We have every reason to feel good at Christmas…Ephesians 1:3-10. Here are 10!v3. Heavenly realms, Spiritual blessing. v4. Chosen, Pure. v5. Children. v6. Objects of Grace. v7. Valuable. v7. Forgiven. v8. Lavished on. v9. Informed.

Feelings are good, but…can be badWe are like God, thinking and feelingWe are alive and respondingWe are not perfectLife is not perfect

Some people will do anything to avoid bad feelings!risk, mess, responsibility, conflict, awkward, difficult, fake, comfort, friends.Jesus didn’t live this way.Doesn’t work – more brittle, less character.Romans 5:3-5. Perseverance

There are 2 types of feelingsSurface: responding to happeningsCore: deeper condition carried;Negative: weary, fearful, angry, grievedPositive: Joyful, optimistic, strong, peacefulThe 2 influence each other

There are 2 bases for core feelingsWorld or God; Immediate or EternalAre your core feelings based on immediate circumstances in world or eternal constants in God?Angels: do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy…

Jesus sets the exampleHebrews 12:2-3. fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.