Joy Luke 2:25-38 I) Christian Joy is born of the spirit In Luke’s birth narrative Simeon is the sixth person that is either filled with the Holy Spirit or marked by the Holy Spirit. – Luke 1:14,15 John the Baptist: You will have joy and gladness and many will rejoice at his birth … filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb – 1:35 Mary: The Holy Spirit will come upon you – 1:41 Elizabeth: filled with the Holy Spirit – 1:67 Zacharias: filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied Continuity with the Old Testament – pointing to Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;” Psalm 51:11 “Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.” Something completely new in the New Testament – breaking through of the Kingdom – Acts 2:1-4 Nehemiah 8:9-12 Commanded Joy “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” – stop dwelling on the pain and grief and have a party – rejoice when it is the...

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