The Birth of Jesus - Gospel of Great Joy - Luk 2:10

Birth of Jesus - Gospel of Great Joy - Luk 2:10

Luke 2:1-20

The story of Christmas is the reason for our gathering and our celebration (festivity) today. I like to stress the fact that in spite of the dissenting opinions about it: be it some historical claim about the origin; controversies about dating; or questions about the spiritual relevance of the season; we simply celebrate the season because beyond all controversies a king was truly born. 

- Promised by God Isa 7:11-15; given in Israel, Isa 9:6

- Suggested to the nobles, he came in an humble circumstance Mic 5:2; 

- His birth was proclaimed to the lowly, albeit, he is the joy of the whole world.

His birth is for joy

- The circumstance of his birth was was not exclusive. Since he wasn't born out of this world, his circumstance was within the circumstances then.

- He was born at a time of political disappointment

- He was born at a time of religious frustrations

- He was born at a time of economic uncertainty

- He came at a time when fear was in the air: Herod 

- As it was then, even so it is now - Rom 11:5

- He that was born is the answer for the world today

His birth is cure for human fear

- Do not be afraid

- That was the proclamation of the angel to the lowly shepherds

- That is the call to you also today

- He is not an apparition or an appearance that is scary; this is not Sinai, Heb 12:18-21, he brought Zion to us, Heb 12:22-24. God is now with man

- The whole bible speaks of him and whole bible features do not fear, 365 times

- His presence is the answer for the world today

His birth begins the Gospel of Great Joy

- Gospel is the teaching or the revelation of Christ

- From the bible it means the announcement or proclamation of good news/tidings

- Joy is an inner state of great pleasure and excitement

- From the bible language it means cheerfulness, i. e. calm delight

- Joy exists despite the circumstances around. It is here now. It is ahead also

His birth brought joy to all people

- The suggestion of the joy that day wasn't just for the shepherds; the bethlehemites, or the nation of Israel alone. It is for the whole world

- No matter what it is like in your personal experience or in the larger society, you will find your joy in him

Neh 8:9-12

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep." For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.

10 Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved." 12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them.