Joy to the World-- Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Joy to the World was written by Isaac Watts in 1719. His motivation the first three stanzas of this hymn are found in Psalm 98 and 96:11-12. Read Psalms 98 and 98. What causes for joy are revealed in these Psalms?  

 

According to the following Scriptures, what is the source of a Christ-follower’s joy?

 

John 17:3--

 

 

Isaiah 61:1-3--

 

 

John 15:11--

 

 

Romans 12:12--

 

 

Philippians 1:26--

To what is joy compared to in the following Scriptures?

Matthew 22:1-10--

 

 

John 3:29--

 

Revelation 19:7-9--

 

What cause for joy is expressed in the following Scriptures?

 

 

Luke 15:7, 10, & 22--

Matthew 8:10-11--

 

John 8:56--

 

In what ways is the Holy Spirit leading you to pursue joy?

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus-- Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus was penned by the master hymn writer Charles Wesley in 1744. Every phrase of this classic Christmas hymn alludes to numerous Scriptures. As you prepare to celebrate Christmas, spend some time meditating on the lyrics of this hymn and the Scriptures to which they point.

Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.

Isaiah 9:6-8; 52:7; and 61:1-2--

Jeremiah 23:5; and Luke 3:23, 31--

Matthew 1:21; 2:6; and 11:28--

Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.

Luke 2:25, 32, 40; and 4:18-19--

Malachi 3:1--

Haggai 2:7--

Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.

Micah 5:2--

Colossians 3:15--

2 Peter 1:3-4--

By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.

Romans 13:14--

Revelation 21:1-4; 22:1-5--

Just as faithful Israel looked forward to the Messiah’s first advent, we look forward to His second advent. Revelation 22:20 records a prayer that ought to be prayed by every Christ-follower, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” How is the Holy Spirit using this hymn and these Scriptures in light of the coming long-expected Jesus?





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God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen-- Questions for Discussion and Reflection

 

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen is an 18^th century Christmas Carol. Earlier old English versions of this hymn read “God make you mighty, gentlemen” or “God keep you mighty, gentlemen.” In Luke 2:9-11, the “Angel of the Lord” appears to shepherds announcing the birth of the “Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” These shepherds find Jesus and relay the announcement of the Angel and heavenly host to Joseph and Mary. The testimony of these shepherds is encouragement to Joseph and Mary to remain mighty in the Lord.”

 

The events in Matthew 2:1-15 took place a year or two after Jesus’ birth. How might the things that Mary “treasured in her heart” encouraged she and Joseph to remain mighty in the Lord through these trials?

Read Joshua 1:1-9 and Ephesians 6:10-20. What characteristics do you observe of those who are “strong and courageous” or “strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might”?

How is the Holy Spirit leading you to remain mighty in the Lord?