[Philippians 4:4] Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice!
Happiness is ___________________ but joy comes from ___________________.
[Luke 1:28-31] Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" [29] Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. [30] "Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! [31] You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.
[Luke 1:36-38] What's more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. [37] For nothing is impossible with God." [38] Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." And then the angel left her.
Praising God in the middle of ___________________ times brings joy.
[Luke 1:46-48] Mary responded, "Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. [47] How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! [48] For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
Joy gives us the ___________________ we need.
[Nehemiah 8:10c] Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!"
Don't let the _______________ _______________ your joy.
[Psalm 30:5] For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Jesus is the ___________ _________ who can bring us joy.
[Luke 2:8-12] That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. [9] Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, [10] but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. [11] The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! [12] And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
