Experience the gifts of Christmas
The gift of joy
Experience The Gifts of Christmas
Sermon 3: Experience The Gift of Joy
“You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.” 1 Peter 1:8 (NLT)
“ 11 Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! 12 Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy 13 before the Lord, for he is coming!” Psalm 96:11–13 (NLT)
- Anticipate Joy “but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!’” Luke 2:10–11 (NLT)
“The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.” Luke 2:20(NLT)
- Recognize Joy “When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10–11 (NLT)
“Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2–3 (NLT)
- Choose Joy Choose Gratitude: “ Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NLT)
Choose to Obey: “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:11 (NLT) John 15:10
Choose to Abide: John 15
Discussion Questions:
- Would you describe your feelings about Christmas as “filled with joy”?
- What is keeping you from experiencing joy this Advent season?
- Between gratitude, obedience and abiding in God’s love, which is hardest for you to remember and do?
- How can you make time this week to practice this and make room for joy?
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