Message Notes: What’s a deeply joy-filled day look like for you? Why? Describe it. This Week’s Memory Verse: “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 One day this week, read: Matthew 2:1-12. Another day this week, read: Acts 13. And on a 3rd day, read: Philippians 4:4-20. With each day’s reading, ask and answer: • What do I see in these biblical lines that brings me awe, wonder, holy WoW for the season? • What do I see that causes me to wonder, to ask a deeper question, or ponder a deeper truth? • How do I sense more of God’s joy because of these wondrous words? Serve Opportunity: Brainstorm three or four ways you might bring joy to coworkers or neighbors this week. Perhaps it’s a gift card for coffee, a handwritten encouragement card, a car wash voucher, or a handmade coupon to babysit their children in January. Pick the way you’ll spread joy, and go for it. Prayer Pattern: At any point in your day when you’re feeling grumpy, down, discontent, or otherwise discouraged, deliberately pause and ask yourself: What do I have to be joyful for right now? If it seems really hard to find joy, that’s when you can switch it up and choose joy. Dig deeper because Jesus’ joy resides deep in the soul, sometimes underneath our deep pain and suffering. Often, joy needs mined out of our darker places. Pause to reflect and then use a simple breath prayer to praise him.