This will be a sign to you

Why did the hope of the World and the Messiah of humanity come in the form of a baby? Pastor Mike Patz answers this question and more through the words in Luke 2:8-14 as we approach Christmas day. When the shepherds were approached by the angels, the word says they were terrified! These angels were awesome, terrifying creatures! They declared, "This will be a sign to you." In the Old Testament, God spoke through the prophets, but He also used signs. We are so prone to miss it when He sends us a sign! How well are you reading the signs God is sending to you? Have you ever turned off the volume on your GPS and found yourself suddenly going in the wrong direction? The signs are all around us, but can we also have to interpret them correctly. This message centers on the one sign that God gave to us: "You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger..." Whenever God plans to do something, as Christians He has wired us to read sign language. This sign language is birthed in humility. We all needed someone to come and bring us good news. The good news causes joy! The Gospel is the good news of what Jesus has already done. It is the tidings of great joy, for all people! One of the biblical words for joy is salvation. The theology of the splendor and "joy of your salvation" is much more than meets the eye. The world says do better. But Jesus already did. This great joy is attached to contentment; a little bit of joy brings a lot of contentment. When you attach your joy to His Kingdom your joy will have no end. Today we can celebrate because "unto us was born this day, in the City of David, a Saviour, Christ the Lord!" (Isaiah 9)