Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg
http://bible.com/events/48999149
The Christmas Gifts: JOY
Joy is a promise of God. And He keeps His promises.
As we enter the Advent season for 2022, we will seek to grow deeper in our understanding of the free gifts available to us through Christ and his coming. Gifts we cannot earn and do not deserve.
Today we will unwrap the Christmas Gift of Joy.
Joy to the World then isn’t about Christmas Presents, it’s not just a nice song, it’s more. It’s a statement of fact for those who believe and receive the gift the father gave at Christmas.
Luke 2:1-12
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So, Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
The angel’s declaration is beautiful and also challenging: great joy!-Of all the wonderful benefits of the coming Messiah, and of all the things the angel could say, the angel declares joy. Not only that, but “great joy.”-The type of joy being described here is remarkable, amazing, above and beyond what we can comprehend.Philippians 4:4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
The bottom line:
Joy is a promise of God. And He keeps His promises.
Joy is one of the great gifts of Christmas.
The Joy of the Lord is the overcomer of your circumstances.
The Joy of the Lord cannot be dimmed by your imperfections.
The Joy of the Lord meets you on your knees
The Joy of the Lord is your strength
Come let us worship Christ the Newborn King!
Verses for further study/reflection:
Psalm 16:11
Romans 14:17
John 15:11
1 Peter 1:8-9
Nehemiah 8:10