Advent 3 of 4
The Wonder of Joy
I. JOY overcomes shame.

Luke 1:13 – 14 NIV
But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,”

Luke 1:6 NIV
Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.

Luke 1:25 NIV
“The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Luke 1:42 NIV
As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

Luke 1:58 NIV
Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

II. The Source of all real JOY…is Jesus!

John 16:22 NIV
Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

III. JOY conquers the hardships of our lives.

James 1:2 – 4 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Luke 2:10 NIV
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”

1 Thessalonians 1:6b NIV
You welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 12:12 NLT
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.‬‬

IV. JOY is a choice.

Luke 1:46-47 NIV
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices…”

V. How do I choose JOY? Worship!

Psalm 98:4 NIV
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.