In this Christmas Message, 2008 we explore the “Good News Of Great Joy” which the angel brought to the shepherds. Enjoy!
Teaching Notes:
The Angel’s Joyful News
Luke 2:8-11
Intro: Read 2:1-20. Peanuts Christmas Special. Choked up. Here is true meaning of Christmas. Messenger in 2:8-9, then Message in 2:10-11.
1. The Messenger: 2:8-9
A. His Identity: Gabriel. Dan.9:20-27 – appeared to Daniel and told when Messiah would come. Luke 1:11-19 – then appeared to Zacharias re birth of John, forerunner of Messiah. Luke 1:26-33 – then to Mary & announced she would have baby conceived of H.S. who would be son of Most High. Appears Gabriel was angel God charged with details related to birth of Christ.
B. His Idea: Now had discharged all responsibilities. Had delivered prophecy to Daniel, Zacharias, Mary. Baby brought safely into world. Born at right time, in right place, to right woman, healthy & sound. But so excited, has to tell somebody. But who? Nobody awake. Cruised around hillside and spotted a campfire w/ some shepherds around it. But momentarily forgets that when he appears to humans lights up like giant Christmas Tree. Shepherds cower in fear. “Boys, don’t be afraid. I’ve got some good news I’m bursting to tell you. It will fill you with joy like you’ve never experienced before!”
Ever felt like angel? So excited about God’s message have to tell somebody? Often I do! Sunday mornings. Often feel can hardly wait. Feel message so important that if someone must leave before, switch to make it first. Get impatient during worship. What about you? This is the best motivation for witnessing! Not obligation, fear of judgment upon sinners, but just so excited about God’s Word feel must share it with someone. Becomes overflow of heart.
2. The Message: 2:10-11
A. Its Character:
News: word comes from new. New happenings = news. Angel had report of a new happening.
Good News: We hear news constantly. Problem is almost always bad news. World could use good dose of Good News! PTL – we have some to give!
Good News of Great Joy: get feeling angel can hardly contain self. Not just news – good news. Not just good news – good news of joy. Not just joy – great joy! We have good news – Gospel! It is good news which will fill sinner’s with great joy if they believe it and receive it.
B. Its Content:
Savior: If God sent Savior, what does that tell you about us? Sinners! “If our greatest need were for information, god would have sent an Educator; Technology – scientist; Money – Economist; Pleasure – entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness so he sent a Savior.” Problem is sinners don’t see themselves way God does. Blind to true condition. Are sinners, children of wrath, spiritually dead, alienated from God, depraved. Have offended God by worshipping and serving creature rather than Creator. Fell short of God’s glory, by not valuing Him as most supreme and glorious of all Beings. Have no righteousness to recommend to God. To them God gave Savior – Rescuer! Like lifeguard. Christ rescues from sin, guilt, death, hell. If really understood and believed true condition and God’s provision would be shouting about this good news! Who will find message that God sent Savior to be good news of great joy? Those most conscious of their sin. If tell most people God sent Savior, are offended and insulted. I don’t need Savior. I’m fine. Good person. Also great joy to those who know can’t save themselves. Some know are sinners, but believe can save themselves. Do enough good deeds to offset sins. Only takes 1 sin to keep out of heaven. No sin in heaven. Titus 3:5; Rom.5:6.
Christ: means “anointed one” or “Messiah.” Jesus Christ = Jesus the Messiah. Ever since Adam & Eve sinned in garden, God gave predictions of coming Deliverer. In OT are told when Messiah would come, where would be born, that would be born of virgin, despised and rejected, betrayed by friend, killed, buried in rich man’s grave, rise from dead, come again in glory. Every Messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus!
Lord: 2:9,22,23. Jehovah God. Greek is kurios – word used to translated Jehovah into Greek. Angel saying that Jesus is Savior, Messiah, God! Jn.1:1,14. “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity! Pleased as Man with men to dwell. Jesus our Immanuel.” Glad Jesus is God – only way I’d ever know my salvation secure. If were only man or angel never know if His work good enough. This is major problem of all cults!
C. Its Compass: who was message for?
You: 2:10-11. Shepherds were just about lowest class of society. Not noble, rich, influential. But to them message given. Doesn’t really profit us if Jesus born & died unless born and died for you. Know Jesus born for you? Is He your Savior, Messiah, Lord. Must personally appropriate.
All the people: Not just shepherds, or priests, or Jews, or people alive then. All people. Destroys all distinctions (born for people of every nationality, every color, every age, rich or poor, intelligent or simple, male or female) You say, “I don’t know if angel’s message is for me.” Are you a person? Then it’s for you! Question is “Do you want Him to Save you and rule over you?”
Conclusion: Will either relate to shepherds or to angel this morning. Either have message to receive, or message to tell. Unbelievers: God has greatest Christmas gift for you – forgiveness, eternal life, home in heaven. Gift is Jesus – He is Savior, Lord. Receive Him! Repent & follow. Believers: let message of Gospel fill heart till can’t contain. Like Gabriel be on lookout. Lots of opportunities. Be bold to deliver it!
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