Download Study Guide
Download the study guide for Pastor Bruce's sermon from December 7 (Second Week of Advent – Joy):
Today is the second Sunday of Advent.
As we considered the HOPE of Jesus' coming last Sunday, today we celebrate the JOY of our HOPE! Joy is the feeling that comes from anticipating something good. Our hearts do not rejoice because of perfect circumstances, but because of the perfect presence of Jesus in our lives.
We are reminded of the Advent themes that are displayed with four candles on the Advent wreath. They are:
- The HOPE (anticipation) of His coming
- The JOY in the message of His coming
- The PEACE that comes as a result of His coming
- The LOVE that is expressed in the reason for His coming
The traditional Advent candles are three purple and one pink, and of course the white center candle that signifies Jesus, the light of the world.
Purple speaks of the passion of Jesus in His life on earth, while pink represents our joyful response at His birth. Some churches use all one color of candles, (usually red) and just observe the four themes of each candle. Today our celebration is centered on the JOY in the message of His coming.
You have probably heard about the 'source' of JOY, Someone has observed that if we put Jesus first in our lives-Others second, and Yourself last, that that sequence will produce JOY in our lives.
Yes, I am sure it will, but then again, let's look at the SOURCE of JOY. Real JOY is a 'fruit of the Holy Spirit; so, JOY comes from God! He produces it in our lives. Let us also look at the difference between JOY and PLEASURE. (happiness) Pleasure / happiness comes and goes with whatever is happening in our lives. JOY comes from within. It is steady and abiding regardless of our circumstances.
In John chapter 15 Jesus spoke of 'abiding in Him'.
He spoke of this after teaching His disciples about the vine and the branches saying that being attached to Him would produce fruit in their lives. He then told them that His JOY would remain in them so that their JOY would be "full." The Greek word for" full" has the picture of something being of full measure overflowing. What was the source of Jesus' JOY? Hebrews 12:2 gives us the answer. "Jesus, who for the JOY that was set before Him endured the cross" John 4:34 gives us the reason for His JOY "to do the will of my Father, who sent me and to finish His work." That was His source of JOY completing His Father's will to redeem mankind. With His promise to His disciples, and us, we are assured that our JOY will be full and overflowing as we are obedient to the will of the Father. That is our calling to do the will of the Father. That produces JOY!
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