Young People's Group

“GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY”

by Pastor Mitch
December 25, 2011

Responding To The Message Of Great Joy

Christmas is a wonderful time to share the gospel with our non-believing friends and loved ones. We can do this by speaking of the message of great joy that the angel of the Lord brought to the shepherds and the world.

“For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” 
Luke 2:10

In a world that was obviously down and dreary, this news of Jesus bringing peace to all men certainly brought joy to the hearts of the shepherds. The shepherds did not just stop at listening to what the angels proclaimed. They responded to the word of God by seeking the Lord Jesus.

1. Checking Out The Message Of Great Joy

“Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 
Luke 2:15

The shepherds checked out the word that had been made known to them. They exercised faith in the word and sought to verify whether these things were true. They sought the baby Jesus to see for themselves.

2. Confirming This Message Of Great Joy For Ourselves

“Now when they had seen Him …” 
Luke 2:17

As they found the Lord Jesus to be real as the angels had told them, they experienced this sense of great joy in their heart. They had found the Christ as described by the angel. This message of great joy became alive to them. We too should take the time to confirm the gospel of Christ for ourselves.

3. Conviction In Sharing This Message Of Great Joy

“… They made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marvelled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” 
Luke 2:17-18

The Lord’s message of great joy did not just remain in their heart and mind. They responded to it by making known this joyous message to others. They went everywhere telling others about the baby Jesus. They spread this incredible message of angels singing and of a baby redeemer. Let’s also seek to share this good news of great joy with others this Christmas.

4. Continuing In Praising God For The Reality Of This Message Of Great Joy

“Then the Shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.” 
Luke 2:20

The shepherds returned to their tough life, but with regenerated hearts and minds. They were now glorifying and praising God for the message of great joy concerning the Lord Jesus. Let’s seek to glorify our great God for the great things He has done for us this Christmas.

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