Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the 'good tidings of great joy' proclaimed at the birth of Jesus, highlighting humanity's historical failures and the desperate search for answers. He explains that the good news brings freedom from the bondage of sin and despair, transforming ashes into beauty and weeping into rejoicing. The message of salvation is universal, intended for all people, and not limited to any specific group. Smith underscores that Jesus is not merely a reformer or philosopher, but the Messiah who bridges the gap between God and man, offering peace and new life. The shepherds' response of faith serves as a model for all believers to glorify and praise God.

"GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY" I. THE NEED OF THE GOOD TIDINGS. A. The history of man was one of failure. 1. Man had failed to be, to achieve, to attain all God had intended. a. "All had come short of the glory of God." 2. The cause of the failure. a. Not obeying the Word of God. b. Allowing the flesh to rule over him. 1. Greed became tile dominate motivating force rather than love. 2. The fightings and wars were the inevitable consequence. B. Men had searched in vain for the answers. 1. Various forms of government were attempted. 2. The different philosophic systems arose and failed. 3. Man had despaired of every finding an answer. a. Those who have rejected God's answer still in despair. b. They conclude that universal truth or good does not exist, everything is relative. II. THE EFFECT OF THE GOOD TIDINGS. A. Great joy. 1. Man was to be released from his own prison. Freedom to be (No man is free who is still ruled by his flesh.. 2. His ashes to be turned into beauty. 3. His weeping into rejoicing. 4. His despair into hope. 5. Jesus spoke often of fullness of joy. a. God desires your cup to run over. B. "Which shall be to all people." 1. Not just to the Jews. 2. Not restricted to an age or culture. III. THE GOOD TIDINGS. A. A Savior is born. 1. Not a reformer. a. Many reformat ions had been attempted. 2. Not a philosopher. 3. Not a judge. a. Men were already guilty and condemned. B. "The Messiah is born." 1. The hope of Israel and the world has come. 2. He shall lead us forth into new life. a. He shall teach us the ways of God. 3. He shall bring God and man together. a. Opening the door that all men might have peace with God. C. The Lord is born. 1. God has become flesh-to live, walk and dwell among men. 2. God is building a bridge to man. 3. A. new day for mankind is dawning. As the shepherds rushed toward Bethlehem, 1 am certain they did not fully apprehend all the implications of the divine message. With the advantage of 2000 years of hind-sight we do not. But, they believed and responded in faith and our last view of the shepherds, they are on their way back to the flocks glorifying and praising God.