WATCH OUT for these Joy Robbers...

It's Christmas... Beware of these thieves stealing your joy...

I was reading Mary's story of the time Gabriel, an angel sent from God, came & announced she would be having a son. Birth announcements are usually a time for celebration and Joy right? So how could this be bad? 

Well, she's not yet married. Making plans. Her family and friends are excited. She's in love with Joseph. Then comes the news "you're going to be pregnant, and Joseph isn't the father".  She knew they hadn't been fooling around. She questioned Gabriel about the particulars.  "How might this happen?" she asked. In a moment what might be a glad and happy occasion of marriage to her sweetheart was about to be turned upside down.

Mary faced some fairly common Joy Robbers that we face.

Can you relate to any of these? Grief is a Joy Robber. Maybe this year you've experienced loss. Someone you love won't be around the table. Maybe you're grieving the loss of a dream. The loss of a friendship? 

Doubt is a robber that steals our joy. We've become cynical. We doubt God cares or if He does care He certainly seems unable to change my circumstances. 

Fear robs us of joy. Mary might've experienced fear? Fear of what the future holds. Fear of the situation you find yourself in at the moment. Fear I might have enough money? Fear of what is going to happen with my kids? My health?

I could go on! Today I want to remind you that the same way Mary conquered these robbers still works for us. You may be familiar with Mary's Song of Joy in Luke 1:46-55. "My soul GLORIFIES the Lord. My spirit REJOICES in God my Savior." (Luke 1:46-47). How could she sing and praise God with so much turmoil and uncertainly surrounding her?

The answer is found in her attitude (Luke 1:37-38) "Nothing is impossible with God. I am the Lord's Servant, may it be to me as you have said".

Mary chose to Trust God. She chose to be Fearless in the Face of Fear. She chose to Worship rather than worry about "what's going to happen next?" 

Two nights ago I got my journal out and wrote out 10 things that I'm grateful for. My goal is to get to 20 this week. I need to remember that God who calls me is faithful. How do I know? Because I'm grateful for what He's already done. God's past faithfulness reminds me I can trust Him with my Present Challenge. Mary said the same in Luke 1:49 "the Mighty One has done great things for me- Holy is His Name... He has already performed mighty deeds with His arm..."

In Mary we find a courageous woman who looked at the Joy Robbers we all face and chose GREAT JOY. She sung about it! She lived it out. On Sunday we're going to marvel once again for Her for Jesus!

Hope to See You This Sunday!

Pastor Mike 
PS- Ladies make sure and grab your ticket for this Saturday Nights celebration! 

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