Hooray! Good News Has Come! Part 2 – Luke 2:8-11

The gospel is at the heart of Luke’s account of Jesus birth. Angels appeared to shepherds to announce the good news that a Savior had been born, who is Christ the Lord. This message of good news- the gospel- was not just for the lowly shepherds, but it was for all who would believe and trust in Jesus. The gospel brings great joy to those who believe. As sinners who were once separated from God, who is the very source of all joy, in the gospel we are reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ.

But is it truly possible that Christians can be joyful in all circumstances because of the gospel? We will focus on the angels’ herald in v. 11 to see how, yes, the gospel is able to bring joy and peace that can surpass all circumstances.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Lk 2:11

The gospel is not aimless and random. “For unto you…”
The gospel is from God, and it lands at the heart of every one of His elect. The doctrine of election trouble many, because they believe God is not fair to choose one man over another to be saved. But in a matter of fairness, no one would be saved, because all have sinned and deserve its penalty. In God’s love, He selected some people before the foundation of the world to be saved. This is how God has designed salvation. If God had not chosen us, we would never choose Him. (Rom 8:29-30; Eph 1:4)

How do we know we are the elect?
When the gospel is preached, the elect recognize their need for a Savior. Jesus, who is the Great Physician, came for those who are sick. Those who excuse themselves because they believe they aren’t not too bad will never come to Jesus because they are not elect. The one who is elect is convicted by the Holy Spirit that he is a sinner, he is in desperate need of a Savior. (Mk 2:17)

The gospel is authorized by God. “…in the city of David…”
When the angels referred to Bethlehem as the city of David, they pointed directly to God’s prophecy in the Old Testament that the Messiah would come from David’s lineage. The shepherds would have recognized that God was fulfilling His promise. Realizing that God keeps every one of His promises results in great joy.

The gospel is all about God. “…a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
The angels announced the incarnation of Jesus. He was truly God and truly man. He gave up His glory in heaven to come down to earth to save us. Our God is a saving God, and it is only by the name of Jesus Christ that a sinner can be saved. (Lk 19:10; Jn 11:25-26)

How does Jesus save?

Not only is Jesus the Savior, He is the Christ. Jesus is the Messiah. The Old Testament represents the Messiah in two ways- as a humble, suffering servant, and as a militant King, who comes to judge the wicked. When Jesus was born into the world, He was humble and meek. In great love, He came to take our afflictions and die in our stead. Many rejected Jesus and still reject Him today because they don’t want this suffering Messiah. They want the all-ruling Messiah. But Jesus will come again, and when He comes as the King of kings and Lord of lords, He will judge the wicked who have not received Him by faith. (Zech (9:9-10; Is 53:3-4)

Finally, Jesus is the Lord. He is sovereign- everything, good or bad, happens by His permission. He speaks with authority- just as He raised Lazarus from the dead by His command, Jesus effected our salvation by calling us out of the darkness and into His marvelous light. By His power, because of His love for us, Jesus gives us a new heart that results in a new life. If you have not closed with Jesus as your Lord, you have not known Him as your Savior.

The gospel is available today. “For unto you is born this day…”
Today is the day of salvation. The gospel is God’s promise fulfilled for you, because Jesus Christ has come to us as our Savior and Lord. Let the gospel become your joy and your testimony today.