Joy: Advent Series 2025 | Mike Popenhagen
Advent: Joy
12.14.25
Luke 2:10-14 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” NIV
What Is Joy
Joy is a choice we make independent of our circumstances.
2. Joy is our souls response to encountering Jesus.
How To Cultivate Joy
1. Joy grows when our lives are centered on Jesus.
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. NIV
2. Recall the faithfulness of God.
Psalms 126:2-3 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. NIV
3. Find reasons to laugh.
Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. NIV
Help someone in their time of need.
Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” NIV
