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Introduction : Joy.  It is a word that we hear often during this time of year.  We even sang about it this morning. We read it often throughout Scripture and especially with the announcement of Jesus birth. It is a fruit of the Spirit. “An attitude God’s people adopt not because of happy circumstances but because of their hope in God’s love and promise.” (The Bible Project) What brings you joy? Discourage vs. 5-7,18,24-25 ·          Christmas time is typically a time of joy, but for many it is a time of discouragement. ·          What causes discouragement in you? It might be a friendship, a strained relationship in family, a loss of job, a loss of a loved one, frustrations at work or school, health issues, COVID. ·          Zechariah and Elizabeth are experiencing discouragement as well. o    Vs. 7-They had no children & They were adv...

Introduction : For centuries, Christians around the world have used the four weeks leading up to Christmas to prepare themselves for celebrating the birth of Jesus. Advent is the waiting and hopeful expectation of the return in glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. This looks forward not only to celebrating the child in the manger, but even more to Christ’s coming in glory at the end of time. What brings you joy?  When I think of what brings me joy, I think of memories as a child on vacation to Disney, my first car, my wedding day, birth of my children, memories with my family, watching my kids do what they love, graduate… o    What is joy? Definition : Feeling of happiness. But what is unique is what brings us joy. Attitude God’s people adopt not because of happy circumstances but because of their hope in God’s love and His promises. Joy is not determined by their struggles but their future destiny. Christian joy is a profound decision of faith and hope in the power of Jes...

Introduction : What is joy?   Video from The Bible Project o    Definition : Attitude God’s people adopt not because of happy circumstances but because of their hope in God’s love and His promises. Joy is not determined by their struggles but their future destiny. o    It was a dominant theme in the book of Philippians that we preached through a few years ago. “It has its basis in the hope and confidence of faith…it is also a fruit of the Spirit…Because faith and its joy do not come from ourselves, Paul can be confident and rejoice” [1] no matter what Joy in Life (vs. 11)     Quote of Isaiah 35:10 o    suggests that God should act now like he will in the end of time [2] §   This quote sounds like a prayer Jesus taught us to pray “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)   Vs. 11-The ransomed will return--From Babylon o    They are not experiencing this p...