Rediscover Christmas Joy

Joy is the trait we’re exploring today on this second Sunday of Advent.

Because Christ has come to be God With Us, we can experience joy no matter what discouragement we may be going through.

Watch the full Sunday service and message by Pastor Dennis Jacobson below.

SERMON TEXT

Luke 2:8-20 (ESV)

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

SERMON NOTES

Elizabeth and Mary – A mothers’ Joy

1. It is okay to be joyful and happy
2. The joy of the Lord is our strength
3. We can choose joy- return to our source of joy

• Refuel our tank
• Restore our strength
• Renew our spirits
• Reconnect with our Savior

This is where and how we find authentic joy.

This is how we can celebrate in this season as we remember and turn to Jesus, who has come to be with us and to give us joy.

Let’s rediscover Christmas this year by embracing joy, no matter what we’re going through.