Christmas Playlist Week 4: Joy To The World! Message Summary: It is a struggle to find joy when you look at this cursed world— hurricanes, floods, inflation, and wars fill our headlines. But the “great joy” of the angel’s message applies even to today. The Lord Jesus has come to us and still rules over this cursed Earth. He blesses us despite the thorns of this life and daily proves the wonders of his love with his forgiveness and grace. ✦ Psalm 98:4,7-9 — Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. 8 Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; 9 let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity. ✦ Luke 2:8-11 — 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. ✦ Jesus was joy for the world. ✦ Luke 2:15-16 — 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. ✦ Luke 2:20 - The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. ✦ Psalm 13:5,6 — But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. ✦ Jesus is joy for you. ✦ Verse 1 — Joy to the world the Lord is come Let earth receive her King Let every heart prepare Him room And Heaven and nature sing ✦ Verse 3 — No more let sins and sorrows grow Nor thorns infest the ground He comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found ✦ Verse 4 — He rules the world with truth and grace And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness And wonders of His love ✦ 1 Peter 1:8,9 — Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. ✦ Joy isn’t limited to a season, it is found in the Savior. Planting Jesus Roots GATHER — Join us for worship over New Year’s weekend. ‣ St. Peter — 12/29 at 6:30pm & 1/1 at 7:30am & 9am. (There will be no 10:30am service at St. Peter next Sunday.) ‣ The CORE (9th Annual Q&A Sunday) on 1/1 at 10:30am or 4pm. (There will be no 8:30am service at The CORE next Sunday.) GROUP — Text someone who helped you in your faith during this past year. Thank them for being God’s gift to your spiritual growth. GROW — Read Luke 2:1-20 sometime this Christmas as a reminder of the true reason for the season. Note every verse where you see the joy of knowing Jesus. GIVE — A sincere thank you to everyone who gave so generously in 2022. Your support helped more people than ever get connected to Jesus. GO — Start thinking about who you know that might be interested in 922’s January 2023 series called Burned Out. The series launches the weekend of January 8th. Homework: Luke 2:1-20