Solid Reasons for Advent Joy Galatians 4:1-9 Chris Patton I. Reason to Rejoice: A New era II. Reason to Rejoice: A New relationship III. Conclusion *Even if you have had a trying and difficult year – it is possible for this to be a Merry Christmas for you. *How can that be? First because of Christ, we live in a new era – a new time period – the era of the New Covenant – the age of “no longer enslaved”…the age of the Spirit poured out. *Secondly, because Christ came on that first Christmas, you have been adopted into God’s family. *You are a child of God. *God is your heavenly Father. *In this we greatly rejoice in this Advent Season. Questions for Discussion/Application *Re-read the text, Galatians 4:1-9. What initial insights and observations do you have from reading this passage? *We all desire to have Christ-centered joy in this season. What are some of the roadblocks/obstacles that can hinder us from being joyful in the Advent season? What are some of the things that can keep you from having joy at this time of year? *Generally speaking, what difference has it made that Christ has come into the world? More personally, what kind of thoughts come to your mind when you consider what your life would be like apart from Christ coming into the world that first Christmas? *What are some of the blessings that have come to us as a result of Christ coming into the world? *What do you think of the idea that God is our Father? *Do you ever struggle to live in the good of the fact that God is your Father? *What difference can it make it our lives as believers to grow in our understanding and awareness of the fact that God is our Father? *How practically can we grow in our understanding an awareness of God as our Father? *Consider taking time to pray that God would help us to truly rejoice in this Advent Season in Christ, in who He is and what He has done.