Element Christian Church
The Carols Week 1 - Joy to the World: The King's Arrival Brings Immense Joy
Locations & Times
Element Christian Church
4890 Bethany Ln, Santa Maria, CA 93455, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:45 AM
Welcome to Element
We strive to ensure the biggest thing people think when they hear about Element is Jesus! We are a Gospel centered community who finds our identity in Jesus.
High School Rockin Roller Skating Night
TONIGHT! Sunday, December 1st. See details at link below
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eFamilies Cookies and Crafting
Sunday, December 15th, come and enjoy a fun family Christmas themed afternoon filled with cookie decorating and crafts! Our eFamily team will supply the decorations, cookies, crafts, drinks and merriment. If you would like to bake some plain cookies to contribute, we welcome and appreciate it. Please email Jenna.Heuchert@ourelement.org if you plan to bake cookies so we can plan accordingly.
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https://ourelement.churchcenter.com/setupThis week's song list
Interested in looking for some of the songs we sang this week? Here's the titles and original artists:
The Carols
Week 1 - Joy to the Joy World: The King's Arrival Brings Immense Joy
Forever - Chris Tomlin
Joy to the World - Phil Wickham
Joyful, Joyful,we Adore Thee - Phil Wickham
You Never Let Go - Matt Redman
How Great is Our God - Chris Tomlin
Your Love Never Fails - Jesus Culture
Week 1 - Joy to the Joy World: The King's Arrival Brings Immense Joy
Forever - Chris Tomlin
Joy to the World - Phil Wickham
Joyful, Joyful,we Adore Thee - Phil Wickham
You Never Let Go - Matt Redman
How Great is Our God - Chris Tomlin
Your Love Never Fails - Jesus Culture
Today we look at the connection between Psalm 98 and the Christmas carol “Joy to the World.” While originally written with Christ’s second coming in mind, this hymn captures the profound joy that comes from both Christ’s first arrival and anticipated return. Praise propels us toward mission, as our authentic joy becomes a witness to others.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
• What is your favorite Christmas carol and why?
What Does the Text Say?
• Read Psalm 98:1-3. What reasons does the psalmist give for singing to the Lord?
• How does the psalm progress from personal praise to global worship?
Understanding Deeper
• How does understanding Isaac Watts’ personal story (depression, health struggles, rejection) affect your perspective on “Joy to the World”?
• What is the significance of the often-omitted third verse about “the curse?”
Application
• “Gratitude is the gateway to joy and joy is the gateway to praise.” How have you experienced this connection?
• How might our corporate worship serve as a witness to non-believers?
Next Steps
• What one practice could you implement this week to cultivate deeper gratitude?
• What steps can you take to share the joy of Christ with others this Christmas season?
CHRISTMAS MISSION ACTIVITY
Purpose: To intentionally notice and share God’s joy during the Christmas season.
Steps:
1. Create a “Joy Journal” for December.
2. Daily, record one “wonder of God” you notice (in nature, relationships, circumstances, etc.).
3. Share your observations with at least one person each week.
• What is your favorite Christmas carol and why?
What Does the Text Say?
• Read Psalm 98:1-3. What reasons does the psalmist give for singing to the Lord?
• How does the psalm progress from personal praise to global worship?
Understanding Deeper
• How does understanding Isaac Watts’ personal story (depression, health struggles, rejection) affect your perspective on “Joy to the World”?
• What is the significance of the often-omitted third verse about “the curse?”
Application
• “Gratitude is the gateway to joy and joy is the gateway to praise.” How have you experienced this connection?
• How might our corporate worship serve as a witness to non-believers?
Next Steps
• What one practice could you implement this week to cultivate deeper gratitude?
• What steps can you take to share the joy of Christ with others this Christmas season?
CHRISTMAS MISSION ACTIVITY
Purpose: To intentionally notice and share God’s joy during the Christmas season.
Steps:
1. Create a “Joy Journal” for December.
2. Daily, record one “wonder of God” you notice (in nature, relationships, circumstances, etc.).
3. Share your observations with at least one person each week.