Christmas Classics, Part 3 - Joy to the World

Joy to the World (Luke 2:8-10)  "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 of great joy that will be for all the people.'" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4)  "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven…a time to laugh." (Psalm 2:3)  "The One enthroned in heaven laughs." ü Joy will change my approach to life. (Nehemiah 8:10)  "…the joy of the Lord is your strength." ü Joy will turn my problems into blessings. (Proverbs 17:22)  "A cheerful heart is good medicine." ü Joy will affect those around you. (Psalm 126:1-2)  "When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.'" The Secret of Joy 1. Take responsibility for your own emotions. (Hebrews 12:1)  "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Psalm 19:14)  "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." 2. Develop a high appreciation for life. (Ecclesiastes 5:19)  "When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God." (Romans 8:28)  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." 3. Find something positive in everything. (Philippians 4:8)  "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." (2 Corinthians 10:5)  "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 4. Add value in every conversation.          (Proverbs 16:24)  "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." (Psalm 141:3)  "Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips." (Philippians 2:3-4)  "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."          5. Express gratitude to God and others daily. (Philippians 4:6-7)  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."   For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.