(Luke 2:8-16) In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a manger.” Suddenly there was a multitude of heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!” When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us. They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough.
The reality of JOY in this life.
1. What Is Joy?
A. JOY is the exact opposite of FEAR.
(10) But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of GREAT JOY…”
B. Fear and joy cannot coexist.
C. Joy does not depend on my situation.
2. Who Has JOY?
“I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be FOR all the people.”
A. JOY is available FOR all people.
B. It’s only when I choose to trust Jesus that I can claim joy.
3. Who Gives JOY?
(11) “Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.”
A. As Savior, Jesus is the only joy giver.
B. Joy comes from Jesus plus nothing else.
Jesus brought with Him all that our souls long for.
Isaiah 9:6
