How do you define joy? This week, we consider the archetype of joy's antithesis...Ebeneezer Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol. How did Scrooge, and how do we, for that matter, find joy? The surprising answer is that true Christian joy isn't found; it is entirely given to us by God in His Son Jesus.

Psalm 16 NIV

A miktam of David.

Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” 3 I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” 4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips. 5 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. 7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful[b] one see decay. 11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Discipleship Conversations

For Adult Homes, Groups, and Families with Kids

1. When possible, enjoy time together and watch The Muppet Christmas Carol as a group/family.

2. What did Ebenezer Scrooge think would bring him joy in his life and how did he seek to get it? Were there any people he hurt along the way in seeking after his goal? If so, who? What kind of person did it make Scrooge out to be and how did people come to know him through it?

3. What did Scrooge idolize? What did it take for him to stop idolizing it and how was his heart changed? At the end, how did Scrooge show his changed heart?

4. Read and pray out loud Psalm 16 together; each person taking turns verse by verse.

5. What does it mean to take refuge in God? What are other things (idols) that people take refuge in that aren’t God? What are the biggest idols in the world today? In the church? In your own heart?

6. What are some good things God has recently given you? How does it affect your outlook and heart when we come to realize everything good we have is from God?

7. What are you setting your eyes on right now? Stop and think about that thing; could it be drawing you away from loving God first and loving others second? How can you give that over to God right now?

8. Look again at vv10-11. What has God ultimately saved us from?

How does this give us true joy unlike any other? 

9. Jesus gives true, everlasting joy. Use your time together and list some ways you can encourage one another to experience the joy found in Jesus. Pray and ask for His help.

10. Sing or listen to the Christmas song Joy to the World.