INTRODUCTION
Tim reminds us of the joy of the Advent season, focusing on how true joy is rooted in Christ. Using a powerful illustration with gift boxes, he helped us see how our earthly loves and joys only find their ultimate fulfillment when centered on Jesus. Advent is a time to reflect on the incredible news of Christ’s birth—the foundation of our lasting joy.
OPENING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the joy You bring into our lives through Jesus Christ. As we reflect on the message of Advent, help us to center our hearts on You. May Your Spirit guide us to find true joy in Your presence, above all else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ICE BREAKER
What is one memory from past Christmas seasons that brought you joy? How did that moment reflect God’s love or grace?
KEY VERSES
- Luke 2:10-11 (NASB 1995): “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”
- Psalm 16:11: “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
- John 15:11: “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”
TOPIC HEADINGS
- We Were Reminded that Joy is a Gift from God
- Quote from Tim: “The good news of Jesus Christ is good news of great joy for all people. No one is excluded.”
- Scripture: Luke 2:10-11 – “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
- Reflection: The joy of the Advent season flows from knowing that Christ’s birth is God’s gift to the world, uniting us in His salvation.
- Our Earthly Joys Find Their Place in Christ
- Quote from Tim: “Think about things that bring you joy—family, children, hobbies, peace. Those things are good gifts, but they belong in Christ. He is the cornerstone holding them together.”
- Scripture: Psalm 16:11 – “In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
- Reflection: The visual of stacking boxes into the “Christ” box illustrated that earthly joys must be rooted in Jesus to bring real and lasting fulfillment.
- Barriers to True Joy
- Quote from Tim: “If anything we love is bigger than Christ in our hearts, it becomes an idol. And idols can’t bring us true joy—they only lead to disappointment.”
- Scripture: Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before Me.”
- Reflection: Tim used the analogy of the cornerstone stacking to show how Christ must be the foundation. When He is not, our lives lose stability, and joy becomes elusive.
- The Good News Brings Lasting Joy
- Quote from Tim: “Joy is not about fleeting happiness. It’s about knowing that through Christ, we have a Savior who changes everything—our past, present, and future.”
- Scripture: John 15:11 – “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”
- Reflection: This joy, anchored in Christ, is not temporary but eternal, giving us hope and peace regardless of circumstances.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
- How does the news of Jesus’ birth bring you joy today, in the midst of your circumstances?
- What are some earthly joys in your life? Are any of them at risk of becoming idols?
- How can we, as a church family, help each other maintain Christ as our greatest joy during this Advent season?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- True joy originates from the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Our earthly joys are enhanced, not diminished, when they are rooted in Christ.
- Placing anything above Christ leads to discontent and idolatry.
- Advent is a time to refocus on the joy found in our Savior.
CHALLENGE
Reflect on one earthly joy you cherish. Offer it to Christ in prayer, asking Him to help you experience that joy in a way that honors Him. Share with someone how Jesus transforms the way you enjoy this gift.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the source of our deepest joy. Help us to treasure You above all else and to live in the fullness of Your joy. As we celebrate Your birth, may our hearts overflow with gratitude and delight in You. In Your precious name, Amen.
WORSHIP SET
Extended Study
Tim’s Advent sermon invited us to focus on the joy that only Jesus provides. Using Luke 2:10-11 as the foundation, he reminded us that joy is a gift rooted in the gospel, not dependent on circumstances. Reflecting on his personal journey, from moments of nostalgia to deep spiritual truths, he called us to evaluate how we experience and express joy. The Christmas season often brings distractions, but true joy is found when our earthly loves and blessings are kept in their proper place—in submission to Christ. Let’s delve deeper into how to receive, maintain, and share this lasting joy.
The Gospel is Good News That Brings Great Joy
- Tim’s Words: “The angel said, ‘I bring you good news of great joy for all people.’ No one is excluded from this. This joy is for you and me—it’s for everyone who hears and believes the gospel.”
- Scripture: Luke 2:10-11 – “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy…”
- Tim reflected on his childhood, when the story of Luke 2 seemed like a barrier to opening gifts. Over time, he realized that the story itself is the greatest gift. “The ‘gooder and gooder’ part is the gospel message,” he said, urging us to see joy not as a fleeting feeling, but as a deep, abiding assurance rooted in Christ’s birth and salvation.
Defining Joy: A Safe Surrender to God’s Will
- Tim’s Words: “Joy is knowing you can give yourself wholly to someone else and feel safe doing so. That’s what marriage and fellowship with God should reflect.”
- Scripture: Psalm 16:11 – “In Your presence is fullness of joy…”
- Drawing from his wedding day and childhood memories, Tim explained joy as surrendering to God in faith and trust. He emphasized that joy comes from union with Christ, who loves us perfectly. Joy is not about circumstances; it’s about the confidence we have in God’s promises.
Earthly Joys are Good, But Christ is Greater
- Tim’s Words: “Think about what brings you joy—family, hobbies, peace. Those are good things, but they can only be fully enjoyed when Christ is our cornerstone.”
- Scripture: John 15:11 – “My joy may be in you, and…your joy may be made full.”
- Tim’s illustration with the gift boxes showed that earthly joys, while valuable, must find their place under Christ’s lordship. Using his UPS training, he compared Christ to a cornerstone foundation—when He is not central, everything else crumbles. “When we make something bigger than Christ, it becomes an idol and can never give us true joy.”
Barriers to Joy: Fear, Idolatry, and Pride
- Tim’s Words: “Fear is a thief of joy. The angels said, ‘Do not be afraid.’ Yet we let fear of the unknown, fear of failure, and fear of loss rob us of joy.”
- Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.”
- Tim explained that fear is often paired with idolatry—placing anything above God. Pride, too, can block joy, as we rely on ourselves instead of surrendering to Jesus. These barriers crumble when we rest in the gospel, trusting that Christ is sufficient.
Maintaining Joy Through Faith in Action
- Tim’s Words: “The gospel isn’t just good news; it’s great joy in action. If you’re not experiencing joy, ask, ‘Am I trusting Christ fully, or am I letting circumstances control my heart?’”
- Scripture: Philippians 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”
- By keeping Jesus central, joy becomes an active expression of faith. Tim urged us to encourage one another, live in gratitude, and regularly reflect on God’s faithfulness, no matter the season.