Joy for the Present

Sermon Note

[Philippians 4:4] Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice!

Happiness is EXTERNAL but joy comes from WITHIN.

[Luke 1:28-31] Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" [29] Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. [30] "Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! [31] You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.

[Luke 1:36-38] What's more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. [37] For nothing is impossible with God." [38] Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." And then the angel left her.

Praising God in the middle of DIFFICULT times brings joy.

[Luke 1:46-48] Mary responded, "Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. [47] How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! [48] For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.

Joy gives us the STRENGTH we need.

[Nehemiah 8:10c] Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!"

Don't let the ENEMY STEAL your joy.

[Psalm 30:5] For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Jesus is the ONLY ONE who can bring us joy.

[Luke 2:8-12] That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. [9] Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among 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."