Advent: Joy
CHRISTMAS J-O-Y
J- Jesus
O-Others
Y-You
I. FOCUS ON J-ESUS …We have mixed it so much we can miss it.
1. Rescued: Psalm 18:16, 19 (NLT2) 16 He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters…19 He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.
2. Redeemed: Psalm 103:1-5 (NIV) 1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
II. FOCUS ON O-THERS…Focusing on Jesus should also help us develop the attitude that He told was would bring us joy which we find in giving to others…
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
1. God how do you see them or this situation
2. God what do they need
3. God what can I do
III. FOCUS ON Y-OURSELF…Stress and Exhaustion – everyone, especially corporate is trying to squeeze – Five Kids in our family/Christmas Eve Shopping…2 of those, 3 of those
1. By Faith figure it out –
2. Turn it all over to Him – Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV) 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
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