A Freedom Christmas, Week 3: Choose Joy

Message Title: “Choose Joy Joy = “Khara” / cheerfulness, calm, to be well, delight, to thrive In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. Luke 2:1-20 (NIV) So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:1-20 (NIV) While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:1-20 (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. Luke 2:1-20 (NIV) 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. Luke 2:1-20 (NIV) This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:1-20 (NIV) 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.” Luke 2:1-20 (NIV) 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.” Luke 2:1-20 (NIV) So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:1-20 (NIV) But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:1-20 (NIV) The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:1-20 (NIV) Joy is NOT an EXTERNAL REALITY; Joy is an INTERNAL BELIEF. One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17 (NLT) What you BELIEVE… is more powerful your REALITY. Joy is NOT a FEELING; JOY is a FRUIT. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing… John 15:5-11(NLT) When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. John 15:5-11(NLT) “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. John 15:5-11(NLT) I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:5-11(NLT) Joy is NOT a COINCIDENCE; Joy is a CHOICE. …We have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him… Colossians 1:9-11 (ESV) …bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy… Colossians 1:9-11 (ESV) You have to BELIEVE it. …Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5 (NLT) You are doing better than you think you are and God is doing more than you think He is. You have to SEE it. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 (ESV) The closer you stay to Jesus, the more Joy you’ll find in your life. You have to SPEAK it. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21(NIV) Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12(NIV)