1 Peter 2:9-10

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

This week’s theme is JOY

When a person is in Christ, he not only becomes a new creation, but he also becomes part of a larger family – a people belonging to God. Called from darkness to light, the Christ follower now has something to celebrate! Joy wells up in the heart of the believer as celebration is offered in the form of praise to God, who made this change possible.

Reflection and Discussion:

• Many things can bring a person happiness over a lifetime. Good friends, a great job, a fun vacation, or an awesome Christmas present will easily bring a smile to our faces. Joy, though, runs deeper than the moment or the circumstance. It is within us regardless of whether the day has been great or awful. How can you demonstrate praise to God for what He has done in your life?