ID the joy thieves: 1) Looking in the wrong place for purpose

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over the flocks at night.” Luke 2:8

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you, in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

ID the joy thieves: 2) Separation from God

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” Luke 2:9 “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” Luke 2:9

“’As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.’” John 15:9-11

J esus O ccupying Y ou

“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7-8

“Let me hear joy and gladness.” Psalm 51:9a

Reasons for great joy: 1) God brings joy for you and everyone!

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’” Luke 2:10 “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’” Luke 2:10

“’Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ ‘I 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.’” Luke 15:6b-7

“’Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ ‘In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents,’” Luke 15:9b-10

“’Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” Luke 15:23b-24

Reasons for great joy: 2) The Gift is for now, regardless! “’Today…’” Luke 2:11a

“I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” 2 Corinthians 7:4

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” James 1:2

Reasons for great joy: 3) There’s no one like Jesus! “’Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’” Luke 2:11c

Jesus is universally unique as Savior, human, and Lord.

“Dear Santa, there are 3 boys living at my house. Jeffrey is 2 and he’s good some of the time. David is 4 and he’s good most of the time. Norman is 7 and he’s good all of the time. I am Norman.”

“If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. Our greatest need is forgiveness, so He sent us a Savior.”

’Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’” Luke 2:11c “’Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’” Luke 2:11c

Our response of joy Seek and Share “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word…” Luke 2:17a

Opportunity on the horizon Community Outreach Team Community Outreach Team