Part 3 - "Living a Joyful Life in a Joyless World"

Luke 2:8-15 NIV

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.”When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

"The Good News of Jesus is that we can live a JOYFUL LIFE in a JOYLESS WORLD."

What is JOY? "An emotion of glad or cheerful contentment"

James 1:2-3 NIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

The Joy of the Lord is a GIFT from God. (John 15)

The Joy of the Lord is a FRUIT of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22)

The Joy of the Lord is a RESPONSE to God. (Philippians 4:4-8)

What does a world desperate for JOY experience when they are around YOU? Are they seeing the JOY of the Lord in your life?