Teaching summary
In this Christmas teaching, Pastor Leonard Rola proclaims the true meaning of “Joy to the World” by unfolding the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth as good news of great joy for all people. He explains that God’s message has always been rooted in love, peace, and reconciliation, not wrath or separation. Through Christ, the sin issue has been fully dealt with, restoring humanity to oneness with God. This sermon celebrates Jesus as Savior, Deliverer, and the ultimate expression of God’s never-ending love for the world.
Bible verses referenced
Luke 2:8- And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Luke 2:9- And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Luke 2:10- And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luke 2:11- For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:12- And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:13–14- And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.
John 3:16- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Luke 15:4–7- What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Psalm 22:1 (Referenced by Jesus on the cross)- My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
2 Corinthians 5:18–19- And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Hebrews 8:12- For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Hebrews 10:17- And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Philippians 2:9–11- Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- The Shepherds and the Angelic Encounter
- Good Tidings: The Announcement of the Gospel
- The Myth of Separation and the Heart of God
- Great Joy for All People
- Jesus the Savior and Deliverer
- Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men
- From the Manger to the Cross
- Every Knee Shall Bow
- The Celebration of Christmas and Communion
- The Shepherds and the Angelic Encounter
The Shepherds and the Angelic Encounter
Pastor Leonard begins by reading Luke 2:8, explaining that the shepherds were not ordinary shepherds tending ordinary sheep. These sheep were being raised specifically for temple sacrifice, meaning the shepherds understood the significance of a sacrificial lamb deeply. This context sets the stage for the message they were about to receive.
He continues with Luke 2:9, describing the sudden appearance of the angel of the Lord and the glory of God shining around them. Their fear is understandable, especially considering their knowledge of angelic power, as recalled in historical accounts where a single angel destroyed entire armies.
Good Tidings: The Announcement of the Gospel
In Luke 2:10, the angel declares, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Pastor Leonard explains that the phrase “good tidings” comes from the Greek word meaning to announce or preach the good news of the gospel.
He emphasizes that Christmas has no meaning apart from the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Without Calvary, the manger would be meaningless. From the very beginning, God made it clear that His message to humanity was good, loving, and joyful—not angry or condemning.
Pastor Leonard contrasts this with common misconceptions of God as wrathful, reminding listeners of John 3:16, where God’s motivation is clearly stated as love for the world.
The Myth of Separation and the Heart of God
Pastor Leonard addresses the commonly taught belief that sin separated humanity from God. He states plainly that sin never separated God from man. Throughout Scripture, God is always shown seeking, searching for, and pursuing humanity.
Referencing Luke 15:4–7, he explains that the lost sheep was not merely wandering but perishing, and the shepherd went after it. Jesus came to deal with the sin issue, not because God was distant, but because sin kept humanity from understanding and enjoying God.
He also addresses Jesus’ cry from the cross by quoting Psalm 22:1, explaining that Jesus was quoting the opening line of a psalm that Jewish listeners would immediately recognize. This psalm reveals that God never turned His back on Jesus, correcting years of mistaken teaching about divine abandonment.
Great Joy for All People
Returning to Luke 2:10, Pastor Leonard explains that “great joy” means mega joy—enormous, overwhelming joy. This joy is calm delight, peace, gladness, and cheerfulness. It was not intended for a select group but for all people.
He stresses the word “all,” explaining that it means everyone—without exception. The angelic message was inclusive, universal, and filled with hope.
Jesus the Savior and Deliverer
In Luke 2:11, the angel declares the birth of a Savior. Pastor Leonard explains the Greek word “soter,” meaning deliverer. Salvation is described as all-encompassing—peace, provision, healing, safety, and wholeness.
Jesus came not only to deliver humanity from sin but from false identities, fear, and self-condemnation. He came to reveal a loving, merciful Father who would never let His children go.
Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men
The multitude of angels in Luke 2:13–14 proclaimed peace on earth and goodwill toward men. Pastor Leonard explains that peace means oneness—being set at one again with God. He illustrates this with the image of a dovetail joint, symbolizing a bond so strong it cannot be broken.
Goodwill is explained as God’s delight, kindness, satisfaction, and pleasure toward humanity. This is reinforced by 2 Corinthians 5:18–19, where God is shown reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting sins against them.
He further supports this with Hebrews 8:12 and Hebrews 10:17, emphasizing that God remembers sins no more, fully removing the sin issue.
From the Manger to the Cross
Pastor Leonard reflects on the humility of Jesus’ birth—laid in a feeding trough because there was no room at the inn. The King of kings entered the world in the most humble way possible.
He then traces Jesus’ journey from the manger to the wooden cross, marveling at the depth of God’s love. Because Jesus humbled Himself, God exalted Him above every name.
Every Knee Shall Bow
Quoting Philippians 2:9–11, Pastor Leonard explains that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. He highlights that the word “confess” here means to joyfully and happily proclaim.
He expresses confidence that one day all humanity—past, present, and future—will joyfully acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior because of His finished work.
The Celebration of Christmas and Communion
The teaching concludes by tying the birth of Jesus to communion, reflecting on the Last Supper and the new covenant established through Christ’s blood. Christmas is celebrated not merely as a historical event, but as the unveiling of God’s extravagant love and eternal reconciliation with humanity.
We hope this article blessed you and brought clarity to the true joy announced at the birth of Jesus. This message reminds us that Christmas is the celebration of God’s love, peace, and reconciliation for all people. Please share this teaching with others so they, too, can experience the joy, hope, and freedom found in Christ.