12-11-2022 Christmas Joy

ICEBREAKER
What are some of your favorite light displays or other activities to go to around Christmas? (e.g., Bentleyville, GLOW Festival, Ice Sculptures, etc.)

This is the third week of Advent, a time of anticipation that includes the four Sundays before Christmas anticipating the birth of Jesus. Each week during this series, we're discussing a different theme. This week we are exploring the Christmas Joy that was proclaimed by the Angel's announcement of the birth of the Messiah.

REVIEW & DISCUSS
Read Luke 2:8-12. Notice the Angel's statement, "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Pastor Jim shared five reasons for joy in knowing Jesus.

1. The Joy of Having a Wise Teacher (John 13:13)
   1. Obviously Jesus is more than "a" wise teacher. He is "the" teacher—the ultimate teacher. What have we learned about the importance of Jesus's teachings for us and God's Edenic vision for humanity?
   2. What have you learned about God from Jesus?
   3. What one or two of Jesus's teachings have been most helpful or most significant for you in your life?
      
2. The Joy of Having a Caring Healer (Isaiah 61:1)
   1. In what was hav you seen Jesus heal someone else's life?
   2. In what ways have you seen Jesus heal your life (emotionally, relationally, mentally, spiritually, etc.)?
3. The Joy of Having a Supportive Helper (Romans 8:26)
   1. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit helping you?
   2. In what ways does the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Christ) help us?
      
4. The Joy of Having a Present Father (Matthew 1:23)
   1. What significance is it to you God is our "present Father"?
   2. How have you or have you not experienced the joy of a "present father" in your earthly family?
      
5. The Joy of Having a Merciful Judge (Galatians 2:16)
   1. As you reflect on your spiritual life, what joy can you highlight in knowing the mercy of God and the forgiveness of your sins through faith in Jesus?
   2. Have you ever experienced mercy from a judge, police officer, teacher, principal, or any other person in authority? Describe the kind of joy or relief you experienced.

PRAYER
First, take some time to identify ways you can give praise to God for the joy you've discussed tonight. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in praise and prayer.