MESSAGE TITLE: Joy to the World

DATE: December 19, 2021

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History of Joy to the World

Joy to the world! The Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

BIG IDEA: Jesus' presence brings JOY to the world!

History of Joy:
Joy was always there in God
Nehemiah 8:10 … for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence...

Joy came for all through Jesus
John 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness...

Joy is possible for you
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him,
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice.

What is Joy?
---Happiness is a feeling, but Joy is a divine perspective.
---Joy is a divine perspective on life that comes by way of His presence.

Real joy — a fruit of the Holy Spirit — is a supernatural perspective we experience with God. It’s the soul-deep assurance that helps us to face whatever comes our way: cancer … bankruptcy … the end of our marriage … COVID-19 fears/frustrations … because we know that Jesus is in with us.

It was not that joy solved all of my problems, but it brought a reassurance of the presence of God.

Will you receive the JOY of the Lord?
--Acknowledge you need of God love
--Believe that Jesus came for you
--Commit to allow the Spirit to lead you

PCC BENEDICTION
May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the Magi, and the peace of Christ. And may the Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever.

BEYOND SUNDAY
Advent is a time to prepare our hearts and souls to celebrate the extraordinary birth of Jesus that has blessed the world. During our Advent series, Together We Sing, while integrating our year-long theme of Together We Are PCC, we will focus on key Scriptures and known songs of the season that point us toward our Savior, Christ, who brings us Hope, Peace, Love, Joy, Light, and Faith. This week we focus daily on Joy and the song, Joy to the World.

Monday: Play and reflect on the song Joy to the World.

Tuesday: Meditate on Luke 2:10-12. What words, phrases, or thoughts is the Spirit revealing to you?

Wednesday: What are these passages telling you about joy? Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 16:11, John 15:11, Galatians 5:22, Romans 15:13

Thursday: How is this statement true and challenging? Joy is a divine perspective on life that comes by way of Jesus’ presence.

Friday: How could you let God reframe your perspective on yourself, people, or circumstances so you experience His Joy?

Saturday: Pray for others in your life to be drawn to the love of Christ and their need for salvation.

Bonus Resources (see links below)
---Family Advent Daily Devotional Experience
---Schedule of Advent & Christmas Eve Gatherings

For PCC's budgeted giving year
(June 1, 2021 through December 14, 2021)

Giving Update
Budgeted Giving: $3,838,588
Giving to Date: $1,471,635
Still Need: $2,366,953