The Arrival of Joy

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. LUKE 1:46-56 NIV

Joy arrives when God interrupts my life

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. PSALM 16:11 NIV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. GALATIANS 5:22-23 NIV

my soul magnifies the Lord… my spirit rejoices within me

Joy arrives when I remember God’s mercy in my life

But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. PSALM 59:16 NLT

Joy arrives through the struggles of this world

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. ISAIAH 9:6-7 NIV

“Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details in my life… that results in a life of celebration”

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. JAMES 1:2-4 NLT

Joy arrives as I practice the discipline of celebration

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! PHILIPPIANS 4:4 NIV

Ways to practice celebration:

● Singing & worship

● Spend time with children

● Holiday traditions

● Slowing down for gratitude

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Get away from distractions to a quiet place. Allow your thoughts and feelings to become calm. Take some deep breaths or go for a walk if you sense the need. When you are ready, ask God to guide you. Reflect on this season of your life. What thoughts and feelings surface? To what extent are you experiencing joy in your life? Reflect on Mary’s song of joy to God in Luke 1:46-56. Why do you think she is so joyous, and how does her song inspire you? Consider how God has shown you mercy and His greatness recently. Take some time to thank and praise Him for who He is, and what He has done for you. Now, what is something difficult you’re currently facing? What might God be trying to show you, even through difficulty? Ask God to help you see how depending on Jesus can lead to you experiencing joy. What could God be encouraging you to focus on or do to receive and share joy? Pray for God’s help to practice the discipline of celebration and to grow in your experience of joy. Consider various ways to practice celebration such as through singing and worship, spending time with children, holiday traditions, slowing down for gratitude, and other practices. Pray that God will guide you into taking an action this Christmas season that will grow your practice of celebration, and position you to experience more of His joy.

Discussion Questions

Choose a couple of the following questions from each section that best fit your group. Or have everyone read the questions, choosing which one(s) from each section they feel led to respond to.

START HERE: What is it about songs that seems to bring out deeper emotions in us?

START HERE: What is something that gives you joy?

START HERE: How do you typically respond when your plans are interrupted?

KEEP GOING: When have you experienced God interrupting your plans, and has it resulted in more joy in your life?

KEEP GOING: When have you taken a risk for God and experienced His joy as a result of your obedience?

KEEP GOING: Read Psalm 59:16 (NLT). When was the last time you experienced God's mercy toward you? (Not only relief from suffering, but God’s compassion and loyalty)

KEEP GOING: Read James 1:2-4 (NLT). Where are you currently facing difficulty, and what could help you find joy in this circumstance?

LIVE IT OUT: Close your eyes and imagine Jesus is standing in front of you, and He is smiling at you. How does this make you feel?

LIVE IT OUT: What could you do to intentionally share the joy of Jesus this Christmas season?

LIVE IT OUT: How will you practice celebration this Christmas season? (e.g. singing and worship, spend time with children, holiday traditions, slowing down for gratitude)