Unwrapping Joy - Pt 2 - Cody House of Prayer Evangelical Church

Cody House of Prayer Evangelical Church

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Unwrapping Joy - Pt 2

Joy that Crushes Pride and Glorifies God

December 15, 2024 • Pastor Ben Bogardus • Luke 1:39–56, Philippians 2:1–11

The Christmas season is filled with joy… isn’t it? At least, that’s what we tell ourselves

as we dive into the hustle and bustle. Christmas lists, striving for the perfect gift, cooking

up Norman Rockwell-worthy dinners, indulging in delicious desserts, embarking on

countless shopping trips, and adorning our homes with beautiful decorations—all of it

screams joy, right? But let’s be honest. If Christmas becomes a season centered on

what I want—what tastes good to me, what pleases me—we’re just orbiting around

ourselves, much like the culture we live in. And inevitably, when the season ends, we’re

left feeling empty, devoid of joy and peace, and disappointed once again.

Unwrapping Joy - Pt. 4

December 29, 2024 • Russell Jackson • Philippians 4:10–13

Unwrapping Joy - Pt. 4 | Christmas Eve

December 24, 2024 • Pastor Ben Bogardus • Luke 2:1–20

Big Idea: If you can buy it, it’s not joy. Real joy is found only in Jesus.

Unwrapping Joy - Pt. 3

December 22, 2024 • Pastor Ben Bogardus • Luke 1:11–80

Big Idea: Joy isn’t the absence of problems—it’s the presence of peace in the middle of them. Intro: Anxiety disorders rank among the most prevalent mental health challenges worldwide, shaped by an unprecedented cultural shift, rapid technological change, and an overwhelming flow of information—both positive and negative. Anxiety manifests as worry, nervousness, or unease, often accompanied by physical symptoms like an elevated heart rate or restlessness and mental struggles such as fear, overthinking, or difficulty concentrating. Psychologically, anxiety is a natural reaction to stress but becomes a disorder when excessive, persistent, and disruptive to daily life. Common types include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias. From a biblical perspective, anxiety is sometimes seen as fear or doubt overshadowing trust in God’s care, with verses like Philippians 4:6-7 offering spiritual guidance. Exploring stories like Zechariah's in Luke 1 and the shepherds in Luke 2 illustrates that joy isn’t about avoiding hardships but about finding peace and confidence in God amidst chaos. The C.A.L.M. acronym—drawing from “All is calm, all is bright”—offers a practical, faith-based approach to managing anxiety and embracing joy.