December 19-24
(All materials from The Bible Project - bibleproject.com)
(All materials from The Bible Project - bibleproject.com)
Joy is a main theme through all of the Bible! Learn more about the richness of the word "joy" in the video above.
DAYS 19-24
JOY READING PLAN
You may or may not have known it, but joy is a key theme that runs through the entire story of the Bible! The original writers used many words that can be translated "joy", but they all have the same basic meaning. It can be a bit of surprise to find out what the Bible says brings and sustains happiness. Hint...it's found in a person born in a manger on Christmas! Week 4 of our Advent Bible reading plan focuses on six places in God's word where we find biblical JOY. This Sunday is Christmas Eve, so join us at 9am or 10:45am as we learn more about the joy that Jesus brings to the world!
December 19 - Psalm 105
December 20 - Psalm 19:7-11
December 21 - Luke 2:8-15
December 22 - Isaiah 49:13
December 23 - Revelation 21:1-7
December 24 - Isaiah 51:11
December 20 - Psalm 19:7-11
December 21 - Luke 2:8-15
December 22 - Isaiah 49:13
December 23 - Revelation 21:1-7
December 24 - Isaiah 51:11
DISCUSSION OR DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS
Use the following questions in your Community Group, household, with friends, or use them as a personal devotional time.
- The Israelites choose a path apart from God. As a result, they get exiled from their land and dominated by foreign nations. But the prophet Isaiah knew that sorrow would not have the final word with these people. He looked forward to the day when Yahweh would end pain and corruption to lead them into endless, joyful living. Read Isaiah 49:13 and Isaiah 51:11. What does Isaiah tell us about God’s character in these passages? What does Isaiah say will happen to God’s people?
- The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the coming of Israel’s redeemer. His prophecies were fulfilled with the arrival of Jesus. Read Luke 2:9-11. Why were the shepherds afraid? What reasons did the angels give for them to rejoice instead?
- Joy can persist in the harshest of circumstances because it depends on God and his promises. Read Matthew 5:11-12, Acts 13:50-52, and Hebrews 12:1-3. According to these passages, what specific truths about God can sustain joy even through painful or dire situations?
- When we see how Jesus’ loving way of life has overcome death itself, joy starts to become strangely reasonable. But this doesn’t mean it is wise to ignore or suppress sorrow. Read 2 Corinthians 6:3-10. How did Paul integrate both joy and sorrow?
- Take time to discuss any other themes, questions, or key takeaways from what you learned together.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
FROM THE BIBLE PROJECT
- Read the blog post: How God's Wisdom Leads to Joy (CLICK HERE)
THANKS FOR COMING ON THIS JOURNEY WITH US!
We hope it has been a blessing and an encouragement, and brought about hope, peace, love, and joy in your life. If you have questions about NCC or need help getting plugged into community, please let us know.
Merry Christmas...we'll see you Christmas Eve at 4 or 6pm at the NCC building!
Merry Christmas...we'll see you Christmas Eve at 4 or 6pm at the NCC building!