A Special Christmas Message Good News of Great Joy A Special Christmas Message Luke 2:8-14 © December 25, 2016 Pastor Paul K. Kim 2

THE ANGEL’S MESSAGE ON THAT FIRST CHRISTMAS MORNING ITS NATURE: “I bring you good news of great joy” ITS RECIPIENTS: “that will be for all people” ITS CONTENT: “Unto you is born... a Savior, who Is Christ the Lord” ITS IMPACT: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

WHAT IS THE KEY TO RECEIVING GREAT JOY OF CHRISTMAS? 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 . . . 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! Luke 2:10, 11, 14 1) Christmas brings great joy to us when we realize OUR NEED for a Savior.

21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

WHAT IS THE KEY TO RECEIVING GREAT JOY OF CHRISTMAS? 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 . . . 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! Luke 2:10, 11, 14 1) Christmas brings great joy to us when we realize OUR NEED for a Savior. 2) Christmas brings great joy to us when we receive Jesus as our MESSIAH [SAVIOR] and LORD.

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,  because he has anointed me  to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives  and recovering of sight to the blind,  to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” Luke 4:18-19

WHAT IS THE KEY TO RECEIVING GREAT JOY OF CHRISTMAS? 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 . . . 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! Luke 2:10, 11, 14 1) Christmas brings great joy to us when we realize OUR NEED for a Savior. 2) Christmas brings great joy to us when we receive Jesus as our MESSIAH [SAVIOR] and LORD. 3) Christmas brings great joy to us when we keep our FOCUS ON JESUS above all else.

Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time, behold Him come, Offspring of a Virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! Charles Wesley (1739)

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE How would you admit your need for a Savior today on Christmas day? In what ways will you receive Jesus as your Lord as well as Savior this Christmas—i.e., for a congruent life and faith? What would it mean for you to keep your focus on Jesus above all else on this Christmas day?