When Joy Goes Viral

When Joy Goes Viral: Sharing the Christmas Story

Text: Luke 2:1–20 Big Idea: Christmas cheer is best when it is shared with others. Application: We can share the good news of what Christmas is about with those who do not know Jesus yet.

Introduction

Merry Christmas!

What does that mean to you?

Merry =

Prayer

THE BIRTH

I. The Birth is the Good News (v.1–7)

Luke 2:1–7 ESV

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to 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, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Point: Jesus’ birth is God’s gift to the world.

Explanation: Even in humble circumstances, the Savior of the world came.

Think of this situation…

Caesar Augustus

massive undertaking

worldly kingdom / travelers

Joseph

new husband

distance travel

new father

Mary

young lady / new mother

outdoor birth

This is/was the Birth that the world was waiting for = God fulfills His promises in Christ

Isaiah 7:14 — “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son…”

Micah 5:2 — Bethlehem foretold as the birthplace of the Messiah.

Genesis 3:15 — The first promise of a Redeemer.

2 Samuel 7:12–13 — The promise to David that his descendant would reign forever.

Creation / Fall / Promise

Abraham / David / Promise

Mary / Joseph / Fulfillment

Illustration: A small candle in a dark room can change everything; Jesus’ arrival illuminates our lives.

Key Thought: Jesus’ birth fulfills God’s promises.

Illustration: Just as a map guides travelers, God’s plan guides humanity to salvation.

Application: Recognize that Christmas is about more than gifts—it’s about the life-changing gift of Jesus.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT

II. The Announcement to the Shepherds (v.8–14)

Luke 2:8–14 ESV

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 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. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among those with whom he is pleased!”

Explanation: Shepherds were lowly, overlooked, yet they were the first to hear the message.

Point: God’s announcement of our savior is for anyone anywhere!

Think of this situation…

Shepherds in the Field

keeping watch

night

Angel of the Lord

glory of the Lord

filled with fear

angel speaks

The Announcement !!

Today - Savior born = The Christ = The Lord

For ALL people

a Baby in a manger !!

This is/was the Announcement the world needs to hear

Adam / Abraham / Prophets / Parents / People

General / Personal !!

1. God gives His message to the humble and overlooked

1 Corinthians 1:26–29 — God chooses the lowly things of the world.

James 2:5 — God chooses the poor to be rich in faith.

Isaiah 61:1 — The good news proclaimed to the poor, broken, and captive.

2. The gospel is for all people

Isaiah 52:7 — “How beautiful are the feet” of the bringer of good news.

Acts 2:39 — The promise is “for all who are far off.”

Romans 1:16 — The gospel is the power of God for everyone who believes.

Revelation 7:9–10 — A multitude from every nation, tribe, and people worshiping the Lamb.

Key Thought: This story is your story! This savior is your savior! This announcement is your announcement!

Application: No matter who you are where you’re from what you have done this Savior is for you!

This is an announcement of good news and great joy!!!

THE RESPONSE

III. The Response of Joyful Witnesses (v.15–20)

Luke 2:15–20 ESV

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Explanation: They went to see Jesus and then told everyone, spreading the message.

Point: True joy is shared; the shepherds couldn’t keep the good news to themselves.

Picture the situation…

Shepherds

Angels disappear - hallucination… no way!

night

flock = livelihood

searching… found !!

AMAZEMENT!!!!

Town Folk / Inn

Late / sleeping

Shepherds

looking for a baby / manger

Mary / Joseph

Staying in a stable… son of God?

Shepherds ?? / strangers

Angels / announcements

400 years of Silence

Creation / fall / promise / prince !!!

This is the Response He deserves

King of Kings

Died for You

Freedom / Future / Hope / Peace / Joy!!!

When JOY goes viral !!

1. When we encounter Jesus, we respond with witness

Acts 4:20 — “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

John 1:40–42 — Andrew meets Jesus → immediately goes to tell Peter.

John 4:28–30 — The Samaritan woman leaves her jar to tell the whole village.

2. Joy leads to praise and proclamation

Psalm 96:1–3 — “Proclaim His salvation day after day.”

Psalm 40:9–10 — Not hiding God’s righteousness but speaking of His faithfulness.

Philippians 4:4 — “Rejoice in the Lord always.”

1 Peter 1:8–9 — Joy that is “inexpressible and filled with glory.”

3. God uses ordinary people to spread extraordinary news

Acts 8:4 — Ordinary believers scattered “went about preaching the word.”

Matthew 28:19–20 — The Great Commission given to all disciples.

Romans 10:14–15 — People cannot believe unless someone tells them.

These echo the shepherds’ experience—the first evangelists who carried joy outward.

Illustration: Happiness multiplies when shared—like lighting candles from one flame to another.

Point: The shepherds’ joy was contagious—they shared what they had seen.

Key Thought: Christmas is not just personal joy—it is communal.

Key Thought: Evangelism begins with willingness, not status.

Application: Invite someone to experience Jesus personally; don’t keep the good news to yourself.

Illustration: The shepherds were like the first responders of God’s message, carrying joy to others.

Illustration: A shepherd’s night watch became the platform for proclaiming God’s glory.

Illustration: Like a ripple in water, one act of sharing spreads far beyond our sight.

Application: Step out in courage to tell someone about Jesus this Christmas.

Application: No matter who you are, you can share the good news with someone today.

Application: Share the story of Jesus’ birth with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

Conclusion: Christmas is best when the joy of Jesus is shared!

Like the shepherds, we are called to spread the good news of Christ to those who haven’t heard.

The shepherds remind us that Christmas is an invitation: God’s good news is for everyone.

Our joy multiplies when we share Jesus with others.

Small Group Questions

1. When you think about the Christmas story, what part of Jesus’ humble birth stands out most to you—and why do you think God chose such simple surroundings for the arrival of the King?

2. How does seeing God’s sovereignty in the census, the journey to Bethlehem, and the timing of Christ’s birth help you trust His plans in your own life?

3. The birth of Jesus fulfilled promises made over thousands of years. Which Old Testament promise or prophecy about the Messiah encourages your faith the most?

4. Why do you think God chose shepherds—the overlooked, ordinary, and marginalized—to receive the announcement first? What does that teach us about God’s heart?

5. The angel said the news was for “all people.” Who are some people in your life who might feel like the good news is not for them? Why might they feel that way?

6. The shepherds responded to the message immediately (“with haste”). What keeps us from responding quickly to God’s promptings today?

7. The shepherds shared what they had seen and heard. In your own experience, what makes sharing Jesus with others difficult? What helps you share more boldly?

8. Mary “treasured up and pondered” these things in her heart. What spiritual practices help you pause, reflect, and treasure what God is doing in your life?

9. Joy “went viral” through the shepherds as they praised God and told others. How has someone else’s joy or testimony impacted your faith recently?

10. Who is one person God may be calling you to share the good news with this Christmas? What is one practical step you can take this week?