3rd Sunday in Advent

Joy

Mt 2:7-11; Lk 2:8-10

 

Introduction

Illustration, p. 323.

 

 

1.  God calls everyone

Mt 2:7, Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.

Magi, from where?  They had known something like this would happen someday—now they are about to be overjoyed.

1 Cor, not MANY noble, but some

 

Lk 2:8 , And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

Usually the youngest.  David.  Why them?  Why did they first receive the news?

 

 

2.  God draws people to Christ

Mt 2:9, After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.

Do you lead people to Christ?  Cat eyes.

 

Lk 2:9, An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

Angels delivering joyful news.  Joy in heaven over one that repents.  You can be that light that shines around those in darkness, also.

Lk 15:4, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

 

 

3.  God replaces your fear with His joy

Mt 2:10 , When they saw the star, they were overjoyed

Has the world robbed your joy?  Have the weeds choked it out of you?  Mk 4:19

 

Lk 2:10 , 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.

This joy is not for certain people, but for everyone.

 

Lk 2:11  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

God’s plan through the ages is in its final preparations.  God takes on human form.  And ultimately dies for the “joy set before Him.”

 

 

Conclusion

It’s a joyous occasion for God to have a relationship with you.  Shouldn’t it be joyful for us, just to know that He loves us so much, He would reach down, become one of us, and provide a way of salvation.