God's word on Joy

 1. Lesson

•  Song: Introduce a song on “Joy” (suggestions below)
  • I’ve got Joy and it’s down in my heart
  • I’ve got a joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
  • This joy that I have
  • Rejoice in the Lord always
• Next month we celebrate Christmas. Does anyone know any Christmas songs?
  • <open for suggestions of carols … answer to highlight:  “Joy to the World!”>
  •  Why do we sing “Joy to the World”? Because when Jesus came, He brought His joy!
• What is joy? <Some kids will say “happiness”>
• <Get kids to share>What was your happiest moment? What was your saddest?

• When good things happen in our lives, we are happy; when bad things happen, we are sad.
• But when Jesus came to give us His joy, it’s a special joy, and it never leaves even when sad things happen. (John 15:11)
• We have this joy because the Holy Spirit to live in us. The Holy Spirit is with us forever. And because of the Holy Spirit, we can always have joy!
•  Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness …
• Whether good things or bad things happen, we still have this joy. When we have Jesus, we can smile even when bad things happen!
• The Bible tells us that “The Joy of the Lord is our strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10)
• When we are tired and weak, His joy gives us strength. When we are sick or sad, He lifts us up and gives us hope.
• The devil may try to take away our joy. He may try to make us forget that the Holy Spirit is with us forever. He may cause bad things to happen to us. He may try to tempt us with things that seem fun for a while, but these things don’t last. Jesus promises, “no one will take away your joy.” (Luke 16:22)

• So when bad or sad things happen, focus on Jesus. He came to give us joy! Remind yourself of His words, and experience His joy!
  • John 15:11 ¹¹ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
  •  Nehemiah 8:10 “The joy of the Lord is our strength!”
• When we know all that Jesus has done for us, His promises and His love for us, no matter what happens, we can still rejoice and sing and praise Him!