Anticipating Christ: Joy | Resources
Devotional:
I was 21 years old when I traveled to Europe for the first time. My buddy, Ryan, was going to Belgium to visit his parents during our winter break from Iowa State. He asked if I wanted to tag along, and I jumped at the chance.
With Christmas fast approaching, Doug learned of a “magical” outdoor nativity nestled somewhere in the countryside around Huldenberg (where he lived), and he was keen to find it. On Christmas Eve, he asked if I wanted to accompany him, so the two of us jumped in his car and set out on this grand adventure. Huldenberg is located on the border between Flanders and Wallonia, and I watched as the street names changed back and forth between Dutch and French. It felt like we were driving for hours when suddenly we stumbled upon it.
To say I was underwhelmed is not an exaggeration! It was small, dirty, and looked like a local farmer had crafted it decades ago. But Doug’s demeanor instantly changed. He yelled, “We found it!,” leapt out of the car taking pictures, and was grinning ear to ear. We were there for at least half an hour, examining the structure, talking about Jesus, and discussing the joy of the Christmas season.
There’s something so special about the birth of Jesus that it cuts to our hearts and transcends almost every other joy that we experience. Jesus changes us. He gives dead people life. We have hope and a future!
My “Huldenberg nativity” is the Linus speech from the Peanuts Christmas special where he quotes the birth of Jesus from Luke’s Gospel (2:8–20). I still get tears in my eyes when I watch that. What is your “Huldenberg nativity”?
by Brian Freeman
Memory Verse:
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8–9
Discussion Questions:
What are some things that make you really happy?
Can you tell the difference between joy and happiness in your life?
What is an area of your life where you need more joy?
What current pain or difficult situation are you currently facing that makes you struggle to find joy?
Share a time where Christ gave you joy in the midst of difficulty? How is this possible?
How can you let joy be a part of your everyday existence?