'Tis the Season for. . . Sadness
Part of 'Tis the Season
December 13, 2024

’TIS THE SEASON FOR… SADNESS

Luke 2:8-14


Jesus enters your gloom with His glory. (8-9)

God displayed His glory in the shepherd’s usual gloom.

Jesus replaces your great gloom with great joy. (10-14)

Happiness is circumstantial while joy is theological.

“Joy is the serious business of heaven”
— C. S. Lewis

Joy works when you respond. (15-19)

Respond TO the gospel.
Respond WITH the gospel.

Joy is grounded in the gospel so it can be applied every day. (20)

Remember the Gospel
*Remind Yourself of God’s Word(s)*
Rejoice in God’s Presence

Discussion Guide

Open Up
Would you say you feel joy this Advent season? Why or why not?

What would be the best news you could hear right now?

What are some reasons why the holiday season is a season of sadness for many? 

 
Dig In
Describe the scene of Luke 2:8? What might be the sights, sounds, smells, and thoughts of the shepherds?

Why do you think God chose to make this history-changing announcement to the shepherds?

If the angel’s message is “for all the people,” why do you think the angel only told the shepherds?

Read Luke 2:16-18. How does this help answer the question above?

What does this say about how effective God thinks your witness of joy even in darkness may be for the people around you?

If asked, how might you explain the “good news of great joy” (gospel) and why Jesus came to earth?
 

Live Out
What situations are you currently wrestling with that has the potential to challenge your joy?

What one practical thing will you do this week to maintain your joy regardless of your external circumstances.

Pray together and for each other that the Spirit will bring about His joy in a new and obvious way this Christmas season.