Dec. 26, 2021

Matthew 2:1-12

One More Day in Bethlehem

1. Herod the miserable and all miserable Jerusalem

A. Herod known for the misery.

B. The Status Quo: Jerusalem and the religious leaders.

Acts 2:2, 38-39

2. Joy Seekers: The Magi

A. Astrologers believed to be from southern Iraq.

B. Go to the people closest to the situation, the familiar.

C. They found Joy (v. 10)

“The Scriptures teach that God will rejoice over us with joy and with singing. This is not the picture of an angry God. Rather, it is a picture of a loving Father who is everlastingly patient toward us, His children.”- AW Tozer

D. Obedience and sacrifice from these strange characters

They went the distance to seek Jesus and to worship Him

3. Good News: God chose joy for you!

A. He sent His Son

B. He is the only true source of joy

John 15:10-11

C. Joy is a gift of grace.

Romans 15:13

D. True Joy Leads to True Worship

Exodus 34:8

Galatians 5:16-26

Reflection:

1. God has chosen joy for you. Have you chosen joy?

2. When joy comes into your life does it lead you to worship?

Follow-Up Through the Week

Monday, December 27, 2021

Read: Proverbs 17:22

Can you remember a time when your spirit was “crushed”? Where did you seek and find joy? Take time to seek Jesus as the magi did in Matthew 2.

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Read: James 1:2-4

What source of joy does James describe? What do these “trials” produce and how would that produce joy in our lives?

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Read: Galatians 5:16-26

What activities or characteristics in verses 16-21 are unlike joy? Where does joy come from according to verse 22? How does fruit grow and how should joy grow in us?

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Read: John 15:1-11

According to verse 11, whose joy may we have? Jesus promises joy that is complete or that is full. Have you experienced joy to that place in your life?

Friday, December 31, 2021

Read: 1 Peter 1:8-9

Does your salvation bring you joy?

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Read: Romans 12:12

On the first day of the year, what do you look forward to that helps you to “rejoice in hope”? How can these words of Scripture help you to look forward and even resolve to live for Christ in this new year?