Series Overview
Choose joy! This may be a commonly used phrase you’ve heard, but what does it actually mean? Joy is more than being excited about the good things that happen to us. Joy is an attitude—a decision to trust God no matter what is going on in our lives. From the very beginning, God had a plan for the world. As we dive into the Bible, we’ll discover God’s plan for us and how God has been at work through it all. When we see and celebrate what God is doing, we can find true joy!
Memory Verse
“Always be joyful because you belong to the lord. I will say it again. Be joyful!” – Philippians 4:4, NIRV
Week One (July 7)
Shepherds + Angels
Bible Story: Luke 2:8-20
Bottom Line: Jesus brings joy to the world
Virtue: Joy – Choosing to celebrate what God is doing
We start the month in Luke 2:8-20. While shepherds were watching over their flock, an angel suddenly appeared, bringing great news: Jesus was born! The shepherds rushed off to see Him, telling everyone about Him afterward. Everyone who heard the news was amazed and filled with joy!
We kick off the month with a Christmas party! Christmas may feel like the most natural time of year to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but we can celebrate Jesus any time of the year! Jesus was a gift that brought joy to everyone who heard the news and can still bring us joy even today.
Week Two (July 14)
Wedding at Cana
Bible Story: John 2:1-11
Bottom Line: Jesus showed us how to have joy
Virtue: Joy – Choosing to celebrate what God is doing
In Week 2, we see Jesus’ first recorded miracle found in John 2:1-11. Everyone was laughing, talking, and having a good time until…the wine ran out! Jesus knew the
importance of celebrating and how it would impact that family to run out of wine when the celebrations weren’t done yet. So Jesus did something about it, which allowed
the party to keep going.
Not only did Jesus heal and teach crowds of people, but he also knew how to celebrate! We hope that kids will remember that when it comes to joy, they can look to Jesus for the best example.
Week Three (July 21)
Be Joyful With Others
Bible Story: Romans 12:15; Acts 2:42-47
Bottom Line: You can help others find joy
Virtue: Joy – Choosing to celebrate what God is doing
For Week 3, we head to Romans 12:15. Paul wrote to the church in Rome about what true love looked like. Part of sharing the love of Jesus means showing empathy and
being sad with others who were sad or joyful with others who were joyful. When we do that, we can help others to see not only our love, but the love of Jesus too.
Can you think of a time when you went through something difficult, but someone was there for you during that? What about when you received the best news ever? During the ups and downs, knowing someone was there for you helped to make that situation so much better. The same is true the other way around. We have a chance to be there for others and help them experience joy too.
Week Four (July 28)
Heaven
Bible Story: Revelation 21, 22:1-5
Bottom Line: Celebrate what God will do
Virtue: Joy – Choosing to celebrate what God is doing
We wrap up the month with the biggest celebration ever in Revelation 21, 22:1-5. John received visions from God about all the things that would one day come, some of
which was easier to understand than others. However, John did write that one day there will be no more pain and sadness, and that God will live with us forever.
When you look at life through current situations, it may be harder to find joy and celebrate, especially if you don’t see a way out. Whenever we focus on the things that God has already done for us however, it can help us remember all that God
can do and will do in our lives. Now that’s something to celebrate!