December 11th, 2022

“Always be joyful.”

I Thessalonians 5:16

3 Ways To Live Out The Surprise

1. Listen and respond to the good news.

• “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all he people.”” Luke 2:10
• “I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is God’s powerful method of bringing all who believe it to heaven … now everyone is invited to come to God in this same way.” Romans 1:16
• “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2-3\
• “You even had joy when all that you owned was taken from you, because you knew you had something better and more lasting.”Hebrews 10:34

2. Do What God Says:

• “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’” Luke 2:15
• “The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life.” Psalm 19:8
• “Light shines on the godly, and joy on those who do right.” Psalm 97:11

3. Spread the Joy

• “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child…” Luke 2:17
• “With joy they should tell what He has done.” Psalm 107:22
• “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” Psalm 126:5
• “Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy.” Philippians 4:4