January 23, 2026

Be The Dads – Your kids, Your wife, and this world needs.

That God created us to be and that our kids, family, and the world needs us to be.

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Advent Great Joy-Session 23-Good News, Great Joy, All People

farmerphilbethedad06 mins
Four men sit together on a cozy living room couch, smiling and talking warmly beneath the overlaid words “Advent Great Joy.”

Focus: Luke 2:8–20 — Great Joy Found in Jesus, Shared with All People
Theme: There Is No Substitute for the Joy God Gives
Season: Advent Week 2 (Joy)

1. Opening Prayer

Father, thank You that You sent Jesus—Good News that brings Great Joy for All People. As we gather today, open our hearts to understand true joy, not substitutes, and teach us how to walk as dads who lead our families toward Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

2. Scripture Foundation: Great Joy in Luke 2:8–20

Primary Passage: Luke 2:8–20

Bible.com link:
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/LUK.2.8-20.NLT

Key Observations:

  1. Angels proclaim Good News → that brings Great Joy → for All People (v.10).
  2. Joy is not tied to circumstances, but to the Savior who has come.
  3. The shepherds heard the Good News, went to see Jesus, and then told everyone.
  4. Their experience ended in worship—“glorifying and praising God” (v.20).

Key Takeaways for Dads:

  • God’s joy is not fragile. It’s not based on what’s happening around you.
  • Great joy is rooted in Jesus—His arrival, His life, His cross, His resurrection.
  • Joy leads to movement: toward Jesus and toward others.
  • Joy overflows into worship and mission.

3. Session Teaching Summary

A. Understanding the Source of Great Joy

The sermon highlighted a crucial truth:
Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is circumstantial. Joy is eternal.

Scripture:

Nehemiah 8:10 — “…the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/NEH.8.10.NLT

Why Great Joy Is Different from Happiness:

  • Happiness rises and falls with external events.
  • Joy is a deep sense of wholeness and confidence rooted in Christ.
  • Joy is internal, constant, anchored in the Gospel.
  • Substitutes—distractions, approval, success, possessions—cannot deliver joy.

Dad Application:

  • Your family doesn’t need a “happy dad,” they need a joy-filled dad who anchors his life in Christ.
  • Joy gives stability when the home feels chaotic.
  • Joy strengthens your leadership, your patience, and your spiritual authority.

B. Where Do We Find Real Great Joy?

The angels tell us exactly where it comes from:

1. Great Joy Comes from the Good News (the Gospel)

Luke 2:10–11
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/LUK.2.10-11.NLT

Joy flows from this truth: Jesus came for you.
Christmas is not sentimental décor—it is the beginning of God’s rescue mission.

Supporting Scriptures:

Dad Application:

  • Daily remind yourself: “Jesus came for me.”
  • Return to the Gospel every morning; joy grows when you intentionally rehearse the Good News.
  • Lead your household to Jesus by modeling Gospel-centered living.

C. What Do We Do When We Find Joy?

The sermon gave two responses straight from Luke 2.

1. We Tell Everyone We Can

Luke 2:17 — “The shepherds told everyone…”
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/LUK.2.17.NLT

Scripture Support:

Dad Application:

  • Pray for opportunities to share Jesus with co-workers, friends, neighbors.
  • Invite someone to church during Christmas season.
  • Tell your kids—regularly—what Jesus has done in your life.

2. We Respond with Worship and Gratitude

Luke 2:20 — “The shepherds went back… glorifying and praising God…”
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/LUK.2.20.NLT

Scripture Support:

Dad Application:

  • Worship daily—not just on Sundays.
  • Demonstrate gratitude in front of your kids.
  • Let joy fuel your spiritual leadership.

4. Discussion Questions on Great Joy (with Scripture + Key Insights + Starting-Point Answers)

Q1. What substitutes for joy have you noticed trying to creep into your life lately?

Scripture: Jeremiah 2:13
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/JER.2.13.NLT
Insight: We often look to “broken cisterns” instead of the source.
Starting Answer Example:
“I often substitute distraction or achievement for joy. I chase productivity instead of resting in Christ.”

Q2. Why is joy found only in Jesus and not in circumstances?

Scripture: John 15:11
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/JHN.15.11.NLT
Insight: Jesus gives joy that remains.
Starting Answer Example:
“Happiness depends on situations, but joy comes from who Jesus is—unchanging, reliable, present.”

Q3. How can we be like the shepherds and make the Good News known?

Scripture: Matthew 28:19–20
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/MAT.28.19-20.NLT
Insight: Sharing the Gospel is part of joy’s overflow.
Starting Answer Example:
“One person I can invite this week is ______. I also want to tell my kids how Jesus changed my life.”

Q4. What would it look like for you to practice joy daily this Advent season?

Scripture: Psalm 51:12
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/PSA.51.12.NLT
Insight: Joy can be restored; we must ask God for it.
Starting Answer Example:
“For me it’s starting each day with Scripture before looking at my phone and intentionally thanking God for His grace.”

5. Dad-Focused Practical Applications for Great Joy

1. Build Rhythms that Prioritize Jesus

  • Start each morning with Luke 2 during Advent.
  • Lead one family devotion this week centered on joy.

2. Fight Substitutes

  • Identify your biggest “joy thief” (stress, busyness, performance).
  • Replace it with Scripture, prayer, gratitude, or worship.

3. Intentional Christmas Mission

  • Invite at least one person/family to church or Christmas Eve services.
  • Share your testimony with your kids before Christmas Day.

4. Live as a Joy-Bearer in Your Home

  • Speak life, encouragement, and blessing.
  • Be quick to apologize.
  • Celebrate small wins and God’s faithfulness.

6. Closing Reflection on Great Joy

Luke 2:10 — “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”

Jesus came for you.
Joy is available to you.
And joy is meant to be shared through you.

Encourage dads to end by praying for renewed joy in their homes.

7. Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for sending Jesus—the Good News that brings Great Joy for All People. Help us reject substitutes, walk in true joy, and lead our homes with spiritual clarity and purpose. Use us this Advent season to make Jesus known. In Your name, Amen.

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