When you think about Jesus at Christmas time, do you think of Him as a baby or as Savior? Make no mistakes, Jesus was born in order to suffer for your sake, die for your sin, and rise again to give you eternal life. Do you see that the baby in the manger is your Savior?!

Podcast Show Notes: "Do You See What I See? The Baby In The Manger Is Your Savior!"

Episode Summary: In this powerful Christmas episode, Pastor Brian Smith from Wildwood Church in East Moline, Illinois, explores the significance of Jesus' birth as both a baby and a Savior. The message emphasizes the transformative impact of understanding that the baby in the manger is the Savior of the world, bringing salvation from sin. The show delves into Luke 2:8-20 and encourages listeners to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

Key Points:

1. Introduction:
   • Pastor Brian Smith reflects on the joy of retelling the Christmas story and the awe-inspiring nature of God taking on human form.
   • The focus is on the angelic birth announcement to the shepherds, a unique and impactful part of the Christmas narrative.
2. Luke 2:8-12 - Simple Men on a Routine Night:
   • The shepherds, ordinary men on a routine night, encounter the glory of the Lord through an angelic presence.
   • The angel declares "good news of great joy" – the birth of a Savior in the city of David.
   • The sign for the shepherds is finding a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.
3. Good News of Great Joy:
   • The angel's message is for all people, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the gospel.
   • The baby in the manger is not just a symbol but the Savior, bringing salvation from sin.
4. To Save Us From Our Sin:
   • Pastor Brian challenges common misconceptions about the nature of Jesus' salvation, emphasizing it is soteriological, saving us from the penalty of sin.
   • The Christmas message is for everyone, transcending political or cultural boundaries.
5. The Proper Response:
   • Reflecting on the shepherds' response, the audience is encouraged to share the good news with others and to respond with praise.
   • The shepherds' immediate action and proclamation serve as a model for believers today.
6. Two Lessons from the Shepherds:
   • Go tell somebody: The shepherds spread the message despite potential skepticism, highlighting the importance of faithfulness over fruitfulness.
   • Give the Lord some praise: Reflecting on the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ should elicit joyful worship.
7. Closing Thoughts:
   • Pastor Brian encourages listeners to be a light for Christ, echoing Jesus' statement that He is the light of the world and believers are to shine that light.

Conclusion: As we celebrate Christmas, let's remember that the baby in the manger is not just a charming story but the Savior of the world. Reflecting on this truth should inspire us to share the good news with others and respond with joyful worship.

https://wildwoodchurch.com/messages/do-you-see-what-i-see-the-baby-in-the-manger-is-your-savior-luke-2-8-20/