Behold the Ultimate Good News: Jesus' Birth

Devotional

Day 1: Joy Rooted in Spiritual Realities

The joy announced by the angels to the shepherds is not a fleeting emotion tied to our circumstances but a profound, abiding sense of peace and contentment that is deeply rooted in spiritual truths. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit, offering us an inner contentment that transcends the troubles of the world. It invites us to look beyond the temporary and the material, to find our satisfaction and delight in the eternal and the divine. This joy is a gift from God, meant to sustain us through life's challenges and to remind us of His presence and love. [28:58]

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking joy from external circumstances? How can you shift your focus to find joy in the spiritual realities of God's presence and promises today?

Day 2: Salvation for a Life of Purpose

Jesus' role as Savior is profound, rescuing us from the depths of sin and brokenness. This salvation is not merely about being saved from something negative but is also about being saved for something positive—a life filled with purpose, hope, and praise. Jesus offers us a new identity and a new mission, calling us to live in the fullness of His grace and truth. This salvation transforms our lives, giving us a reason to live beyond ourselves and to participate in God's redemptive work in the world. [39:57]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: What specific purpose do you believe God has called you to in this season of your life? How can you actively pursue this purpose with the hope and praise that comes from your salvation in Christ?

Day 3: The Fulfillment of Prophecy in Christ

Jesus is the Christ, the anointed one sent by God to fulfill the ancient prophecies and reconcile us to the Father. His coming was long-awaited, and His role as Messiah assures us of God's faithfulness and His plan for redemption. This fulfillment of prophecy is a testament to God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His promises. It reminds us that God is in control and that His plans are perfect, even when we cannot see the full picture. [40:53]

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14, ESV)

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus fulfilled ancient prophecies impact your trust in God's promises for your life today? What specific promise from God are you holding onto in faith?

Day 4: Recognizing the Lordship of Christ

Jesus is the Lord, holding absolute authority over all creation. Recognizing His lordship places us in a right relationship with Him, acknowledging His power and divine nature. This recognition calls us to submit to His authority and to live in obedience to His will. It challenges us to surrender our own desires and to trust in His perfect plan for our lives. By acknowledging Jesus as Lord, we find true freedom and fulfillment in His service. [42:12]

"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." (Colossians 1:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Day 5: The Gospel's Inclusivity

The announcement to the shepherds highlights the inclusivity of the gospel. God's good news is for everyone, regardless of status or background, inviting us to humble ourselves and receive His message of salvation. This inclusivity challenges societal norms and reminds us that God's love knows no boundaries. It calls us to extend the same grace and acceptance to others, breaking down barriers and building bridges of understanding and compassion. [44:50]

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life might you be overlooking or excluding from the good news of the gospel? How can you intentionally reach out to them with the love and acceptance of Christ today?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound announcement made to the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, as recorded in Luke 2. This announcement, delivered by angels, was not just any good news; it was the ultimate good news of great joy for all people. The birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior, the Messiah, and the Lord, is a transformative event that reshapes our understanding of joy, salvation, and divine authority.

The angels' message to the shepherds was a call to "behold"—to see, perceive, and receive the incredible work God was doing through the birth of Jesus. This call to behold is an invitation to all of us to recognize the depth of God's love and the significance of Jesus' birth. The joy that the angels spoke of is not a fleeting emotion but a deep, abiding sense of peace and contentment rooted in spiritual realities, transcending our worldly troubles.

Jesus is proclaimed as the Savior, the one who rescues us from the depths of sin and brokenness. This salvation is not just from something but for something—an abundant life filled with hope and purpose. As the Messiah, Jesus fulfills the ancient prophecies, being the anointed one sent by God to reconcile us to Himself. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, holding absolute authority over all creation.

The shepherds, considered lowly and unclean by societal standards, were the first to receive this monumental news. This choice by God underscores the inclusivity of the gospel, emphasizing that the good news is for everyone, regardless of status or background. It challenges us to humble ourselves and receive the message of salvation with open hearts.

In a world filled with bad news and uncertainty, the birth of Jesus offers us a hope that transcends our circumstances. It assures us of God's presence and His ultimate plan to make all things new. As we navigate our personal struggles and the brokenness of the world, we are reminded that Jesus is with us, offering peace, grace, and eternal life.

Key Takeaways

1. awaited, and His role as Messiah assures us of God's faithfulness and His plan for redemption. [40:53]
4. The Lordship of Christ: Jesus is the Lord, holding absolute authority over all creation. Recognizing His lordship places us in a right relationship with Him, acknowledging His power and divine nature.

5. Inclusivity of the Gospel: The announcement to the shepherds highlights the inclusivity of the gospel. God's good news is for everyone, regardless of status or background, inviting us to humble ourselves and receive His message of salvation.

** [40:53]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:35] - Introduction to the Good News
[27:37] - Personal Longings for Good News
[28:58] - The Nature of True Joy
[39:57] - Jesus as Savior
[40:53] - The Anointed Messiah
[42:12] - The Lordship of Christ
[43:34] - The Shepherds' Role
[44:50] - Inclusivity of the Gospel
[45:54] - The Spiritual Reality of Joy
[47:34] - Hope in a Broken World
[48:23] - Jesus as the Good News
[50:25] - The Ultimate Good News
[51:15] - Closing Prayer and Thanksgiving

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the reaction of the shepherds when the angel appeared to them, and what message did the angel deliver? ([26:35])
How does the sermon describe the nature of the joy that the angels proclaimed to the shepherds? ([28:58])
What are the three titles given to Jesus in the angel's announcement, and what is their significance? ([39:57])
Why is it significant that the announcement of Jesus' birth was made to shepherds? ([42:12])

Interpretation Questions

How does the sermon explain the concept of joy as a spiritual reality rather than an emotional feeling? What implications does this have for believers? ([28:58])
In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' role as Savior is both a rescue from sin and a call to a life of purpose? ([39:57])
How does the sermon describe the inclusivity of the gospel message, and what challenges does this present to societal norms? ([42:12])
What does the sermon suggest about the authority of Jesus as Lord, and how should this influence a believer's relationship with Him? ([40:53])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you experienced joy that was not dependent on your circumstances. How can you cultivate this kind of joy in your daily life? ([28:58])
Consider the areas in your life where you feel "drowning" in sin or brokenness. How can you invite Jesus, the Savior, into these areas for rescue and transformation? ([39:57])
The sermon highlights the inclusivity of the gospel. How can you actively share this good news with someone who feels marginalized or overlooked? ([42:12])
In what ways can you acknowledge and submit to Jesus' lordship in your life, especially in areas where you struggle to relinquish control? ([40:53])
The shepherds responded to the angel's message with urgency and excitement. How can you cultivate a similar response to God's call in your life today? ([42:12])
How can you be a bearer of good news in a world filled with negativity and uncertainty? Identify one practical step you can take this week to share hope with others. ([47:34])
Reflect on the sermon’s message about Jesus making all things new. What is one area of your life where you need to trust in God's promise of renewal and transformation? ([48:23])

Sermon Clips

And in that same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great joy. And the angels said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [00:25:06] (29 seconds)

The angels invite the shepherds on all of us to see and believe some some good news today are you ready are you ready for some good news now I have to warn you that this isn't just a form of good news kind of like one possible of example of some news that happens to be good this is the good news the best news there is no better news that has ever been proclaimed. [00:29:02] (29 seconds)

Jesus is born for a purpose and that purpose is to save us from our sins Savior is a dramatic word right it really is a dramatic word we kind of throw it around but it implies that someone is in so deep that they're so far gone that there's only one hope a Savior a Savior is needed. [00:31:33] (26 seconds)

Along with this notion of being saved from something from brokenness and sin the shepherds also heard in the angel announcements when they hear that word Savior they also heard that they were being saved for something not just from but for for a life of joy and hope a life of praise. [00:36:33] (19 seconds)

Jesus is the Christ the anointed one the father sends to save us and give us all things god anointed jesus to reconcile us back to him back to the father to have access to god once again through jesus we can approach the throne of grace amen we can approach god in part because the messiah the anointed one sits at the throne at the right hand of god interceding on our behalf. [00:39:53] (28 seconds)

The fact that this announcement came to shepherds isn't anything to overlook either. I mean, after all, in our kind of worldly wisdom and understanding, we'd go, God's going to send this Savior, this Messiah, this Lord, send it to somebody who can, you know, who has some influence. No, not what God does. [00:42:50] (24 seconds)

The long-awaited promise, the good news that's been centuries in the making, centuries, is brought to a bunch of shepherds. And when I say lowly shepherds, I mean lowly. Lowly. Because shepherds were considered unclean. They were the lowest rung in the social class at the time. [00:43:34] (23 seconds)

The troubles of this world have no ultimate power. Amen? They have no ultimate hold over you and me. They do not define you. But Jesus does. You know why? Because He's the Lord. And He's the Messiah. And He is your Savior. [00:50:06] (29 seconds)

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