Good News Of Great Joy

Introduction

The angel of the Lord declared Fear Not for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Wow what a powerful proclamation!

in a time when the world is filled with uncertainty and fear, these words pierce through the darkness and shine a light of hope.

Can I share with you today that this message of Christmas is not just about a story of a baby in a manger, it is the very essence of our faith. It is a declaration that God has not forgotten us. Fact of the matter He has come to us!

The angel’s announcement is a reminder that joy is not found in circumstance but in the presence of our Savior.

Look back and imagine the shepherds out in the field tending to their flock by night.

can I tell you they were ordinary men, living ordinary lives, yet they were chosen to receive this extra ordinary message.

Can I tell you that just like God, to choose the humble and the lowly to reveal His glory.

My brothers and sisters if you feel insignificant or overlooked , you need to remember that God sees you. He knows your name, and He has a purpose for your life.

The angel continues, For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord.

This is the heart of the Christmas message

A Savior has been born! not just a Savior but Christ the Lord, the Messiah we have longed awaited.

Aren’t you glad This proclamation was not just for the elite or the powerful, it is for all people. Fact it’s a universal call to embrace tjhe hope and joy that comes from knowing Jesus. So as we spend sometime reflecting on this joyous announcement let us open our hearts to the good news that transcends time and speaks directly to our souls today.

I. The Humble Setting of the Announcement

The setting of the text is a humble one with a Divine announcement. Can I tell you shepherds were often marginalized in society often looked down on but God uses them to be the first to hear the good news.

I tell you often be careful how you treat people because God has a heart for the lowly and overlooked people.

A. The Shepherds Role

See in biblical times shepherds were seen as unclean and were often shunned by the religious elite. and yet these are the men that the angel of the Lord appears to. This should reminds us that God does not measure worth by society standards. God chooses the humble to reveal His glory.

Humble Setting

B. City of David

The announcement comes from Bethlehem the city of David, the fulfilling of prophecy of Micah 5:2

significant because it shows that God’s plan was set in motion long before that night.

can I tell God orchestrated every detail proving that His promises are trustworthy and true.

Humble Setting

C. The Timing of the Arrival

The shepherds were out in the field at night, at a time of darkness and uncertainty. But it was this very darkness that the light of Christ broke through.

My Brothers and Sisters

no matter how dark your circumstance may seem God’s light can shine through.

You need to remember God is present in our darkest hour and He’s not just present but he is ready to bring hope and joy.

II. The Message of Salvation

Yes the message of salvation is the central message of this passage the birth of our Savior Christ the Lord.

can i say it again

This declaration is the heart of the Christmas story and the essence of our faith.

A. The Gift of a Savior

The angel proclaims “For unto you is born this day a Savior” This is not just a historical event in time.

It’s the fulfillment of God’s promise to save His people from their sins.

Jesus came to bridge the gap between a holy God and a sinful humanity.

B. The Identity If Christ

NOTICE

He is not just any savior He is Christ the Lord This title emphasizes His divinity and authority. Christ is the Messiah they had long awaited He was the one who would take away the sins of the world. When acknowledge Him as Lord. Can I tell you when do that that places Him in the rightful place in our lives.

C. The Universality of the Message

The angel declares that this good new is for ‘All People”

Can i tell you this was a radical statement because it breaks down barriers of race, class, and nationality.

In other words the message was for everybody

The gospel is inclusive, inviting everyone to experience the joy of salvation.

Aren’t you glad that no one is beyond the reach of God’s Grace.

The Humble Setting

The Message of Salvation

III. Our Response to the Good News

Finally on my way back to my seat can i tell you we must consider our response to this incredible news. The shepherds reaction should serve as a model for us today.

they didn’t sit and talk about it but they started to be about it when they heard the announcement the shepherds couldn’t keep it to themselves they went out to Bethlehem telling everybody they could about they had just experienced.

Well My Brothers and Sisters what about if you dont know him why wont you get to know Him and if you already know Him why aren’t you out tell everybody you know about Him.

B. The Joy of Sharing

The shepherds didn’t wanna keep it for themselves so they went and told it with Joy how about you do you get joy in sharing Jesus. I still get joy when i think about all that he’s done for me you should ask yourself am i keeping it to myself if so you ought to go tell somebody about Jesus.

tell about

C. The Transformation of Lives

The shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard their lives would forever be changed by this encounter.

That’s what i like about Him if you meet Him you can’t stay the same it transforms you from the inside out.

Thats why i can sing this Joy I Have they world didn’t give it to me and thje world cant take it away because it anchored in Jesus