Waking Up On Christmas: JOY

Follow Along with the Message

Joy To The World.  Not always true.  A gift waiting for us.

--FACT (Birth)

     Luke sets the story firmly in context of real history

     A baby was born. 

     He is like us.  We were all born.

--TESTIMONY (God at work)

     Believable testimony.  Acceptable in a court of law.

     "In Your presence is fullness of joy."--Psalm 16:11

     What if your secular neighbor isn't right?

     Joyful testimony of participants.  Excited angels.  White-robed people gathered and glad around the throne of God.

     "For the JOY set before Him (He) endured the cross."--Hebrews 12:2

--OUTCOME (Joy)

    "Not advice, news!"--Tim Keller

     "For the kingdom of God. . .is righteousness and peace and JOY in the Holy Spirit."--Romans 14:17

     Wise Men--when they see the star, they REJOICED exceedingly with great JOY

--RESPONSE (Faith)

     Faith in the feet.

     The joy of being part and partner in His work.

     "The seventy returned with JOY!"--Luke 10:20

     "Let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."--Hebrews 12:1

     "Glory to God in the highest," is not a suggestion.

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 Scott Drew, Men's Basketball Coach, Baylor University.  National Championship, 2021

"A culture of JOY"