Finding - Part 4 [Notes] // Christmas with The Ridge

The Christmas season often leaves us searching—for the perfect gifts, a way to manage our overflowing schedules, or just a quiet moment to ourselves. But what if the things we truly need this Christmas aren’t found in the hustle and bustle?

This Advent, we invite you to step away from the noise and discover the deeper gifts our hearts long for—hope, peace, love, and joy—all found in Jesus. Join us over the next four weeks as we explore what it truly means to find fulfillment this Christmas season.

Takeaway: Find Jesus, find joy. 

Joy: the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation.
– www.dictionary.com

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough—because there was no room for them at the lodging place. In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!”
When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough. After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.
– Luke 2:1-20 (HCSB)

But the angel said to them, "Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David."
– Luke 2:10-11 (HCSB)

Joy (chara): a state of delight and well-being that results from knowing and serving God.
– Robert Dean, Holman Bible Dictionary

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
– Galatians 5:23 (HCSB)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
– Philippians 4:4 (HCSB)

But the angel said to them, "Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David."
– Luke 2:10-11 (HCSB)

Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
– Matthew 11:28 (HCSB)

The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to come to repentance.
– 2 Peter 3:9 (HCSB)

I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
– John 15:11 (HCSB)

But the angel said to them, "Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David."
– Luke 2:10-11 (HCSB)

Problem – Romans 3:23 (HCSB): For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

For the wages of sin is death.
– Romans 6:23a (HCSB)

Solution – Romans 5:8 (HCSB): But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Response – Romans 10:13 (HCSB): For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don’t need repentance.
– Luke 15:7 (HCSB)

Little Drummer Boy // Angels (Glory to God) // Joy to World // Your Praise Goes On // O Holy Night // No Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus // Fear is Not My Future // Silent Night

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.