Joy to the World?
Among U.S. adults, 41% say they anticipate more stress related to the holidays this year than last year, a notable increase over 2024 (28%) and 2023 (29%).
Younger adults are more likely than older adults to anticipate more stress this year (49% of 18 to 34-year-olds, versus 27% of those 65+).
American Psychological Association’s 2023 holiday stress survey.
Nearly nine in 10 U.S. adults (89%) say something causes them stress during the holiday season
The 10 most commonly reported sources of holiday stress
- Spending too much or not having enough money to spend: 58%
- Black Friday turns into Broke Saturday and then Silent Regret Sunday.
- Finding the right gifts: 40%
- Missing family or loved ones: 38%
- Having too much to do: 32%
- Feeling pressure to make the holidays special: 30%
- Food- or alcohol-related issues: 25%
- Most of us weigh more this weekend than last weekend.
- We are going to need some stretchier pants for Christmas.
- Not being able to spend time/be with family or loved ones: 25%
- Experiencing or anticipating family conflict: 22%
- Feeling left out or excluded: 20%
- Traveling: 19%
We live in this season of Christmas, where we are supposed to have joy. But Joy seems elusive to us.
Luke 2:9–10 (ESV) 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Good News of Mega Joy for All People.
Joy is not based on your circumstances.
- Paul was writing from a Roman Prison.
Joy is not based on your environment.
- Philippi was not a Christian city, it was Rome in miniature. It was Roman stronghold with cults, emperor worship, and a variety of other religious traditions.
Joy is found in following the leading of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 16:6-7)
- The Gospel goes to Philippi in Acts 16.
Joy is found in living on Mission. (Acts 16)
- Joy is found in Living on Mission and being part of God’s mission of changing hearts, and lives, and families, and legacies.
- The church is a family on mission, not an audience.
- Joy is found in Jesus.
- 104 verses in Philippians
- 19 times Paul mentions Joy.
- 61 times he names Jesus.
- Joy is found in being a servant of Jesus Christ for the sake of others (Phil 1:1)
- Servants Serve others (Matt 20:26-28)
- Servants Pray for others (Phil 1:3-4)
- Servants Give (Phil 1:5)
- Joy is found in seeing yourself rightly (Phil 1:1-2)
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If you had to pick one word to describe yourself as a Christian, what word would you pick?
- Sinner or Saint?
- Joy is found in seeing the faithfulness of God (Phil 1:6)
Family Discussion Questions
1. What is joy, and how is it different from just being happy?
- How did Paul have joy even while he was in prison?
- Why can Christians have joy even when life is hard?
2. Where do you normally look for joy?
(School, work, accomplishments, relationships, stuff, experiences?)
- Which of these truly satisfy?
- Which of these usually let us down?
3. Why does Paul talk about Jesus so much in this letter?
- How does keeping Jesus at the center bring joy?
- What would happen if we started each day focused on Christ?
4. Paul calls himself a “servant.” What does that mean?
- How does serving others actually grow our joy?
- What is one way we can serve someone this week?
5. Paul prayed with joy for the Philippians. Who can we pray for?
- Share one person or situation your family can pray about tonight.
6. Paul calls believers “saints.” How does God see you in Christ?
- What does it mean that you’re set apart to belong to Jesus?
- How would your life look different if you believed this each day?
7. Philippians 1:6 says God will finish His work in us.
- What does this promise mean?
- What are some ways you’ve already seen God working in your life?
- What’s one area of your life where you need to trust Him more?
8. Are we the kind of people who bring joy to others?
- When people think of us, do they thank God?
- What can our family do to grow in kindness, peace, and grace?
9. What rooftop or neighborhood near us needs the gospel?
- Who might be saying, “Come help us,” like the Macedonian vision in Acts 16?
- How can our family live on mission this week?
10. What is one thing from the sermon that stuck with you?
- How will it change your week?
- Who is one person you want to share it with?