Joy & Peace

What makes Christmas so special?

Lights, music, gifts, family, friends, and experiences.

The joy’s of this season do not simply come from all that is seen and heard.

What if we could see what is unseen?

What would it be like for the spiritual world to become visible to our physical world?

Luke 2:8–20 NASB95

8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared 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 men with whom He is pleased.” 15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

As a class, shepherds had a bad reputation.

Were not allowed to observe the ceremonial law.

Socially considered unreliable and were not allowed to give testimony in the law-courts.

1. Heavenly acceptance is not influenced by cultural standards.

Angel - messenger. God employs angels from Heaven to do His bidding.

Will be active in Christ’s return ()

Active on earth presently ()

Live in Heaven

The invisible world was suddenly available to the shepherds.

The appearance of the angels struck fear into them.

“Don’t be afraid… Good news for all the people.”

Not just a message for the Jews. But by them and afterwards for the whole world.

Good news is often not for everyone.

- raises, politics, work positions, taxes, etc.

Culturally, we subconsciously keep good news from spreading. Heave is a place for everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord.

The fact that the angels shared the news to lowly shepherds ought to enlighten our understanding into the the heart of God.

There is no biblical basis for anyone to be held off of God’s or His church.

No matter what cultural or political standard there is.

2. Heavenly joy strikes a chord in every direction.

The angel spoke of good news that would bring great joy.

“Be the opposite of afraid… Instead feel joy!”

“Messiah (Christ) the Lord”

Messiah - anointed one. Christ has similar meaning.

Anointing was a special service offered to a King or priest.

The Jews expected that one day, God would send a very special deliverer.

Not simply ‘an’ anointed, but ‘the anointed’, the Messiah.

The word of God in the Old Testament had led to this entire moment. The moment was so epic, the angel had to help the shepherds lose their fear.

The angel delivered a message that transcended time and space.

“The Savior, who will deliver the world from sin has been born into the world.”

Every part of the world felt a shift in this declaration.

Psalm 30:11 NASB95

11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,

Isaiah 61:1–3 NASB95

1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; 2 To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3 To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

Jeremiah 31:13 NASB95

13 “Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance, And the young men and the old, together, For I will turn their mourning into joy And will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow.

Does the coming of the messiah strike a chord of joy within your heart?

You have obstacles to your joy.

fear, anxiety, depression, anger, etc.

Joy is the means in which we use to replace with what is holding us back.

3. Heavenly peace exists between God and people.

After the angels message about where to find Jesus, a “heavenly host” appeared.

An army of angles announced peace.

“Glory.. in the highest” - In places where even angels have no access.

“Peace” with God is the grand necessity of a fallen world.

“to people He favors” Emphasis on God, not man.

Healing of estrangement between God and people.

David,

Until a deliver stepped in for Israel, there would be no peace. All would avoid eye contact.

The incarnation of Jesus Christ is the guarantee of peace on earth.

“Upon whom His favor rests.”

Every time the gospel is mentioned, God’s favor is spread offering peace to all between God and their sin.

This peace is celebrated in Heaven by the Holy angels.

Is this peace celebrated on earth?

The church? The believer?

The church brings visible the peace that exists in Heaven for all the world to see.