Embracing Joy: The Gift of God's Presence

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound theme of joy, particularly in the context of the Advent season. The concept of joy, as distinct from happiness, is a deep, abiding state that transcends circumstances. We began by reflecting on the Hebrew word for glory, which can also mean "heavy," suggesting the weighty presence of God in worship. This presence invites us to bow in reverence, acknowledging the beauty of His holiness.

The Advent candles, particularly the third candle representing joy, remind us of the anticipation and fulfillment of Christ's coming. Joy, as C.S. Lewis and William Wordsworth have noted, often surprises us, appearing in unexpected places and moments. We considered the difference between joy and happiness, noting that joy is a gift of the Holy Spirit, a deep-seated assurance that God is with us, even in the darkest times.

We delved into the biblical narrative of the shepherds, who were the first to hear the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth. Despite their lowly status, they were chosen to receive the good news of great joy. This story challenges us to consider how we perceive and respond to God's message in our lives. The shepherds' experience prompts us to reflect on our own fears and doubts, encouraging us to embrace the good news with faith and courage.

The message also addressed the reality of suffering and grief, acknowledging that joy does not negate pain but can coexist with it. The presence of Jesus offers comfort and hope, even in the midst of life's challenges. We are reminded that joy is not merely an emotional high but a contentment rooted in the nearness of God.

As we anticipate Christ's return, we are called to live joyfully, sharing the light of Jesus with others. This involves being a blessing to those around us, embodying the joy of the Lord in our daily interactions. By doing so, we fulfill our mission to be the light of the world, bringing hope and encouragement to those in darkness.

Key Takeaways:

1. Joy vs. Happiness: Joy is a profound, spiritual state that transcends circumstances, unlike happiness, which is often dependent on external factors. Joy is a gift of the Holy Spirit, rooted in the assurance of God's presence and love. [51:06]

2. The Shepherds' Story: The shepherds, despite their lowly status, were chosen to receive the good news of Jesus' birth. This challenges us to consider how we perceive and respond to God's message, encouraging us to embrace it with faith and courage. [57:11]

3. Joy Amidst Suffering: Joy does not negate pain but can coexist with it. The presence of Jesus offers comfort and hope, even in the midst of life's challenges, reminding us that joy is not merely an emotional high but a contentment rooted in God's nearness. [01:06:42]

4. Living Joyfully: As we anticipate Christ's return, we are called to live joyfully, sharing the light of Jesus with others. This involves being a blessing to those around us, embodying the joy of the Lord in our daily interactions. [01:17:24]

5. The Bedrock of Joy: The foundation of joy is the assurance of God's presence and the hope of Christ's return. This joy is unshakable, allowing us to sing "It is well with my soul" even amidst tears and suffering. [01:15:06]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [51:06] - Joy vs. Happiness
- [52:43] - Joy in Children
- [53:51] - Jesus as Our Shelter
- [54:46] - The Reality of Christmas
- [55:43] - Light in the Darkness
- [56:22] - The Angel's Message
- [57:11] - The Shepherds' Story
- [58:00] - Speculative Tidbits
- [58:56] - Questions for Reflection
- [01:01:06] - Do Not Be Afraid
- [01:02:54] - Repent and Believe
- [01:05:01] - Joy Amidst Suffering
- [01:07:37] - The Presence of Jesus
- [01:15:06] - The Bedrock of Joy

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Joy in the Advent Season

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 2:10-20 - The angel's announcement to the shepherds and their response.
2. Philippians 4:11-13 - Paul's secret of contentment and joy.
3. 1 Peter 1:8-9 - Joy in believing without seeing.

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the angel's message to the shepherds, and how did they respond to it? ([56:22])
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between joy and happiness? ([51:06])
3. What role do the Advent candles play in the context of the sermon, particularly the third candle? ([54:46])
4. How does the sermon illustrate the coexistence of joy and suffering? ([01:06:42])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might the shepherds, considered lowly in status, have been chosen to receive the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth? What does this suggest about how God communicates with us? ([57:11])
2. How does the sermon suggest that joy can coexist with suffering, and what does this mean for our understanding of joy as a spiritual state? ([01:06:42])
3. In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to live joyfully in anticipation of Christ's return? ([01:17:24])
4. How does the concept of joy as a "bedrock" relate to the assurance of God's presence and the hope of Christ's return? ([01:15:06])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced joy in an unexpected place or moment. How did that experience differ from happiness? ([51:06])
2. The shepherds spread the news of Jesus' birth after their encounter. How can you share the joy of Christ in your daily interactions this week? ([57:11])
3. Consider a current challenge or suffering in your life. How can you find joy and contentment in God's presence during this time? ([01:06:42])
4. What practical steps can you take to embody the joy of the Lord and be a blessing to those around you? ([01:17:24])
5. How can you cultivate a deeper assurance of God's presence in your life, especially during difficult times? ([01:15:06])
6. Identify one person in your life who might be in need of encouragement. How can you bring the light of Jesus to them this week? ([01:17:24])
7. As you anticipate Christ's return, what changes can you make in your life to live more joyfully and purposefully? ([01:17:24])

Devotional

Day 1: Joy as a Spiritual Anchor
Joy is a profound, spiritual state that transcends circumstances, unlike happiness, which is often dependent on external factors. Joy is a gift of the Holy Spirit, rooted in the assurance of God's presence and love. This joy is not fleeting or superficial but is a deep-seated assurance that God is with us, even in the darkest times. It is a state of being that remains constant regardless of life's ups and downs. The Hebrew word for glory, which can also mean "heavy," suggests the weighty presence of God in worship, inviting us to bow in reverence and acknowledge the beauty of His holiness. This presence is the foundation of our joy, a reminder that we are never alone. [51:06]

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a current challenge in your life. How can you find joy in God's presence despite this difficulty?


Day 2: Embracing the Message of Joy
The shepherds, despite their lowly status, were chosen to receive the good news of Jesus' birth. This challenges us to consider how we perceive and respond to God's message, encouraging us to embrace it with faith and courage. The shepherds' story is a powerful reminder that God's message of joy is for everyone, regardless of status or circumstance. Their willingness to receive and act on the angelic announcement invites us to reflect on our own openness to God's voice. Are we ready to hear and respond to His call, even when it comes in unexpected ways? [57:11]

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" (Luke 2:10-11, ESV)

Reflection: How can you be more open to hearing and responding to God's message in your daily life?


Day 3: Joy in the Midst of Suffering
Joy does not negate pain but can coexist with it. The presence of Jesus offers comfort and hope, even in the midst of life's challenges, reminding us that joy is not merely an emotional high but a contentment rooted in God's nearness. This understanding of joy acknowledges the reality of suffering and grief, yet it also affirms that these experiences do not have the final word. In the presence of Jesus, we find a source of strength and hope that sustains us through the darkest times. This joy is a testament to the unshakeable foundation of God's love and faithfulness. [01:06:42]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you find joy and hope in Jesus during a current or past time of suffering?


Day 4: Living as Bearers of Joy
As we anticipate Christ's return, we are called to live joyfully, sharing the light of Jesus with others. This involves being a blessing to those around us, embodying the joy of the Lord in our daily interactions. By doing so, we fulfill our mission to be the light of the world, bringing hope and encouragement to those in darkness. This call to live joyfully is not just about personal happiness but about being a conduit of God's love and joy to others. It is an invitation to actively participate in God's work of redemption and restoration in the world. [01:17:24]

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally share the joy of Christ with someone in your life today?


Day 5: The Unshakeable Foundation of Joy
The foundation of joy is the assurance of God's presence and the hope of Christ's return. This joy is unshakable, allowing us to sing "It is well with my soul" even amidst tears and suffering. It is a joy that is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the eternal promises of God. This assurance gives us the strength to face life's challenges with confidence and hope, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ. As we live in anticipation of His return, we are reminded that our joy is anchored in the reality of His love and faithfulness. [01:15:06]

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can remind yourself of the unshakeable joy found in God's promises today?

Quotes


And so joy to the world, we sang it this morning, joy to the world. And I say, really? Last Christmas, I spoke here at Evolve at their Blue Christmas service, and if you're not familiar with that, it was called Blue Christmas. Blue is kind of the color of sadness. Melancholy. And we know that Christmas isn't an easy time of year for many of you. [00:54:46] (25 seconds)


Amid the harsh truths of existence, there's a greater truth that gives us all hope and peace and joy. There is a light that shines in the darkness. And so as we focus on these December Advent Sundays, the coming of our Lord Jesus, let us concentrate this morning on joy, a gift of the Holy Spirit. [00:55:52] (24 seconds)


The angel had to calm them down. Relax, guys. I bring you good tidings. I'm not here to punish you. I'm not here to condemn you, torment you. But I'm here to let you know that the God who so loved the world has now sent his only son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish, but is going to have everlasting life. [01:01:14] (24 seconds)


And then there's those words, do not be afraid. Of course the shepherds would have freaked, wouldn't you? The angel had to calm them down. Relax, guys. I bring you good tidings. I'm not here to punish you. I'm not here to condemn you, torment you. But I'm here to let you know that the God who so loved the world has now sent his only son. [01:01:06] (23 seconds)


One day, that's going to happen. One day. One day. For 2,000 years, the church has prayed, even so, come Lord Jesus. He is coming again. He is going to right all the wrongs. He's going to dry all the tears. He's going to give us beauty for ashes. He's going to take away that mourning and replace it with a garment of joy. [01:15:06] (27 seconds)


And in the meantime, as we long for Jesus, as we long for that future coming, we also marvel at his first coming. Christmas is the time to marvel. It's the time to hope against hope. It's the time to look for that light that shines in a dark place. And to be that light. To thank God for that one day when he did send his son. [01:16:30] (24 seconds)


There's that mysterious tension described by the Canadian museum, Bruce Coburn. He said, Tears can sing and joy can shed a tear. The life is howling all around us, one thing after another. It's unrelenting and others around us seem to have it all together, which just makes it worse for us. [01:17:24] (19 seconds)


You will see the needle on your joy meter increase as you bring joy to other people. Can there be a greater gift than to lead someone into the presence of Jesus? So let's not be joy gluttons. Let's not be joy hoarders. There are two Proverbs to illustrate that principle. There's a proverb for everything. [01:20:46] (21 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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