True North Church
The Gift of Joy (Part 1: Christmas Gifts)
Locations & Times
Fairbanks Campus
2830 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
Sunday 12:00 PM
1 Thessalonians 5:16
Always be joyful.
Always be joyful.
4 Characteristics of Joy from the Characters of Christmas
1. We Learn From the Shepherds = Joy is Here
Luke 2:8-9
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.
Luke 2:10-12
They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:17-18
“After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished.”
1. We Learn From the Shepherds = Joy is Here
Luke 2:8-9
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.
Luke 2:10-12
They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:17-18
“After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished.”
2. From the Wise Men, we Learn that Joy is a Journey.
Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
Psalm 30:5
Crying may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
John 16:20
You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
Psalm 30:5
Crying may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
John 16:20
You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
3. Simeon Shows us that Joy Can be Scary.
Luke 2:34
Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others.”
Luke 2:34
Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others.”
4. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Teaches us that Joy is a Choice.
Luke 1:29-30
Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God!”
Hebrews 12:2
For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Matthew 15:11
I have told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have and so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy.
Luke 1:29-30
Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God!”
Hebrews 12:2
For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Matthew 15:11
I have told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have and so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy.