The unnamed shepherds, in the middle of their work, received a divine invitation. How did they respond? They weren’t the only ones who received some unexpected news. I take a close look at this passage from Luke 2, and use it to ask ourselves, how are we living ready and with expectation today? Afterall, today, in our lives and in the lives of others all around us, there are so many things – expected and unexpected – taking place. Hear my latest sermon preached on 7 December 2025 called “Living Ready and With Expectation” from Luke 2:8-20. May it encourage you!
I preached this sermon as a part of our sermon series during Advent week 2 on ‘Peace’ for my home church were I serve as the Connections Pastor. Impact Temple Church, located in Temple, Texas, is about an hour north of Austin and 2 hours south of Dallas/Fort Worth.
I also preached this sermon again (with a more refined ended and encouragement shared to the congregants for our final service this Fall Semester) for the Young Adult Ministries (YAM) English speaking college ministry of The Lord’s Church in Waco (TLCW). The Lord’s Church Waco is located in Waco, Texas, about a 40 minute drive from my home in Temple.
Scroll down below to watch a recording of the sermon from both services, the Scriptures, the closing prayer from Rev Benjamin Cremer, and the benediction I offered at the end of the Y.A.M. service. Scroll down even further to watch my ‘After Sermon Preaching Tips‘ video where I’m keeping up my routine of sharing a few thoughts after I preach (right before I walk back into my home from my car!).
I am always hopeful that these offerings would bless and encourage you in your own journey with God and in your ministry of service to others. Feel free to reach out to me or leave a comment below, anytime. Blessings and peace!
Luke 2:8-20 NIV
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Prayer offered by Rev. Benjamin R Cremer from his Day 13 advent devotional series called “Solace- the birth of hope in a time of longing” :
Patient and purifying God,
You are unbinding creation from all that destroys it.
Teach us to wait in peace,
to live gently in a violent world,
and to hold fast to Your truth amid confusion and deceit.
When Your word is twisted for harm,
give us the courage to speak it again in love.
When despair tempts us to give up,
remind us that You are still renewing the earth.
Find us, O Lord, at peace faithful, merciful, and ready to bear witness
to the new creation already breaking through in Jesus.
Benediction (by Austin Hill)
As you go forth from this place, may you have the courage to confront the dark places. May you trust in God’s goodness to lead you to the living water. May you act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.
And may the love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you this day and forevermore. Amen.
Preaching Tips Background Video
In this video share, I give a brief summary of both of my sermons preached on 7 December 2025, talking a little bit about what I planned on doing when I knew I was scheduled to preach at both church services on the same day. (If you have thoughts to share about how that has been for you, I’d love to hear it!) I also talk about how it was different for me in preaching for each church with their unique contexts, including my grief about the end of this year’s service for the Y.A.M. ministry. The specialness of 7 Dec to me and taking time to remember and be present was also mentioned before I closed with a prayer especially for those who serve. May you be blessed!
Do share with me what resonates with you, in your particular roles of ministry (or however you’ve come to find this particular video)! Thanks!
You can watch my After Preaching Tips video playlist here.
You can find the rest of my Sermons here! https://sejanashines.com/preaching and my Sermons playlist here.
Here’s a new link with all kinds of ways to connect with me! https://lnk.bio/sejanashines.
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