JOY TO THE WORLD

Luke 2:10-11

December 25, 2005

Pastor William Underwood

Christianity was introduced into a world of darkness, sadness and hopelessness. Our message is one of GREAT joy! Nothing else on earth can match this GREAT JOY. It is a---

I - LIBERATING JOY - "I bring you news of great joy"
A- From Political Pressure
1-That pressure brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.
2-Augustus Caesar was a murderer and a cruel dictator.
3-That time was one of the darkest hours in world history.
B- From Social Tension
1-The shepherds were very poor - they were hired by religious leaders to raise sheep and goats for Temple sacrifices.
2-Shepherds were considered as lowest human beings.
3-They were a grumbling, complaining group.
4-Their attitude was common everywhere.
C- From Spiritual Tragedy
1-The greatest tragedy was that the Son of God was rejected even at birth.
2-How must Joseph have felt? How do you think Mary accepted her circumstances?
3-The coming of Christ freed them from this pressure.

II - LIMITLESS JOY - "Great joy for ALL people"
A- Great in its Degree - "Great joy"
1-The deeper the sorrow, the greater your capacity for joy.
2-God always gives more than enough.
B- Great in its Design - "For all the people."
1-This joy has no boundaries of color, class, creed.
2-"All people" includes every human being - no exception.
3-Do YOU know this joy in your heart today?

III - LIVING JOY - "A Savior has been born to you."
A- HE ESTABLISHED this joy
1-Sin separated man from God but Christ came to bring us back to God.
2-Romans 5:11 - "We rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation,"
3-This joy is not found anywhere else except in Christ.
B- HE EXPRESSED this joy.
1-At His Birth - "I bring you good news of great joy"
2-In His life - John 15:11 "I have told you this that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
C- As Lord, He EXTENDS this joy.
1-I Peter 1:8 "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an unexpressible and glorious joy."
2-Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:Rejoice!"

Do you know this GREAT JOY? Happiness depends on circumstances. When these go wrong, happiness fails. Joy is deep and abiding regardless of circumstances. This "GREAT JOY" is centered in a Person - Jesus Christ. Do you have room for Him in your heart and life? Open your heart to Him and say, "Come into MY heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in MY heart for YOU."