Joy To The World Series

JOY TO THE WORLD

Luke 2:1-20

Introduction

Christmas brings a lot of stress: emotional, financial, decorations, gifts, gatherings, travel. Have you ever been tempted to skip it? John Grisham’s Skipping Christmas was made into a movie called Christmas With the Kranks. The lesson learned was that even if you were to try – you probably can’t skip Christmas. If there ever was a time when the world needs Christmas, it is now. The whole world seems to be at war, in one realm or another. There are so many things that are heavy on our hearts: illness, discouragement, grief or hard decisions we need to make. We need Christmas - not the commercial trappings of the season- the reality and wonder of the truth of the season.

J. B. Phillips “I find this a great mystery and a great wonder. God has been here on this planet in person. What we are celebrating is not the feast of jolly old Father Christmas or good King Wenceslaus, or a beautiful fairy tale. We are celebrating the visit of God. How marvelous!” (Read Luke 2:1-7)

1. Christmas Reminds Us…

God Came Looking For Us. He is not elusive or hard to find, in fact, God is looking for you. He revealed himself to us before we could even look for him. John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” He is not hiding – he wants to be known, found.

God Loves Us. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." He loves us. He wants to live with us forever.  So many feel unloved and alone. Life can be hard and leave us feeling empty. But always know that if Christmas teaches us anything, it lets us know that we are not alone, we are loved deeply. 

God Understands Us. Whatever we experience in this life is understood by God because he has been here … been one of us. Hebrews 4:15  "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." When we feel lonely, that others are not treating us right, that temptation is so strong, that we are struggling – Jesus can say, “I know what that’s like.”

His very name … Immanuel – means “God With Us”. Hebrews 4:16 'Let us then with confidence draw near to the

throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

2. The Angelic Message: God Sent a Savior! (Luke 2:8-20)

The Shepherds were “in the fields nearby”. Alfred Eidersheim suggests that these shepherds were those who raised the sheep that would be used for sacrifices in the temple. Shepherds: despised class and had a bad reputation. Most people in the biblical world make their living in agriculture, and the herding of sheep and goats is

prominent in their economy. Who are some of the well known people in Israel’s history that were shepherds? Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David. The nature of their work kept them from observing the ceremonial laws so important to religious people. Shepherds “were considered unreliable and were not allowed to give testimony in the law-courts.” Of course, not all shepherds would fit this stereotype – many were probably humble and devout individuals. Would we have chosen a group of poor shepherds to hear the greatest news ever proclaimed? – God did!

Notice the powerful words of the Angel’s Appearance:

JOY  I bring you good news of great joy. Not filled with joy? Are you listening to the wrong messengers?

ALL - That will be for all the people. Jesus came for all.

SAVIOR - Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. There is Joy available because there is a Savior. Many reject the Savior, but what about you?

CHRIST - He is Christ the Lord. Christ = anointed one, chosen one. If Christ is the Lord, there is no other. If Christ

is the Lord, will He be anything else in your life?

MANGER - This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Jesus was not born in a palace, though he left the palaces of heaven to come to earth. The humility of Jesus points to his accessibility … you can reach Him … He is not far.

GLORY - Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest.” Arising from the gritty reality of this scene comes the shining glory of God! This is not just a happening, it is infused with the wonder and power of God!