CHRISTMAS ACCORDING TO

THE SHEPHERDS

Now – joy is ours for the taking!

(Luke 2:8-16) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us.”

1. What Is Joy?

A. Joy is the exact opposite of fear.

(10) The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great JOY!”

B. Joy has nothing to do with my situation.

C. Joy is a choice I make - I choose to replace fear with joy.

2. Who Has Joy?

(10) “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

A. The angel promised great joy “for” all people.

B. Only those who choose to use it have it.

3. Who Gives Joy?

(11) “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.”

A. Jesus is the only source of real JOY!

B. Where, exactly, have I been searching for real JOY?