God with us brings joy

Topics: Jesus, joy, God's presence

I. Joy prioritizes Jesus, others and you!

* Biblical joy is different from circumstantial happiness!

And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10, 11).
"This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased" (Luke 2:12-14).

II. Joy is found in the presence of our Lord!

* Lasting joy is found when we come into the presence of Jesus!

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger (Luke 2:15, 16; see Luke 1:41-44).
You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever (Psalm 16:11).

Joy is contagious as we tell others about Jesus!

*Irresistible joy attracts people who desire to know about Jesus!

When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them (Luke 2:17-20).
"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full" (John 15:11; see 1 Peter 1:8, 9).
I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me (Philippians 2:17b, 18).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, December 15^th, 2024

Life group flow and discussion questions

"God with us brings joy"

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Your Life Group is an expression of joyful spiritual unity as Psalm 133:1 expresses, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!" Seek to stay loyal to meeting together (Hebrews 10:25).

Getting Started:

How would you explain the difference between heartfelt biblical joy and circumstantial happiness?
What would change if you followed the acrostic JOY in prioritizing Jesus first, Others next and You last?

Discussing Truths:

Would you say that your life is characterized by a joyful attitude? What things tend to rob you of joy?
Why do you think God chose to announce His Son?s birth and incarnation to ordinary shepherds?
Just as the frightened shepherds were comforted by the angel, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people", so too Nehemiah encouraged the people, "Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Do you need that reminder today?
As you celebrate Advent with expectation, are you aware that God is with you?
How could Paul rejoice even while in a Roman prison (Philippians 3:1; 4:4, 5)? Why is joy so hard for many people?
What is your favorite way to transition conversations into spiritual truths about Jesus?

Now What? Application:

Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Pray and ask God to fill you with His Spirit everyday (Ephesians 5:18; 1 John 5:14, 15). Ask yourself if you are exhibiting the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
How will spread the good news of great joy about Jesus with your OIKOS?