Christmas 2021 – Thrill of Hope

                                                         Christmas 2021 – Thrill of Hope

Subject – Exciting Good News that Brings Hope

By Rick Welborne

Luke 2:8-18 (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 of great joy that will be for all the people.
¹¹  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ 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, and on earth peace to men 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."
¹⁶  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
¹⁷  When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
¹⁸  and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 

--The Thrill of Hope…can you imagine these poor shepherds…verse 9 says they were terrified. Well yes! But their terror would soon turn into a thrill of hope. 

--"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Even shepherds. Being a shepherd was not considered as one of your Fortune 500 Companies or Careers. 

--The shepherds like many of us were just going through life doing the same ole same ole and then, someone confronted us with Good News.

--Each of us respond differently to the good news…I know when my cousins started telling me about Jesus being born of a virgin how I laughed and made fun. A man had to be involved somewhere.

--We heard God’s Name and Jesus’ Name a lot in our house but it was never with reverence or fear…just a part of curse words. But we did have one of those 50 pound Bibles on the coffee table next to the ash trays.

--Even though I was lost I did believe the Bible was somehow God’s Word and that it was truth. People kept telling me about the truth and the good news so finally I did like the shepherds:

1. Come and see.

Luke 2:15 (NIV)
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." 

--Instead of thinking they had just been around sheep too long or had a little too much wine they decided to investigate. Before you completely brush Jesus off do like the shepherds…Come and see!

--I understand you may not be totally convinced (I have been there) but don’t stay where you are without at least checking out this beautiful story. As you come and see you may discover the thrill of hope.

2. Good News of Great Joy

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

----Think about that statement…Good News of Great Joy! When was the last time you turned on the news and heard good news or great joy?

--There is a wonderful message to the world and these angels were declaring the glory of the Lord and this good news but here is the best news…good news for all the people.

3. A Savior is Born.

Luke 2:11 (NIV)
¹¹  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 

--I love how the Word of God is so specific. This is not just a savior…this is the Savior…the One and only Savior…Christ the Lord! This is how detailed God is:

Acts 4:10-12 (NKJV)
¹⁰  let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
¹¹  This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.'
¹²  Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

--The shepherds found or discovered the Thrill of Hope and you can to. It is wrapped up in Jesus…the Savior of the World. Today is your opportunity.

--As we approach Christmas time why not receive the greatest gift of all, the thrill of hope, Jesus Christ?

John 1:12 (NKJV)
¹²  But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: