Great Joy

Mark Estepp - 12/11/2022

Luke 2:4-14

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.  And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

The message of Jesus is good news, but are you glad about it?

Do you have and are you increasing in unforced, grateful joy?

The good news of Jesus brings great joy because of its . . .

Ability

Proximity

Accessibility

Quantity

Longevity

Three Internal Diminishers of Joy:

Complaining

Comparing

Coveting

Three External Diminishers of Joy:

Distraction

Disruption

Devastation

The good news brings great joy not because you are doing great or things are going great, but rather because you have been invited into the presence of the One who is great.

You will fill me with joy in your presence. Psalm 16:11b

Restore to me the joy of my salvation. Psalm 51:12a

The hope of the righteous ends in gladness. Proverbs 10:28a

Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5b