Finding Hope, Peace, and Joy in Advent
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound themes of hope, peace, and joy as we journey through the Advent season. We began with a joyful celebration, singing Christmas songs that remind us of the warmth and light that this season brings. As we entered into a time of confession, we acknowledged our need for God's forgiveness and grace, recognizing that even amidst joy, there can be underlying sadness and longing for those not with us this Christmas.
Our focus then shifted to the lectionary readings, particularly Philippians 4, where Paul encourages us to "Rejoice in the Lord always." This call to rejoice is not just a superficial happiness but a deep, abiding joy rooted in the presence of God. We reflected on the historical context of John the Baptist and the people of Jesus' time, who were searching for a savior to deliver them from Roman oppression. This longing for salvation is mirrored in our own lives as we seek deliverance from various forms of oppression and anxiety.
Paul's exhortation to not be anxious but to present our requests to God with thanksgiving is a reminder of the peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God with us in our troubles. We discussed how Jesus, in His incarnation, stepped into our mess, not necessarily to fix everything but to be with us, offering a deeper peace that transcends our circumstances.
The Advent candles of hope, peace, joy, and love symbolize the progression of these virtues in our lives. We cannot have true peace without hope, nor can we experience genuine joy without both hope and peace. Love, the culmination of these virtues, is only possible when we are grounded in the hope, peace, and joy that come from God.
As we concluded, we were reminded of the serenity prayer, which calls us to accept the world as it is, trusting in God's ultimate plan. This acceptance leads us to a peace that is not contingent on our circumstances but on our relationship with Christ. We were invited to respond to the word by coming to the table, bringing our offerings, and lighting candles as prayers, symbolizing our hope and trust in God's presence with us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Rejoice in the Lord Always: True joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in the presence of God. This joy calls us to celebrate and find delight in the Lord, even amidst life's challenges. [40:01]
2. The Peace of God: The peace that God offers surpasses all understanding and is not merely the absence of anxiety but the presence of God with us in our struggles. This peace invites us to trust in God's presence and provision. [41:35]
3. Hope as a Foundation: Hope is the starting point for experiencing peace and joy. It is the assurance that God is present and active in our lives, providing a foundation for the other virtues of Advent. [43:58]
4. Jesus Weeps with Us: In our pain and suffering, Jesus is present, weeping with us. This presence offers comfort and reminds us that we are not alone, even when our circumstances do not change. [53:28]
5. The Serenity of Acceptance: Accepting the world as it is, with its imperfections, allows us to experience the peace that comes from trusting in God's ultimate plan. This acceptance leads to a deeper joy and hope in God's promises. [53:28]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[12:07] - Opening Songs and Celebration
[20:49] - Public Confession and Forgiveness
[28:57] - Community Announcements
[34:50] - Reflection on the Lectionary
[40:01] - Philippians 4: Rejoice in the Lord
[41:35] - Understanding God's Peace
[43:58] - The Foundation of Hope
[53:28] - Jesus' Presence in Our Pain
[01:00:40] - Invitation to the Table and Response
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 4:4-7
- Luke 3:7-16
- John 11:35
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "Rejoice in the Lord always" in Philippians 4:4? How does this differ from a superficial happiness? [40:01]
2. In Philippians 4:6-7, what does Paul suggest as the antidote to anxiety? How is this related to the peace of God? [41:35]
3. How does John the Baptist's message in Luke 3:7-16 reflect the people's expectations of a savior during Jesus' time? [34:50]
4. What is the significance of Jesus weeping in John 11:35, and how does this relate to His presence in our suffering? [43:58]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of rejoicing in the Lord challenge our understanding of joy, especially during difficult times? [40:01]
2. What does it mean for the peace of God to "surpass all understanding," and how can this peace be experienced in our daily lives? [41:35]
3. How does the historical context of Roman oppression during Jesus' time mirror the forms of oppression and anxiety we face today? [34:50]
4. In what ways does Jesus' presence in our pain, as illustrated by His weeping, offer comfort and hope? [43:58]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you struggled to find joy. How can you apply Paul's exhortation to "rejoice in the Lord always" in similar situations? [40:01]
2. Identify a current source of anxiety in your life. How can you practice presenting your requests to God with thanksgiving, as Paul advises? [41:35]
3. Consider the Advent candles of hope, peace, joy, and love. Which of these virtues do you find most challenging to cultivate, and why? [43:58]
4. How can the story of Jesus weeping with Lazarus' family influence the way you support others in their suffering? [43:58]
5. The sermon mentioned the serenity prayer. How can accepting the world as it is, rather than as you wish it to be, lead to greater peace in your life? [53:28]
6. Think about a time when you felt God's presence in a difficult situation. How did this experience shape your understanding of peace and hope? [41:35]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of lighting candles as a symbol of prayer and hope in your personal or family devotional time? [53:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Joy Rooted in God's Presence
True joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in the presence of God. This joy calls us to celebrate and find delight in the Lord, even amidst life's challenges. In Philippians 4, Paul encourages believers to "Rejoice in the Lord always," highlighting that this joy is not a fleeting emotion but a deep, abiding state of being that comes from knowing God is with us. This joy transcends the ups and downs of life, offering a constant source of strength and encouragement. As we navigate the Advent season, we are reminded that the joy we seek is not found in material things or perfect circumstances but in the assurance of God's presence and love. [40:01]
"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: What is one challenge you are currently facing where you can choose to rejoice in God's presence rather than focusing on the difficulty?
Day 2: The Peace Beyond Understanding
The peace that God offers surpasses all understanding and is not merely the absence of anxiety but the presence of God with us in our struggles. This peace invites us to trust in God's presence and provision, even when life feels overwhelming. In Philippians 4, Paul exhorts believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, promising that the peace of God will guard their hearts and minds. This peace is a divine gift that transcends human logic, providing comfort and assurance in the midst of life's storms. As we reflect on this peace during Advent, we are reminded that it is not about escaping our troubles but about experiencing God's presence within them. [41:35]
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock." (Isaiah 26:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to invite God's peace today, trusting Him to be present with you in your struggles?
Day 3: Hope as the Foundation
Hope is the starting point for experiencing peace and joy. It is the assurance that God is present and active in our lives, providing a foundation for the other virtues of Advent. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in God's promises and faithfulness. As we journey through Advent, we are reminded that hope is the anchor for our souls, grounding us in the reality of God's love and purpose. This hope fuels our ability to experience true peace and joy, even when circumstances are challenging. [43:58]
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23, ESV)
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you can hold onto today as a source of hope, even if your circumstances seem uncertain?
Day 4: Jesus' Presence in Our Pain
In our pain and suffering, Jesus is present, weeping with us. This presence offers comfort and reminds us that we are not alone, even when our circumstances do not change. The Advent season highlights the incarnation of Jesus, who stepped into our world to be with us in our struggles. This profound truth assures us that Jesus understands our pain and walks alongside us, offering His comfort and strength. As we reflect on this reality, we are invited to find solace in the knowledge that Jesus is with us, sharing in our burdens and offering His peace. [53:28]
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you invite Jesus into your current struggles, allowing His presence to bring comfort and hope even if the situation doesn't change?
Day 5: The Serenity of Acceptance
Accepting the world as it is, with its imperfections, allows us to experience the peace that comes from trusting in God's ultimate plan. This acceptance leads to a deeper joy and hope in God's promises. The serenity prayer reminds us to accept the things we cannot change, trusting in God's wisdom and sovereignty. As we embrace this mindset during Advent, we are encouraged to let go of our need for control and rest in the assurance that God is working all things for our good. This acceptance is not passive resignation but an active trust in God's goodness and faithfulness. [53:28]
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to practice acceptance, trusting that God is in control and working for your good?
Quotes
"Rejoice in the Lord always, again, I will say rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone, the Lord is at hand. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer, supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." [00:40:45] (30 seconds)
"And that, as we look at our three candles, the hope, peace, and joy, that hope, first off, that's where we have to start there. We have to have the truth that we know that God is present. We know the Lord is at hand." [00:43:41] (17 seconds)
"In Luke chapter 3, towards the end of the John the Baptist, but John answered the people saying, I will baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming. The strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie, he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. And so John is already saying, hey, there's somebody coming. It's here amongst us now who is greater than I am. And so Paul comes to that again. The Lord is at hand. God is here. And that right there is the foundation and the basis of the hope in which we all have." [00:43:58] (37 seconds)
"There's a story in I think it's John's gospel about Lazarus, Jesus' friend Lazarus, and Lazarus dies and that's it's spoilers, and it's the shortest verse in the Bible where it says Jesus wept and this always struck me as odd. I'm like why did Jesus weep because we know the end of the story he goes and erases Lazarus from the dead and I've shared this at funerals in recent years that sometimes Jesus does fix things like sometimes we cry out to God and and God will actually intervene and change our situation, but not always like sometimes there's miracles and often there's not and we're still left in the pain but the one thing that is constant is that Jesus always weeps with us, Jesus is always present so going back to that hope the Lord is near the Lord is at hand." [00:46:21] (57 seconds)
"Yeah and you like I shut down literally and I could not like my poor wife thought I was having a heart attack, and all I all I actually needed in the moment and I was able to kind of I think kind of voice this or do something or just like just to hold me please and my wife was able just to like just to give me a hug and I was able to just like just to give me a hug and I was able to just to hold me in that moment and and that's where if we can get there with our relationship with Christ to be like God's not going to take our anxiety away and then and I wonder if Paul is saying this like don't be anxious maybe like in your anxiety know that God's got you and I think in the long haul that will help us as we trust God more that does bring about a peace, and the opposite of anxiousness the opposite of worry is or can be peace and there's this peace that God invites us into that God that Jesus isn't just standing off in the corner he's like just stop it man come on just be happy stop don't worry about it get it together instead he steps down and this is the beauty of the incarnation this is the beauty of Christmas is that God left heaven and stepped down and he stepped down and he stepped down and he stepped down into our mess just to hold us and he didn't actually fix anything that's the thing that's fascinating like physically the thing with the Jewish I was going to." [00:47:33] (96 seconds)
"Don't quote me on that, but what happened a few decades after Jesus died the Romans came and completely obliterated the city and the temple like the people of Israel the Jews were looking for a savior Jesus came the ultimate savior and what happened shortly after he left is the entire the temple's gone like like completely gone obliterated they did quite a number to that, and so what Jesus is there's something more Jesus didn't come merely to save us from our physical ailments or the things surrounding us although sometimes he does but there's something deeper there's a deeper peace that Jesus is inviting us into." [00:49:10] (52 seconds)
"These three things and the next week will be love as we the tenants of our advent candles hope peace joy and love like it struck me this week of like how how they build on each other and how I really think I'll go out on a limb and say like it's maybe impossible to have peace without hope it's impossible to have true joy without peace and hope and then I don't think we can really love without joy peace and hope you know like at least love the way that God instructed us and that God commanded us to love, and so we have hope we have that peace and that joy when Paul says rejoice in the Lord always NT right one of the most renowned scholars of new testament scholars of today, he translates this verse as saying celebrate in the Lord and the rejoice isn't in the context it's not merely just being happy but Paul is actually urging the people to throw a celebration like to yeah to to party to he's like every other gods and religions and everything like they do well they celebrate their gods and in crazy different ways and, and he says rejoice like celebrate go do that do a bake-off have some really good cookies like so I've come and and or Jesus has come and you can't celebrate that and and I think it's important for us to, yeah to celebrate and to rejoice is not just merely being happy but it's celebrating together there's a corporate there's a public celebration that comes, I want to leave us this morning with the serenity prayer this struck me as I think about anxiety as I think about that command to just just rejoice in the Lord and this prayer was originally written by a guy named Nebert the first part is familiar I think to most of us it's God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference then it goes on it says living one day at a time enjoying one moment at a time accepting hardship as a pathway to peace you Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it, trusting that you will make all things right if I surrender to your will, so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with you forever in the next." [00:53:28] (166 seconds)
"The peace that Jesus came to offer is, it's so different than the people expected. It's so different than we might expect, but there's a depth there that you and I have both experienced and seen people have this peace in the midst of chaos and suffering that is just doesn't make sense, but it's something really beautiful, and it's something that I continue to strive towards. It's something that continues to give me. It's something that I hope and that I can rejoice in and have joy in." [00:56:21] (36 seconds)
"We've gathered together, we've heard the word, and now we come to the table. As David invited us, at any time during the next two songs, you can come receive the bread and the juice. Also during this time, you can bring your offerings forward or your prayer requests. We have offering boxes at the front and in the back. There's also candles in the back, because you can go light a candle as a prayer. This is a time to respond to the word. So come to the table." [01:00:40] (30 seconds)
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