The Joy of Christ
Sermon Recap
The gospel is a quite literally good news,
and good news always produces a certain response, joy!
Joy is the product of news that solves human
problems. The gospel brings joy because the gospel is the good news that
humanity’s biggest problem, their sin, finds a solution in the baby born in
Bethlehem.
The announcement of Christ’s birth is the
fulfillment of an entire history of prophecy. The first prophecy of a Savior
for humanity came in Genesis 3:15 and they continued to come throughout the
entirety of the Old Testament. The birth of Christ produces joy because the
Savior has finally come.
The angels came proclaiming good news to the
people of earth. The duty of proclamation has now passed on from the angels to
the church of Christ. In the same way that the angels were heralds, now we are
called to do the same.
The coming of Christ into the world brings
joy by saving sinners, fulfilling God’s promises, and revealing His glory in
the incarnation.
Luke 2:1-20
In those days a decree went out from Caesar
Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first
registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be
registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from
the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called
Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered
with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the
time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and
wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no
place for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same region there were shepherds
out in the fi eld, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of
the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and
they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for
behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the
Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling
cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15 When the angels went away from them into
heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see
this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they
went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17
And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them
concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds
told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her
heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they
had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Lesson Overview
This lesson explores the joy produced by the
gospel through the incarnation of Christ. By examining the angelic
announcement, the shepherds’ response, and Mary’s reflection, participants will
see how Jesus' birth fulfills God's redemptive plan and offers salvation,
peace, and joy to all who believe.
________________________________________
I. The Announcement of Joy (Luke 2:8-14)
Theological Commentary:
The angelic announcement to the shepherds
highlights the gospel as "good news of great joy" (v. 10). The titles
given to Jesus—Savior, Christ, and Lord—emphasize His mission to save sinners,
His fulfillment of messianic promises, and His divine authority.
The incarnation (v. 11) reveals God's
humility and love, as the eternal Word becomes flesh (John 1:14) to dwell among
us and accomplish our redemption.
Application Point:
This week, reflect on the gospel's impact in
your life. Share the joy of salvation with someone who needs to hear this
"good news." Who is God calling you to share the good news of Jesus
with?
________________________________________
II. The Response to Joy (Luke 2:15-20)
Theological Commentary:
The shepherds’ immediate obedience (v. 15)
reflects the proper response to the gospel: seeking Christ with urgency and
faith.
Their worship and witness (vv. 17, 20) show
how encountering Jesus leads to praise and a desire to share the joy of
salvation with others.
Application Point:
In light of the Shepherds obedience consider
where God is calling you to obedience in your life. How does the joy of the
gospel produce the response of obedience.
________________________________________
III. The Reflection on Joy (Luke 2:19)
Theological Commentary:
Mary’s treasuring and pondering of these
events (v. 19) teaches the importance of meditating on the profound truths of
the gospel.
The incarnation is a mystery that invites awe
and reflection, as it reveals both God’s transcendence and His intimate
presence with humanity.
Application Point:
In light of Mary’s example on reflecting on
what God has done, how can you become better in reflecting on and meditating on
God’s truth, God’s word, and how God has worked in the world around you?
________________________________________
Gospel Themes and Practical Takeaways
Gospel Themes:
Incarnation: Jesus is fully God and fully
man, entering the world to save sinners.
Salvation: Christ’s mission brings
forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace with God.
Joy: The gospel transforms our sorrow into
lasting joy rooted in the hope of Christ.
Practical Takeaways:
Let the joy of salvation renew your worship
and witness.
Seek Christ with urgency and faith, following
the shepherds’ example.
Meditate on the truths of the incarnation,
allowing them to shape your perspective and priorities.
________________________________________
Discussion Questions
How does the announcement of Jesus as Savior, Christ, and Lord (v. 11) bring joy to your life today? How can you rest in these truths during challenging times?
The angel proclaimed "good news of great joy for all people" (v. 10). How can you share this joyful news with those around you this week?
The shepherds glorified and praised God after witnessing Jesus (v. 20). How does reflecting on the incarnation inspire worship and joy in your daily walk with God?
Mary treasured and pondered the events in her heart (v. 19). What practical steps can you take to meditate on the joy of Christ’s coming amidst the busyness of life?
The angel declared "peace on earth" (v. 14). How does the peace Jesus brings lead to lasting joy in your relationships and daily circumstances?
How is God leading me to respond to His Word
this week?
Christians sometimes have a bad habit of
minimizing the impact of spreading the gospel to the world around us. Sometimes
we mistakenly think that sharing the gospel is something that has JUST an
eternal impact. If people respond to our message and accept Jesus, then they
get eternal life. While this is absolutely true, more happens when we share the
gospel and people respond by accepting Jesus. When people accept Jesus they not
only get eternal life, they get joy infused in their life.
The Christian mission to spread the gospel is
about more than just giving people eternal life; it’s about giving people joy
in this life.
As a Christian you are called to spread the
gospel and make sure the joy of Christ spreads in the world around you.
END
Teacher Notes:
Luke 2:1-20
And it came to pass in those days, that there
went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And
this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went
to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee,
out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is
called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be
taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that,
while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes,
and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds
abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for,
behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ
the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone
away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go
even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord
hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph,
and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known
abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that
heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary
kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds
returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard
and seen, as it was told unto them.
Click the Link to Watch
