J-O-Y, Mary's Joy Delivered!

Finish with Go tell it on the mountain!

Last week we spoke from Luke chapter 1 about Mary Song and her time with Elizabeth.

My topic is Jesus than Others than You. That is how you spell JOY! I find that when people tend to focus on Christ first, second they focus on others and finally they put themselves third that is when they find real Joy. That isn’t the way that the world thinks about ME First. It is about I I I.

A few weeks ago we spoke about the World. The world is put yourself first. Sounds good, But it is a recipe for disaster. Then we talked about the message of the antichrist, his message is I,I, I that is not Joy is found in Jesus.

Jesus put others before Himself.

Philippians 2:6–8 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Jesus could have thought of Himself first and stayed in heaven. He could have left us to ourselves to fend for ourselves. But He didn’t, he obeyed the Father, thought of your need and came to earth. I hope that this Christmas you won’t be about me me me. That will steal your joy. I’m not perfect. Not at all. Let me tell you a story. about my selfishness. The first year my wife and I were married I came home for Christmas. I came home to my parents SELFISH! I thought of myself first. What were my parents going to get me. Well my mother got me diapers. And when I opened the gift she laughed. Not because she was trying to be mean. She really had a good motive, diapers are expensive and if you are having a child you are going to need these. That’s not how I took it. I was crushed. Urg.… I was upset because I was selfish. That will steal your joy. I have decided Christmas can’t be about me. I always tell my kids get me a reese’s cup and I will be happy. Because my relationship with them isn’t about me.

Jesus is the ultimate example of J-O-Y.

Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I love this verse. JESUS FIRST! This Christmas look to Jesus first. He endured the cross that was set before Him. Joyful to do it for you. Not for Himself but for you. This Christmas think of other first. Like Christ did. Finally you can focus on your intimate relationship with Christ.

Last week we looked at JOY with Mary while she was pregnant. This week we are going to look at it delvered

Joy is a spiritual reality, a delight in God’s favor and presence. Joy is not fleeting like happiness, but anchored in a deep personal relationship with God.

John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

Joy is rooted in God’s nature and promises.

Joy is resilient, even in suffering.

Joy is tied to God living in us and working through us.

Joy is deepened with intimacy with Christ.

1 Joy is rooted in God’s promises.

Luke 2:1–5 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

In our Men’s Sunday School class recently we looked at Micah 5. It is one of the clearest prophecy’s of the Bible concerning the birth of Jesus. I think that if you looked on the forward side of Bethlehem. One would have a hard time associating some of the Messiah prophecies with the birth of Jesus. The prophecy of the star of Bethlehem is so obscure, most people here probably have no idea where it comes from and wouldn’t recognize it without a little help. But one of the prophecies of the Messiah is that He would be from Bethlehem. I know that Mary probably knew this I wonder if she ever wondered how she could be the mother of the Messiah if she was from Nazareth. This comes up in Jesus life. Nathaniel says of Jesus can anything good come out of little Nazareth. Nazareth. He knew the Messiah was associated with Bethlehem and Jerusalem. But I wonder if Mary in that moment, could see how God was working it all out for His good. That is the way God does it. Not in our way or time. But in a way that only He can see.

2 Joy is resilient, even in suffering.

Luke 2:6–7 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Most of you women have given birth in Wilson hospital under the care of nurses and doctors. I am no fool and won’t tell you that your childbirth experience was posh or easy street, but I want you to consider what Mary in endured on that first Christmas morning. She was out of town away from home. I am guessing that her mother was not with her for it. She could not find a room in the inn. She had to wrap her child in swaddling clothes. RAGS and his first crib was a feedbox. That is childbirth roughing it. So take that difficult childbirth experience and multiply it. That is what Mary went through.

Joy at the birth of Jesus.

John 16:21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.

Those are the words of Jesus, but boy do they fit what Mary endured when she saw the Christ. In that moment she knew real joy. When she saw that Baby all the problems she had vanished away. Some people talk to me, why does God leave me here. This world is not fun, I am lonely, I am in pain, what good am I. That could be said of any of us. Let me tell you something about Joy it is reiliant through suffering. If you endure this life. Let me tell you when you see Jesus you will instantly forget all the sorrows of this world. I know the song seems clique but It will be worth it all when we see Jesus lifes trials will seem so small when we Christ

Joy is on the other side.

Luke 2:8–9 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

We all know about the shepherds. Keeping watch over their flock by Night. They had no idea what they were about to experience, but they were about to be right in the middle of the story that would change the world. But when we meet them, they are in the dark, they are in the night, they experiencing something frightening. Just like Mary endured that Sorrow, but when she held the Baby Joy drove out the pain. Just like these Shepherds experienced fear but soon they would know Joy like no other and they would forget all about the fear. I thought about this the John says perfect love casts out fear. Jesus says my peace I leave with let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid. David says God is my light and my salvation of whom shall I be afraid. The Bible is full of weapons to battle fear. Some of you are battling fear today. I hear you. JOY is one of the many tool that will conquer FEAR!

Joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

Jeremiah put it this way great is Thy faithfulness your mercies are new every morning. David said Joy comes in the morning. My point is that Joy is resilient through suffering. Through Fear. Always remember when ever you are facing something and let me be honest you could have it worse. All you ever have to do is to remember those people enduring the holocost and you remember it could be worse, but anytime you are in the middle of the night. In the middle of fear, in the middle of sorrow the dark, the lonliness. Remember JOY comes in the morning! Joy is right around the corner. Joy has a name and His name is Jesus!

Christmas is JOY for you!

Luke 2:10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”

Remember today’s theme is the YOU in Jesus - Others - than YOU! Last week our focus was Christ first and others second and I know the topic overlaps in the two messages but today the theme is JOY in Christmas YOU! The message of Jesus being born brings JOY to all people! That means the Christmas story is for YOU! It is personal. Do you have a relationship with Jesus. That is for YOU! Remember that God is jealous for YOU! You are the bride. He came to die for YOU! You are special to Him! Thinking that Jesus did all that for me, that I have a home in heaven! JOY! Jesus left heaven for me! The Greatest gift.

The best gifts come in the smallest packages.

Luke 2:11–12 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.

I am not talking about a diamond ring or keys to a new car. IT more than a necklace or a twenty dollar bill. It’s the Babe the Christ Child. So meek and lowly. Wrapped in swaddling clothes. The best gift the world has ever known. That should bring you joy. I will tell you something some of Michelle and I’s best gifts came around Christmas time and they were the smallest gifts. I can’t remember most gifts, but the best ones bring joy. My wife and I were engaged just before Christmas. Our first daughter was born the day after Christmas, our next daughter was born two days before Christmas. Hind sight would tell us maybe that wasn’t good planning. We have to make sure that every Christmas we double up the presents and have both Christmas and birthday wrapping paper on hand. BUT, I wouldn’t trade the joy for the world. BUT Still, I love my wife I love my daughters but I wouldn’t trade even them for JESUS. And when he has first place. That makes every relationship I have better, JOY comes in the smallest of packages.

Praise God for His marvelous gift. Jesus brings JOY!

Luke 2:13–14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!

Praise God with Joy. We are all guilty of it. We don’t bring joy. How about this song. THERE IS JOY IN SERVING JESUS! we sing it like there is joy in serving jesus. You know you are out there serving Jesus and you forget about Jesus Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace goodwill toward men. Now I know that there are times for somber reflection. Times to search the heart and come to the alter cognizant of your how small you are and how great He is but there is also the time for joyful worship. Jesus is King Hallelujah! I always love it in church when a couple of hands go up.

3 Joy is letting God work through us.

Luke 2:15–16 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

Not the dream, night of giving birth was it. Guys imagine this your wife has a baby and all of the sudden all the dudes from work show up to celebrate. Probably won’t go over well. Better yet during that intimate time with mom and baby just invite all the workers from McDonalds to come to the maturnity ward with you. See how that goes over. But Gracious Mary and Joseph let the shepherds in. It wasn’t ideal but they could find JOY by letting others meet Jesus. You in finding your JOY get that when things may not go your way and you get a chance to serve others.

Your joy is increased in serving others.

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

Jesus came to serve others, to serve strangers and that happened on day 1. I believe that those shepherds lives were forever changed because on a Christmas night Mary and Joseph entertained strangers unawares, don’t miss out on any opportunity to help and encourage those less fortunate.

Joy is to be shared.

Luke 2:17–18 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Get out there and share your joy

4 Joy is deepened with intimacy with Christ.

Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Today’s message is Mary’s Joy delivered. And as we wrap up this Christmas story we have to again come back to the topic. JOY Jesus Others and YOU! Your joy will grow when you consider what Christ has done for you. When you have the personal relationship with him. When you stop and reflect on your time with Him. Get some time alone, this Christmas. It isn’t good that you spend the entire things alone, but make sure that you spend some time just you and your maker and ponder the goodness of God. Ponder the wonderful times, shed a tear of joy as you remember the good times that time that God gave you the perfect spouse just right for you. The time you first held your child. The dear time spent with mom and dad the siblings and friends. Reflect on the blessings. REMEMBER your salvation. Rest in His promises. Just embrace JOY! Are there things that will try to steal your joy. YEP but when they creep into your thoughts say DEVIL don’t you dare try to steal my joy, TAKE THAT BURDEN and lay it at the cross and just picture that baby the gift of heaven

Go spend Christmas in Joy!

Luke 2:20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

I want you to leave church today to spend this Christmas week just like the Shepherds Glorifying and praising God. You know the devil is going to try to steal your joy, don’t let him. Keep your mind fixed on Jesus! Go share Jesus with others. AS IT WAS TOLD THEM!