Joy
WELCOME TO WEEK 2
Joy to the World! Joyful Joyful Lord we adore thee! When we think of the word ‘joy’ those songs may quickly come into our heads. Joy is not just a word in song, but what Jesus brought to the world when He was born. Our hope in Jesus our Messiah is what gives us joy even during difficult circumstances.
BIBLE STORY
Have you ever heard good news that you were almost bursting to share. It was so good you couldn’t keep the news to yourself? Good news brings joy to us and to the people we share it with. Let’s share some good news with each other. Take turns sharing good news with each other that is relevant to your life and community.
Did you enjoy hearing good news shared among yourselves? It’s nice to hear good news. It brings joy to people and ourselves when we share good news. As we continue our bible story we will see that the news of the promised Savior’s birth brings joy. When Mary receives a visitor that proclaims she will have a baby who will be the Messiah, the Angel tells her not to be afraid but to know that she has found favor with God.
Let’s read the Bible story for the week Luke 1:26-55
Who did God send to visit Mary? (The angel Gabriel)
How did Mary react to seeing the visitor? (Confused and disturbed)
Why did the angel say she was highly favored? (She would conceive a son, Jesus)
What did the angel say Jesus would do? (He would be great, the son of the Most High, He would be given the throne of David, He would reign over Israel)
How long would His kingdom last? (His kingdom would never end)
Who else was pregnant in Mary’s family? (Elizabeth)
Why was it a miracle that Elizabeth was pregnant? (She was thought to be barren)
What happened with Elizabeth’s baby when Mary went to visit her? (The baby leaped inside her)
What was Mary’s song of praise about? (Here praise to God for being chosen, God’s goodness over her)
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
Activity
Our joy is not dependent on our circumstance. Sometimes things around us go well and sometimes things are not going well, but we can still know that God is with us. The joy and peace we have doesn’t come from our good times, but from God’s love for us. When we know how much God loves us, we can have real joy. Look up the following verses about Joy and discuss how joy is being described.
Psalm 32:11
Philippians 4:4
Romans 12:12
Romans 12:15
Johnn 15:11
Psalm 5:11
Materials:
Alternate
During the Christmas season we sing a lot of songs about Joy. Let’s play a game to see who can come up with the most amount of songs about Joy. Using a sheet of paper and a timer, each person makes a list of all the song they know that have the word joy in it before the timer goes off. Give points for songs listed that no one else was able to add to their list. If desired give out a prize.
Materials: sheet of paper, timer
Independent activity:
The angel delivered good news that brought joy to Mary and Elizabeth. Their hope for the coming Messiah brought joy even though they knew they would have difficult times ahead. Create a journal entry describing good news you’ve received from God that brought joy. Maybe you read a scripture during a difficult situation that brought you peace or joy. Maybe a friend shared good news that lifted your spirits. Write about this time in your journal and thank God for showing you how much He loves you.
Materials: journal, or journal page, pen/pencil
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, scissors
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
Read or listen to Zephaniah 3:14-20
In this verse Zephaniah is speaking to Israel and it would be easy to think this verse was just meant for them. That God would save them from their enemies right then. When Jesus came as thee Messiah many thought he would get rid of their immediate enemy, the Romans. Jesus did not come to rescue only the Israelites, but all mankind. He is the Messiah for all people. Jeesus is the King of Kings, not just for one nation but for all nations. That is good news! This good news is worth sharing around the world that Jesus came to save everyone, not just one group of people. Jesus came to bring joy, peace, and salvation to the world.
According to Zephaniah, how would God calm all our fears?
How would God rejoice over us?
Who would God come to save?
Does God rejoice with us?
What are some ways you show joy?
Is our contentment, or joy, dependent on our current situation?
How can we have joy even during difficult times?
Does this mean we should never be sad or feel discouraged?
How can you share this good news, or peace from God, with others?
Practical Application at Home
Jesus is the joy of the world, which means we get our joy from Him. We often try to create our our joy baby chasing after things that will not bring us what we really need, Jesus. We might think the latest toy or the coolest shoes will bring us the joy wee are looking for. They may bring us joy for a moment, but eventual it will fade. God offers us contentment that will never fade, His love. God’s love and His strength can see us through good times and during our hardships.
Read Philippians 4:11-13 and fill in the blank of the blank of the missing words below, then discuss with your family what this verse means. Give examples of what this verse has looked like in your life.
11b. For I have learned to be _______ in whatever circumstances I am. 12. I know both how to have a ______, and I know how to have a _____. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being _____- whether well ____ or ____, whether in ______ or in _____. 13. I am able to do all things through _____ who strengthens me.
Additional Resources
Outings to Reinforce Lesson
Enjoy the cool weather and take a nature walk. Observe the things God created and how they work together in His plan. What part do each of us play in God’s plan for us?