Sermon Notes
Unexpected Invitations
You’re Not Alone
December 14, 2025
Left Out
God meets us where we are, not where we think we should be.
Luke 2:8-20
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.
God’s invitation comes to the most unexpected people from the most unexpected places in the most unexpected ways.
1. UNEXPECTED PEOPLE
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
God sees the people the world overlooks.
2. UNEXPECTED PLACES
…and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
God doesn’t wait for us to find Him. He comes looking for us.
3. UNEXPECTED WAYS
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
A palace says, “Earn your way in.”
A manger says, “Come as you are.”
Movement — Hearing, Seeing, Telling, Worshiping
God Sees You, and God Invites You
Where you feel forgotten may be where God wants to be found.
A Community for the Forgotten
God’s invitation comes to the most unexpected people from the most unexpected places in the most unexpected ways.