This holiday season let us consider who Jesus is, finding strength and joy. Who is Jesus? Why does this matter? Does this bring you joy?
Matthew 1 In the genealogy of Jesus we see that God redeems our mistakes and brings justice to injustices. Jesus will save people from their sins. Jesus’ purpose includes our freedom from self-destruction.
Matthew 2 Jesus is born. The wise men came before Herod knowing the prophecies of the Messiah’s birth. Later God warned them in a dream about Herod.
Luke 1:26-45 Mary visited by Gabriel. Mary visits Elizabeth, who says “You are blessed,”
Luke 1:46-55 Mary’s song of praise
Luke 2:3-20 Jesus, our Savior, the Messiah, the Lord was born in Bethlehem as predicted. There are several miraculous aspects of His birth, recognized by many eyewitnesses. The shepherds saw exactly what the angels predicted. Why are Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, the shepherds, and the angels so excited about the birth of this baby?
Born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14 “The Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).
Isaiah 9:6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Jeremiah 23:5 “For the time is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. Isaiah 53 – John 3:16-17
Luke 2:25-40 Contagious joy was experienced by those who had been faithfully serving God and watching for the arrival of the Messiah, including Simeon and Anna.
Luke 2:10 “Joy” – source that allows one to enjoy a state of happiness and wellbeing. Happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying. A pleasure that is the opposite of misery, sorrow, and grief.
What do we learn?
1. God sent Jesus to bring about a joy that is not possible without Him.
2. When we come to realize the truth of who Jesus is, we find life-changing joy.
What should we do?
1. Receive Jesus as Savior and Lord.
2. Draw strength and joy from this personal relationship through daily contact.
3. Tell people about Jesus, just like Anna and the shepherds did.