Learn the unexpected plot twists that change every chapter of the rest of your life!
The Joy Story: Part 1
December 1, 2019
Most people cannot resist the joy a baby brings. Prepare the way for joy, ‘cause that is what the baby we’re reading about was born to tell. We’ll smile no less when we learn about the geriatrics who are told they’re expecting!
The Joy Story: Part 2
December 8, 2019
Imagine the reaction at a baby shower when you provide the new parents with embalming fluid. The plot-twist in the Christmas story is that Jesus was born to die. Jesus’ joy made possible His pursuit of the cross. You might think this is a bit morbid, but Jesus joyfully gave us the greatest gift for the holidays.
The Joy Story: Part 3
December 15, 2019
Merry Judgment Day! You’ve probably never considered Judgment Day topic for the holidays, but Advent is all about the coming of Jesus—both that first Christmas and at the end of all things. And we are told that when Christ comes, He will judge the world—which happens to be the basis for the song, Joy to the World—no kidding!
The Joy Story: Part 4
December 22, 2019
God gives us joy in Jesus, but also in one another. If you want joy, give joy. The people you give yourself to will become your joy. This is a theme of the Bible, actually. Our personal joy in symbiotically connected to the body of Christ and finds its culmination with the coming of Jesus.
The Joy Story: Part 5
December 24, 2019
Feelings are an inside job. For example, if someone steals your parking spot, you become livid, but if a cow meanders into your spot and lies down, you’re bemused. Likewise, when shepherds encounter an angelic host, the story begins with fear, but turns to joy. It all depended upon the meaning of the encounter.
The Joy Story: Part 6
December 29, 2019 • Derek Broten
Are you ready for joy-graduate-classes? The Joy Story continues this week, but now we’re getting into a joy like no other--a pure joy that comes in the form of trials and difficulties of life. You want to know joy that demonstrates true grit--a joy that perseveres?
