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Joy to the World

Joy to the World

This year, we will take 4 weeks to focus on the powerful reminder that Jesus has come in the classic song: Joy to the World! While this carol was written to celebrate the second coming of Jesus, we sing it at Christmas to celebrate the fulfillment of what Christ came to do through his incarnation. We live in the “now” of God’s redemption, but there is hope in the “not yet” of His return.

Joy to the World (Deep Dive)

Each week, members of Calvary's Teaching Team take a deeper look at the passage or topic from the weekend.

Joy to the World (Deep Dive)

Each week, members of Calvary's Teaching Team take a deeper look at the passage or topic from the weekend.




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Joy to the world! The Lord is come
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing!



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Matthew 2:1-12; Philippians 2:9 - Because the King of the cosmos has come to this world to save and make all things new, we all must prepare space in our hearts to receive him.


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• What will it look like for you to intentionally create space to receive Jesus this year?

• Where do you need to see Jesus show up for you right now?

• How can you help others create room for Jesus in their lives this Christmas season?



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“Dear God, thank You for reminding us during this time of year that You keep Your promises—every single time! Thank You for the promise of Jesus. Thank You for the hope that we have in Him. Please help us create space for you this season in our hearts, minds, and lives. In the name of Jesus. Amen.”




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Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat the sounding joy.



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Psalm 98; Luke 2:8-14 - Joy silences the world's groaning for redemption.


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• How does creation teach you about God?

• What is something you are looking forward to God restoring?

• What might it look like for your life to repeat the sounding joy of creation?



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“Dear God, thank You for reminding us during this time of year that your creation has been designed to sing your praises! Even the rocks cry out your goodness. Help us repeat this message in our words, tone, and posture this season as we await the restoration of all things through Jesus. In the name of Jesus. Amen.”




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No more let sins and sorrows grow
nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make his blessings flow
far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found,
far as, far as the curse is found.



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Matthew 1:21; Genesis 3; Galatians 3:10-14 - No longer are we dominated by the curse of sin.


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• What effects of the curse are you feeling the weight of this season?

• How do you define "peace?" Where do you need to feel peace this year?

• Jesus' arrival is a promise of a restored peace - why is this significant?



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“Dear God, thank You for reminding us during this time of year that you are doing something to lift the weight of the curse of sin! Help us be agents of peace as we faithfully wait for the return of your Son. In the name of Jesus. Amen.”


Advent Reading Plan

"Advent," borrowed from the Latin adventus meaning "arrival" or "appearance," is a word typically applied to the season leading up to Christmas during which we set aside time for prayer and reflection. Just as the people of God waited for the arrival of their Messiah, the church, too, waits for Christ's Second Coming. Linked below is a reading plan created by Jerram Barrs (a professor at Covenant Seminary) to help the church prepare well for Christmas.

Advent Reading Plan

Family Advent Activity Calendar

Gather around every day this month to read the story of how God sent joy to the world with the gift of his Son, Jesus. While you're at it, spread some joy of your own as a family! Check out this resource to help you as a family talk about and experience the story of Christmas together!

Family Advent Activity Calendar



Other Resources

Listed below are other resources to help us better understand Paul's Letter to the Galatians. 

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Hidden Christmas - Tim Keller

Even people who are not practicing Christians are familiar with the Christmas story. In Hidden Christmas, Tim Keller takes readers on a journey into the background of the nativity. By understanding the message of hope and salvation within the Bible’s account of Jesus’ birth, readers will experience the redeeming power of God’s grace in a deeper and more meaningful way.


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God is in the Manger - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

God is in the Manger consists of forty devotions that guide and inspire readers as they move thematically through the weeks of Advent and Christmas, from waiting and mystery to redemption, incarnation, and joy. Supplemented by an informative introduction, short excerpts from Bonhoeffer's letters, and passages from his Christmas sermons, these daily devotions are timeless and moving reminders of the true gift of Christmas.



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The Bible Project Luke 1-2

The Bible Project's mission is to help people experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus. Check out their "Luke 1-2" page to learn about the story of Jesus' birth.