“Christmas is a delightful disruption of the way things normally go.” –Dean Willimon

1. It was predicted 740 years earlier that a Messiah would come from Bethlehem!

2. And even earlier, it was predicted that He would bring great joy!

3. There was great joy when the shepherds were told of the birth of Christ.

4. There was great joy when the Magi found the Christ!

1. God’s gift to us should bring us joy!

2. The gift of joy should be lasting!

3. Our worship should be full of joy!

4. God has cleared our record of sin, and that should bring joy!

5. Our lives should reflect that joy!

6. A natural part of the Holy Spirit's work in us should be joy!

7. Choosing joy should be a daily act of our will!

8. Don't let people or circumstances rob your joy!

9. Even though faith is not seen, it should bring us joy!

10. Because God can keep us, it should bring us joy!

1. You can’t bring or give what you don’t have! Jesus came that we would have joy! Nehemiah speaks to the people in this passage. Judaism was meant to be a religion of gladness…but the joy had been lost. With lifeless faith, they could not conquer the difficulties of their time! So…he challenged them to be thankful and glad…to have a God-fixed joy!
Have joy…

2. Bring joy to those in your world!
- Smile at people you see
- Sing or hum throughout your day
- Spend time with them
- Bake them something
- Send a card or a note
- Compliment them
- Give them a small gift
- Be their encourager
- Be flexible and give grace
Bring joy…

3. Give joy to those around you… “The joy of giving lasts longer than the joy of getting!”
- Share something with others
- Give a hug
- Give a listening ear
- Give a gift that costs you…time, resources, etc.
- Look for those opportunities to give
Give joy…