Christmas time, tends to help everyone focus on peace on earth for a few brief days every year. So what difference does it make if it’s really true or not?”

If this story reported by Luke is true, then the birth of Jesus the Saviour confronts every person with some objective facts that cannot be shrugged off as personal opinion. The fact that these events happened as reported means that God exists and that He truly broke into human history in the birth of Jesus in fulfillment of many prophecies. The fact that God actually sent a Saviour implies that people without the Saviour are alienated from God and desperately need to be reconciled with Him through the forgiveness of their sins.

Our text has been divided into 3 parts:

1. Joy in fearing the Lord (vv. 8-10)
2. Joy in Jesus our Saviour (vv. 11-15)
3. Joy in responding to the good news (vv. 16-20)

A man traveled a great distance for an interview with a distinguished scholar. He was ushered into the man’s study, where he said, “Doctor, I notice that the walls of your study are lined with books from the ceiling to the floor. No doubt you have read them all. I know you have written many yourself. You have traveled extensively, and doubtless you’ve had the privilege of conversing with some of the world’s wisest men. I’ve come a long way to ask you just one question. Tell, me, of all you’ve learned, what is the one thing most worth knowing?”

Putting his hand on his guest’s shoulder, the scholar replied with emotion in his voice, “My dear sir, of all the things I have learned, only two are really worth knowing. The first is, I am a great sinner, and the second, Jesus Christ is a great Saviour!”

If you know those two things personally, you know the best news in the whole world, that a Saviour has been born for you who is Christ the Lord!