Celebrate Joy

How Can I Choose Joy? Celebrate Joy Luke 2:1-17 1. I can choose to _____________________________________ Luke 2:10 – . . . but the angel reas sured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. (New Living Translation) Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is God’s powerful method of bringing all who believe it to heaven. . . . now everyone is invited to come to God in this same way. (The Living Bible) James 1:2-3 – 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (New Living Translation) Hebrews 10:34 – . . . You even had joy when all that you owned was taken from you, because you knew you had something better and more lasting. (New Century Luke 2:8-17 – 8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared am ong them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 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.” 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. (New Living Translation) 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – Always be joyful. Version) 2. I can choose to _____________________________________ Luke 2:15 – When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (New Living Translation) Psalm 19:8 – The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. (New Living Translation) Psalm 97:11 – Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose heart is right. (New Living Translation) John 16:24 – Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy. (New Century Version) (New Living Translation) What Can Keep Me from Seeking Joy? 3. I can choose to _____________________________________ Luke 2:17 – After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. (New Living Translation) < The _____ ____________ that shouldn’t happen Psalm 107:22 – . . . With joy they should tell what He has done. (New Century Version) < The _______ ____________ that doesn’t happen Luke 15:7 – In the same way, I tell you there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes his [or her] heart and life, than over ninety-nine good people who don’t need to change. (New Century Version) Psalm 126:5 – Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. (New Living Translation) Philippians 4:4 – Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy. (New Century Version)