IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Good News of Great Joy

Date: Dec. 25, 2020

Passage

Luke 2:1-14

The Birth of Jesus Christ

2:1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14   “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Daily Bread

Key Verse: Luke 2:10

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

1. Good news of great joy for all people (1-12)

Just as Joseph and Mary register in Bethlehem for the Roman census, the baby comes! There is no place for the Messiah to be born, and so, they go into an animals' shelter. Jesus is born outdoors surrounded by the animal world, a veiled reflection of the Creator in the Garden of Eden. An angel shares the birth announcement with humble shepherds watching over their flocks at night. The sign of a baby lying in a manger is good news of great joy for all people! He is our Savior and King and Friend. Rulers who dictate our lives seem most powerful, but King Jesus born meekly in a manger is the Messiah. He reigns!

2. Peace on earth (13-14)

Suddenly a heavenly chorus of angels burst into song, proclaiming: 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.' Our King Jesus' humble birth in a manger glorifies God and gives us peace in our hearts today and always. Let's worship him!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, please fill my heart with real joy and peace today through worshiping the baby in a manger.

One Word: Good news of great joy for all people!

Daily Bread

Remember Who God is

Psalm 77:1-20

Key Verse: 77:11

I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

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