The Greatest Gift of All The Joy Of Christmas

The Joy That Came to Earth

Luke 2:8–11 NKJV

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 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. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Summary: The theme of the joy of Christmas highlights the profound joy that the birth of Jesus Christ brought into the world, a joy rooted in hope, love, and salvation.

Application: This message reminds Christians and others that true joy transcends circumstances and can be found in the person of Jesus. It encourages individuals to embrace the joy of the season, sharing it with those around them, especially during difficult times.

Teaching: This sermon I pray teaches us that joy is not merely an emotion but a deep-seated reality that comes from a relationship with Christ, especially evident during the Christmas season when we celebrate His birth and the hope He brings.

How this passage points to Christ: The joy of Christmas finds its ultimate expression in Jesus as Emmanuel, God with us. Throughout scripture, Christ is the fulfillment of joy and hope, beginning with His humble birth and extending to His redemptive work on the cross and resurrection.

The Big Idea I want you to take away with you today is that: True joy is found in the celebration of Jesus Christ's birth and the message of hope and salvation He brings to all humanity. especially to you.

1. Proclaiming Perfect Joy

Luke 2:8-11

Imagine a group of shepherds after a long night watching over their flock. They are tired and probably a bit grumpy. Suddenly, an angel appears, bringing them good news of great joy! This surprise announcement reflects how joy can break into our lives unexpectedly, no matter where we are or what circumstances we're in. Just like those shepherds, we too can find joy that lifts us from our mundane routines and encourages us to share it with others.

Picture a cozy living room filled with people of all ages, laughing and sharing stories during the holidays. Each person brings a different background, but they all share in the joy of being together. Similarly, the angels' message to the shepherds shattered social barriers, bringing joy to the most unexpected of people. This Christmas, let's open our hearts to welcome everyone into our celebrations, just as the angels welcomed all to partake in the joy of Christ’s birth.

This week, you may feel overwhelmed with the demands of life, making it hard to experience joy. Schedule a family night where everyone shares one joyful moment from their week, reinforcing the idea that joy can be found in all circumstances. As you listen to each other, remind yourselves of Jesus' birth and how joy was given to the humble shepherds, and let this spark gratitude and connection within your home.

If you’ve noticed a lot of negativity in your community or social media, think of how the joy of Jesus was shared with those at the margins. Organize a community service day where you and your friends engage in a local outreach—like visiting a retirement home or helping at a food bank. Document your experience on social media, focusing on the joy you witness and share, just like the angels did, showcasing the inclusivity of Christ’s joy.

2. Promised Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6 NASB95

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

The term "Wonderful Counselor" here Isaiah 9:6 as one of the titles given to a prophesied figure Of Jesus Christ a counselor was typically an employee of the royal court, advising the king on matters such as national defense and war plans. This title suggests qualities of great wisdom and the ability to guide and direct

So What does that mean to you Simple He is not just a counselor but the wonderful counselor who is able to lead guide and direct your steps So that if you listen to His good council you are forever blessed and eternally rewarded

Imagine a child lost in a busy mall, feeling overwhelmed and afraid. Just then, a loving parent approaches, kneeling down to reassure the child: 'I am here; let me guide you home.' In the same way, Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, gently guides us through life's chaos, offering wisdom and comfort if we choose to listen to Him.

Eternal Father

Psalm 103:13 NASB95

Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.

God is one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Is it strange, then, for Isaiah to describe the Son as “Everlasting Father”? What does that mean? Jesus reveals God the Father, and he is the Word of the Father in the flesh. But how is Jesus the “Everlasting Father”?

“Everlasting Father” is a term used to describe the caring relationship between a protector and those under his charge. A king was sometimes described as the father of his people. Job used the term to describe himself as “a father to the needy”

Job 29:16 NKJV

I was a father to the poor, And I searched out the case that I did not know.

Think of the relationship between a father and his children. At his best, a father wants and seeks what is good for his children. It might not always be what they want, but it is for their good. A father loves, protects, nurtures, and provides. Jesus establishes this kind of relationship with the children of God. Earthly fathers fail, even to the point of distorting our understanding of God the Father. But God our Father never fails us. Christ’s care and provision for the children of God is unchanging and secure. Jesus is the Everlasting Father; there is nothing temporary or passing about his steadfast love and abiding faithfulness.

Mighty God

Job 36:5 NASB95

“Behold, God is mighty but does not despise any; He is mighty in strength of understanding.

Mighty to SAVE

Isaiah thru Ezekiel God Is Mighty to Save (63:1–64:12)

63:1–64:12

Isaiah 63:1–64:12 NASB95

Who is this who comes from Edom, With garments of glowing colors from Bozrah, This One who is majestic in His apparel, Marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” Why is Your apparel red, And Your garments like the one who treads in the wine press? “I have trodden the wine trough alone, And from the peoples there was no man with Me. I also trod them in My anger And trampled them in My wrath; And their lifeblood is sprinkled on My garments, And I stained all My raiment. “For the day of vengeance was in My heart, And My year of redemption has come. “I looked, and there was no one to help, And I was astonished and there was no one to uphold; So My own arm brought salvation to Me, And My wrath upheld Me. “I trod down the peoples in My anger And made them drunk in My wrath, And I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.” I shall make mention of the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, According to all that the Lord has granted us, And the great goodness toward the house of Israel, Which He has granted them according to His compassion And according to the abundance of His lovingkindnesses. For He said, “Surely, they are My people, Sons who will not deal falsely.” So He became their Savior. In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled And grieved His Holy Spirit; Therefore He turned Himself to become their enemy, He fought against them. Then His people remembered the days of old, of Moses. Where is He who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is He who put His Holy Spirit in the midst of them, Who caused His glorious arm to go at the right hand of Moses, Who divided the waters before them to make for Himself an everlasting name, Who led them through the depths? Like the horse in the wilderness, they did not stumble; As the cattle which go down into the valley, The Spirit of the Lord gave them rest. So You led Your people, To make for Yourself a glorious name. Look down from heaven and see from Your holy and glorious habitation; Where are Your zeal and Your mighty deeds? The stirrings of Your heart and Your compassion are restrained toward me. For You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us And Israel does not recognize us. You, O Lord, are our Father, Our Redeemer from of old is Your name. Why, O Lord, do You cause us to stray from Your ways And harden our heart from fearing You? Return for the sake of Your servants, the tribes of Your heritage. Your holy people possessed Your sanctuary for a little while, Our adversaries have trodden it down. We have become like those over whom You have never ruled, Like those who were not called by Your name. Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, That the mountains might quake at Your presence— As fire kindles the brushwood, as fire causes water to boil— To make Your name known to Your adversaries, That the nations may tremble at Your presence! When You did awesome things which we did not expect, You came down, the mountains quaked at Your presence. For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, Nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him. You meet him who rejoices in doing righteousness, Who remembers You in Your ways. Behold, You were angry, for we sinned, We continued in them a long time; And shall we be saved? For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls on Your name, Who arouses himself to take hold of You; For You have hidden Your face from us And have delivered us into the power of our iniquities. But now, O Lord, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand. Do not be angry beyond measure, O Lord, Nor remember iniquity forever; Behold, look now, all of us are Your people. Your holy cities have become a wilderness, Zion has become a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and beautiful house, Where our fathers praised You, Has been burned by fire; And all our precious things have become a ruin. Will You restrain Yourself at these things, O Lord? Will You keep silent and afflict us beyond measure?

Prince of Peace

New Living Translation Peace

Peace

Be full of peace (Psalm 34:14)

Jesus is known as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6–7)

Wicked people will not know peace (Isaiah 48:22)

We can have peace with God (Isaiah 53:5)

Make peace with others quickly (Matthew 5:23–26)

The peace Jesus gives is different than the world’s peace (John 14:27)

Jesus gives us peace (Romans 5:1)

Peace is evidence of the Holy Spirit working in our lives (Galatians 5:22)

We can have peace through prayer

We can Have Peace Knowing That though we have not warned or could we earn our salvation which means to be free from the punishment of our sin He gave himself to us that those who trust in Him should not perish but have everlasting life

In Romans 1 It says that there is no men without excuse because God has made himself known to all men but because they did not regard him as

God he handed them over to a reprobate mind

For these there is no peace because all they have left is the fearful expectation of wrath

But with the believer we can have peace

Silvias aunt

Look how Isaiah's prophetic announcement of Jesus' birth afforded joy and hope to a waiting world. The wondrous titles of Christ reinforce the gravity and depth of the joy found in Him.

This can reassure us that joy comes from recognizing Jesus’ sovereignty and His roles in our lives. When we die to ourselves we truly begin to live and live in him

3. Presence Bringing Joy

John 1:14 NASB95

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Consider how Christ’s incarnation his birth if you will—God becoming flesh—embodies the fulness of joy, as God’s love and grace physically entered the world. This incarnational joy invites everyone to find fulfillment and identity in being part of God's family. It inspires us to recognize the joy in God’s presence among us.

Imagine a child waiting for their parent to return home after a long day. The moment the door opens, joy lights up their face as they run into their parent’s arms. This simple yet profound example reflects how Christ’s incarnation brings us similar joy—God physically entered our world to embrace us, inviting us into His family, and offering us the fulfillment we seek. Just as

In the book of Luke, the shepherds received the joyful news of Christ’s birth that transformed their lives. They rushed to see Him, leaving behind their mundane tasks to embrace the joy of His presence. This biblical scene demonstrates how God's love extended into our daily lives, inviting us to experience jubilant fulfillment in being part of His family.

If you have this kind of relationship with God, let its depth and security embrace you This Holiday season may it give you peace and comfort may you cry out in joy and thanksgiving.

If not, commit your life to Jesus, the Everlasting Father. that He may care for you watch out for you guide you council you