The Joys of Christmas

This is the manuscript of the fifth in a sermon series that will continue through the New Year's Day 2025. 

Luke 2:10 NIV But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

For many Christmas is a sad time rather than a happy time. Psychiatrists are busier following Christmas and the New Year than at any other time of the year. Perhaps this is because many people are reminded of how empty and meaningless life without God has become for them. Jesus came into the world to bring joy, to communicate love, and to make peace possible.

To truly experience the joy of Christmas, we must recognize and respond to him who was born to be our Savior and King. Jesus is the great joy bringer, and he wants to use us in helping other people to find joy, which is deeper and richer and finer than happiness. Happiness is the result of something that happens. Joy is an inward condition of the heart that comes about as we recognize the greatness, the graciousness, and the goodness of God.

Scripture Reading:

Luke 2:8-15 NIV [8] And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. [9] An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. [10] But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. [11] Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. [12] This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” [13] Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, [14] “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” [15] 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 about.”

Text: 

Luke 2:10 NIV But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 

               

Introduction

For many people Christmas is a sad time rather than a happy time. Psychiatrists are busier following Christmas and the New Year than at any other time of the year.  Perhaps it's because many people are reminded of how empty and meaningless life without God has become for them. Well I am here to tell you that Jesus came into the world to bring joy, to communicate love, and to make peace possible.                

A big part of the joy of Christmas is in receiving. It’s surprising but many people have never learned how to graciously and humbly receive from others.  Many can't believe that God, the greatest giver, has given His best out of love for us and all we have to do is receive it.  

John 3:16 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Some people are unable to accept a gift from others without trying to repay them in some way or another. 

Here is a news flash: there is no way you can truly experience the richest joy of Christmas unless you develop the fine art of being a grateful receiver.   There is real joy in being a grateful receiver.

Receiving a gift with gratitude and humility strengthens the bond between the giver and receiver. Receiving a gift can boost self-esteem. It can be a reminder that we are valued.

The ultimate example of receiving graciously is found in accepting God's grace and forgiveness with humility and gratitude because as it says in

Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV [8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— [9] not by works, so that no one can boast.                 

Another of the great joys of Christmas is the joy of giving.    There is great joy in receiving and there is great joy in giving.

As a matter of fact scripture tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. 

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV [6] Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. [7] Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. [8] And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 

God is generous, gracious, even extravagant in his gifts. 

We just read that God so loved that he gave. 

John 3:16 NIV [16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

Psalms 68:19 NKJV [19] Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with  benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah

James 1:17-18 NIV [17] Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. [18] He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. 

Acts 17:24-25 NKJV [24] “God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. [25] Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 

These scriptures highlight God's love for all people, and His ultimate gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

John 3:16 NIV [16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

In a world where people have built their lives on acquiring stuff, it is shocking when we see gracious undeserved giving.

Here are some examples of gracious, undeserved giving that might be shocking to those who prioritize getting stuff.

1. A stranger donates a large sum of money to a family in need, without expecting anything in return.

2. While waiting in a drive-thru line, someone pays for the person behind them, simply to brighten their day.

3. A professional offers their services for free to those who cannot afford them, like a lawyer providing pro bono work or a doctor volunteering at a free clinic.

4. A group of people come together to provide Christmas gifts and essentials to families or individuals who are struggling financially.  We do this every Wednesday.

Many people can never receive or feel the joy of Christmas because they have become like Ebenezer Scrooge, the central character of Charles Dickens’ book,  "A Christmas Carol," who is initially portrayed as a miserly, cold-hearted, and solitary individual. When Scrooge shouts, “Bah, humbug!” he  is using “humbug” to imply that Christmas is a sham, where people are tricked into feeling cheerful and giving away their hard-earned money. 

Now we know from the book that through a series of supernatural encounters, Scrooge undergoes a profound transformation, ultimately becoming a kind, generous, and compassionate man but many people like Scrooge before his remarkable transformation only give if the can get something in return.  They give gifts to impress or gain favor.  They help others in order to feel superior or gain praise.

Let’s go back,  for a moment,  to the night of Jesus’ birth and the announcement of the angel to the shepherds. 

Luke 2 10-14  [10] But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. [11] Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. [12] This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” [13] Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, [14] “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

The angels sang about the great joy that would come to those who recognize and respond to what God was doing in the gift of the Christ child.  They will receive the true peace that comes from a right relationship with God, which is only possible through faith in God’s gift, of Jesus Christ.

I. The joy of Christmas is the joy of knowing that God is for us.

Romans 8:31-32, 38-39 NIV [31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.         

We live in a “performance-oriented society,” where success is judged on the basis of performance and where rewards are given in recognition of achievement, because of that many find it difficult to believe that God is a gracious and loving giver, who gives gifts that are really underserved.  We find ourselves unable to believe that the great God who gave the Ten Commandments and who spoke through Christ the words of the Sermon on the Mount is really for us.   Words like;

Matthew 5:3-12 NIV [3]  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [4]  Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. [5]  Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. [6]  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. [7]  Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. [8]  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. [9]  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. [10]  Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11]  “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. [12] Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

The Christmas message declares that God always has been and always will be for us if we will but trust him and let Christ have the place in our lives that rightfully belongs to him. 

When we feel guilt and self-condemnation, it is hard to believe in God's love and acceptance. It's easy to forget that God is lavious in giving grace and mercy. The burden of sin can cloud our perception of God's unconditional love, hindering our belief in His forgiveness and His adopting us into His family.  

II. The joy of Christmas is the joy of belonging to God’s family.                  

Christmas is usually a family-oriented affair. It is indeed a joyous and pleasant experience but for some this can be a painful experience. At Christmastime many are deprived of the joys of family relationships because of deaths that have taken place or because great distances separate them from the members of their families.  It is at these times we need to recognize and respond to the joys of being members of God’s family. 

The Christmas message is a message of belonging. It's the invitation to join God's family, a family marked by love, grace, and eternal life.

Galatians 4:4-7 NIV [4] But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. [6] Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” [7] So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. 

Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV [19] Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, [20] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. [21] In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. [22] And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

The joy of Christmas is the joy of knowing that we belong to a loving God who has welcomed us into His family. It's the joy of experiencing His grace, His peace, and His eternal love.

III. The joy of Christmas is the joy of experiencing liberation from fear

Luke 2:10 NIV But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.                

The angel spoke words to dispel that. Christmas can bring the joy of knowing that we don’t have to live under the tyranny of fear. 

                  

A. We don’t have to be afraid of the past. 

Through Jesus Christ we receive forgiveness for all of our sins.

1 John 1:9 NIV [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.                

B. Because of the promise of his abiding presence, we don’t have to fear the present

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV [18] Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Our living Lord has promised to be with us day by day.              

C. We don’t have to fear the future, because our Lord has promised to prepare a place for those who love him.

John 14:1-3 NIV  1]  “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. [2] My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 

We can live our lives with fullness of joy when we recognize Jesus as the great liberator and deliverer from fear.

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 

IV. And finally the joy of Christmas is the joy that comes to those who are givers.                  

A. Many fret and are unhappy because of their inability to give thigs they would like to give but  remember you cannot give away what you do not have.

                  

B. But There are some things that we all have that we can give at Christmas time?

                  

1. We can give the gift of our faith to those who have not yet come to know Jesus Christ as Savior. We can share the testimony of what he has come to mean to us and encourage others to put their confidence in him. 

                  

2. We can give the gift of helpfulness to those about us who carry heavy burdens.

                     

 3. We can give the gift of encouragement to those who are depressed. 

                  

4. We can give the gift of friendship.

                  

5. We can give the gift of forgiveness to those who have mistreated us. 

                  

6. We can give the gift of acceptance and affirmation to those who are uncertain and insecure. 

                  

7. We can give the gift of kindness to those who are suffering physically, emotionally, or spiritually. 

                  

8. We can give the gift of gratitude to those who have been kind to us and to those who have ministered to others. 

When we give freely and joyfully, we are not only helping others but also expanding our own capacity to receive.  It's important to remember that this doesn't necessarily mean material wealth or possessions. It can also refer to spiritual blessings, such as peace, joy, and fulfillment.

By practicing generosity, we can cultivate a mindset of abundance and gratitude, which can lead to greater fulfillment and joy in life.

Luke 6:38 NIV [38] Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Conclusion

To truly experience the joy of Christmas, we must recognize and respond to him who was born to be our Savior and King. Jesus is the great joy bringer, and he wants to use us in helping other people to find joy, which is deeper and richer and better than happiness. Happiness is the result of something that happens. Joy is an inward condition of the heart that comes about as we recognize the greatness, the graciousness, and the goodness of God..

Advent is a season of expectation and anticipation. Life may look far from what you expected it to be. You may feel disillusioned or jaded with how life has turned out. You may be complaining or confused as to what God is doing. If this is you, take joy in your hope in God. Be grateful for what God has already done. Let God turn even the most challenging situation around for your good. 

Count your blessings. Be content in this season of life. Take joy in the life God has given you. Be patient in your trials. Place your hope in God. Praise God for what he already has given. Put your hope into turning around even the most challenging situation. God always changes things around for our good and His glory. 

Romans 8:28-30 NIV [28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, fill us with gratitude for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we celebrate the joy of Christmas, we thank You for Your immeasurable love and grace.

Father, help us to be joyful as we hope in you. We can rejoice in knowing that even when life looks far from what we think it should be or if we're dealing with relentless trials, we can still rejoice because our hope is inq you. 

May we always cherish the true meaning of this season: the birth of our Savior. May we be filled with Your peace, love, and hope.  Thank You for the gift of forgiveness and eternal life. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Good News of Great Joy to All the People

This is the manuscript of the fourth in a sermon series that will continue through the New Year's Day 2025. 

The birth of Jesus Christ, a seemingly ordinary event in a small, obscure town, carries profound significance that reverberates through the ages.

We will delve into the heart of Christmas, exploring the profound, far reaching, meaningful, reasons why the birth of the Christ child is a cause for tremendous celebration.

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 that will cause great joy for all the people (Luke 2:9-10 NIV).

Many people think of Christianity as being good advice for those who want to do good. But there is a great deal of difference between good advice and good news. The gospel is good news. In fact the word gospel means good news.

A lot of people give good advice but the angels, and the shepherds out in the field on the night of Jesus’ birth, and Jesus’ apostles, are famous because they communicated the good news of what God did and wants to do through Jesus Christ. In fact Jesus Christ came into the world to communicate good news from God to all people. The key word here is ALL. Jesus came to proclaim good news for ALL people.

 Scripture Reading:

Luke 2:8-14 NIV [8] And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. [9] An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. [10] But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. [11] Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. [12] This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” [13] Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, [14] “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Introduction

Many people think of Christianity as being good advice for those who want to do good. But there is a great deal of difference between good advice and good news. 

Text: 

Luke 2:9-10 NIV [9] An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. [10] But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 

The gospel is good news.  In fact the word gospel means good news.

The word "gospel" comes from the Old English word "godspell," which means "good story." It's derived from the Greek word "euangelion (Uongalion)," which also translates to "good news."

Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States was a statesman who offered practical advice on various topics, including morality, wealth, and health. Warren Buffett, the renowned investor and philanthropist, is known for his advice on investing, and business. Oprah Winfrey is known for her inspirational talks and advice on personal growth and empowerment.

These people are known for giving good advice.

On the other hand, the angels, and the shepherds out in the field on the night of Jesus’ birth, and Jesus’ apostles, are known for  communicating good news, the good news of what God did and wants to do through Jesus Christ.  In fact Jesus Christ, came into the world to communicate good news from God to all people.

I. I want to reiterate that this good news was for all people.

                  

The good news that the angels announced had the potential of producing great joy for all people. 

Psalms 96:10 NIV says Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.

This verse calls for all nations to recognize God's supreme authority.

Isaiah 45:21-22 NIV says [21] Declare what is to be, present it— let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. [22] “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.

This extends God's saving power to all people, regardless of their nationality.

Malachi 1:10-11 NIV say[10] “Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my altar! I am not pleased with you,” says the Lord Almighty, “and I will accept no offering from your hands. [11] My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty.

These verses prophesy a time when God's name will be honored by all nations.

I just gave you some Old Testament scripture but there is much more evidence in the New Testament which was written after Christ came into the world to communicate good news from God to all people.

Here are just four examples 

John 3:16-18 NIV [16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. [18] Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 

Romans 10:9-13 NIV [9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. [11] As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” [12] For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, [13] for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Acts 28:28 NIV “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” 

1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV [1] I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 

Keep this in mind though, while God extends His grace to all, each individual must choose to accept His offer. It is a personal choice that requires faith in Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate this month.

II. I Want to again Emphasize that The Good News of Jesus is for all people. 

                  

James read from, and our text today is from, Luke.  The book of Luke is the gospel for the underdog, the outcast, and the underprivileged. In fact, Luke's Gospel is often referred to as the "Gospel of the Underdog" because it places a strong emphasis on the marginalized and oppressed. Luke’s gospel highlights Jesus' compassion for the poor, the sick, the outcast, and the marginalized, in other words it highlights His compassion for all people.

Luke's Gospel includes numerous stories that focus on the experiences of people who were marginalized in society, like  the poor, the sick, the disabled, and women.

• Luke portrays Jesus as a friend of sinners and tax collectors, who were often ostracized by society.

• Luke's Gospel contains many parables that emphasize the importance of welcoming and including the marginalized,

• Luke's Gospel highlights the importance of social justice and caring for the needs of the poor and vulnerable.

Overall, Luke's Gospel presents a powerful message of hope and inclusion for those who feel marginalized or oppressed. It reminds us that God's love is for everyone, regardless of their social status or background.

A. Jesus made a major announcement in his hometown of Nazareth

Luke 4:16-21 NIV [16] He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, [17] and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: [18]  “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, [19]  to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” [20] Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. [21] He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

                  

 B. To the sick Jesus came with health and healing

Luke 4:40 NIV says At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. 

          

C. He came to liberate those who were possessed by demonic powers 

Luke 4:41 NIV Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.

D. To the leper who was unclean and untouchable Jesus brought cleansing, health, and wholeness 

Luke 5:12-13 NIV [12] While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” [13] Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.

                 

E. To the paralytic Jesus forgave his sins and then enabled him to walk

Luke 5:17-26 NIV [17] One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. [18] Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. [19] When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. [20] When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” [21] The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” [22] Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? [23] Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? [24] But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” [25] Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. [26] Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” 

F. To Levi, a hated tax collector, Jesus extended a gracious invitation to follow Him, that lifted him from obscurity to significance and prominence. 

Luke 5:27-28 NIV [27] After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, [28] and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. 

Jesus’ actions were very controversial especially wiith the Jewish religious leaders because Jews during the time of the Roman Empire often viewed tax collectors with disdain and distrust for several reasons:

• Tax collectors were seen as collaborators with the Roman Empire, which was considered an occupying force. By working for the Romans, they were perceived as aiding in the oppression of the Jewish people.

• Tax collectors were often accused of corruption and extortion. They were known to overcharge people and keep the excess for themselves, making them unpopular among the populace.

• Some Jewish religious laws considered tax collectors to be ritually impure due to their association with Gentiles and their potential involvement in dishonest practices.

            

G. To a woman who was considered a great sinner, by the religious community, Jesus granted the gift of forgiveness and cleansing.  Let’s read the story

Luke 7:36-48 NIV[36] When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. [37] A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. [38] As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. [39] When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” [40] Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. [41]  “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. [42] Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” [43] Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. [44] Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. [45] You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. [46] You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. [47] Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” [48] Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

        

H. One more example of Jesus’ compassion for those ostracized by society. To the demoniac who was possessed by a legion of demons, Jesus brought liberation and peace and then commissioned him to go home and to give testimony concerning what God had done for him.

Luke 8:26-33, 38-39 NIV [26] They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. [27] When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. [28] When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” [29] For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. [30] Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. [31] And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. [32] A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. [33] When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

[38] The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, [39] “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.                   

                  

III. Jesus brought good news for the cleansing of the heart and soul from sin. 

1. Traumatic events, failures, or mistakes can lead to feelings of shame and unworthiness.  Deep in the heart of people there is a feeling of being unclean, unworthy, and unprepared to enter into the presence of a holy God. and made it possible for us to experience righteousness and grace through him.  

God sent Jesus Jesus came so that we might be clean and acceptable to a holy God. 

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV [21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

                  

B. Jesus brought good news of acceptance into God’s family. 

John 1:9-13 NIV [9] The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. [10] He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. [11] He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. [12] Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— [13] children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

On the day of our spiritual birth, we became the sons and daughters of the eternal God. 

1 John 3:1 NIV says See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 

C. Jesus brings good news about all the  spiritual resources God gives us for living. 

Through faith in Christ we receive the gift of a new nature, 

2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

We receive the gift of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, the gift of the spiritual power we need for coping with life, and the good news of an eternal home at the end of this life. 

Ephesians 1:13-14: "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."

And we receive the fruit of the Spirit 

Galatians 5:16-25 NIV [16] So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. [17] For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. [19] The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; [20] idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions [21] and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 

         

Conclusion

The gospel is good news for all people. Through this good news we receive the offer of forgiveness, the offer of life, the offer of acceptance into God’s family, and the assurance of God’s help and friendship.  

Let’s pray

Dear Lord, may Your good news of great joy ignite our hearts, inspiring us to share Your love and salvation with the world, bringing hope and joy to all people, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.