Advent: Joy

December 15 | Discipleship Guide

Be Real Together:

Take a few minutes to catch up, tell stories, and laugh together. Trust and friendship take time to build. If you’re launching a new DG, one person should tell their story — what do we need to know about you? Next week, have another person in your DG share their story.

Read Together: Luke 2:8-20 CSB

This week, our Youth Director, Jon, helped us explore the theme of joy. In a season of consumerism, Jon reminded us that often times our vision of joy can be diluted. The Bible defines joy as "chara" - deeper than happiness, the result of choice. Joy is choosing to have faith in Jesus despite our circumstances. We are living between the declaration of Jesus' kingdom and His inauguration on His throne. Joy for us in this life means choosing to respond to our circumstances with obedience and faith in His coming again.

The One Question:
Ask this question at your family meal or Discipleship Group.

What does it mean to you that joy is an attitude we choose, rooted in God’s love, rather than a feeling tied to our circumstances?

Grow Together:
Use these questions to go deeper with your DG or for personal study.

The angels proclaimed “good news of great joy for all people.” How does the Gospel give you joy, even in challenging circumstances?
Do you feel joy when you think about your story of being saved by Jesus? If not, think back - where can you find joy in your story?
Reflect on the distinction between joy and happiness. How can practicing gratitude help you focus on a joy that transcends your situation?
Is there a time in your life that you have held joy and grief in your heart at the same time? How did you find joy during this time?

Pray Together:

Take time to pray with and for each other.

Suggested Prayer Prompts:

Thank God for the good news of Jesus and the joy He brings to all people.
Ask for His help to choose joy, even when life is difficult.
Pray for each other’s needs, lifting them to the One who provides joy in every circumstance.