Joy to the World Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: Joy to the World--------------------------------------- Date: 12/24/2000 Keywords: "glory" "joy" "savior" "world" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. Passage: Luke 2:1-12* 1. In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3. And everyone went to his own town to register. 4. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7. and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 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." Questions 1. To whom is Jesus' birth supposed to bring great joy?   2. What were the shepherds doing late at night?   3. What significance does this event have for you?   Practical help Tonight all those of the Christian faith celebrate an event which took place 2000 years ago, give or take a few days. It is an event which has significance like no other event in human history. God himself, in the form of a helpless baby, came to live, grow, and walk among us. Not just to experience life as we live it, but to show us the way to a better life, life as he lives it. If the 2000 years' distance from that event seems to make it less real, consider this: He is coming again, maybe soon, maybe tomorrow (wouldn't that be a real Christmas present?). And he will come in full glory, not as a baby again. When the glory of the Lord shines around you, as it did those shepherds on that night so long ago, will you be watching and waiting, or will you be plugged in, online, and wallowing in the dim light of your computer monitor, which is really no light at all? Will you be filled with joy? What a blessing, if he finds you watching over those with whom he has entrusted you, like the shepherds watching their flocks. This passage tells us that the joy of Christ's coming is for all the people. Other passages tell us that when he comes again, it will not be a joyous event for some. For those who have believed in him, it will be an event of even more joy than his first arrival. Take time tonight to pay attention to the real meaning of Christmas. As you ponder these thoughts, consider what it will mean for you personally. If you're unsure, there's still time to make sure. If you want to know more, click here. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 2000 by eXXit *Scriptures are from The Holy Bible: New International Version © Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved.