Five Reasons Why Christmas Is Good News
Read Luke 2:1-14
1” 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, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 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. 8 Now there were in the same country 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. 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. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!"
Luke 2:1-14 (NKJV)
1. Because it banishes fear. (v.10)
Fear is the most crippling human emotion. It paralyzes soldiers in the mist of battle. It stops a young boy from asking a young lady to dance. It keeps Christians from sharing the life saving message of the Bible.
Over three hundred times in the Bible you find the words Fear Not.
Jesus is walking on the water – the disciple are afraid – what is the first thing he says. Don’t be afraid.
Luke 12:6-7 “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? Fear not therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows.”
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of sound mind.”
God wants fear out of your life. In fact 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love cases out fear.”
The angel brought good news – we don’t need to fear.
2. Because it brings great joy. (v.10)
Notice the Bible doesn’t say great happiness – it says joy. My happiness comes and goes – but my joy endures forever. When Elizabeth saw Mary the Bible says John the Baptist, who was still in his mother’s womb, leaped for joy.
One of the fruits of the Spirit is Joy. Love, joy, peace.
3. Because it is for everybody. (v.10)
It is good news for everyone; red yellow black or white. Everyone regardless of age, gender, height or shortness, educational level, the whosoever will and the whosoever won’ts
This is good news it’s for everyone.
4. Because it is for me. (v.11)
This is about God’s Christmas present to me. Do you know what – God so loved me that he sent his son – that if I believe in him I will not perish – but I’ll have eternal life.
You know for a long time I believed that Jesus died for us. But you it was not until I realized that Jesus died for me – that I became saved. Salvation comes to individuals. It come to our own door. “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door. I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me.” Rev. 3:20
5. Because it is about a Savior. (v.11)
Folks if I was having a plumbing problem I would need a plumber. If I was a car problem I would need a mechanic. If I was having an electrical problem I would need an electrician.
But I have a sin problem – I need a savior – and guess what – that is what God sent. He sent Jesus who is the Christ.
That’s why I think it’s good news!
