God Loves His creation so much that He made a way for all humanity to experience “The Great Joy”  that was the given to us in “The  Greatest Gift” the birth of Jesus Christ to the world to the fulfillment of God promises and the fulfillment of scripture. This is the day we call Christmas.

Why is the coming of Jesus great Joy for us?

I will explain the significance of its origin, the love God has bestowed upon humanity, and the forgiveness and grace that make it a day of immense joy.

• Humanity has a Sin problem.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Only Jesus Christ solves this problem of sin.

• Humanity has a death problem.

Only Jesus Christ solves this problem of death.

How ever, this problem cannot be solved by human power.

Even education, money, morality, cannot solve this problem.

But the giving and taking life is God’s sovereignty. It is absolutely impossible, and those who claim it can be done reveal the foolish, deluded limitations of humanity. Therefore, God’s gift to us, Jesus, came to this earth with great joy to solve it. He bore the sins of this world, resolved the problem of sin, and saved us, who were doomed to die, with the great joy of resurrection.

Only Jesus Christ conquered death by rising from the dead three days after his death.

Beloved saints, how much joy and gratitude do you live with?   This great joy—Jesus, born for me—How joyful is He with me?

1 Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

1 Corinthians 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

That is why “The great Joy” May God’s glory be restored in the lives of saints who were purchased with the blood of Jesus. Christmas is a time when glory takes its place. We all here to seek and give glory to God. The great Joy will in turn be given to us by God.

The Bible gives us this account in Luke.

Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

They were on duty doing their jobs. We need to be on duty doing our jobs for Jesus.  They were the outcasts by society, so they rarely came to the towns and cities. Yet God chose them to hear the announcement of the birth of Jesus.

Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

The Angel of the Lord, appeared unto them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them.  It says they were sore afraid. I would be startled too if I was not expecting to see a bright light in the Sky and an Angelic Host start speaking to me in the field.

Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

The announcement by angels to shepherds that the Savior (Jesus) has come, bringing a message of ultimate hope, joy and peace to the world – changing it because of the good news. Also bring a deep, unshakable joy found in faith, forgiveness, and a relationship with God, not dependent on circumstances.

The angel said, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.”

This I am sure was a relief or great comfort to them when they heard these words.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Here we have the message that the angels were to bring to the Shepherds. This was also for told in Isaiah.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:” this goes back to last two weeks Sermon on The Greatest Gift we would ever receive. Salvation!  Unto us a child is born! Unto us a son is given! So, we may obtain the free gift of Everlasting Life through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! For our salvation is important to our growth in faith. Because Jesus is our Savior, and Jesus alone can give us the great Joy and salvation.

Luke 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

“This shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”  These were Jewish Shepherds who were dwelling in tents moving from location to location feeding and tending to flocks day and night. I am sure they were like most sceptics and would require a sign to verify that what was spoken to them was true.  The Lord God already knew the lowly shepherds—dirty, smelly, uneducated men tending sheep— would need this sign. So, God showed them this thing to increase their faith. (God loves the poor, the ignorant, the sinners—those without status, money, or honor.)

Let’s count the signs,

1.) Angel of the Lord.

2.) Heavenly host singing.

3.) A babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. They not only got one sign they got three.

Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Bring on the Heavenly Choir to sing. There is Great joy in music that glorifies Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I can only imagine the great glorious music that lit up the night sky where the shepherds were. Hallelujah! Glory to God in the highest! On earth peace, good will toward men. I can only imagine the sounds being sung to them I am sure they were lifted up to heaven hearing them.

Our niece, Jin-young, offers beautiful praise to God in this world. Blessed with a gift from childhood, she grew up well, praising with faith, and even after marriage, she and her husband live their faith well.

May you all become saints who praise with great joy in God, giving thanks and offering beautiful praise and glory for Jesus’ birth with your mouths and hearts.

Evryone has a gift and it can be used for God’s glory! Are you willing to use yours? It does not matter the talent, God can use it for His Glory.

The heavenly choir will be awesome! I hope to be singing in it when I arrive in heaven one day! How about you?

I give thanks with Great Joy and glory for Christmas. Amen.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Amen.