“The Emotions of Christmas: Joy and Gladness” Sunday Service (9:30 AM in the GYM and 9:45 AM Live Stream)

You are invited to experience, view or listen to our Sunday morning sermon in one of 5 ways.
1) Participate in our onsite worship service in the GYM which begins at 9:30 AM, SUNDAY at 3757 Mill Street.
2) Watch live on the church Facebook page at 9:45 AM, SUNDAY by going to: facebook.com/srcmarion  There are announcement slides and music at the start of the stream while we wait for the right time to join the service in progress.  Please “like” our Facebook page for future notifications.
3) Watch the same recording later on Facebook at a time more convenient for you: facebook.com/srcmarion
4) Watch the same recording later on our newly created YouTube channel. Just type in “Second Reformed Church of Marion” when you go to youtube.com  Or you can click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo3ZNP8OgRarSQXfqzGcn-Q
5) Listen to the audio recording and see sermon outline on our church website: sermons.srcmarion.org

Title: Emotions of Christmas: Joy and Gladness

Theme: To those who know their need of the Savior, Jesus’ birth is good news of great joy.

Reference: Luke 2:8-14

  1. His birth means God _______________ His mercy & steadfast love.
    1. As heirs of God’s promise, these shepherds would be thinking that
    2. As God’s New Israel, to you, as well, is born the Savior. Our salvation is part of His spiritual DNA.
  2. His birth means you’re not ____________, not ______________.
    1. Luke describes the shepherds’ location as a lonely place.
    2. Our life’s troubles often make us feel very alone, vulnerable, don’t they?

Questions for Study:

  • Biblically speaking: In what is happiness rooted? In what is joy rooted?
    • Hint: Psalm 48; 92:1-4; John 15:1-11; Philippians 4:4-9.
  • What is the supernatural connection in Biblical joy? Hint: Galatians 5:22-23.
  • What understanding is necessary for humans to hear Christ’s coming as good news of a great joy? To whom is the Gospel accounted Good News?
  • Can you think of a situation where Christians rejoice in the Lord, yet grieve and lament at the same time?
  • How does Psalm 30:5 suggest a pattern for God’s habitual dealings with His people? (See also vv. 11-12).