Sunday, December 18, 2011

Boon's Sunday Sermon #18 - JOY

We have a  motto in our home that started as a song mom learned as a child.  It says, "Put Jesus first, Others second, and put Yourself at the end of the line, and you will find JOY in your life with J-O-Y."  It has been our goal to teach our children to prefer others above themselves - (a lesson they have learned well except for when it applies to a sibling).  Whether it is visiting with a  lonely neighbor or taking cookies to a sick friend or passing out candy canes to strangers in Wal-Mart, we try to spread JOY wherever we may be.  Not always in our actions but always is our countenance, we reflect the JOY that Christ has given us.  We hope it is a contagious JOY.

This time of year can be bittersweet for many people.  Whether it is experiencing Christmas without children at home or having expectations too high to be met, people face the season with depression and stress and unfilled ideals of what it should be.

Regardless of our situation we can make the choice to rise above and to have the JOY that Christ was born to bring.  In his birth and through his death, He offers to those who believe a heart of JOY.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great JOY for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  Luke 2:10

Whatever is leaving you feeling without hope and joy and peace this season, hand over to God.  He promises:

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  1 Peter 5:7

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27



Let His JOY be your strength as you go through this next week and into the New Year.  It's a decision that only you can make as to whether you will choose JOY or not.  He died to bring it to you.  Accept it.




JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COME!  LET EARTH RECEIVE HER KING!!



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10 comments:

  1. Great message thanks for the joy ya'll bring me!!!!

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  2. Another great sermon Boon and I especially liked the last picture with you in front of the Christmas Tree.

    Your buddy Bert

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  3. That's a beautiful message! Thank you for spreading JOY our way!
    Luv,
    Dave

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  4. Beautiful JOY!!! Thanks for the joy message.

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  5. Oh, you are so right! It's amazing how much even a little thing can mean to a lonely person. I love your tree full of JOY.

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  6. So right. I always love stopping by to read your Sunday Sermons!

    Your tree is beautiful. Joy all around.

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  7. Joy Joy Joy. We all are full of it over here. I love the last photo, very nice.
    goose

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  8. Joy is an important word, and I see you using it as a guidance to living as you share joy; great idea and your children will always carry your ideas of joy with them, even as adults.

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