Luke 2:10-14

 

The Bible refers to the word joy over 300 times. Joy is the affirmation that Christ is alive in your heart. Real joy, wonderful joy comes from the inside. The songwriter says it best, Joy to the World, the Lord Is Come.

 

 

The Enemies of Christmas Joy:                                                                                                     v. 10

But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

 

1.   Unresolved guilt .                                                                                   Psalm 51:12

Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

 

2.   Unrealistic goals .                                                                               Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

 

3.   Unpleasant circumstances .                                                       2 Corinthians 6:8-17

 

 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

 

 

Through Christ We Can Experience Real Christmas Joy:                                                      vv. 11-14

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

 

1.   Focus on the eternal not the temporal.                                   2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

 

2.   Rehearse God’s attributes .                                                                  Psalm 66:1-4

Shout with joy to God, all the earth! 2Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!

3Say to God, How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. 4All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name. Selah

 

3.   Renew your commitment .                                                                Philippians 4:7-8

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.


 

4.   Release your troubles .                                                                Philippians 4:11-13

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

 

5.   Rejoice in your salvation .                                                                          Luke 15:6

. . .Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep. 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety‑nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

 

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).