Four Gifts of Christmas - Joy

Luke 2:10; Psalm 98

Thieves of Joy

• Unrelenting high levels of pressure
• Living outside your calling or serving in the wrong place
• Leading in a toxic or unhealthy environment
• Lack of close relationships and friends you trust
• Unresolved conflict at home
• Feeling unappreciated or unwanted
• Working hard but little results

The absence of joy often manifests itself as discouragement.

JOY

Jesus

Others

You

Jesus Christ is the Reason to Sing for Joy

3 Groups that Should Sing for Joy

1. Individuals (1-3)
2. Nations (4-6)
3. Nature (7-9)

Why Should We Sing for Joy to Jesus?

1. He Has Done Wonderful Things
2. He Has Delivered us on His own.
3. He Has Shown what He is like in the Work of Salvation. He is gracious and merciful.
4. He is and will put all things right publicly.
5. He has remained true to His promises.
6. He has made known His salvation to the ends of the earth.

Application

1. “Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship; it is a consequence.” (Eugene Peterson)

2. The presence of joy does not mean the absence of pain.

3. Joy is always new.

4. Discipleship habits, more than ecstatic moments, are the practices of joy.