The Thrill of Hope | Week 3 | Pastor Dave Brown
MESSAGE NOTES
The Thrill of Hope - Week 3
December 14, 2025
Teacher: Pastor Dave Brown
Joy
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
—Luke 2:8-1
What’s the difference between happiness and joy?
Happiness is an emotional response to our external circumstances. Joy is a deeper reality that flows from the core of our being.
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
— John 15:11
Joy cannot by bought, nor can we just flip a switch will ourselves to be joyous. Joy must be cultivated.
Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship; it is a consequence. It is not what we have to acquire in order to experience life in Christ; it is what comes to us when we are walking in the way of faith and obedience.
— Eugene Peterson