Part 3: Good News, Great Joy!

Well, good morning. And walking to get the wall to see my glad you're here. I'm Josh and one of the pastors here and it's Pastor Dave mention. I am a huge Iowa State fan. And so

I think I might have more people running for Iowa State this time then maybe ever before. But I went to Iowa State and Indiana Notre Dame country and a great opportunity for you just to invite a friend to invite coming in within an hour and cookies you can hang out but hope to see you do that evening and part of your plans for Christmas to join us this year and up working through Luke's account of the Christmas story and particularly. We've been looking at places Where Angels show up.

Show up in the Christmas story and they play a pretty significant role. He and his wife and his son was going to be at one who is talked about in the Old Testament John the baptizer. He prepare the way for the Messiah. And then also six months later Gabriel shows up to a young teenage girl named Mary Mary's betrothed to a guy named Joseph but as yet they're their favored among all women and God is going to give you a son and he's going to be the savior of the world is going to be God In the Flesh the Messiah the one has been promised to save everyone since the beginning of time really your son is going to be that one. What's another Angel show up and likely it is a little bit they're created their creative and no but that's early in Genesis or just before Genesis one. Potentially. We don't know when they were created exactly but they are created beings and their personal beings and their moral creature. Is there intelligent they're also incredibly powerful and in their powers and they have great power. They're not there. How are you going to be sawed out? I don't believe but they are created beings. They're not God. There's rank-and-file among the Angels were going to see that again this morning when they worship.

All right, that's a great example to us. Isn't it? It's up to be immediately obedient to God's at the follow him without question. And then when it comes time to worship him and to sing his praises to do it. I have a feeling the Angels aren't just kind of drowning on a great example to us.

You should mention that Satan and demons are actually Angels who rebelled against God and who have fallen.

Bible teaches at not a lot about this fact, but it does mention that Satan was once the angel named Lucifer and he rebelled against God and he fell from heaven bird of all the Angels fell with him. In the Bible speaks of it and metaphorical language at times talking about a third of the Stars falling from Heaven. The messenger is falling from heaven, but it when you think about it, even these fallen angels in some way are an example to us there an example of gods of sin of the penalty of his Justice. It is rightly deserved for those who don't trust Jesus cuz we're going to join Satan the Fallen Angels at look at that Saint Matthew 25, Jesus into the Eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Did you know that that hell is actually a place prepared initially? For Satan and the angels who have fallen with him and that those who don't trust Jesus Christ. We are under God's Wrath. We're Children Of God Wrath. We deserve his wrath and we would face that same punishment for sin. Even though they are an example to us, aren't they? Well, that's maybe let's continue this morning and we're going to see a little bit more about angels as we go but first we're going to pray and I'm going to pray and then we're going to dive into the text together. Let's do that father. Thank you Jesus. Thank you for your grace to us through him. Thank you. I even as we sang and is Lucas and the team led by God rest. Ye. Merry that that song that talks about how we have to find our rest in our peace in you with marianists with joy. Who would you give us joy and peace this morning Lord in the fact that you sent your son to Be Our Redeemer Our Savior Holy Spirit. I pray against the enemy of service. It works in the fact he would like nothing more than to just turn our hearts away from you to confuse Us by Your Word but instead would you speak truth to us? The change us even me as I teach and preach the word Jesus be made much. Have we pray all of this through him a man? this morning we come to sometimes but I called the peanuts portion of scripture, you know on peanuts on the Christmas story and Charlie Brown when lioness gets up this start a little before our passes this morning and Luke Chapter 2 Verse 1. He says in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that

this is the first registration when quintarius was governor of Syria and all went to be registered each to his own town. Joseph also went up From Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea the city of David which is called Bethlehem things. You read their he went up From Galilee when when you look at a map and you think up what do you think North right in the Bible in the Bible when it says that literally means up cuz Galilee was north of Bethlehem. He traveled south but he went up in elevation just a little thing for you to know it as you read scripture because he was of the house and lineage of David for her to give birth. Which means she made a pretty long journey fully pregnant. And I'm not in the car right like walking and on a donkey. And ladies if you've been been privileged to be a mom you're going home and that would be a rough journey and she gave birth to her firstborn son rap swaddling clothes and laid him in a Manger because there was no place for them in the end. We're going to continue reading now in verse 8 and one of the things I want you to see you right away here is that this message of of Jesus birth and of what he accomplishes is for everyone no matter who you are. No matter who you are. I mean, you're going to see the angels in a moment appear to a handful of guys who were total outcast. So no matter who you are no matter where you come from. This is for you today, right?

and you're like I'm back to church today. This is for you and we're so glad you're here. Look at that sin inverse 8 and in the same region there were shepherds out in the field keeping watch over their flock by night that the same region will remember Mary and Joseph Shepard, right and the first announcement of his birth is to Shepherds. Are keeping watch over their flock while there was this Jewish record of oral Traditions that have been passed down called the mishnah. And the reason I bring that up is it was written that surrounding Jerusalem Jerusalem in which all of the Shepherds in that serve all of them want to be devoted to use in the temple for sacrifice Jerusalem, and that would have been in radius. It's Curious that the announcement of Jesus is going to be the Lamb of God is announced to the Shepherds who are caring for lambs who would be sacrificed for sin. And now the announcement coming of the ultimate Lamb of God who would be sacrifice once and all once for all for sin. They're keeping watch over their flock by night and an angel of the Lord appeared to them. And the glory of the Lord Shone around them and they were filled with grace fear. No not told which Angel this is the name isn't mentioned here. But the language that Luke uses to write this lesson describe. This account is really consistent with the would probably Gabriel again and look just doesn't mention his name again because he already has twice and he uses the same exact language to describe them. We don't know that for sure, but I would I would tend to lean that way. And like everyone else who seen Gabriel when they see this Angel they were filled with great fear. And then the angel said to them fear not for behold member pay attention. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. It's the same response that Gabriel had to marry into Zechariah. Don't see her. I'm coming with a message for you from God. This is a message to you. If you have the NIV your text actually says reads I bring to you. good news Shepherds, and it's going to be good news not just to them right now, but ultimately for who For all people see friends that the gospel this good news of Jesus being born a Christmas and then the life that he would live death that he would die his resurrection. It's a good news. Not just for everyone.

It's good news for everyone. Jesus life offers salvation to everyone the good news that Jesus would save us would fix the mess that we've created life eternally snooze for everyone because the last I checked everyone I've ever met is messed up in some way shape or form.

But Jesus comes to redeem us and fix us and that's good news for everyone and for anyone in but it's in Jesus it bringing salvation for all people. Andy writes to Timothy that he desires all people would be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Friends, Jesus offers salvation is in life is for everyone. If you think I don't know if that's for me to know it's for all people. It's for everyone. In fact, let's just talk about this music for everyone. But sometimes we are a God or it's only for the people who got it all together.

I think that's a lie that Satan wants to tell us you're not good enough for those who don't have their stuff together. And in fact in the life of Jesus movie feel when the Angels told them about Jesus birth. I should tell you a few things about the truck for sure, right but they were pretty shocked. I'm sure to be chosen see we haven't even got to that point yet. But in a moment is going to show up to them. It would have been me social scale, even though they guarded the main reports of the town's economy these sheet in terms of of the social scale. They were down at the bottom. They were perhaps probably even I was not very well known for their social skills alone. animals I know you don't you don't think like high extrovert when you think Shepherd out in the field to you. They were by themselves for long periods of time human interaction seldom occurred from any of them. And the appearance of angels announcing a birth would be shocking enough, but they must have wondered what significance do they have in the inclusion of this announcement this week nomadic Shepherds. We were separated from human communities and culture for long periods of time were often the subject of scorn. And if suspicion there's writing about them that accused them of failing to observe the difference between mine and Zayn and other words. They were the receipts to There was swindlers they could pray on lonely Travelers. They're often suspected of practicing the craft of robbers. Is there off of writings around that time they prolong their prolonged absences their ill repute it disqualify them from ever serving as a witness publicly and trial they were total outcast. A third Century Rabbi was writing about Psalm 23. You know that your number 23, right? The Lord is my what my shepherd Lord is my shepherd.

spies occupation in the world and that of a shepherd along with gamblers and tax collectors herdsmen were regularly listed among the despised trades in Jewish writings. Until Jesus comes along and declares himself to be the Good Shepherd then all of a sudden there's a split. But up to that point and there's also some good potential. Not only there are the outcasts and you know that they don't measure up until they aren't even acceptable as as Witnesses at a trial or legally in any chances are they were also probably pretty young.

at night if this was a her don't Maybe by a family member David Beckham Samuel David was the youngest of all those that Samuel goes to the sons of Jesse that God says one of the sons of Jessie is going to be the next king until Jesse doesn't even bring in David the youngest David comes in. That's the one the outcasts is going to be king. And if they're watching it again, this is this is this for sure. So take it for what it's worth, but it's good to think about it think chances are these guys are young like teenagers maybe middle schoolers? I mentioned earlier that Luke 2 is kind of the passage from Charlie Brown or I think it's red. If you think about it, if that's true if these guys are young we don't know for sure. But if it is true then if you have a peanuts Nativity at home, that's probably more accurate in terms of the Nativity that most of us have of the old guys with in a robes and staffs. What's a young kids that God shows up to Mary and Joseph for teenagers?

For the shepherd's all of that to say they're incredibly unlikely recipients of this message.

Why what it's another way of I think of God just telling us listen this this good news. It doesn't matter who you are. No matter who you are. It's for everyone. I wonder do you ever feel rightly or wrongly? Like you're a bit of an outcast among others. Never felt that in your heart and your spirit. Beaver felt others. Maybe they have maybe you've just wrongly perceived it that they look down upon you.

Spheal unnoticed

that's the Shepherds. Shepherds the god makes a point to come directly to them when first That's the pattern of Jesus all throughout the Bible. God goes to those who most unlikely or going to be recipients those who most need it. Do the gospels for you friend? Luke 5 Jesus said those who are well have no need of a physician of a physician but those who are sick. I I haven't come to call the righteous. But Sinners to repentance. No matter who you are. Jesus birth is good news. No matter who you are, Jesus birth is good news. You may be the outcast. You may be at the top of the social ladder in this is still good news for you. You still need this good news?

The gospel is the use for good news, but it just literally means good news. Good news. What? Is that? Good news? Well, it's that you've been saved from sin from God's Wrath.

Because if you're saved from something you're also saved to something. Turn to a life of joy and of abundance and of good works and of righteousness. Your life see look at verse 11.

I believe this very strongly because God's grace is a gift to you and you did nothing to earn it. I believe the few truly received it in Jesus Christ. There's also nothing you can do to disqualify yourself from it. Because you never deserved it to begin with.

First of Lebanon as we keep reading the angel says to them. He says unto you member it's for everyone the shepherd boys unto you is Born This Day in the city of David a savior. Who is Christ the lord. I notice it might have been expecting him to say the Savior that that literally means the Messiah the Lord. They might have been expecting him to say the Messiah of the Lord, but that's not the Messiah the Lord who is the Lord. This must I this is God In the Flesh has been born. Xavier Xavier, the only Jesus is able to say there is one name under Heaven by what you must be safe to be read an ax and it's only Jesus and in something curious just historically was you if you would study some of these things back at this time Caesar Augustus would repeatedly promote himself that the emperor he repeatedly promote himself as the savior of all mankind as the one who's going to be bring peace to people. In fact, there's there's a whole list of riding sit at talk about him declaring himself as the savior is the Lux use of save your hair is kind of a

It Ain't Easy It's this, baby. He's the savior. Be wary of any leader who declares himself to be the savior of the anointed one. There's only one Jesus Christ. Amen. Eatonville Savior and end in the New Testament the gospels that they don't use that term savior actually very often and likely maybe because of that Dynamic socially of the emperor always calling and calling himself savior, but when they do it's kind of a they pay attention here cuz it's probably something socially that we don't think about going on. But it's only God's son who can save all of your accomplishments.

In fact, his name is the Greek translation of Joshua, which means the Lord saves. So we've seen John rights and John 1st John 4. We have seen and Testify the father has sent his son to be the savior of the world. 16 got so loved the world that he sent his one and only son to save us, right. Cuz we keep reading this Savory goes and by the way, this will be he says for the shepherd's Bush will be assigned to you. I think it's funny that Zachariah and Mary member their accounts with Gabriel. They had some questions for him. Right? They Zechariah doubted Ameri just wanted some clarification and then he gave a sign to them. The shepherd's don't get a chance at least send a text to ask a question is just like and here's a sign before you bring. Your questions. Here is a sign. You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a Manger. The manger was the feed trough. But the animals ate out of cycling a cave where the animals were kept but Jesus was there was no place to lay him down. So they laid him in the feed trough. I wonder mom's how many of you you got like your bassinet. They garnish for the chicken feed anybody like that's because that's bassinet right? It's the manger that he gets laid down in total humble arrival.

Which brings protection got offers protection to those who trust in Christ C. Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God.

Couple other things here by the Angels when we look at this this multitude of the Heavenly Host appearing suddenly.

You think about it? You're a you're a Shepherd you're out there. You're used to know animals coming just uninvited guests showing up in the middle of the night. Is being able to fend them off for the sake of the sheep, but they're afraid when they see the angel and then when the whole sky lights up the heavenly host of angels. It's a good reminder that the unprld is very real that's not something for us to obsessive and think too much about but it's also not something for us to ignore. But like there is a battle going on spiritually for our souls. forgot the glory and it's not to be ignored also not to be obsessed over there. That's like the only thing we think about receiving these things out. That's that's dangerous to But there truly is a spiritual reality to our world whether you would acknowledge it or not.

And then we should be I think aware of angels Hebrews 12 22 through 23 makes it clear that the Angels worship God along with us also about sometimes we help people because you never know you might actually entertaining angels unaware because they they want to know what's going on.

But for me and time for Humanity, he does in Jesus Christ, so they're really curious and Peter says these are the things the Angels long to look into to watch us in to see how is God redeeming us. What is he doing? It's a very real reality. And the shepherd's get a glimpse into this reality and they see a heavenly host of angels. Literally that means a regimented army and like a great multitude of the Heavenly. Hope there's too many to count you out just a little bit. You walk outside tonight in the sky lights up the bunch of angels shouting or Singing Glory to God in the highest. Humble just a little bit.

In the Old Testament where we see God's angels show up as well with the story of Elijah in Second Kings set up the story for you hear the king of Aram in Area North of Israel was going to wage war against Israel 2nd Kings chapter 6 and what he would do is you would decide I'm going to go set up my Camp over here. Only what would happen and it'll be some kind of a surprise attack on the king of Israel. But what happened is he would get there and the King was prepared and ready for them. But why well because God revealed the king of around his plans to this guy Elijah to a prophet and Elijah would tell it to the king of Israel. If I'm the king of rock that brings in all of his leader cuz he can't figure out what's going on now, but every time we get to her he's prepared, who is it and one of his officer speaks up and he says King we're all on your side. The problem is there's this Prophet Elijah and he hears the words you utter in your bedroom. And then he tells him to the king of Israel. I can't reveal distance to him until the king of her arms. Like okay. Well then we need to take out a lighter. He's our first targets. Let's figure out where he's at in this town and I'll pick up in the texture 2nd Kings chapter 6 when the servant of the man of God to Elijah's servant is a boy likely I'm going anyway Rose early in the morning and went out bhldn are with horses and chariots was all around the city the king of Ron's arm his whole strong Army went and the servants said

Surrounded it. Look side of me says Don't Be Afraid those who are with us are more than those who are with them? Who protected don't sweat it? If you're that kid. You're that young servant. What are you thinking? Dude, it's just us two. What are you talking about? Like a horror incidental ice afraid. You said Lord? Please open his eyes that he may see. So the Lord Open the Eyes of the young man and he saw and behold the mountain that mean this is a mountainous area, right? So just think big Hills all the way around not that law like this part of, Indiana. all around the song behold the mountain was full of horses and Chariots of Fire all around Elisha. I don't think that's very much at all. Unlike what the shepherd saw that knife when suddenly God reveals to them the Heavenly Host praising God.

And I would imagine for those with them into the story. Maybe their mind went right back to that story and remembered how God protects them and cares for them and cares about them.

She suddenly verse 13 there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God.

By the way, just back to the 2nd Kings, you know Elijah said those who are with us are more than the Army. Jesus said John said that he who is in you speaking of Jesus and his Spirit use in you is greater than he that's in the world and Jesus told us that protected as his children Goodness, good news, isn't it for everyone is good news when she's with accomplices? Protect us he gives us PC. Look what the Heavenly Host is praising God saying this isn't an army who's deployed to declare war. This is an army who is deployed for peas glory to God in the highest and we don't know are they saying it or they shouting it or they singing it on speculation that they're singing the Bible doesn't actually say that but there's a good possibility. They're singing to God in the highest and on Earth. Peace. Among those whom he has played with whom he is pleased. Maybe you remember hearing this said Peace on whom his favor rests.

Notice, it's peace to those with whom God is pleased with who is God pleased with. Well, the only way you find God's favor is in Jesus Christ. His grace is his love. The perfume Jesus I deserve his wrath apart from Jesus. I'm a I'm a sinner. I'm pretty jacked up and he would look upon me as myself and not be pleased at all. but in Jesus Christ I'm failed in Jesus Christ. I made new I made clean. I have a new identity. He sees me with the same joy and love and with pleasure like he looks at his own son. And that's how it is for you. If you would trust Jesus do you want this piece been trust in this one who was bored at Christmas? He offers peace to us the fusions to 6%

Do I have to do is believe God's word seeing that the shepherd's here are a good example of that when the angels went away from them into heaven. The shepherd said to one another that they believed what they had said cuz look look what they said. Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us that they took the words of these Messengers Angel just means messenger, by the way. Do you know that you took the words of these Messengers as the word of God himself?

I got delivered a message through them and they believed it. The god called us to believe friends. Jesus Jesus called a full-time that the work of God that he requires as you believe in him and he sent another as you believe in me. Jesus fed, John rights and 1st John 3. This is his Commandment that we believe in the name of his son. Jesus Christ. That's believing his word. You want to be one with him. His please believe on Jesus? He saves you from your sunny saves you to New Life. Why you keep talking about that cuz that's the only thing that matters man.

It's hope for everyone no matter who you are. It's good news. So they went the angels went they went with haste and they found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the manger and when they saw it, they made known the saying they've been told them concerning this child and all who heard it wondered at what the Shepherds told them. That one is pretty Fantastical message to hear to I wonder if they just wondered because of the messengers remember, they're outcasts. Maybe they're like Junior High age boys run inside from being playing outside in the field and I like my I saw an angel really great imagination, son. But in any case they were they wonder that what the Shepherds told them. Mary Mary Mary treasured all these things pondering them in her heart. First you get this you treasure what you can of your kids when they're young. Mary gets the treasure. prophecy about her son

difference of matter who you are Jesus birth is good news, and it's your only hope for lasting Joy. The last name Joy. Do the Shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard as it have been told them. Jesus is my only hope to know that he's our only hope. Jesus said in John 14 verse 6. I didn't get the reference height right on your answer to September 6th, but he says I am the way the truth the life singular no one comes to the father but through these are he's our only hope. any offers real life last enjoy Christmas and our world is so much just about like the here and now like yours what I want I want this toy this toys that thing that thing extreme side ever and it's called joy and happiness and except it's fleeting. You know, there's a big difference between joy and happiness. Happiness is based on your happenings. And it's fleeting. It's circumstantial, but joy joy is rooted in truth and its eternal. It's hard to be happy when all of my world falling apart, but it's possible to have joy when everything is falling apart. Why because my jaw isn't rooted in the here and now it's rooted in Jesus. And what he's done and what he will do.

Life is hard. Jesus offers lasting Joy not the fleeting joy of the spy for happiness of this life. And Christmas, it can be at time of Temple happiness for a lot of us, but it can also be a time of incredible sorrow for a lot of us. It's a really hard time of year. If you struggle with some of those things, maybe you've lost somebody maybe you just struggle in general as an encourager. Come on Wednesday night. We're just going to have knowledge of that and spend some time praying and singing and looking at God's word together. I think it'll be a comfort to you. I know it is to me. I'd encourage you to come.

But here's the deal just because you might feel * o this time of year that the truth the truth. Are you here this even if it's hard to hear the truth is that in Jesus? There's joy, and there's restoration and there's life. Even in the midst of loss of Sorrow that listen he is got those things. He's overcome those thing.

Peter tells us to cast all our anxieties all of our hearts everything upon him why because he cares about you. Terrace Jesus said the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy but I came. But they may have a wife. Have it abundantly. Real life true Joy. And after leaving God's presence, we should leave like this efforts did they returned glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen just as it had been told to them. friends, no matter who you are Jesus birth is really good news. And he is your only hope he's my only hope. Everlasting joy, and then we're going to sing about this and we're going to call it a morning. Let me pray father. Thanks for Jesus. Or did it can sound so cliche sometimes to say it in there in a culture. That is so overrun with Christmas kind of throwing up. But the body is Jesus that you bring Joy to the World in it that you are Our Hope. Stand and saving us from our sin and saving us to real true life.

Father I pray for those of us who trusted you might let you remind us of that life help us to live that out for those is never trusted you Jesus to hear my voice right now. Today might even be the day that they would turn and believe upon your son Jesus and become a Christian that they receive that great gift that you offer them. Or we love you. We pray all this in Jesus name. in math