Need Joy? Series

Series: A COVID Christmas 2.0 [#3]

NEED JOY?

Luke 2:8-12

Introduction:

Today is the 3rd week of the Advent Season. We have studied hope and peace so far. As we look back to Christ’s 1st arrival and look forward to His 2nd and final arrival; we are going to look at joy. Webster’s defines joy as great delight or happiness that comes over you when you experience something exceptionally good and satisfying. All of us have experienced joy at different times in our lives- Days like when Karen and I got married.

In 2016, Karen and I went to Rio de Janeiro to watch Tharon swim at the Paralympic Games. On the day of his 1st race, we were hoping he would do well in the 400- meter freestyle race. During the race, Tharon and a Brazilian swimmer were on the last lap in a very close race. As they approached the last 5 meters, the building was so loud that I couldn’t hear Karen screaming right next to me. They touched the wall and fight for the Silver Medal was so close, that they did not put the time on the scoreboard. We all waited with great anticipation and when they officially announced that Tharon won a Silver Medal over the Brazilian by .09 seconds, I could not contain myself. I felt so much joy in that moment that it is still challenging to discuss.

Here is the problem with moments of joy like the one I just shared- They are temporary. They begin to fade as quickly as they happen. Sometimes, we even forget those moments of joy. Can you have joy in a year like 2021? Can you have a joy that does not fade? The simple answer is, yes. It is that same joy that the Angel of the Lord was talking about to the Shepherds.

Luke 2:8-12

Jesus brings…

1. Good News.

The announcement about the birth of Jesus is Good News that causes great joy. This joy that the Angel talked about is for all people, (including Shepherds). By the time Jesus was born, being a Shepherd was a lowly job. Shepherds were looked down on; and were considered thieves. They were considered “unclean” by the religious people; and yet, God sent Angels to the Shepherds to announce the birth of His Son.

If you want real joy that doesn’t just go away, then you need to look towards the Good News of Jesus. You will not find true joy apart from Jesus. This Good News is offered to anyone who wants to receive it. It is the Gospel of Jesus that gives us true joy. The joy of the Gospel is eternal- It will never fade.

John 15:9-11

Jesus brings…

2. A relationship with God.

In order to have a personal relationship with Jesus, He must be your Savior. Your relationship with Jesus begins when you are saved. How do you grow this relationship? Your relationship with Jesus begins by remaining in His love. You remain in His love by following His commands. When you follow His commands, His joy will be in you; and it will be made complete.

Jesus brings…

3. Strength.

In Nehemiah, we are told that the joy of the Lord is our strength. How do you make it through terrible situations? How do you survive a world that seems to be against Christians more and more? It is through a relationship with Jesus. Why do Christians seem so weak? They do not have the joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord comes from your relationship with Him.

Conclusion:

This is one of those times when it is easier said than done. Joy comes from trusting in the Good News of Jesus and living in His love. From that joy comes a strength that will last through circumstances.