REASONS TO BE JOYFULLUKE 1: 46-55

DESPAIR - HOPE - JOY - LOVE

The Advent journey

DESPAIR - HOPE - JOY - LOVE

The Advent journey

JOY - 242 mentions

REJOICE - 154 mentions

28%

72%

20%

80%

WHAT IS JOY?

WHAT MAKES YOU JOYFUL?

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@emergencypuppy

@emergencypuppy

HOW DOES YOUR FAITH IN GOD MAKE YOU JOYFUL?

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“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in

God My Saviour”

HANNAH’S SONG1 Samuel 2

REASONS TO BE JOYFULMary’s

1. God has noticed

2. God has shown mercy

3. God has turned things the right way round

4. God has honoured his promise

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“But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.”

Philippians 2:17-18

CULTIVATING JOYFULNESS

Be part of God’s story

me

God

God

me

Join in what God rejoices in

Do stuff with purpose and meaning

Be thankful

"If we think we will have joy only by praying and singing psalms, we will be disillusioned. But if we fill our lives with simple good things and constantly thank God for them, we will be joyful, that is, full of joy. ”

Richard J. Foster, Celebration of Discipline

Invest in relationships

Things can be better - look for signs of hope

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