In this second alternating, miraculous birth narrative, Luke again illuminates the two parallel themes of truth and joy. May we be reminded once again that the Gospel of Christ is always Good News of Great Joy.

TRUTH finds its expression in JOY at Gods decisive action in the history of his people to accomplish our salvation; the Truth of the Gospel is always “good news of great joy”.

God is the eternal King. His greatness, goodness, and faithfulness, flowing from His unchanging character, are so magnificent that they must be proclaimed to every generation by all of creation forever.

God is deeply Interested in teaching his people a PLEASING way, a FAITHFUL way - to deal with difficulty and discouragement. Psalm 42 teaches us the pleasing and faithful way to address our disappointments using them to draw us toward God and praise.

Grumbling, complaining, and discontentment is faithless – it’s a sin against God who uses hardships for the benefit of the people He loves.

Living congruently (in step) with God’s own Spirit placed in the life of the believer, is the way we LIVE IN FREEDOM. This life of freedom manifests in Eden-like Qualities and joyful Love and service to God and others.

Only the pure Gospel brings freedom and adoption into God’s family. Any addition to the pure gospel straps the believer back into the shackles of the law.

The Gospel is Promised by God, fulfilled by Christ, Confirmed by the Spirit. If we look to anything else for confirmation or comfort of our salvation, we are believing a false Gospel and we are just like the Galatians.

Know and obey the word of God and you will not nullify the grace of God in salvation.