Christmas Series, Part 3
Joy is the focus of the third Sunday of Advent, the joy of what is and of what is to come. My prayer is that we will be a people who are characterized by this quality in both our foundation and expression in living through all seasons of life.
NOTES
Christmas Series Part 3
The Power of Joy
Dave Spooner – Mosaic Rockford – Dec. 13th, 2015
Intro:
- This morning we are talking about Joy, how joy is experienced, how joy is enhanced, and how joy is expressed.
Joy is experienced by hope fulfilled
- Joy and hope go hand in hand . . . Joy is experienced when hope is fulfilled.
- When we have hope and the hope becomes a reality we experience joy
- For example, as a kid . . . for our favorite sports team . . . for relationships, etc. . . .
- For Parents of both physical and spiritual children
3 John 4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth
- And here is a powerful principle
Prov 10:28
The hopes of the godly result in joy, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.
- Being Godly gives your hopes the best chance of resulting in joy
- Continue to live for the lord and give your hopes to him
- And being godly – shapes your hopes
- Set right hopes, and set your hopes right
- And our greatest hopes lie in Jesus – hope of salvation and everlasting life and this is why the angel proclaimed
Luke 2:10-11
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
Joy is enhanced by sharing
- Our joy is enhanced by sharing – Joy – the more you share the more you have.
- Experiencing something for yourself is different than experiencing it with others . .
- This is why with the announcement of Jesus other angels joined in and then they shared the news with others
Luke 2:13-14; 17 NLT
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” . . . 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished
- One then others – then they hurried to see . . and then they told others . . .
- Hopefully in the Joy of our salvation will compel us to share it with others!!! . . . . (restore unto me the joy of my salvation.
- This is why having friends and people in your life improves your life – so share joy with others – include them and bring them along!
Joy is expressed by celebration
- Joy should be and is best expressed in celebration!
- Some of you need to celebrate – and do with gusto and life, energy and joy!!!
- So throw a party!!!
- Be like the father of the prodigal son
Luke 15:22-24
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
- May your house be filled with joy, laughter and celebration
- Christians should be great at expressing joy and celebrating!!!
Conclusion
- Place your hopes in God, continue to do good and experience much joy
- Share you joy with others and lean to celebrate well.
- And so we now wait with expectant joy in the second coming of Christ and his kingdom.
- And to confirm our hope we remember with a symbolic act of receiving communion
Communion