Title: Rejoice

Series: Advent

Icebreaker: What is something that always helps you get out of a bad mood?

This Sunday our Bishop delivered a powerful message as we lit the next candle on our Advent wreath to symbolize joy. It is easy to look at the state of our world, to meditate on everything that's wrong in our lives today, and become angry or depressed. It is easy to grow impatient and disappointed because things have not turned out the way we'd hope or in the timeframe we expected. It takes intentionality to be joyful, and that starts with understanding where joy comes from. Joy is not dependent on life's circumstances, but it is a supernatural strength that comes from God alone to help us endure the difficult days we face. It is not easy, but it is very possible to be joyful no matter what life throws our way.

Luke 2:8-20

I. Staying Joyful in an Unhappy World

• When we hear the word joy we may not immediately think of praise, but joy is central to the habit of rejoicing, or praising, God. It is easy to get discouraged when we're waiting for something to work out in our favor. It becomes easy to lose hope and start complaining rather than praying, but praise is what positions us to receive from God.
• Whether things are going well or not, the Bible makes it clear that we should always be praising. When things are good, rejoice! When things aren't so good, rejoice anyway! When we're in what feels like a holding pattern, when we're waiting to see God move in our lives, when we're waiting on a desperate situation to turn around - wait with great anticipation (Psalm 106:1, Ephesians 5:20)!
• We can become so easily distracted by the things that are not going our way that we forget all that God has already done for us. Praising and rejoicing come much easier when we reflect on the goodness of God we've experienced in the past. This isn't about living in the past, but about remembering where God has brought us from, and remembering that he has not changed. Whatever God has done before he is more than able to do it again, which gives us reason to hold onto hope, and rejoice while we wait to see what he does next.

Discussion:

What is the connection between joy and hope? Why are both so crucial to our faith?

II. Remember Where Your Joy Comes From

• We have a very real enemy who wants nothing more than to steal our joy and kill our faith. If the enemy can distract us enough with disappointments and frustration, he can convince us to walk away from God altogether. This is why holding firm to hope and maintaining our joy is essential.
• Joy is not the same as happiness, just as hope is not the same as optimism. We are not swayed by circumstances, rather, we have a deep well of joy that is a gift from God to strengthen us. The Bible says in no uncertain terms, "the joy of the Lord is [our] strength."
• It is our natural human condition to be ungrateful. The spirit of this world is naturally miserable and in opposition to God (2 Timothy 3:1-4), but God is drawn to the praises of his people. God desires to move toward you when he hears your praise, not your complaints.
• Remember, joy is supernatural, it is only a product of living in relationship with Jesus. To know Him and to know all that He's done for us leaves us no reasonable choice but to rejoice, because He is good! Remember what the Lord has done for you, remember his promises, and rejoice always (Philippians 4:4).

Thank you for being a Belong Host this semester! Your commitment has been a blessing and we pray you enjoy this holiday season.

If you know anyone who would be interested in hosting a Belong Group next semester please contact your district pastor.

UPCOMING EVENTS + REMINDERS:

Spanish Services at City Church: Spanish services are now in full swing at City Church! Every Sunday you can worship with us in the chapel at 10 AM, alongside our English service. We look forward to seeing you there!

GriefShare: Grief is one of life’s most difficult journeys, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you, or someone you know, has lost a loved one you can begin your journey from mourning to joy through GriefShare at City Church. Meetings are held on Saturdays at 9:00 AM in the District Pastors’ Office. For more information please visit citychurchnola.life/GriefShare.

Wednesday Morning Prayer: You can participate in corporate prayer every Wednesday morning at 7 AM on Facebook. Join us each week as we continue to pray for our church, our city, and our nation.

City Life TV: You can watch our Bishop deliver thoughtful messages throughout the week. Tune in to WHNO, channel 20, Saturdays at 10:00 PM.

REPORT:

Please continue to report your in-person and virtual group meetings!

By using the same email you would normally receive, you may update your group information and report your weekly meetings.

If you need help with reporting, please contact your district pastor.

Have an amazing and spirit-filled group!