We think the Gettysburg Address is a masterpiece of economy. All that America means to us is compressed in a few statements that we memorize in the fifth grade. But there has never been an announcement of such infinite importance with such life-shaking content in so few words as Luke 2:10. This is an eternal masterpiece of heavenly brevity. This little message contains twelve great rays of truth. I used a portion of the outline below during my sermon last Sunday, and I’m planning to use it in full during my Christmas message next year. It tells us:
- That fear is now obsolete in the human heart–Do not be afraid.
- That it is an angelic message, other-worldly, from heaven—I (an angel)
- That we have a Gospel—Good News—I bring you good news…
- That we have Great Joy—of great joy…
- That we have a Global Message—which shall be to all people.
- That this news is immediate—Today…
- That we have a new king—a descendant of David, who fulfilled Messianic prophecy and is going to claim the Davidic throne—in the city of David…
- That we have one who saves us from sin, death, and hell—a Savior…
- That He has arrived on earth via human birth—has been born…’
- That it is very personal—for you
- That He is the long-promised Messiah (the Christ)—He is Christ…
- That He is Lord, one who is above all—the Lord
Never was so great a message compressed into so few words!