Embracing Joy Through the Advent Waiting

 

Summary

In this Advent season, we are reminded of the profound significance of waiting and the joy that can emerge from it. Advent, marking the beginning of the church year, is a time of anticipation and preparation for the arrival of something greater. It is a period of deliberate tension, where we create space in our hearts for hope, peace, joy, and love. Waiting is often uncomfortable and can feel unproductive, yet it is in this waiting that we are shaped and formed. Our expectations influence how we wait, and how we wait can transform us.

The story of Jesus' birth, as recounted in Luke 2, illustrates the joy that comes from the good news of the Messiah's arrival. The shepherds, who were living in darkness, received the angelic proclamation of great joy. This joy is not merely about the birth of Jesus but signifies the restoration and redemption of creation. It is a great reversal of what was lost, a theme echoed throughout the scriptures, particularly in Isaiah. The incarnation of God in Jesus is a testament to God's joyous nature and His redemptive plan for humanity.

Joy, as a fruit of the Spirit, is a merciful and heavenly gift. It is not the absence of sorrow but the presence of God's light in our darkness. Joy is an act of mercy and love, a reminder that sorrow is not our permanent state. It is a longing for our eternal home, where joy is everlasting. In the midst of our waiting, we are invited to sow our tears and reap joy, to find comfort in God's presence, and to spread this joy to others.

As we navigate the tensions of life, we are called to relearn joy in unlikely places, to sow our tears, and to praise God for His goodness. This Advent, let us embrace the joy that comes from the good news of Jesus, allowing it to transform our lives and the lives of those around us.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Transformative Power of Waiting: Waiting is not merely a passive state but an active process that shapes us. Our expectations influence how we wait, and in turn, how we wait can transform us. In the tension of waiting, we are invited to cultivate hope, peace, joy, and love, allowing these virtues to take root in our hearts. [01:37]

2. Joy in the Midst of Darkness: The joy proclaimed by the angels to the shepherds is a profound reminder that joy can be found even in the darkest of circumstances. This joy is not dependent on external conditions but is a gift from God, rooted in the good news of Jesus' birth and the redemption it signifies. [03:40]

3. The Great Reversal: The birth of Jesus marks a great reversal, a restoration of what was lost. This theme of reversal is woven throughout scripture, highlighting God's redemptive plan for humanity. In Jesus, we see the fulfillment of God's promises and the embodiment of His joyous nature. [06:06]

4. Joy as a Merciful Gift: Joy is a merciful and heavenly gift, not the absence of sorrow but the presence of God's light in our darkness. It is an act of mercy and love, reminding us that sorrow is not our permanent state. Joy is a longing for our eternal home, where it is everlasting. [14:29]

5. Relearning Joy in Unlikely Places: We are invited to relearn joy in unlikely places, to sow our tears and reap joy. This process of rejoicing is a compassionate renewal of our joy, allowing us to find comfort in God's presence and spread this joy to others. [20:56]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:38] - Introduction to Advent
- [01:37] - The Tension of Waiting
- [02:53] - Joy in the Darkness
- [03:40] - The Gift of Advent
- [05:06] - The Shepherds' Joy
- [06:06] - The Good News of Great Joy
- [07:43] - The Great Reversal
- [08:56] - Knowing God's Joyous Nature
- [10:23] - Jesus' Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [13:45] - Joy as Mercy
- [14:29] - The Light in Darkness
- [15:29] - Personal Story of Joy
- [17:46] - Eternal Joy vs. Earthly Happiness
- [18:58] - Joy as a Fruit of the Spirit
- [20:56] - Relearning Joy
- [21:52] - Cultivating Joy Through Sorrow
- [27:14] - Joy as Our Permanent Place
- [28:43] - Invitations to Relearn Joy

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Embracing Joy in the Advent Season

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 2:8-14
2. Isaiah 9:2-3
3. Psalm 126:5-6

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Observation Questions:

1. In Luke 2:8-14, what was the reaction of the shepherds when the angel appeared to them, and what message did the angel bring? How does this message relate to the theme of joy? [05:06]

2. According to Isaiah 9:2-3, what transformation occurs for those who walked in darkness, and how is joy described in this passage? [06:06]

3. In Psalm 126:5-6, what metaphor is used to describe the process of experiencing joy, and how does this relate to the concept of sowing and reaping? [21:52]

4. How does the sermon describe the tension of waiting during Advent, and what are the virtues we are invited to cultivate during this time? [01:37]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of the shepherds in Luke 2 illustrate the idea that joy can be found in unexpected places and circumstances? [05:06]

2. What does the "great reversal" mentioned in the sermon mean in the context of Jesus' birth and the broader biblical narrative? How does this concept relate to the theme of redemption? [06:06]

3. The sermon mentions that joy is not the absence of sorrow but the presence of God's light. How can this understanding of joy change the way we perceive difficult situations in our lives? [14:29]

4. How does the metaphor of sowing tears and reaping joy in Psalm 126 help us understand the process of finding joy in the midst of sorrow? [21:52]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you were in a "waiting season." How did your expectations influence the way you waited, and what virtues did you cultivate during that time? [01:37]

2. The sermon invites us to relearn joy in unlikely places. Can you identify a current situation in your life where you might find joy despite the challenges? How can you actively seek joy in this context? [20:56]

3. Consider the idea that joy is a merciful gift from God. How can you practice gratitude for this gift in your daily life, especially during difficult times? [14:29]

4. The sermon suggests that joy is an act of mercy and love. How can you spread joy to others in your community, particularly those who may be experiencing sorrow or hardship? [14:29]

5. Advent is a time to embrace the joy of the good news of Jesus. What specific steps can you take this Advent season to allow this joy to transform your life and the lives of those around you? [28:43]

6. How can you use the metaphor of sowing tears and reaping joy to find comfort in God's presence during times of sorrow? What practical actions can you take to sow seeds of joy in your life? [21:52]

7. The sermon encourages us to praise God for His goodness. What are some specific things in your life that you can give God praise for, and how can this practice enhance your experience of joy? [29:47]

Devotional

Day 1: The Active Process of Waiting
Waiting is not a passive state but an active process that shapes and transforms us. In the Advent season, we are reminded of the importance of waiting with purpose and intention. This period of anticipation invites us to cultivate virtues such as hope, peace, joy, and love, allowing them to take root in our hearts. Our expectations influence how we wait, and in turn, how we wait can transform us. By embracing the tension of waiting, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's presence in our lives. [01:37]

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself impatient? How can you invite God into this space to transform your waiting into a time of growth and renewal?


Day 2: Joy in the Darkness
The joy proclaimed by the angels to the shepherds is a profound reminder that joy can be found even in the darkest of circumstances. This joy is not dependent on external conditions but is a gift from God, rooted in the good news of Jesus' birth and the redemption it signifies. In the midst of life's challenges, we are invited to experience the light of God's presence, which brings joy and hope. This joy is a testament to God's redemptive plan and His desire to bring restoration to our lives. [03:40]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you choose to find joy in God's presence despite the circumstances?


Day 3: The Great Reversal
The birth of Jesus marks a great reversal, a restoration of what was lost. This theme of reversal is woven throughout scripture, highlighting God's redemptive plan for humanity. In Jesus, we see the fulfillment of God's promises and the embodiment of His joyous nature. The incarnation of God in Jesus is a testament to His desire to restore and redeem creation, bringing hope and joy to a world in need. This great reversal invites us to participate in God's redemptive work and to embrace the joy that comes from His presence. [06:06]

Isaiah 61:3 (ESV): "To grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when God has turned a difficult situation in your life into something beautiful. How can you share this story of transformation with others to bring hope and joy?


Day 4: Joy as a Merciful Gift
Joy is a merciful and heavenly gift, not the absence of sorrow but the presence of God's light in our darkness. It is an act of mercy and love, reminding us that sorrow is not our permanent state. Joy is a longing for our eternal home, where it is everlasting. In the midst of our struggles, we are invited to experience the joy that comes from God's presence, allowing it to transform our lives and bring hope to those around us. This joy is a reminder of God's love and mercy, inviting us to embrace His light in our lives. [14:29]

Psalm 30:11-12 (ESV): "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!"

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek out and embrace God's joy in your life today, even amidst sorrow or difficulty?


Day 5: Relearning Joy in Unlikely Places
We are invited to relearn joy in unlikely places, to sow our tears and reap joy. This process of rejoicing is a compassionate renewal of our joy, allowing us to find comfort in God's presence and spread this joy to others. As we navigate the tensions of life, we are called to embrace the joy that comes from the good news of Jesus, allowing it to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. By finding joy in unexpected places, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's love and grace. [20:56]

Psalm 126:5-6 (ESV): "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him."

Reflection: Identify an unlikely place or situation in your life where you can choose to find joy. How can you allow this joy to transform your perspective and actions today?

Quotes


And through this process, I've noticed that what we are waiting for often determines how we are going to live. How we wait. What we are waiting for often determines how we wait. And then how we wait often determines how something can be formed inside of us. Something that we are ultimately longing for. [00:02:17] (24 seconds)


So to better understand the concept of joy and how to find it in any circumstances, we'll first learn about this good news and then how we can rejoice. So number one, what is the good news of great joy? The great joy is not just the birth of Jesus, but what it signifies. The restoration and redemption of creation and of us. [00:06:06] (25 seconds)


Throughout the biblical text, we encounter reoccurring themes of fulfillment, restoration, redemption, and it signifies a great reversal of what was lost in the garden is now in an ongoing heavenly process that is being set right through a coming king. We see this theme several times in the book of Isaiah, as well as many times throughout the Old Testament. [00:06:31] (25 seconds)


And I think it's easy to forget that we serve a joyous God, and if you imagine your God not joyous, I might consider changing that or running for cover. That's a joke. But if you imagine your God anything but joyous, I would consider changing that. This also reminds us that God was planning his redemptive work for us the moment we left his presence in the garden. [00:09:36] (33 seconds)


In love and delight, God would abandon the splendor of heaven, empty himself of his glory, and draw us near to him in our aches, pains, disappointments, or maybe disappointments, and the reality that life didn't pan out as we thought it would. He knew that we would need a savior to bring us joy while we wait for his second coming. [00:14:50] (24 seconds)


i will adjust to you i'll serve you though it means a sacrifice for me our savior holds in both hands the tension of joy and sorrow and i think it's one of the most beautiful things about the good news is how it draws not only how it draws not only ourselves but it draws others back into his love i think this is why it's called restore to us the joy of our salvation a contagious type of joy that gets us excited for what the things are to come even in our pain or current circumstances this joy is not man -made it is found only in the light that came from heaven and it is a heavenly gift [00:15:15] (50 seconds)


And she explained to me that rejoicing was this compassionate process of rediscovering or relearning joy in unlikely places. The prefix re, meaning again or new, indicates a repeated process or a repeated renewal state of something. Thus rejoicing is the very renewal of our joy. [00:20:56] (26 seconds)


And Jesus and his word teaches us how to cultivate joy while we wait. So how do we do this? Psalms 126 provides a beautiful metaphor of the process of cultivating joy. The psalmist writes, those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy. He who goes out weeping, bringing the seed of joy, shall reap with shouts of joy. [00:21:52] (27 seconds)


And I just, it made me start thinking that when we encounter genuine joy it can feel like that like this just feels too good to be true or we can feel like those who dream and I think it's a call as a reminder that we should in a way kind of feel out of place here on earth knowing that this is not our permanent place but there is a place that we ultimately long for and Advent carves out that time and reality to sit in that longing [00:22:20] (30 seconds)


joy is not the absence of sadness and putting on a happy face joy is sowing honest tears and creating space for God to meet us in this darkness joy is holding on to courage and gratitude we learn to be in his light and to follow his lead in Advent we learn to reap joy in the middle of our circumstances and it gives us the strength and ability to hold both hands and remembering that what is unseen is is far greater than what is seen. [00:27:14] (49 seconds)


Joy is an act of mercy and love and tangible care here on earth. And it reminds us, again, that sorrow is not our permanent place, but joy is. I love how C .S. Lewis describes joy. He says, all joy reminds. It is never a possession, always a desire for something longer ago or further away or still about to be. [00:28:03] (34 seconds)


There are three invitations to you this morning to help make this a reality within your lives and the lives of your community. First, find time this week and ask yourself, which current circumstances do you need God to help you relearn joy? How can you sow your tears? [00:29:03] (25 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?