Choosing Joy: Embracing Sacrifice and Celebration
Summary
The sermon opens with a focus on the theme of joy, referencing the biblical account of the angel announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds in Luke 2:8-10. The speaker underscores that joy is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice one can make. To illustrate this point and engage the congregation, the speaker conducts a series of "would you rather" questions with a festive theme. The first question offers a choice between wearing stockings as socks or using a present sack as trousers, prompting the congregation to participate by standing to indicate their preference.
The speaker then acknowledges the sacrifices made by the congregation in attending the service, highlighting the value of forgoing comfort for the sake of spiritual enrichment. A whimsical question follows, asking whether the attendees would rather eat a pine cone or wear pants made of holly. The speaker humorously suggests that the pine cone could be made more palatable through various culinary methods, such as baking or cheese topping, and invites the audience to share their choices.
Continuing with the light-hearted "would you rather" format, the speaker presents a series of Christmas-themed dilemmas. The congregation is asked to choose between eating a hundred mince pies or ten Brussels sprouts, with a preference for mince pies emerging. Another question pits the option of receiving a hundred Barbies for Christmas against the task of carrying one giant Barbie daily for a month, eliciting humorous admissions from some about already owning numerous Barbies. The audience is then divided over whether they would prefer to listen to Christmas music perpetually or never again. The final question offers the quirky choices of having tinsel for a tail or bells for ears, leading to considerations of practicality and comfort.
Key Takeaways:
- Joy, as exemplified by the angel's announcement to the shepherds, is presented as a conscious decision rather than a spontaneous feeling. This perspective encourages individuals to actively choose joy in their lives, regardless of circumstances, reflecting a deeper spiritual truth about the nature of joy in the Christian faith. [21:07]
- The willingness to sacrifice comfort for spiritual growth is commended, suggesting that true spiritual development often requires stepping out of one's comfort zone. This principle is a reminder that the path to spiritual maturity may involve making difficult choices that prioritize spiritual well-being over immediate comfort. [27:19]
- The engagement of the congregation through "would you rather" questions serves as a metaphor for the daily choices that shape one's spiritual journey. Just as the congregation chooses between whimsical options, individuals are faced with decisions that reflect their values and priorities, highlighting the importance of making choices that align with one's faith. [23:44] [24:24]
- The humorous approach to discussing preferences and sacrifices during the Christmas season brings to light the idea that joy can be found in the midst of challenges. The playful nature of the questions contrasts with the deeper message that joy can persist even when faced with less-than-ideal options. [24:58] [25:39]
- The divided responses to the question about Christmas music underscore the diversity of individual preferences and the idea that what brings joy to one person may not to another. This diversity reflects the broader concept that joy is a personal experience and that each person's path to finding joy may be unique. [26:21]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 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 that will cause great joy for all the people.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the shepherds when the angel appeared to them? ([21:45])
2. According to the sermon, how is joy described in relation to our choices? ([21:45])
3. What were some of the whimsical "would you rather" questions posed during the sermon? ([22:18])
4. How did the congregation respond to the question about listening to Christmas music every day for the rest of their lives? ([24:58])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the angel's announcement to the shepherds was described as "good news that will cause great joy"? How does this relate to the concept of joy being a choice? ([21:45])
2. How does the willingness to sacrifice comfort for spiritual growth reflect the deeper message of the sermon? ([26:21])
3. In what ways do the "would you rather" questions serve as a metaphor for the daily choices we make in our spiritual journey? ([23:44])
4. How does the diversity of responses to the Christmas music question illustrate the personal nature of joy? ([26:21])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you had to choose joy despite challenging circumstances. How did you make that choice, and what was the outcome? ([21:45])
2. Think about a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone for spiritual growth. What was the experience like, and how did it impact your faith? ([26:21])
3. Consider the daily choices you make. How can you ensure that these choices align with your faith and values? ([23:44])
4. The sermon used humor to discuss preferences and sacrifices. How can you find joy in the midst of challenges in your own life? ([24:58])
5. Reflect on the diversity of what brings joy to different people. How can you respect and support others' paths to finding joy, even if they differ from your own? ([26:21])
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you can actively choose joy this week. What steps will you take to make that choice? ([21:45])
7. How can you incorporate the principle of sacrificing comfort for spiritual growth in your daily routine? Share a practical example. ([26:21])
Devotional
Day 1: Choosing Joy Deliberately
Joy is a conscious decision, not a fleeting emotion. It is a choice to be made regardless of life's circumstances, reflecting a spiritual truth that joy can be cultivated from within. This choice is a testament to one's faith and resilience in the face of life's challenges. [21:07]
James 1:2-4 - "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."
Reflection: How can you choose joy today in a situation where it doesn't come naturally to you?
Day 2: Embracing Spiritual Growth Over Comfort
Sacrificing comfort can lead to spiritual enrichment. True spiritual development often involves stepping out of one's comfort zone, making difficult choices that prioritize spiritual well-being over immediate comfort. This principle is a call to action for deeper commitment and growth. [27:19]
Romans 5:3-4 - "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Reflection: What comfort might you need to sacrifice to grow spiritually, and how can you take the first step today?
Day 3: Life's Choices Reflect Spiritual Values
Daily decisions shape one's spiritual journey, much like choosing between whimsical options. These choices reflect personal values and priorities, emphasizing the importance of aligning decisions with one's faith. Life's choices are a metaphor for the spiritual path one walks. [23:44] [24:24]
Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: What decision are you facing today, and how can it reflect your commitment to living out your faith?
Day 4: Finding Joy Amidst Challenges
Joy can be found even in challenging circumstances. The playful nature of choosing between less-than-ideal options serves as a reminder that joy is not dependent on external situations but can be a steadfast part of one's life. [24:58] [25:39]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 - "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Reflection: Can you identify an area of your life where you need to find joy despite the challenges? How can you cultivate that joy today?
Day 5: Personal Paths to Joy
Joy is a personal experience, and what brings joy to one may not to another. The diversity in preferences and the unique paths to finding joy highlight the individuality of each person's journey. Embracing one's own path to joy is essential. [26:21]
Romans 14:17 - "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: What is something that brings you joy that others may not understand? How can you honor your unique path to joy while respecting others' paths?
Quotes
"Joy is a choice and so our first point this morning is that Joy is a choice. This morning we're going to make some really important choices, these are Monumental choices, these are huge choices." [22:18] (Download)
"When we were thinking about the subject of joy, we felt like Joy is a choice. It's about making the conscious decision to embrace happiness despite the circumstances." [21:45] (Download)
"Would you rather listen to Christmas music every day for the rest of your life or never listen to Christmas music again? [...] these are all hypothetical, but I also think this one probably needs qualifying." [24:58] (Download)
"Who would rather be here or be at home? Controversial. Who would rather be here, who would rather be at home? Interesting, good honesty, I like that." [26:21] (Download)
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