Lighthouse Christian Church
3rd Sunday of Advent
“Joy in Christ”
December 17, 2023
Key Verse: - Luke 2:10-11 – “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
1. The birth of Jesus Christ brought great joy to the world.
Luke 2:8 – “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.”
Luke 2:9 – “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and they were terrified.”
Luke 2:10-11 - “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is the Messiah, the Lord.’”
Isaiah 9:2-3 – “ The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.”
2. The source of our joy is our salvation in Jesus Christ!
I Peter 1:8-9 – “Though you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
Psalm 35:9 – “Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation.”
Psalm 13:5 – “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.”
Isaiah 12:3 – “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
3. Our joy in Christ is a source of tremendous strength.
Psalm 51:12 – “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
Nehemiah 8:10 – “Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’”
James 1:2-3 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
I Peter 1:6 – “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”