2024 Christmas Advent Realities

Advent Joy

Luke 2:8-14

1. Joy flows from Good News – v10

a. It is a by-product of God’s activity

b. We know Joy as a Fruit of the Spirit i. So we don’t manufacture JOY; it is a Spirit-produced quality of the New Life we have in Christ

c. John 15:7-11

d. John 16:20-22

e. Hebrews 12:2

2. Joy is Contagious!

a. The announcement itself sparks Joy among the Angelic host i. Think how long they’ve waited to tell this Good News!

b. Because Joy is an outward expression of an inward awareness of God’s Presence and God’s Activity

c. His Spirit in you recognizes Spirit-produced Joy in others

3. Joy flows from Promises fulfilled

a. This Good News is Extraordinary; but not unexpected!

b. God has become a man!

c. Our Salvation has been initiated

4. You can experience this Joy, but it requires movement

a. God invites us to experience Jesus

b. It requires Faith – v15-20

c. V12 – Go see for yourself!

d. V15 – Let’s go!

e. V16 – They went with Haste!

f. V17 – They shared what they knew

g. V20 – Glorifying and Praising God – sounds like they are full of ….?

h. Joy-filled for all they had heard and seen!

i. They’ve seen the Savior! i. That’s Joy! ii. Jesus overwhelms us with Joy

1. The Joy of Forgiveness

2. Salvation

3. Cleansing

4. Newness

5. Presence

6. Peace

7. Wonder

8. Awe…

5. There is one more Special Joy that we must recognize

a. The Joy of seeing another’s salvation

b. Luke 15:7, 10 – May we long for and never tire of this kind of Joy!

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