Discovering Unspeakable Joy
Rev. Monica Mowdy
Scripture:
Psalm 16:8-11
“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”
Luke 1:39-45
“A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
Synopsis
We can find joy even in seasons of disappointment. Amid life's challenges, Jesus offers a joy that is deep, abiding, and unshakable. As we focus on His birth and the joy He brings, we are reminded that in Him, our joy is made complete, no matter what we face.
Discussion questions
1. In the sermon, Mary and Elizabeth both experience joy in difficult circumstances. What are some ways we can find joy in our own lives, even when our circumstances are challenging?
2. The sermon highlights that true joy is rooted in the presence of Jesus, not in external circumstances. How can we cultivate a deeper awareness of Christ’s presence in our daily lives?
3. How does the story of Mary and Elizabeth demonstrate the power of faith and belief in God’s promises? How can we apply their example to our own faith journey?
4. The sermon contrasts fleeting happiness with lasting joy in Christ. How can we differentiate between these two in our own lives, and how can we pursue the joy that is rooted in Christ?
5. The phrase "jump for joy" is connected to the moment when John the Baptist leaps in Elizabeth’s womb. Why do you think this moment is so significant in the context of the birth of Jesus?
6. How does the joy that Mary and Elizabeth experience serve as a reminder to us about the eternal joy that comes through salvation in Jesus Christ?
7. Psalm 16 describes joy found in God's presence. How can we practically seek and experience the presence of God in our everyday lives, especially during difficult seasons?
8. Jesus says in John 15:1, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” What does it mean for Jesus’ joy to be in us, and how can we live out this joy in our relationships with others?
9. The sermon emphasizes that Mary and Elizabeth’s joy was not dependent on perfect circumstances. How can we develop a more resilient faith that holds onto joy, even when things aren’t going as we expect?
10.In what ways can we share the joy of knowing Christ with others, especially those who may be walking through difficult times this season? How can we be a source of encouragement and hope to others?
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