JESUS CHRIST THE JOY OF KINGDOM PEOPLE
LUKE 2:10-11, 4:17-19, 1 COR 15; 19, 57

The word "Kingdom" laterally means "A country ruled over by a king or queen. Therefore, kingdom people are citizens of a country ruled over by Jesus Christ as their king. Kingdom people become members of Christ kingdom by accepting and confessing him (Christ) as their personal Lord and Saviour. They agreed and determined to live their lives according to his pattern and doctrines. (John 1:12; 3:16; Acts 16:31, 1 Pet. 2:9)
         According to the complete Christian Dictionary, the word joy is defined as "A feeling of delight happiness, gladness, a source of pleasure." In other word, a person or a thing that causes us to feel, very happy is a source of our joy. A child can cause his parents to feel happy, marriage can cause a couple to feel happy and promotion to a higher position can cause an individual to feel happy. Winning in a competition can bring happiness into our lives. Likewise Jesus Christ is the cause and reason for kingdom people happiness and gladness that ultimately culminate in  joy at this season and other seasons of the year. This is experienced through the following:

1. The announcement of his birth was a good news (Luke 2:10-11)

2. His mission and ministry were about gospel, healing, deliverance and liberty to the people of the kingdom. Luke 4:17-19, Isaiah 60:1-2, John 3:24)

3. He was anointed by the Holy Spirit to do good to kingdom people- Act 4:38

4. His death and resurrection are the foundations of our hope and victory over death. We consequently become people of his kingdom (2 Cor. 15:19, 57)

CONCLUSION
Jesus Christ is the joy of kingdom people by his coming to this world through the announcement of his birth, his life and ministries, his death and resurrection; all are the reasons why kingdom people musr be joyful and glad at this season and other seasons of the year. Merry Christmas.

Rev. Gbemileke A. Olonade
Pastor of First Baptist Church,Kuje Amuwo