ADVENT 2019: JOY
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)
This verse is from the story of Jesus’ birth. The angels appeared to the shepherds in the fields announcing that a baby has been born in a manger. Why did the angel describe the news about the Savior’s birth as such good news that would bring “great joy”?
1. It’s great news for sinners.
The Bible says that if you have not received Jesus Christ as your Savior, whether you realize it or not, you are in the greatest possible danger—eternal danger. A person who dies without Christ, will have to stand before a holy God against whom they have willfully disobeyed. The Bible says, “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment”. (Hebrews 9:27) Against the backdrop of Hebrews 9:27, the message that the Savior has been born is the best of all imaginable news, because it brings the promise of eternal life to guilty sinners.
2. It brings great joy because it’s true news.
We struggle today to know what we hear and read on social media, or by the mainstream media is true. “Fake news” has become a familiar phrase. If the news that Jesus Christ is born as the Savior is nothing more than a nice legend that warms our hearts every Christmas, then let’s remove it forever, because it’s offering hope for life after death where there is none. However, Luke wants us to know that this news is true and tells us that he had investigated everything carefully from the beginning. His gospel account about the life of Jesus was the result of methodical research. Since the Bible is the inspired Word of God, we can believe every word written as truth.
3. It’s great news about Christ the Lord.
The earth has never known anyone like Jesus. He is totally unique! Our verses in Luke tell us that He is the Christ. The word “Christ” is Greek for “anointed one” (the Hebrew is “Messiah”) He is Christ the Lord. The same word is used in Luke 2:9 and 23 refer to God. The Savior born in Bethlehem is God in human flesh. He alone qualifies to be the Savior of the world!
4. It brings great joy for all people who receive Him.
The good news about Jesus is that He comes to all, including the plain and ordinary. He comes to anyone with a heart humble enough to turn to Him as their Savior and Lord. Jesus is ready to forgive us no matter who we are, or whatever we’ve done. Being fully God and perfect Man He died on the cross and shed his own sinless blood so that we could know the joy of a relationship with the Triune God, Father, Son and Spirit.
For Discussion/Reflection:
Joy means happy, delight or rejoice. What are some things that bring us joy at Christmas?
The angels stated that the news of Jesus ‘birth brings great joy. Have we personally experienced the joy of Jesus being in our lives?
How can the joy that Jesus provides be known and experienced all year long? Is this joy dependent on our circumstances? Why or why not?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus who came to be the Savior for everyone who trusts in Him. Thank you that He has brought joy like no one or thing ever could bring! Help us to remember that Jesus is the source of true joy and may we have courage to share Him with those we know this Christmas season.
Author: Randy White, Elder, Teaching Pastor