Jesus Is Our Joy

Hey, carpool crew. I'm Pastor Justin and I'm so glad you're here today, because we are kicking off week three of Advent. Yes, and we're talking about joy. See, joy isn't the same thing as being happy. Happiness, it always depends on what's happening, but joy, true joy, comes from Jesus, so it never runs out. Today's verse tells us exactly where that joy comes from. In the book of Luke chapter two, starting with verse 10, here's what it says. The angels said to them, don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. See, the shepherds, they weren't expecting anything special. Not tonight, not yesterday, not last month. They had a pretty regular job taking care of the sheep, so they were just doing their jobs, standing in a quiet field like they always do, when suddenly God broke into the normal of their life and said, joy is here. The Savior has come and he's here for you. That's the kind of joy we still have today. See, if Jesus were chatting with you, I think he'd say, I'm the reason joy exists. You don't need a perfect grade, perfect toys, or a perfect day, you just need me. That's what Jesus would try and help you learn, because here's the thing, joy comes from him. Happiness, well, that changes based on the circumstances, based on what's happening in your life. Have you ever noticed how one smile in a room can change the whole mood? Like when someone laughs so hard they can't even finish the story. Joy spreads fast, kind of like glitter. Once it's there, it gets everywhere. That's why I love filling envelopes with glitter on people's birthdays. It gets everywhere. Now, ask your parents first, but it's a fun thing to do. See, that's how Jesus wants his joy to work in you. When you smile, when you encourage someone, when you show kindness, you're sharing the joy Jesus gave you. So how can you live this out today? Well, here's one big, easy thing that you can do. Smile more. A big, big smile. Not a fake smile, like my mom wants a picture kind of smile. My kids know what that's like. But a real one, a real big smile, because someone around you might need to see joy today to remember that hope is still alive, that joy is contagious, and that maybe they can smile too. Let your joy be a light everywhere you go. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Now, before you go, answer this question together. What's one thing that gives you real joy no matter what happens? I'll see you tomorrow as we kick off a whole new week of carpooling with Jesus.