Lesson 3: The Angels Announce Christ's Birth

A. AN ANGEL ANNOUNCES TO JOSEPH

1. Joseph was not involved physically, but his emotions, reputation and outward life were severely influenced by Mary’s pregnancy.

2. A pregnancy cannot be long hidden. Who found out? “She was found with child” (Matt. 1:18).

3. Matt. 1:18-25, ELT. “When Mary was engaged to Joseph before they came together, her pregnancy by the Holy Spirit was discovered. Joseph being a man of principle decided to break the engagement quietly to spare her embarrassment and publicity. But an angel from the Lord spoke to him in a dream saying, ‘Joseph, don’t be reluctant to marry her, the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

She shall have a son and you will name Him Jesus (meaning Savior),for He shall save His people from their sins. This will fulfill the prediction by the prophet, ‘A virgin shall conceive a child and deliver

a son, and he shall be Emmanuel (meaning, God is with us). When Joseph awoke he did what the angel commanded, he brought Mary to his home to be his wife, but did not know her until she brought forth

her first born son, and he called His name Jesus.’”

4. The decision that faced Joseph involved losing respect in the community for his life’s dreams, everything important to a man. Every important thing in Joseph’s life would revolve around that

baby.

5. Joseph had to make a decision whether to fulfill God’s plan.

6. Joseph could not complete his personal dreams for the baby; God had a plan for the baby’s life.

7. As a messenger of God, the angel had seven messages for Joseph.

(1) Don’t be afraid.

(2) Second, there was a divine plan for his life.

(3) Complete the marriage.

(4) The Son was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

(5) Mary was the virgin who fulfilled Scripture.

(6) The child would be Emmanuel.

(7) Name him Jesus.

8. How did Joseph obey the message from God?

• He married Mary.

• He brought her to his home.

• He named the baby Jesus.

B. ANGELS ANNOUNCE TO SHEPHERDS

1. The first announcement about Christ went to common workmen, not to the rich, or rulers or the religious establishment. God loves common people.

2. Luke 2:8-15, ELT. “Shepherds were in the fields outside Bethlehem watching their sheep when suddenly an angel appeared that lit up the field, terrorizing them. The angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid, I have got

the best news ever that will ever be announced to mankind, and you are to tell everyone. Tonight the Savior – the Messiah – was born right here in Bethlehem. The sign of his miraculous birth will be

proved by this, you will find the baby wrapped in swaths of cloths lying in a feed trough.’ Suddenly the angel was joined with a multitude of other angels praising God saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to men of good will.’ When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds shouted to each other,‘Come on, let’s go to Bethlehem to find this baby. Let’s see the wonderful thing the Lord has announced to us.’”

3. God gives a message and task to those who are faithfully doing their every day duty.

4. Those who are not faithful in daily responsibilities do not qualify for greater duty.

5. If we could only see the spirit world around us – both angels and demons – we would be scared to death.

6. Genuine fear is the first step to worship.

7. The greatest news in the world concerns Jesus, because He is the center of all we are and have.

8. News of “this day” demands actions. Yesterday is foundational to who we are, and tomorrow is motivation for who we will become, but today is the most important day of our life.

9. It is the nature and duty of angels to praise God. They must do it. God wants us to choose to worship.

10. The most important thing you can do today: worship Jesus.

11. Since angels naturally sing praises to God, shouldn’t we also?

12. While there are wars in the world, God gives inward peace to men who want it.

13. When you get new information about Jesus, act on it immediately as did the shepherds.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.