Its A Wonderful Life The Wonder Of It All Series

Luke 2:18

- George is rescued by the people of Bedford Falls

- Brother calls him the richest man in town

- Note - George is filled with Wonder

1. The Wonder of It All

- Jesus life is bracketed by two impossibilities

A virgin's womb and an empty tomb.

- Jesus entered our world through a door marked "No Entrance" - - Jesus left through a door marked "No Exit."

- Christmas is filled with one dominant emotion: - WONDER

Luke 2:18 (AV)

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

- Wonder involves mystery

2. Wonder Of God’s Coming

Christ comes to the marginalized, the hurting, the discouraged, the outcasts, and the heavy hearted.

Choosing to come as man/baby

Message to the obscure Mary/Joseph - forgotten linage/village

To nobody of importance

- Not to the political/religious – Shepherds

Gives each of us significance

3. Wonder of Jesus

Luke 2:10 (AV)

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Great Joy Gk. – Megas – “Maga Joy” – Beyond imagination

Boundless, overflowing, never ending

Luke 2:11 (AV)

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

- “FOR” Because – Savior, Christ Lord

SAVIOR – Unrealized need

– World in bondage

- Sitting in darkness

- Death penalty hanging over us

- No escape

- To call Jesus “Savior” is to acknowledge Him as God

- To admit guilt and need for forgiveness.

- A solution for sin

CHRIST – Purposeful Remedy

- His title

– Heb- “Messiah” Gk. “Christos” - Anointed One

- Anointing was to consecrate for a purpose or service

- His purpose was to die so that we might be saved

LORD – Capable Sovereign

- Lord used in the OT was reserved to God alone

- Jesus is not just from God – He is God Himself

- Jesus is supreme master of the universe

- He demands our total submission & full allegiance

- I must bow before Him

4. Wonder of The Message

Worlds message "Money, Sex, Power & Pleasure = joy and peace.

- Fear of lost robs our joy

- v. 10 “Fear Not” – Fear grips our lives

Luke 2:13–14 (AV)

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, good will toward men.

- Heavenly Host – or an army celebrating peace

- Praising God

- GLORY - Abundance, wealth, treasure, splendor thus honor

Note:- Peace comes only after praise

- Peace is a state of wholeness & harmony with ourselves & others

- To join together

- News of God’s grace – Gift of Peace

Peace is multidimensional

• Peace with God – that’s the vertical dimension

• Peace of God – this takes place internally

• Peace with others – that’s peace horizontally

Hebrews 13:6 (AV)

6 …., The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Psalm 118:6 (AV)

6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

5. Wonder of Assurance

- This message is guaranteed!

- Christ had come

- The angels told those shepherds that they could check it out.

Luke 2:11–12 (AV)

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger

- Christ was everything that they needed.

He is the Savior, giving us salvation from our sin.

He is the Messiah, demonstrating that God keeps His - promises.

He is the Lord Himself, Immanuel, God with us.

- He is close by – Have you checked Him out

Heaven Came Down To Earth

No wonder we can say Merry Christmas

Matthew 1:23 (AV)

… they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

- Is God with you

It’s a Wonderful Life when we KNOW God is with us