Miracles in the Margins: The Shepherds

In this Advent message, Pastor Ed Hedding preaches from Luke 2:8–20 and highlights how God brings extraordinary purpose into ordinary lives. The shepherds—overlooked, marginalized, and considered insignificant—were chosen to receive the very first announcement of Christ’s birth. Their story challenges every listener to see how God works powerfully through availability, humility, and obedience.

This sermon emphasizes the shepherds’ faithfulness in the ordinary rhythms of life. While they were performing their daily responsibilities, God revealed His glory and entrusted them with a message meant for the world. Their response was immediate: they listened, they acted, they worshiped, and they shared what they had seen. Pastor Webb encourages believers to cultivate the same posture—staying attentive to God’s voice through Scripture, prayer, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

The message also explores how genuine faith is measured through action. Just as the shepherds moved quickly toward Bethlehem, Christians are called to step forward in obedience when God reveals His direction. Their joyful witness becomes an example of how experiencing Jesus naturally overflows into sharing Jesus. This sermon invites every follower of Christ to rediscover the wonder of the Christmas story, to embrace God’s timing, and to live with readiness to be used for His kingdom purposes.