Key Message:
Surprised by Joy was the title of one of the most famous books of writer C.S Lewis in which he describes his conversion from atheism to Christianity. And it’s a phrase that sums up what can happen to you this Christmas. You may or may not have reason to be joyful right now, especially as we look out at a world where there is so much pain and sadness. But the message of Christmas is that you can know great joy, even if times are tough.
Whether you are single or married, whether you feel alone or have family and friends, that you also can know a great joy inside you when you experience the presence of Jesus. Luke 2:8-14 focusses on the joy that came to a group of very ordinary people who were doing a very basic job. They were not rich or powerful, but they experienced something which many rich and powerful people never experience namely real joy, actually overwhelming, overflowing joy.
Joy that was unexpected (Luke 2:8-9; Judges 6:12; Acts 9:3-4)Joy that gets rid of all darkness (Luke 2:9-10; John 1:5; John 8:12; Isaiah 9:2; John 3:19; 1 Peter 2:9)Joy that is for everyone at all times (Luke 2:10-14; John 3:16)Joy that brings us new hope (Luke 2:11)Apply
1. Joy that was unexpected. In Luke 2:8-9, the Bible says ‘suddenly’! After living the same way day in and day out, suddenly, on one of their regular night shifts, the shepherds were surrounded by great light. Out of nowhere, their lives totally changed. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and they experienced the reality of the supernatural world. Everything happened so quickly and unexpectedly. So often, both in the Bible and throughout history, people have had a sudden experience of God which they never imagined could happen (e.g. Gideon in Judges 6:12, Mary, Saul in Acts 9:3-4). Time and again people who were never interested in church or God suddenly become Christians. Maybe they had a sudden supernatural sense of God’s presence. Maybe they survived a car crash or had a crisis in their family. Maybe they attended a wedding, a funeral or a baptism….suddenly it was like somebody switched a light on.
Do you believe this could happen to you? Maybe you’ve been walking around for so long in doom and gloom and think your situation is never going to change. But suddenly you can receive the light of God. Suddenly you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. This moment can be the start of a whole new life of knowing the light and love of God.
2. Joy that gets rid of all darkness. The glory of God was everywhere (Luke 2:9). A great light had appeared to them in the darkness and led them to the Light of the World. This light was like nothing they’d ever experienced, and they were frightened! But we have not need to be; because when the light of God appears it is very good news (Luke 2:10). No matter how deep the darkness may be in the world, it can be overcome by the light of Jesus (John 1:5; John 8:12; Isaiah 9:2). Our world is not only economically and politically gloomy but there is also widespread moral and spiritual darkness. So many people are bound by habits, addictions and powers beyond their control. So many people are depressed. Life and circumstances seem dark because what they have experienced has been dark (John 3:19). But the good news is that dark and evil deeds and thoughts can be overcome by the light of Christ. Jesus can break the power of darkness in human hearts and minds. He can bring light and hope when we walk through dark and difficult times. As Christians we are to be people who live in the light of Jesus and shine his light (1 Peter 2:9).
Are you part of a people of light or are you walking in darkness? Maybe for you today you are desperate for an answer from God for something which has been challenging you. Today, if you haven’t already ask God to reveal himself to you so that you no longer have to walk in darkness as the shepherds did, but can encounter the light of Jesus.
3. Joy that is for everyone at all times. It says in Luke 2:10-14 that the great joy is for ‘all the people’ - not some people or particular groups of people but ALL the people. The Christian message is for everyone. It is for the poor shepherds and the rich and educated wise men. It is for women and men. It is for single and married. It is for young and old. It is for black and brown and white and olive skinned. It is for people of every class, colour, culture, country and continent. The love of God never discriminates. It has no boundaries. It is for ‘all the people’. John 3:16 says “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.” His love is for every one of us and that includes you. Do you continually live with the joy of knowing the love of Jesus no matter your circumstances?
4.Joy that brings us new hope. No matter how much trouble you are in or how far you are from God you can be saved (Luke 2:11). The people of Bethlehem had a hard life. They saw little hope for the future. They looked for the promised Messiah who would deliver them from the tyranny of Rome. But the Savior who came would deliver them from the greatest problem they faced and which everyone faces today. And that is the problem of the sinful condition of our own hearts. We need saving. Well Jesus came to this world to: save us from all the sins that separated you and me from God. He shed His blood to bring cleansing and forgiveness; He came to free us from every fear; He came to deliver us from every evil power that holds us captive; and Jesus came to rescue you and me from everything that can ruin our lives. At the Cross he lay down His life, the pure for the impure, the innocent to for the guilty so we can have new life on earth and in heaven.
Are you living with the joy and hope that only Jesus can bring? This verse tells us that not only is Jesus the savior of the world but that he has been born to you. Today you can meet Him. Today the Christmas story can come alive to you. Today you can be surprised by joy.
