you now dismiss your servant in peace (Luke 2:29) Simeons Song Luke 2: 21-35 The 4 songs of Christmas recorded in Luke Marys Song (1:46-55) Zechariahs Song (1: 68-79) The Song of Angels (2:14) Simeons Song (2:29-32) Mary: and my soul rejoices in God my Savior (1:46). Zechariah: Praise be to the Lord (1:67). Angel of the Lord: I bring you good news of great joy (2: 10). Simeon: you now dismiss your servant in peace (2:29). Why is there so much singing in Christianity? Are Christians meant to be joyful? But whatever the reason, the fact remains that there are large numbers of Christians who give the impression of being unhappy. They are cast down, their souls are disquieted within themIn a sense a depressed Christian is a contradiction in terms Martin Lloyd Jones, pg 10-11, Spiritual Depression Being joyful does not mean the absence of sorrow. This Christmas, claim back your rights to joy True joy has a foundation. True joy requires us to go through deep unhappiness. True joy has a divine purpose. True joy has a foundation A joy that does not come from what you materially have, what you can do or what people think of you. Salieri: are these originals? Frau Mozart: Yes, sir. He doesnt make copies. (As Salieri marvels at the work of Mozart, he narrates the story) Salieri: Astounding. It was actually.beyond belief He had simply written down music already finishedin his head! Here again was the very voice of God. I was staring through the cage of these meticulous ink strokes at an absolute beauty. Salieri: From now on we are enemies. You and I. Because You choose for your instrument a boastful infantile boy.Because You are unjustunfair.unkind! Worldly joy Focuses on instant joy. You discern what makes you joyful. A joy that tries to cheat death. A joy that is centered on self. Simeons joy Joy that waits on the Lord. Joy discerned from Gods word and the Holy Spirit. A joy that does not fear death. A joy that is centered on God. The foundations of true joy For my eyes have seen your salvation (2:30). I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: (1: 10-11). Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and redeemed his people (1:68). True joy has its foundations in the salvation Jesus brings. True joy has a foundation. True joy requires us to go through deep unhappiness. True joy has a divine purpose. This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against (v34a)...so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed (v35a). And a sword will pierce your own soul too (v35b). Falling and rising This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against (v34a). Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matt 5:3-4). Unless you are unhappy over your sins, you will never be truly happy in the Lord. Falling and rising This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against (v34a). Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother in law a mans enemies will be members of his own household (Matt 10:34-36). A joy that comes from true peace making and not just peace keeping. Thoughts of many will be revealed This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear his deeds will be exposed. John 3: To know true joy you must first know yourself. Deep grief And a sword will pierce your own soul too. A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Luke 23: 27 God promises us a joy that takes us through suffering, not to avoid it. Joy requires a journey from the head to the heart. God loves you; you matter to him. That is a fact, stated as a proposition. Why then, arent we the happiest people on earth? It hasnt reached our hearts. John Eldredge,page 24, Waking the Dead For God so loved the world that he gave his own and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 Stages of faith to true joy (adapted from Peter Scazzero- Emotionally Healthy Spirituality) Life changing awareness of God. You accept Jesus as Lord and savior. You begin your Christian life. Discipleship You start to learn what it means to follow Jesus. You get involved in church life. Actively serving You are joyful in your Christian life You are regularly involved in church life. The Wall I am hurt I am angry I am very sad I am confused I feel lost I feel disappointed Stages of faith to true joy Inward reflection You need time and space to grief, scream, shout, reflect, etc. Your faith is in crisis stage. Outward journey You rediscover Gods profound love. You start to heal spiritually. Transformed with true joy You realize God will complete the work he began in you. You learn to surrender more of yourself to God Life changing awareness of God. Discipleship Actively serving Inward reflection Outward journey Transformed with true joy True joy has a foundation. True joy requires us to go through deep unhappiness. True joy has a divine purpose. The glory of God is man fully alive. - Irenaeus The purpose of joy the greatest need of the hour is a revived and joyful Church ..and there can be little doubt but that the exuberant joy of the early Christians was one of the most potent factors in the spread of Christianity. (Martin Lloyd Jones, forward to Spiritual Depression) The purpose of joy is to be truly alive to display the glory of God. The New Normal Jordan Smith This Christmas, claim back your rights to joy True joy has a foundation. True joy requires us to go through deep unhappiness. True joy has a divine purpose.