CHRIST-MAS HOPE 2 – JOY FOR ALL, 12-14-25, Pastor Jeff Aenk, New Hope Christian Church
JESUS WANTS TO GIVE US THE GIFT OF HIS JOY, SO LET’S FOCUS ON HIM & RECEIVE IT DAILY.
Luke 2:1-21 – The Shepherds Visit Jesus - 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 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.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
John 15:11 – I (Jesus) have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Psalm 51:12 - Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Key Verse – Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Nehemiah 8:10b - This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Here’s What I Want us To Do this WEEK
*When you’re feeling Depressed, Deflated, or Hopeless (& Holidays can do that!), Stop what you’re Doing, & Focus on Jesus, & Receive the Gift of His Joy in the Moment. If you’ve Lost it, Ask him to Restore the Joy of your Salvation. Ask Him to Help you Lean into the Holy Spirit He’s Given You, to Sustain Your Joy Today, & Every Day in the Future.
Luke 2:1-21 – The Shepherds Visit Jesus - 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 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.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
John 15:11 – I (Jesus) have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Psalm 51:12 - Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Key Verse – Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Nehemiah 8:10b - This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Here’s What I Want us To Do this WEEK
*When you’re feeling Depressed, Deflated, or Hopeless (& Holidays can do that!), Stop what you’re Doing, & Focus on Jesus, & Receive the Gift of His Joy in the Moment. If you’ve Lost it, Ask him to Restore the Joy of your Salvation. Ask Him to Help you Lean into the Holy Spirit He’s Given You, to Sustain Your Joy Today, & Every Day in the Future.