Shepherds' Ordinary Status

In this sermon for the Third Sunday in Advent, "Joy," we explore the story of the shepherds and the angels' announcement—the "Gloria." What does it mean that God's great, extraordinary glory first breaks in upon the most ordinary, mud-caked, and weather-worn people?

We look at:

• The Ordinary Shepherds: How their simple, unearned divine appointment offers a profound message of acceptance—your everyday life is good enough for God.
• The Titles: A look at the layered, powerful titles given to the Christ child—Savior, Messiah, Lord—and how to connect them to your personal struggles and needs today.
• The Gloria's Embrace: An unpacking of the ancient hymn, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests," arguing that God's favor and peace are spacious enough to pull everyone in, seeking both the lowly and the high-riding.

Ultimately, this message is a reminder that Christmas is about our "glorious humanity" being given back to us, finding the extraordinary packed into a simple, ordinary life.