Review: Last week we talked about keeping our eyes open for someone we could help or encourage.  Were you able to come alongside anyone in this way this past week over, say, a cup of coffee or a meal?

Read the familiar story of Christmas in Luke 2:8-14.  The angel says he brings "good news of a great joy that is coming to you."  What is it that's "coming," and why is it joyful?

Ralph spent several minutes at the beginning of the message talking about Glory. Where do you see Glory in the Luke 2 passage? What relationship do you see between Glory and Joy?

The shepherds' response to Glory and Joy wasn't jumping up and down in celebration, but … fear!  Why do you think that is?  Is there a connection between God revealing His Glory and us experiencing fear?

Now read Isaiah 6:1-8.  How is Isaiah's experience similar to the shepherds' in Luke 2?  (Notice that the passage begins with God revealing His Glory, then Isaiah becomes afraid ("Woe is me, I am lost!"), and then finishes in joy ("Here am I, send me!") as he offers himself to be sent by God to deliver His word.) 

In her testimony, Sandy talked about going deep down into the mines for joy in difficult times.  Read 2 Cor. 3:12-18.  How does "beholding the glory of the Lord" help us do this "mining," this "digging deep"?

The Westminster Catechism says that our highest purpose is to "glorify God and enjoy Him forever."  Ralph said he thinks this is really ONE thing, not two.  Do you agree? How can the two things really be ONE?

Do you consider yourself a joyful person?  How can you grow in joy this week?