Luke 2:8-20

“8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

The shepherds were watching their flocks in the fields. It was just like any other night, when suddenly an angel appeared. The shepherds were filled with fear when they saw the angel. The angel told them not to be afraid and gave them wonderful news. That very night in the city of David a Savior was born, their Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. Then the angel told them where to find the new baby, Jesus Christ. He would be wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

Suddenly the angel was joined by a multitude of angels. They praised God and said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

When the angels left the shepherds spoke to one another, and immediately they left to find the new baby, their Messiah. They went to Bethlehem, found the stable, entered and worshipped Him. They then went and told everyone what they had seen and heard.

The angels declared that Christ’s birth would bring peace to the earth. What did this mean? There have not been many times of peace since His birth. We have had a lot of wars and conflicts. Did Christ’s birth bring peace to the earth?

The Bible tells us that everyone is a sinner (Romans 3:23). We were born sinners and continue to sin. Because we are sinners we have earned the punishment of Hell (Romans 6:23a). We may not like this much, but it is a fact. But, God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus to the earth to die for our sins (John 3:16), and reconcile us to Him. We need to be reconciled to God. We need to have peace with God. This is the peace the angels were talking about. Peace between us sinners and a holy God. But how do we get peace with God?

The Bible tells us that an unsaved person is an enemy of God, and under the wrath of God. “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5:9,10).

If that unsaved person wants to have peace with God, He must do what God requires. The Bible tells us in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him,” (in Jesus Christ), “should not perish,” (go to Hell), “but have everlasting life.” (go to heaven). A person is saved when they put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and Him only for salvation. Are you sure you are going to heaven? Have you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ and Him only for your salvation? This is God’s requirement for salvation and peace with Him (Romans 5:1). “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”. When a person puts their faith in Jesus Christ, and Him only, they are saved. They then have peace with God through Jesus Christ. God loves you and wants to give you the gift of eternal life, which Jesus paid for on the cross. He wants to change you from being His enemy to His child (John 1:12). “But as many as received him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” This is accomplished by putting your faith in Jesus Christ. Why not settle the matter right now? Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, receive God’s gift of eternal life, and have peace with God.

Maybe you are not sure if you are going to Heaven? You want to go to Heaven but you just don’t know if you are going there. Or maybe you have other questions.

The Bible says to acknowledge that you are a sinner, and everyone, in fact is a sinner. Everyone of us. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23.

There is a payment for our sin which is Hell. “For the wages of sin is death;”…. Romans 6:23a.

But, the Bible also tells us that Jesus Christ came to this earth to die on the cross and pay for my sins. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Some people believe that if they do enough good deeds they may go to Heaven. But the Bible is clear that we cannot get to heaven by doing good things (works). Salvation is a free gift. The Bible says “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.

A free gift of eternal life given by God that was paid for by Jesus Christ. The Bible says “… but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23b. This gift of eternal life is for everyone. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”. (Romans 10:13).

Confess with your mouth that you are a sinner, that you believe with all your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that God raised Him from the dead, that He paid for all your sins, that He is the only way for you to go to heaven, then believe what the Bible says. Call upon the name of the Lord, and you will be saved. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.

Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner, and I know that sinners go to Hell. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I now put my faith and trust in You and in You alone for my salvation. I receive You as my Savior and Lord. I know that you are God. You died, and were buried, and God raised you from the grave on the third day. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.