# 3 Joy to the World - No more let sins and sorrow grow - Luke 2:1-20

Introduction: Don’t you just love this time of the year? I love Christmas! As we approach our textin Luke 2:1-20, we find the familiar and beloved story of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Luke invites us to reflect on the joy, peace, and freedom that Christ’s coming brings.

Our theme this Christmas is “Joy to the World the Lord is Come”. In that song we have the following words, “No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground.” This line captures the essence of the gospel message: Jesus came to break the power of sin and sorrow, to free us from the curse of the Fall, and to restore the joy and peace that were lost. Who doesn’t need God’s peace in their lives?

I believe that what most people really want for Christmas is freedom from sin, and the joy and the peace that only Jesus Christ can provide. So often though they reject the very thing they are searching for. Don’t be one of those who make that mistake.

Anxiety seems to rule over the hearts of quite a few people, and the gospel is all about how Jesus Christ wants to replace troubled hearts with His peace – Jesus even said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27). Isn’t that what you want this Christmas? God’s peace! It’s available through Jesus Christ.

As we get into our text, we will explore five key points that show how the birth of Christ signals the end of sin’s reign and the beginning of new life in Him.

I. God Enters Our World in Humility – 2:1-7

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. 7And 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.

The story begins with Caesar Augustus issuing a decree for a census, and as a result, Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem. Mary goes into labor, and Jesus, the King of kings, is born in a manger. What an ordinary, humble setting. The Savior of the world entered our brokenness in the most unexpected and humble way. Would you have written the story like this? Probably not.

Just as Jesus entered the world in humility, He also desires to enter our lives, no matter how broken or humble our circumstances may be. There is no sin or sorrow too great for Him to handle. You and I can invite Him into every aspect of our lives, knowing that He meets us right where we are. He enters our mess and transforms it with His grace and love.

Thank God for the birth of Jesus Christ – He entered our world – personalize this – He entered your world. Thank Him!

2. Jesus Brings Good News of Great Joy – 2:8-10

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. 10Then 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.

The angel appears to shepherds—lowly, overlooked members of society—and announces, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” The birth of Jesus is not just an event for the privileged or the elite but for all people, regardless of status, background, or history.

How many of you grew up in Church singing, Jesus Loves the Little Children? Here are the lyrics for that song:

Jesus loves the little children All the children of the world Red and yellow, black and white They are precious in His sight Jesus loves the little children of the world

Jesus died for all the children All the children of the world Red and yellow, black and white They are precious in His sight Jesus died for all the children of the world

Our God is not a respecter of persons. Jesus Christ came into our world for everyone – this means you too!

Isn’t that great news – Jesus is for everyone!

· Those who feel forgotten.

· Those who feel unworthy.

· Those who feel far from God.

This message of “great joy” should motivate us to share the gospel with others. Just as the angels announced the good news to the shepherds, we are called to proclaim the joy and hope found in Jesus to our family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. No one is beyond the reach of God’s love.

May God help us to use this Christmas season to reach at least one person with the Good News of the Gospel. Can I encourage us to invite at least one other person to be a part of our Christmas Eve Service?

3. Jesus Is the Cure for Sin and Sorrow – 2:11-12

11 For there is born to youthis day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

The ESV reads, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Jesus came not just as a teacher or a prophet but as the Savior who would free humanity from the curse of sin and death. Jesus’ birth marks the beginning of the end of the reign of sin and sorrow in the world.

There are a lot of people living under the weight of sin and sorrow, feeling trapped by guilt, shame, or hopelessness. But the Savior has come to set us free! Through Jesus, we can experience forgiveness and release from the chains of sin. We no longer need to live under the dominion of sorrow or brokenness because Jesus has conquered them on our behalf. If you are carrying the burden of sin or sadness today, bring it to Jesus (1 Peter 5:7 – casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you), knowing that He offers healing, forgiveness, and restoration (Romans 5:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus is the master healer!

4. Peace Comes Through Jesus Alone – 2:13-14

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!”

What a message to the shepherds from the angelic hosts. They proclaimed a message of Good News – “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” What a great Christmas gift from God – peace and goodwill toward men.

Listen up – The birth of Jesus brings peace—peace with God, peace within ourselves, and peace with others. This peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of wholeness and reconciliation.

I believe that there are a lot of people who long for peace in in their lives, but true peace can only be found in Christ. We may seek peace in our relationships, finances, or circumstances, but lasting peace comes from being reconciled to God through Jesus. If we want to experience peace during life's chaos, we must draw near to Christ, who is the Prince of Peace. Let us commit to living in that peace by pursuing a deeper relationship with Him and reflecting His peace in our relationships with others.

Let this also be a season where we seek to extend peace to all those around us. A season of peace – now that is a comforting thought.

5. Respond with Praise and Proclamation – 2:15-20

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

After the shepherds witness the birth of Jesus, they immediately go out to spread the word about what they have seen and heard – these individuals were the first Good News Evangelists! They glorify and praise God for all that He has done. Their encounter with the newborn Savior leads them to worship and proclaim the good news to others.

When we encounter the grace and love of Jesus, the natural response should be worship and proclamation.Like the shepherds, we are called to share the good news with others. Who is on your list of sharing the Good News this Christmas season?

Our praise of God should not be confined to church services only but should overflow into every area of our lives. Let us ask ourselves: Are we living in such a way that others see the joy and peace of Christ in us? Do our words and actions point others to the Savior?

Conclusion: As we reflect on the birth of Christ through the lens of Luke 2:1-20, we see that His coming truly does mean an end to the reign of sin and sorrow. Jesus’ humble entry into the world brought with it Good News of Great Joy, the promise of salvation, peace, and the hope of a restored relationship with God.

“No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground,” because the Savior has come! As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us live in the freedom and joy that He brings, and let us share that good news with a world in desperate need of hope and peace.

Let us remember these five key points:

1. Jesus enters our lives in humility, ready to meet us where we are.

2. The good news of His birth brings joy for all people.

3. He is the Savior who breaks the power of sin and sorrow.

4. True peace comes only through Him.

5. Our response should be worship and proclamation of His goodness.