THIS CHRISTMAS PT 4

This Christmas … I Choose Joy

Well I brought some joy with me this morning -- Joy detergent & Almond Joy

What happens when you run out of Joy?

You have an empty bottle & an empty wrapper -- Life just isn’t as good when you run out of joy

Luke 2:10-12 (NKJV)

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. 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.”

Matthew 2:10 (NKJV)

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

Jesus and JOY are not always associated together!

Jesus is often interpreted in terms of –

Mission and Purpose

Purity and holiness

NOT …

Pleasure … Joy … Laughter

“Come On People – Life Is Serious! Heaven Or Hell! Turn Or Burn!”

Ever wonder why Jesus is not referenced more in the context of JOY?

Maybe cause -- Christians take themselves way to serious some times

“I’ve got Jesus yes I do … I’ve got Jesus – how about you?”

WE Pride ourselves in the fact that all of this most wonderful time of year is not about – reindeer & snow -- WE KNOW THE REASON FOR THE SEASON BY GOLLY

YOU KNOW -- THE X IN XMAS -- is the greek letter for CHRIST

The GOSPEL (Good News) is all about bringing JOY to all the people of the world!

WHEN JESUS was teaching the Beautitudes IN MATTHEW 5 -- HE always started with BLESSED -- means HAPPY of JOY-FILLED

LISTEN -- Jesus knew something about JOY

Luke 10:21 (GW)

In that hour the Holy Spirit filled Jesus with joy ....

Quickly – LET ME show you why JOY is ours:

1. The JOY of the LORD is our STRENGTH

Nehemiah 8:10 (GW)

Then he told them, “Go, eat rich foods, drink sweet drinks, and send portions to those who cannot provide for themselves. Today is a holy day for the Lord. Don’t be sad because the joy you have in the LORD is your strength.”

THIS IS – the JOY that God gives … and He does!

But there is more – it is the JOY that He possesses that becomes our strength to overcome and not grow weary & OUR FAITH IN HIS JOY!!!!

He gives JOY because He is JOY-FULL!

IN Gen 1 – GOD saw the creation – ‘it is good’ – not just created with excellence but He took PLEASURE in it!

Psalm 45:7 (GW)

You have loved what is right and hated what is wrong. That is why God, your God, has anointed you, rather than your companions, with the oil of joy.

Matt 25:24 – parable of the talents

the servant that was judged was the one that had the WRONG PERCEPTION of who God was

OUR PERCEPTION -- concerning HIS JOY is everything

Luke 15:10 (NKJV)

Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

That means GOD Himself rejoices!

It doesn’t matter what you have to go through in life -- the joy of the Lord will give you the ability ....

To Keep Walking

To Keep Pushing

To Keep Praying

To Keep Praising

To Keep Sowing

To Keep Going

We all have to go through stuff sometimes

2. JOY is a SUSTAINER in TRIALS of LIFE

Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

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.

Psalm 5:11 (AMP)

But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for JOY, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be JOYFUL in You and be in high spirits.

I like to say it like this:

The Joy of the Lord is Holy Ghost Helium -- It’s the internal substance that gives us lifting power

The JOY OF THE LORD gives us the power to break the gravitational pull that wants to DRAG US DOWN into worry and fear and depression and discouragement.

3. JOY is LOST through DISTRACTIONS

Some of you have been going through all kinds of difficulties, hardships, trials, and just plain attacks from hell -- it seems like you get victory in one area then you’re attacked in another area

It feels like you’re in a continual warfare -- like you’re caught in the spin cycle in the washer and you can’t turn it off.

Here’s the reason why -- The devil wants to wear you out.

Daniel 7:25

he shall speak great words against the most high and shall wear out the Saints.

If you’d be honest about it TODAY -- most of you are just like me -- the devil has hit you hard -- not just in one area but in multiple areas and the truth is it was a good hit

I mean the devil hit you where it hurt and you felt it and it stunned you – BUT CHRIST BROUGHT US JOY

See The Devil’s been after your strength -- YOUR JOY POWER ....

He’s Been After Your Bounce Back Power,

He’s Been After Your Go Through Power,

He’s Been After Your Take You Over Power.

He’s Been Trying To Steal Your Holy Ghost Helium

BUT TODAY -- You Are Taking Steps To Get Your Joy Back In Gear

That is why the enemy wants to steal your JOY! If he can’t get your joy – he can’t kill, steal, and destroy …

Look At Your Neighbor And Tell Them -- I’M POWERING BACK UP IN MY JOY

Come on and Prophesy Over Yourself:

I’m getting my wings back -- I’m getting my pep back in my step -- I’m getting my fire back in my furnace -- I’m getting my power back in my punch -- I’m getting my Holy Ghost Helium back -- I’m getting the wind back in my sails.

Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (GW)

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this. Don’t put out the Spirit’s fire.

ONLY JESUS can bring JOY that is not based in some circumstance of life!!