What is SOAP?

SOAP is an acronym for: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. As you prepare for participating in City Group this week, we invite you to write down your thoughts in a journal. Journaling is a great way to record and process your thoughts & what God is sharing with you.

Week of December 14th
Joy Is Closer Than You Think

OVERVIEW

Advent 2026 has started!! We are so excited for the Christmas season as we wait with great anticipation for the coming and return of our Saviour. Ever notice how Christmas amplifies everything? The good becomes great while the hard things feel harder. But Christmas doesn’t have to be either great or hard. There’s a hope that overcomes anything. On a silent night, a light broke through the darkness. The world watched in awe as love stepped in. Jesus changed everything—including the life that’s possible for us. We can experience the wonder of our Savior. Together let's reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love found in Him with our series, Focus.

This week Pastor Chris' message taught us that Joy is closer than we think. The Christmas story reminds us that joy didn’t arrive once everything was calm and perfect.  Scripture shows us that joy isn’t something we wait for after life settles down. It’s something God brings right where we are. 

This week, we focus on discovering a joy that transcends circumstances and anchors us in Christ.

KEY POINTS

  • Joy is not an emotion; it’s a choice rooted in Christ, not circumstances.
  • God often announces joy suddenly, in the middle of ordinary or chaotic moments.
  • The greatest enemy of joy isn’t pain—it’s distraction.
  • Biblical joy is sustained by focus: fixing our eyes on Jesus rather than our situation.
  • Joy is closer than we think because God is closer than we think.

SCRIPTURE

As we read aloud through these verses, let's pause, reflect, and listen for what Holy Spirit might be saying to you through the Word of God.

Key scriptures from Sunday.

  • Luke 2:10–11 NIV “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’”
  • James 1:2 NIV “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
  • Hebrews 12:2 NIV “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross…”

Additional scriptures:

  • Luke 2:8–20 NIV
  • Luke 1:26–38
  • 2 Corinthians 7:4 NIV
  • Colossians 1:24 NIV
  • Philippians 3:8 NIV
  • Acts 2:2 NIV
  • Acts 9:3 NIV

OBSERVATION

Throughout Scripture, joy often appears suddenly—announced by angels, revealed in light, or experienced in surrender. The shepherds were interrupted in the middle of the night. Mary was interrupted in the middle of her plans. Paul speaks of joy while suffering. These moments teach us that joy is not dependent on ease, clarity, or comfort, but on God’s nearness and our focus.

The big question becomes: if joy is promised, why do we so often miss it? Scripture points us toward distraction, fear, and fixation on circumstances as the real threats to joy—not pain itself.

Q1. The angel told the shepherds not to be afraid and announced great joy. What fears or distractions tend to block joy in your life today?

Q2. Scripture shows joy coexisting with suffering. How does this challenge the way we usually think about joy and hardship?

Q3. The shepherds responded by going, seeing, and sharing. What practical response might God be inviting you to make so joy can grow in your life?

Personal Reflection Question:

  • Read James 1:2 and Hebrews 12:2. How does choosing joy and fixing your eyes on Jesus change the way you experience difficult or distracting seasons?

APPLICATION

  • This week:
    • Identify one distraction that has been pulling your focus away from Christ and intentionally surrender it to God.
    • Practice choosing joy daily by redirecting your attention to Jesus through prayer, worship, or Scripture.
    • Share with your City Group one moment this week where you noticed joy showing up closer than you expected.

  • Start the Bible Plan Advent: A 25-Day Countdown to Christmas using Plans With Friends: Advent Plan

  • Consider how you could love others by serving on a team this Sunday at BeLoved.

PRAYER

Jesus, thank You that joy is not far away or out of reach. Forgive us for the ways we’ve allowed fear, pain, and distraction to crowd out the joy You offer. Help us fix our eyes on You, just as You endured the cross for the joy set before You. Teach us to choose joy, even when circumstances are hard, and to recognize Your nearness in every season. May our lives reflect the good news of great joy You came to bring. Amen.

WATCH THE MESSAGE LISTEN TO THE MESSAGE
Next Steps

Our heart for you in taking a "Next Step" is to help you grow in becoming more and more like Jesus.

  • Invite. Everyone is only one invitation away from coming to church with you. We are here to reach 1% of our city. Take a step, be bold, bring someone to church with you Sunday.
  • Invest. Investing financially at BeLoved helps us to stay on mission. You can find the best way to give at belovedchurch.ca/give Take a step, start your faithful practice of tithes and offering.
  • Discover. Embark on the journey at belovedchurch.ca/grow Take a step and invest into your discipleship journey at BeLoved.
  • Serve. Jesus came to serve rather than to be served. Love on others like Jesus by jumping on a team and serving on the weekend at BeLoved. Help move God's great Church forward.
  • Get baptized. Congratulations! Take a step to "Go ALL IN for Jesus." Register online at belovedchurch.ca/baptism