Moving Forward With The Joy Of Christ

On this 3rd Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of JOY and reflect on the nature of the good news of great joy announced by the angel to the shepherds. We live in a world pursuing happiness, yet mired in discontentment. It is interesting to note that our word "happy" comes from the same root as "happen" and is thus connected to "advantageous circumstances." We'll see today that the joy brought by the coming of Christ (Lk. 2:10) goes much deeper. Joy comes not from fixing our circumstances but from fixing our eyes on Jesus... In the Midst of our Greatest Need (Lk. 2:10; Heb. 12:2) The angel brought news of a Saviour. Jesus' coming would ultimately lead to a cross, knowing this would make available the joy of being forgiven by God, restored to God, and given new life with God. This is the beginning of true and In the Midst of our Current Need (James 1:2-5) James challenges us to view our difficult times with joy, knowing that God is at work in and through even our toughest circumstances to bring us to deeper contentment in Him. Rather than waiting for that "next thing" to find joy, God is in the process of refining us so that we might find joy ever more complete in Him. In the Midst of our Need for Direction (John 15:9-11) Having just called us to a relationship where we remain in Christ's love through our obedience, Jesus connects this teaching to joy. In contrast to a world that says joy is found in doing whatever we want, Jesus tells us that joy is found in doing what we are designed to do. Discussion/Reflection Questions - What is the problem with the common statement in our culture, "I have the right to be happy"? What is the difference between joy and happiness? - Why is the pursuit of joy from external circumstances ultimately futile? - In what ways does a restored relationship with Jesus provide joy? How have you experienced this? - On what basis does James (1:2-5) ask us to choose a joyful perspective on our tough times? What might this look like for you? - How can "doing what I want" instead of following God's truth actually diminish our joy? Where is God asking you to follow Him at this point in your life?