The Joy of Christmas
Josh Hatlestad
Part of The Hope of Christmas
December 22, 2024

The Joy of Christmas

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Advent Week 4:

Joy vs Happiness:
- Joy is a deep, abiding sense of gladness rooted in God’s faithfulness.
- Joy comes from knowing that:
1. God is in control
2. God is trustworthy
3. God is our eternal hope

I – Joy in God’s

:
- Luke 1:13-17 – 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

II – Joy in God’s

:
- Luke 1:57-58 – 57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

III – Joy in God’s

:
- Luke 2:8-11 – 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Big Idea:
True Joy is

on Jesus Christ.
- Practical ways to seek joy when happiness fades:
1. Focus on God’s promises
2. Trust in God’s timing
3. Celebrate God’s faithfulness
- Psalm 16:11(ESV) – You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy.

Resources:
- NIV & ESV Bible Translations
- “Shadow & Light” – Oxenreider
- “Watch for the Light – Readings for Advent and Christmas” – Multiple Authors
- “Word Pictures in the New Testament” – Robertson
- “The New Manners & Customs of Bible Times” – Gower
- “TNICNT – The Gospel of Luke” - Geldenhuys