ADVENT: Joy (2)

Luke 2:8 “In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.”

INTRO—

[[What Christmas movie makes you smile (laugh) the most??

White Christmas…The Santa Claus…Elf (…Christmas Vacation…)

JOY!!!

Nehemiah 8:10 “Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.””

The JOY of THE LORD is our strength!!

CHRISTMAS JOY [Luke 2.8-20]

SHEPHERDS

Luke 2:8–10 “In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:” [B = v. 10]

Joy Challenged = FEAR

The were “terrified” = ‘Fearing with fear greatly’ [slightly different wording than Mary or Zechariah, but same condition]

Good news of great joy that will be for all the people

The why & who of The Joy = Luke 2.11-12 [THIS PROCLAMATION IS ABSOLUTELY GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY FOR ALL THE PEOPLE!!!]

Luke 2:13–14 “Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!”

Praising God and saying

“Choral Rejoicing” [Angels; ‘spoken word poetry’…like the artist Propaganda — G.O.S.P.E.L.]

Collective (corporate) worship is important…& beautiful!

[Reaction of Shepherds = Luke 2.15-16]

Reaction = “Let’s…GOOOOOOOO!”

Luke 2:17–18 “After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”

They reported the message

“Chatty Rejoicing” [Shepherds]

Sometimes you just can’t help talking about (sharing) all you have seen and heard related to Jesus! [The early disciples in Acts were certainly this way (to the point of being imprisoned), too!; …This news is just too good to keep to ourselves.]

Luke 2:19 “But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them.”

Treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them

“Contemplative Rejoicing” [Mary; joy isn’t always ‘excitement’]

Joy in watching your kids grow up!

Luke 2:20 “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.”

Returned, glorifying and praising God

“Lingering Rejoicing” [Shepherds; not something they quickly ‘got over.’]

“Returned”…how did they return? “Glorifying & Praising God!” [The reverberation of the angels’ chorus!!]

THE JOY OF THE LORD!!!

CONTINUING JOY [1Peter 1.5-9]

US

1 Peter 1:5–6 “You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials”

You rejoice in this

— salvation (two [three] parts)…the ‘living hope’ [V. 5]

Salvation part 1 = Regeneration, Justification (traditional salvation)

Salvation part 2 = Sanctification (growing salvation)

Salvation part 3 = Glorification (heavenly)

“Even though…” [explanation = 1 Peter 1:6b–7 “…even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” ]

Joy Challenged = VARIOUS TRIALS ( Types — persecution, ostracism, etc.)

1 Peter 1:8–9 “Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy

“Focused on Jesus Rejoicing” [Christians — Exiles, etc.; ]

‘Inexpressible’ — unspeakable; unutterable [words fall short]

‘Glorious’ — having been glorified (by another) [in other words, because of God’s great salvation]

JOY STRONGLY LINKED TO LOVE & TRUST!

CONCL—

BLESSED ARE…

Matthew 5:11–12 “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Rejoice!…be glad for insults & lies said about you as a Christian — you have great reward!

Psalm 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them shout for joy forever. May you shelter them, and may those who love your name boast about you.”

Rejoice in refuge…AND…Boast of our Protector!

INVITATION:

Salvation

Joy

1 Peter 1:9 “because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”