Joy is not a REQUIREMENT of Christian discipleship; it is a CONSEQUENCE. It is not what we have to acquire in order to experience life in Christ; joy is what comes to us when we are walking in the way of trust and anticipation because of God’s ACTIVITY in the WORLD.

The greatest threat to Christmas is not SECULARISM or CONSUMERISM, it’s boredom with the greatest story ever told.

Angels – “I bring you good news of GREAT joy”   Not small joy. Not modest joy. But “GREAT joy.” 

Psalm 126 – Joy is Coming Home

  • It is PAST – Therefore, Joy remembers
  • It is FUTURE – Therefore, Joy anticipates
  • It is PRESENT – Therefore, Joy is happy

When God moves the CONSEQUENCE is joy.

Isaiah 52:1-7,9 CSB "Wake up, wake up; put on your strength, Zion! Put on your beautiful garments, Jerusalem, the holy city! For the uncircumcised and the unclean will no longer enter you… [7] How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace, who brings news of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" …  [9] Be joyful, rejoice together, you ruins of Jerusalem! For the LORD has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem.

Joy HAPPENS when we enter into the reality of our IDEALS (52:1, 2)
Joy HAPPENS when we receive the GRACE that God has us (52:3–6)
Joy HAPPENS when we EXPECT the victorious homecoming of God (52:7–10)

Jesus came as our REDEEMER, to secure our joy. The incarnation is about the FULLNESS of JOY.

  • Full joy is in the words of Christ, is completed in the work of Christ
    - John 15:11, I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full
  • Full joy is never lost. Don’t worry about losing it. Don’t worry about finding it. It is there.
    - John 16:22, No one will take your joy from you.
  • Full joy is nowhere else. Don’t expect someone other than Christ to provide this complete, and everlasting joy. - John 16:24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

 Joy is the CONSEQUENCE of Christmas

  • Joy at the potential of Christ to come into our lives.
  • Joy at the salvation of Christ to deliver us from guilt, bondage, and despair.
  • Joy at the ongoing work of Christ to show His glory.