Works (Vol 4) - Newton - X - Sermon X (The angel's message and song)

Required reading
The Works (Vol 4) of John Newton (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Sermon X (The angel's message and song).

My summary
This week Newton preaches on  '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.'  (Luk 2:8-14)

Newton confines himself to a few brief reflections on:
(i) the circumstances of this heavenly vision (angels speaking to lowly shepherds);
(ii) the message of the angel;
(iii) the concluding chorus (the glory and the peace of the Messiah).

What grabbed me
I appreciated Newton's comment about the humiliation of the Messiah: 'The seeming repugnance between the greatness of Messiah's claims, and the state of humiliation in which he appeared when upon earth, was the great stumbling-block then, and continues to be so at this day. Because he stooped so low, and made himself of no reputation, too many still refuse to acknowledge his divine character. But they who are willing to be taught by the word and Spirit of God, see a beauty and propriety in his submitting to be born in a stable, and to live as a poor man, destitute of house or property. Hereby he poured contempt upon worldly pomp and vanity, sanctified the state of poverty to his followers, and set them an encouraging example to endure it with cheerfulness. They, like the shepherds and his first disciples, are delivered from their natural prejudices, and are enabled ' to behold his glory,' through the vail of his outward humiliation, ' as the glory of the only begotten of the Father.' And his condescension in 'becoming poor for their sake, that they through his poverty might be made rich,' affects their hearts with admiration and gratitude.'

It is incredible that we would reject the Messiah because his love in serving us is simply too great.

Next week's reading
Read Sermon XI (Messiah's entrance into Jerusalem).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.