather here on this special Sunday, filled with anticipation for the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we’ve talked about meditated on the glowing light of Your presence, we’ve been overwhelmed with gratitude and wonder.
We thank You for sending Your Son to be the light of the world. May His light shine brightly in our hearts and illuminate the darkness around us.
We pray that we may be vessels of Your light, reflecting Your love and compassion to others. May we share the good news of Your salvation with joy and boldness.
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, may we keep our focus on the true meaning of this holy season. May we be filled with Your peace, love, and joy.
In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.
There are angels singing of Jesus’ birth today.
If you have not let him come into your life, then listen to these songs and learn from them. Let Jesus Christ come into your heart and home.
There are shepherds in the world today still telling the good news. There are wisemen and women who have already given him their hearts and treasures; and instead of becoming poor, they have become enriched beyond words by trusting him and giving themselves to him.
You would be wise to give yourself to this Christ.
Here’s how you give yourself to Christ and become light to the dark world around you. That darkness may be depression, it may be addiction, it may be loneliness, may be guilt. Whatever the darkness God has sent the gift of light in Jesus Christ. There is no cost, it is a gift. Here’s all you need to do to accept this gift. Remember it’s a gift there is nothing you have to do or can do to earn it.
Romans 10:9-10 NLT [9] If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
If you’re ready to receive this gift, simply pray this prayer from your heart:
‘Dear Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sins and ask You to forgive me. I invite You to come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me.’
