Jesus: The Joy of Christmas

December 13, 2020 Jesus: The Joy of Christmas - Luke 2:1-14 Joy never exists in a vacuum; it always blossoms, by the power of God's Spirit, in the soil of trails. The Trails of the Christmas Story Micah 5:2 - 2 "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity." Matthew 1:18-20 - 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows; when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. John 8:38-42 1 Peter 1:6-8 - 6In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trails, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory. 3 Ways to Cultivate the Soil of Christmas Joy 1. Learn to welcome trails 2. Work to develop a mindset of gratitude 3. Learn to wait without whining Joy never exists in a vacuum; it always blossoms, by the power of God's Spirit, in the soil of trails.