Joy To The World Series

Title: Joy to the World

Theme: To show how the coming of Christ means joy.

Text: Luke 2:1 - 18

Luk 2:1-18 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. (2) This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. (3) So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. (4) Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, (2 Samuel 7:12 – 13) (5) to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

Seems like happenstance. Caesar Augustus had no idea what he was dong. But God was working behind the scenes. He was preparing for prophecy to be fulfilled. This child had to be born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2. God was setting things up.

I want to remind you, never underestimate the power of to fulfill His purpose and promise.

Never underestimate the power of God to fulfill His purpose and promise in your life.

(6) So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. (7) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Shepherds - Joy

(8) Now there were in the same country (outside Bethlehem) shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. (9) And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

Fear will set in when we are called to do something great for the Lord. We need to make sure that we do not let fear limit us.

(10) Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. (11) For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Savior – saved from being perished

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:4-7

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: John 1:12

Christ – Messiah – the prophetic anointed one

Isa 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Christ – Reconciled

It is estimated that there are over 300 Messianic Prophecies in the Old Testament. (*see bottom for a few) To say that the coming of Jesus is the greatest thing to happen in Human History is an understatement.

Hark the Herald Angel Sings

HARK! the Herald Angels sing

Glory to the new-born King!

Peace on Earth, and Mercy mild,

God and Sinners reconcil'd.

Joyful all ye Nations rise,

Join the Triumphs of the Skies;

Nature rise and worship him,

Who is born at Bethlehem.

Lord – God became flesh. Wow!

(12) And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." (preparing for death and resurrection)

(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, goodwill toward men!"

God reconciled to the people

Rom 8:18-22 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (19) For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. (20) For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; (21) because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (22) For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.