Jesus, the Joy of Christmas. Luke 2:1-20

Transcription

1 Jesus, the Joy of Christmas Luke 2:1-20

2 The Christ in Christmas Isaiah 9:1-7: Jesus, the Hope of Christmas Luke 2:1-20: Jesus, the Joy of Christmas Ephesians 2:14-22 Jesus: the Peace of Christmas Luke 2:25-35 Jesus, the Light of Christmas Matthew 1:18-25: Jesus, the Savior of Christmas John 1:1-14: Jesus, the Truth of Christmas Matthew 2:1-12: Jesus, the King of Christmas

3 The Birth of Jesus In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

4 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

5 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

6 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.

7 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:1-20

8 Today s Leading Questions: 1.What is joy, anyway? 2.Why should I be joyful? 3.How is joy connected with the Christian Life?

9 What is Joy, anyway? Oxford: A feeling of great pleasure and happiness Webster: the emotion evoked by wellbeing, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : DELIGHT

10 Why should I be joyful?

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12 #1: Joy is the response to Jesus from his birth to his resurrection When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:10 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Matthew 28:8

13 Why the Joy at Jesus Birth? He brings to them the glorious tidings that in Bethlehem, the city of David, on that day, the promised Messiah has at length been born. The hope of the centuries has been fulfilled. For this reason the tidings are joyful to them and to all the people to all who have looked forward to His coming, to every true member of the people of God. He who has been born is the Saviour, the one who saves from all dangers, need, sin, and death, who safeguards against all disasters and destruction, and who gives blessedness in the fullest sense of the word. Norval Geldenhuys

14 #2: Joy was a characteristic of the early disciples. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. II Cor. 8:1,2

15 #3: Joy was the prayer for the early Church May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Rom.15:13

16 #4: Joy is the inner evidence of the Spirit at work within us. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Rom. 14:17 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Gal.5:22

17 #5: Joy is the prescription for Christian Living Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

18 Bottom Line: Joy is an intrinsic, organic, essential, and fundamental experience of the Christian Life. Without joy, we must ask certain very serious questions about our own faith, our view of God, the work of Jesus Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit within.

19 A Little Time for Self-reflection I understand everything that Scott said; I get it. But why is it that I don t feel the joy?

20 Some Possibilities I don t really understand this World I don t really understand Myself I don t believe the Good News My god is actually pretty small I am deeply ungrateful for all I have I am angry and unforgiving of others I am overwhelmed by the Holiday Season

21 Let us pray