Joy: The Light Amidst Darkness in Christmas
Summary
In this message, we explore the profound theme of joy as it is woven throughout the Christmas story and the Christian life. The advent season, marked by the lighting of candles, symbolizes virtues such as love, peace, and joy, with a special focus today on the pink candle of joy. The narrative begins with the account of Mary and Elizabeth, where John the Baptist leaps for joy in Elizabeth's womb at the presence of Christ. This joy is not merely a fleeting emotion but a deep, abiding reality that Jesus brings into our lives.
Joy, as depicted in the Bible, often coexists with sorrow and darkness, making it a more profound experience. The Christmas story is filled with characters who encounter joy amidst challenging circumstances. Isaiah, the prophet, anticipated the birth of joy through the coming of the Messiah, even as he lived in a time of turmoil. The angels announced this joy to the shepherds, proclaiming good news of great joy for all people. The wise men, driven by hope, experienced exceeding joy upon finding Jesus.
The message emphasizes that joy is not dependent on perfect circumstances. Instead, it is a divine gift that transcends our situations. The deeper the darkness, the brighter the light of Christ shines, and the greater the joy we experience. This joy is achieved through Jesus, the good shepherd, who lays down his life for us. It is a joy that sustains us through life's trials and sorrows, offering a peace that surpasses understanding.
As we reflect on the Christmas story, we are reminded that the joy of the Lord is our strength. It is a joy that is not circumstantial but rooted in the hope and promise of Christ's presence in our lives. This joy, born in the Christmas story, continues to illuminate our lives, dispelling darkness and bringing comfort and peace.
Key Takeaways:
1. Joy in the Midst of Darkness: Joy is not the absence of sorrow but the presence of Christ in our lives. The deeper the darkness, the brighter the light of Christ shines, bringing profound joy that transcends circumstances. [12:57]
2. Anticipated Joy: Isaiah's prophecy of a child born to bring light and joy reminds us that even in times of silence and waiting, God's promises are sure, and His joy is forthcoming. [09:11]
3. Announced Joy: The angels' proclamation to the shepherds highlights that the good news of Jesus' birth is a source of great joy for all people, emphasizing that joy is a central theme of the gospel. [17:38]
4. Achieved Joy: The wise men's journey to Jesus illustrates that true joy is found in seeking and encountering Christ, who is the source of all joy and fulfillment. [21:54]
5. Joy and Suffering: The Christian life involves both joy and suffering, but the joy of the Lord provides strength and purpose, even in the midst of trials, as we look forward to the ultimate joy in Christ. [27:28]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:51] - Joy in the Christmas Story
[04:24] - Joy and Sorrow Coexist
[07:35] - Anticipated Joy in Isaiah
[09:11] - Light Breaking Through Darkness
[10:33] - Artistic Representation of Joy
[12:05] - Isaiah's Ministry and Joy
[12:57] - Joy in Present Darkness
[14:11] - The Light of Christ
[17:38] - Announced Joy to Shepherds
[20:30] - Jesus, the Good Shepherd
[21:54] - Achieved Joy with the Wise Men
[23:15] - Experiencing the Joy of the Lord
[24:25] - Joy in Trials and Suffering
[27:28] - The Joy of the Cross
[29:01] - Joy to the World
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Joy of Christmas
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 1:39-47
2. Isaiah 9:2-3
3. Luke 2:10-11
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 1:39-47, what was the reaction of John the Baptist in Elizabeth's womb when Mary greeted Elizabeth? How does this event highlight the theme of joy? [02:51]
2. According to Isaiah 9:2-3, what is the significance of the light shining on those who walked in darkness, and how is this connected to joy?
3. In Luke 2:10-11, what message did the angels deliver to the shepherds, and how is joy emphasized in their announcement? [17:38]
4. How does the sermon describe the coexistence of joy and sorrow in the Christian life, and what examples from the Christmas story illustrate this? [04:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the anticipation of joy in Isaiah's prophecy (Isaiah 9:2-3) provide hope and encouragement during times of darkness and waiting? [09:11]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of joy as a divine gift that transcends circumstances, and how does this understanding challenge common perceptions of joy? [14:11]
3. How does the announcement of joy to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-11 reflect God's intention to bring joy to all people, and what does this reveal about the inclusivity of the gospel message? [17:38]
4. In what ways does the sermon illustrate that joy is achieved through seeking and encountering Christ, as demonstrated by the wise men's journey? [21:54]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced joy amidst challenging circumstances. How did your faith in Christ influence your perspective during that time? [04:24]
2. The sermon emphasizes that joy is not dependent on perfect circumstances. How can you cultivate a mindset that seeks joy in Christ rather than in external situations? [14:11]
3. Consider the role of anticipation in your spiritual life. How can you actively wait for God's promises with joy, even when facing silence or uncertainty? [09:11]
4. The angels announced joy to the shepherds, who were considered humble and lowly. How can you share the joy of Christ with those who might feel overlooked or marginalized in your community? [17:38]
5. The wise men experienced exceeding joy upon finding Jesus. What steps can you take to seek and encounter Christ more deeply in your daily life? [21:54]
6. How can you balance the coexistence of joy and sorrow in your life, allowing the joy of the Lord to be your strength even in times of suffering? [27:28]
7. Reflect on the statement, "The deeper the darkness, the greater the light of Christ." How can this truth encourage you to be a light in the lives of others during difficult times? [14:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Joy in the Presence of Christ
Joy is not the absence of sorrow but the presence of Christ in our lives. The Christmas story beautifully illustrates this truth, as joy is found amidst challenging circumstances. Mary and Elizabeth's encounter, where John the Baptist leaps for joy in Elizabeth's womb, signifies the profound joy that Christ's presence brings. This joy is not a fleeting emotion but a deep, abiding reality that transcends our situations. The deeper the darkness, the brighter the light of Christ shines, bringing profound joy that surpasses understanding. This joy is a divine gift, not dependent on perfect circumstances, but rooted in the hope and promise of Christ's presence. [12:57]
Isaiah 9:2 (ESV): "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel surrounded by darkness? How can you invite the presence of Christ into these areas to experience His joy?
Day 2: Anticipated Joy in God's Promises
Isaiah's prophecy of a child born to bring light and joy reminds us that even in times of silence and waiting, God's promises are sure, and His joy is forthcoming. Isaiah lived in a time of turmoil, yet he anticipated the birth of joy through the coming of the Messiah. This anticipation of joy is a powerful reminder that God's promises are steadfast, even when we cannot see them fulfilled immediately. The advent season encourages us to wait with hope, trusting that God's joy will break through the silence and darkness, just as it did with the birth of Christ. [09:11]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: What promise from God are you waiting to see fulfilled in your life? How can you cultivate a sense of joy and anticipation as you wait?
Day 3: Announced Joy for All People
The angels' proclamation to the shepherds highlights that the good news of Jesus' birth is a source of great joy for all people. This announcement emphasizes that joy is a central theme of the gospel, meant to be shared with everyone. The shepherds, who were considered lowly and insignificant, were the first to hear this joyful news, illustrating that God's joy is accessible to all, regardless of status or circumstance. This joy is not exclusive but inclusive, inviting everyone to partake in the celebration of Christ's birth and the hope it brings to the world. [17:38]
Luke 2:10-11 (ESV): "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'"
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the good news of great joy? How can you share the joy of Christ with them today?
Day 4: Achieved Joy in Seeking Christ
The wise men's journey to Jesus illustrates that true joy is found in seeking and encountering Christ, who is the source of all joy and fulfillment. Driven by hope, the wise men traveled a great distance, experiencing exceeding joy upon finding Jesus. Their journey teaches us that joy is not passive but requires active pursuit and dedication. In seeking Christ, we discover a joy that fulfills and sustains us, transcending the temporary pleasures of the world. This joy is achieved through a relationship with Jesus, who invites us to seek Him with all our hearts. [21:54]
Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to actively seek Christ in your life? How might this pursuit lead to a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment?
Day 5: Joy and Suffering Coexist
The Christian life involves both joy and suffering, but the joy of the Lord provides strength and purpose, even in the midst of trials. The Christmas story is filled with characters who encounter joy amidst challenging circumstances, reminding us that joy and suffering can coexist. Jesus, the good shepherd, lays down His life for us, offering a joy that sustains us through life's trials and sorrows. This joy is not circumstantial but rooted in the hope and promise of Christ's presence, offering a peace that surpasses understanding. As we look forward to the ultimate joy in Christ, we find strength and purpose in the present. [27:28]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you find joy in the midst of your current trials? What eternal perspective can help you endure and find strength in your suffering?
Quotes
"Joy, joy is a central theme of the Christmas story, of the text that we're going to look at this morning, and certainly of the Christian life. But if we're honest with ourselves, when we read this song like that, say, all right, Christmas is here, joy to the world. Joy is not a very simple concept, even though we think, yeah, I just want joy, I want happiness." [00:04:37] (21 seconds)
"But sometimes we think that if we're going to have joy, therefore everything in our lives have to be, we're going perfectly, which we know we'll never have joy if that's the reality. And also, sometimes joy coexists with sorrow and sadness in a very mysterious way that even makes our joy greater than we anticipated." [00:04:57] (19 seconds)
"The characters in our Christmas story they encounter the joy of the lord in some of the most unusual circumstances and in some of the most dark times and some of them anticipated the ultimate joy of the lord even while they walk through those dark times because as we'll look at the other candle of hope hope ignited joy in the present reality despite their circumstances." [00:05:16] (23 seconds)
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them a light has shone. Listen to this. You have multiplied the nation. You have increased its joy. They rejoiced before." [00:08:11] (22 seconds)
"That's what he says. The prophet says this is why we were walking in deep darkness and a great light has shown which will see literally fulfilled in Jesus but there is an anticipation of the light of the Messiah of the Sun that will be given of the child that will be born that will give birth to great joy and great rejoicing in the world." [00:08:16] (26 seconds)
"Because here's a man who was called, Isaiah chapter 6, you'll remember, to the throne of grace, the throne room, and given the hardest assignment in the world. He said, whom shall go for us? Whom shall I send? He said, here I am, send me. He was a man of unclean lips and dwelled among a people with unclean lips." [00:12:16] (19 seconds)
"One of the great reasons that jesus came of course is to forgive us of all of our sins that's why he's a great savior but he's also come to give great multiplying joy to overshadow the sin of sin and to forgive us of all of our sins that's why he's a great savior overcome our misery through our own fallenness and through the brokenness of the world to overcome sadness and sorrow with joy." [00:17:38] (20 seconds)
"Joy is not only predicted. Not only proclaimed. Joy here is experienced. They experienced the joy in the moment. The angel said this is a message of good news. A great joy for all the people. When now we see the gospel. The good news of Jesus. Jesus breaking forth from Israel to the other nations. For all the people. As they experienced the joy of the Lord." [00:22:07] (25 seconds)
"The joy of the Lord is our strength. Christian, are you walking in the joy of the Holy Spirit? Now, as our video alluded to, Paul, who was the king of joy, right, in Philippi, when he was locked up in prison, wrote the book of Philippians. Read it on your own. It's all about joy, joy, joy in prison." [00:24:16] (23 seconds)
"So the secret of Christian contentment is not stuck in our circumstances, and Paul shows us that perfectly. But it also doesn't mean that when we have joy that he wouldn't be sad, and you won't be sad either. We will. These will coexist in the Christian life, but there will be a line, a golden line, and a golden thread of joy that carries you from your salvation to that day of glory." [00:24:46] (28 seconds)
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