Week Three - Joy - New Life Community Church

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.” (Luke 2:10-12 NIV)

On the day of Jesus’s birth, the angel of the Lord appeared to a group of shepherds. The angel said to them, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.” Today, 2,000 years later, we can share in their same joy!

We sing “Joy to the World” with neighbors and friends, around lit trees, outside our homes, and during church services, but do we know what this joy truly feels like? How is it any different than the warm feeling we get eating our favorite holiday treat or giving a good gift to a loved one?

Here are a few things to know about this heaven-sent joy. First, it is “great.” No earthly happiness can compare. Secondly, it is for everyone. It is for all people – past, present, and future. Lastly, it is everlasting. Joy found in Jesus is timeless, it's not tied to any circumstance or temporary feeling. No disappointment, no matter how Earth-shattering, can diminish the contentment available in Christ. In happiness and hurt, the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”(Nehemiah 8:10 NIV)

Imagining what it felt like for the shepherds to hear of the promised King’s birth may be tough. However, we can surely remember the joy we’ve felt experiencing the overwhelming grace and mercy granted to us all by the Father. We can call to mind the joyous moment we heard the Gospel, believed it in our heart, and allowed it to renew our mind. Remember that joy this Christmas season. Do not take it for granted. Meditate on it. Express gratitude for it. Rejoice in it.

As Christmas moves into its final weeks, ask God to make your heart joyful no matter the circumstances. Focus your anticipation on the celebration of His birth. And, ask Him to make your life a living testament of His joy this Christmas.

Reflect

Pray

Activity

The joy of the Lord is matchless. Still, in small and big ways, we can replicate this radical love in our own relationships with families, friends, and our greater community.

Spread Christ’s cheer and interject some joy into your community’s Christmas season. Gather with friends or family and take a trip to a local coffee shop for some hot cocoa or coffee. Before ordering, say a word of encouragement to the barista, acknowledge their service, and – if you are feeling extra courageous – even sing them a Christmas carol.

Take your drinks to go, hit the road, and explore some of the best Christmas lights your neighborhood has to offer. Blast the Christmas music as you go and sing along to some of your favorite holiday tunes.

As you go about your week, look for additional opportunities to brighten up the lives of others. Look at each conversation, every interaction with a friend, colleague, classmate, or stranger as a bright bulb added to a long string of bright shining Christmas lights.

Christmas at New Life

Week Three – Joy