Joy to the World (Psalm 98)

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Big Idea: Christmas is the shout of joy to a world of sorrow

What is joy?

1. We shout joyfully because of God's love (Psalm 98:1-3)

2. We shout joyfully because of God's reign (Psalm 98:4-6)

3. We shout joyfully because of God's justice (Psalm 98:7-9)

Where is the joy?

1. The promise of joy: Genesis 3:15-18; Isaiah 9:6-7

2. The arrival of joy: Luke 2:10-14; 2:25-32

3. The hope of joy: 1 Peter 1:8-9; Revelation 21:1-5

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (Hebrews 2:14-18)

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Big Idea: Christmas is good news that replaces our fear with comfort

1. Jesus became one of us to free us from our fears (2:14-16)

• Jesus ended Satan's power

• Jesus freed us from slavery to death

2. Jesus became one of us to comfort us with his help (2:17-18)

• Jesus opened the way to the good favor of God

• Jesus can now help us when we need it most

Go Tell It On The Mountain (Isaiah 52:1-12; Romans 10:15)

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Big Idea: Christmas is the good news that Jesus is King

1. Beautiful feet deliver good news (Is 52:7)

• Peace

• Happiness

• Salvation

• "Your God reigns"

2. Singing fills the city (Is 52:8-9)

• Joy

• Comfort

• Redemption

3. Salvation stretches to the ends of the earth (Is 52:10)

• Jesus loves even his fiercest enemies (Lk. 6:27-28)

• So, we can also love those with ugly pasts (2 Cor. 5:14-19)

• And, we can trust him to repurpose our own ugly pasts (1 Tim. 1:12-17)