Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. Worldly misconceptions about joy

a. Many believe that joy can be found in:

i. Wealth

ii. Might

b. They spend a lifetime pursuing these things

c. Those who are not rich or powerful, are made to feel that they have no little or no reason for joy

2. The reality

a. Many in the world are still unhappy

b. More and more people are becoming troubled, even depressed!

3. What the Scriptures tell us

a. Joy is never to be found only in worldly things

b. True and great joy can be found in no less than God Himself

i. Discovering and understanding God

ii. Believing in God

MARY AS AN EXAMPLE OF A PERSON WHO FOUND JOY IN GOD

1. It started out at a personal level

a. “For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant”   (Luke 1:48)

b. “For He who is mighty has done great things for me”   (Luke 1:49)

2. But it did not stop at a personal level

3. Mary went further and found joy in God Himself

a. His mercy (Luke 1:50)

b. His strength (Luke 1:51)

HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS

1. Mary also found joy in what God is doing for

a. The lowly

b. The hungry

2. What God does for them

a. He exalts the lowly   (Luke 1:52)

b. He fills the hungry with good things   (Luke 1:53)

3. What this tells us about God

a. The lowly and hungry are often despised, but not by God!

b. He remembers them

c. He cares for them

d. He provides for them

CONCLUSION

1. Let us learn to find joy in not just the blessings from God, but God Himself

2. He is good and kind

a. Though we may come from humble backgrounds

b. He does not look down on us

c. We can trust that He will provide for us

3. An encouragement this Christmas

a. To also care for the lowly and hungry in our midst

b. Just as God would do