Finding Joy Through Service and Perspective
Summary
In the sermon titled "12.17.23 | Home for the Holidays | Traditional Worship," the pastor, whose name is not discernible from the title, delivers a message centered on the theme of joy and its significance in the lives of believers, especially during the holiday season. The pastor begins by asserting that true joy is found in seeking the good of others rather than focusing on personal desires. This is exemplified by Mary, who, despite her difficult circumstances, found joy in her situation. The pastor shares a story about two boys discussing the positive perspective one's granny has through her glasses, symbolizing the ability to see the good in others and the world. The transformative internship program of Christo Ray Jesuit schools is highlighted as an example of creating joy through investing in others.
The pastor encourages the congregation to gain clarity on their struggles by writing them down and viewing them from an objective perspective, as well as considering the long-term insignificance of current problems. This exercise is meant to help the congregation see their issues from a "God's eye view" and to welcome others with joy and love, as Elizabeth did for Mary.
Gratitude is expressed for a family in the church, and the baptism of a child is celebrated as a sign of God's grace and inclusion in the Christian community. The congregation is engaged in a discussion about holiday songs, with suggestions for a holiday playlist, and a lighthearted moment is shared with a snowman joke.
The pastor acknowledges the challenges that can block joy, such as personal struggles and difficulties, and shares a story of a man who rediscovers joy through a chance encounter with Santa Claus. The sermon references "The Book of Joy" by Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama, which offers exercises to help unblock joy, including self-distancing.
The story of Mary and Elizabeth from the Gospel of Luke is reflected upon, emphasizing the contagious nature of joy and the importance of seeking support during difficult times. The pastor shares a personal anecdote about vaccinations and being open to experiencing joy.
The congregation is encouraged to allow Jesus to grow within them and to spread joy despite their circumstances. The pastor shares a personal story about their mother's experience of joy in the face of pain and loss, urging the audience to seek and share joy.
Favorite Christmas songs are discussed, with a focus on their significance and the joy they bring. The pastor draws parallels between the songs and Mary's Magnificat, emphasizing the themes of God's mercy and faithfulness.
The sermon concludes with a story about a high school basketball coach who finds joy through a close bond with a talented player, Mitchell Robinson. The pastor states that joy can be coached and practiced, and that true joy comes from Jesus overtaking one's life.
Key Takeaways:
- True joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is a result of turning our focus towards others and their well-being. By choosing to invest in the lives of others, we create a ripple effect of joy that can transform both our lives and the community around us. This principle is exemplified in the story of Mary and the internship program at Christo Ray Jesuit schools. [55:18]
- Perspective is a powerful tool in dealing with life's struggles. By writing down our problems and viewing them objectively, we can give ourselves wise counsel and realize that many of our current issues may not hold the same weight in the future. This approach, coupled with seeing our problems from God's perspective, can lead to a more joyful and loving interaction with others. [47:58]
- Baptism is a celebration of God's grace and a welcoming into the Christian community. It is a reminder of the joy that comes from being part of a larger family of believers and the importance of including even the youngest among us in this spiritual journey. [13:04]
- Joy can be blocked by personal challenges, but it can also be rediscovered through unexpected encounters and intentional practices. The story of a man's chance meeting with Santa Claus and the exercises from "The Book of Joy" illustrate that joy can be unblocked and cultivated through reflection and a change in perspective. [44:26]
- Joy is a practice that can be coached and shared, even in the face of personal pain and loss. The story of the basketball coach and Mitchell Robinson shows that relationships and a focus on others can lead to rediscovering joy. True joy comes from allowing Jesus to take over our lives and influence how we interact with the world. [59:05]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 1:39-56 (NRSV)
> "In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.' And Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.' And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Elizabeth's reaction when she heard Mary's greeting? ([39:20])
2. How does Mary describe her feelings and situation in her song, the Magnificat? ([39:20])
3. What does the pastor suggest as a method to gain perspective on our struggles? ([47:07])
4. What story did the pastor share about a man rediscovering joy through a chance encounter with Santa Claus? ([46:06])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Elizabeth's baby leaped for joy upon hearing Mary's greeting? What does this signify about the presence of Jesus? ([39:20])
2. How does Mary's Magnificat reflect her understanding of God's mercy and faithfulness? ([39:20])
3. The pastor mentioned exercises from "The Book of Joy" to unblock joy. How might self-distancing help someone gain a new perspective on their problems? ([47:07])
4. How does the story of the basketball coach and Mitchell Robinson illustrate the idea that joy can be coached and practiced? ([01:00:44])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt joy despite difficult circumstances. How did focusing on others help you find joy in that situation? ([52:41])
2. The pastor encouraged writing down struggles and viewing them objectively. What current struggle could you write down and reframe to gain a new perspective? ([47:07])
3. How can you practice welcoming others with joy, similar to how Elizabeth welcomed Mary? Think of a specific person you can greet with joy this week. ([50:19])
4. The pastor shared a story about a man rediscovering joy through a chance encounter. What unexpected encounters have brought you joy recently, and how can you be open to more of these moments? ([46:06])
5. Mary’s song, the Magnificat, speaks of God lifting up the lowly and filling the hungry with good things. How can you contribute to lifting up those in need in your community this holiday season? ([39:20])
6. The pastor mentioned that true joy comes from allowing Jesus to grow within us. What specific steps can you take this week to allow more of Jesus into your life? ([52:41])
7. Think about the holiday songs that bring you joy. How can you incorporate these songs into your daily routine to remind you of the joy of the season? ([34:10])
Devotional
Day 1: Joy Through Selfless Service
True joy emerges when one prioritizes the well-being of others over personal desires. This selfless approach to life reflects the heart of service and mirrors the joy that Mary experienced despite her own challenging circumstances. By investing in the lives of others, such as through the Christo Ray Jesuit schools' internship program, individuals can experience the profound joy that comes from making a positive impact on the community. [55:18]
Hebrews 13:16 - "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Reflection: Who can you serve or help today in a way that requires you to put their needs above your own?
Day 2: Perspective Shifts for Joyful Living
Gaining a new perspective on struggles can lead to a more joyful existence. Writing down problems and viewing them objectively can provide wise counsel and diminish the weight of current issues. This practice, inspired by the objective and loving perspective of God, can transform interactions with others into opportunities for joy and love. [47:58]
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: What is one problem you're facing that might seem less significant when viewed from a different perspective?
Day 3: Baptism as a Joyful Inclusion
Baptism symbolizes the joy of God's grace and the welcoming embrace of the Christian community. It is a celebration of inclusion, reminding believers of the joy that comes from being part of a larger family of faith and the importance of extending this joy to all, regardless of age. [13:04]
1 Peter 3:21 - "And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in your faith community?
Day 4: Unblocking and Cultivating Joy
Joy can be obscured by personal challenges but can also be rediscovered through unexpected encounters and intentional practices. Reflecting on one's life and changing perspectives can unblock joy, as can engaging in exercises that foster this positive emotion. [44:26]
Romans 15:13 - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: What is one practice you can start today to cultivate joy in your life despite the challenges you face?
Day 5: Coaching Joy in Life's Journey
Joy is not a passive state but an active practice that can be coached and shared. Relationships and focusing on the well-being of others, as demonstrated by the basketball coach and his player, can lead to rediscovering joy. True joy is found in allowing Jesus to influence our lives and interactions with the world. [59:05]
Philippians 2:1-2 - "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."
Reflection: How can you be a coach of joy to someone in your life today, and what specific action will you take to do so?
Quotes
"Our greatest joy is when we seek the good of others. The more that we turn toward others, the more joy we feel." [55:18] (Download)
"Joy is not something based on circumstance or happening. It is much deeper than that. It is a way of seeing the world." [56:12] (Download)
"We are nicer to other people when they ask us for advice than we are to ourselves. There are some things that we say to ourselves we would never say to someone else if they were in the same situation." [48:15] (Download)
"To move up above and look down on your problems and your struggle from God's point of view. And what does God see about our fears and our frailties? How does God see it when God looks down and examines?" [49:23] (Download)
"I wonder if we welcomed people with that much joy over the next week. Anyone who comes into your house, anyone who comes into your office, anyone who comes by, I just want you to greet them like the dog from up. I just met you and I love you." [50:19] (Download)
"One fellow was drowning in the holiday season. He couldn't feel the spirit of the season at all. He needed that moment to re-ignite the spark of joy in his life." [45:48] (Download)
"And they said when people get blocked with joy, there are some exercises you can do to try and unstick yourself from not being able to feel joy." [46:50] (Download)
"That we too, like Mary, allow Jesus to grow in us and bubble over in us and become more of us. So that we might spread joy wherever we go despite our circumstances." [01:05:43] (Download)
"Happiness depends on happenings, but joy comes from within. We find more joy by turning our lives toward others and allowing Jesus to grow in us." [52:54] (Download)
"I personally think that joy can be coached. Joy can be coached. But you can't coach something that you never practiced. Friends, are you practicing joy?" [01:02:34] (Download)
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