Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post.

Text: Luke 2:1–14

Title: A Christmas Carol

Introduction: Luke 2:14 has been called the first Christmas poem. I don’t know that it was sung (verse 13 used the word “saying”), but it is certainly worthy of our attention. There we see the angels glorifying God at the birth of the Saviour. There is no envy present in their carol of praise, no tinge of jealousy, no desire for the attention that belongs to Christ and Him alone. And there is no pride, no proprietary attitude, no hint that, “We are somebody because we knew what was happening before the rest of the world.” There is just pure, unadulterated praise.

I. This Is a Carol of Praise

A. The Person of Praise

B. The Purpose of Praise

II. This Is a Carol of Peace

A. It Tells Us of a Present Peace

B. It Is a Prophetic Peace

III. This Is a Carol of Potential

A. God’s Plan

B. God’s Provision

Conclusion: Jesus came to bring us salvation. It is He who makes peace on earth and goodwill toward men possible.