Finding Joy and Hope in Advent's Promise
Summary
Advent is a season of hope, a time of waiting and expectation as we look to Jesus, our living hope. This season reminds us of Emmanuel, God with us, and the joy that comes from His presence. As we journey through Advent, we focus on the joy of hope, peace, the good news, and God's love. Despite the cultural pressures and stress that often accompany the holiday season, true joy is found not in the world's offerings but in the hope of Jesus' return and the establishment of His kingdom of love, truth, righteousness, and peace.
The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1 illustrates the joy that comes from trusting in God's promises. Despite years of barrenness and hopelessness, an angel promises them a son, John, who will prepare the way for Jesus. Zechariah's initial disbelief silences him, but when he finally trusts and obeys, joy is released. This narrative teaches us that trust is the foundation of joy. Without trust, joy is stifled, but with trust, even in waiting, joy can flourish.
Belief in God's promises allows us to experience joy even in the waiting. Elizabeth's joy, as she encounters Mary and the unborn Jesus, shows that joy can be present even before the fulfillment of promises. Trusting in God's word and His timing fills our hearts with joy, enabling us to live in the light of future hope now. Sharing our joy with others not only increases our own joy but also spreads it to those around us, creating a community of hope and celebration.
As we partake in communion, we remember Jesus' sacrifice, which brings us hope and joy. His body and blood represent a new covenant, a promise of eternal relationship and forgiveness. This Advent, let us attach our joy to God's story, investing in His kingdom and sharing His love with others. In doing so, our joy multiplies, and we live in the assurance that God is with us, working in our lives and the world, and that Jesus will come again.
Key Takeaways:
1. Advent as a Season of Hope: Advent is a time of waiting and expectation, focusing on the joy of Jesus' presence and His promised return. Despite the stress and pressures of the holiday season, true joy is found in the hope of Jesus and His kingdom. [01:47]
2. Trust as the Foundation of Joy: The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth teaches us that trust is essential for experiencing joy. Without trust, joy is stifled, but with trust, even in waiting, joy can flourish. Trusting in God's promises unlocks joy in our lives. [12:16]
3. Joy in the Waiting: Belief in God's promises allows us to experience joy even before their fulfillment. Elizabeth's joy in encountering Mary and Jesus shows that joy can be present in the waiting, filling our hearts with hope and anticipation. [17:59]
4. Sharing Joy Increases Joy: Sharing our joy with others not only enhances our own joy but also spreads it to those around us. By investing in God's kingdom and sharing His love, we create a community of hope and celebration. [29:50]
5. Communion as a Reminder of Hope: Communion reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice, which brings us hope and joy. His body and blood represent a new covenant, a promise of eternal relationship and forgiveness, encouraging us to live in the light of future hope now. [35:06]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:47] - Advent: A Season of Hope
- [04:44] - The Reality of Holiday Stress
- [06:12] - Joy in a Joyless World
- [07:34] - Zechariah's Song of Joy
- [09:23] - The Promise to Zechariah
- [11:11] - Trust Unlocks Joy
- [12:16] - Trust as the Foundation of Joy
- [13:24] - Zechariah's Doubt
- [14:14] - Consequences of Disbelief
- [16:16] - God's Promises and Joy
- [17:59] - Joy in the Waiting
- [19:15] - Disbelief Limits Joy
- [22:50] - Living in Future Hope
- [23:49] - Prayer for Belief
- [24:55] - Choosing Joy
- [26:22] - Obedience Activates Joy
- [28:46] - Sharing Joy Increases Joy
- [30:50] - Communion: A Reminder of Hope
- [32:10] - Hope in Darkness
- [33:38] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Our Hope
- [35:06] - The Promise of a New Covenant
- [37:12] - Joy in God's Expanding Kingdom
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 1:13-14: "But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth.'"
- Luke 1:44-45: "As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!"
- Luke 1:67-75: Zechariah's song of praise and prophecy after John's birth.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Zechariah's initial reaction to the angel's promise, and how did it affect him? ([14:14])
2. How does Elizabeth's response to Mary's visit illustrate joy in the waiting? ([17:59])
3. What does Zechariah's song in Luke 1:67-75 reveal about his understanding of God's promises?
4. How does the sermon describe the cultural pressures during the holiday season, and what statistics were mentioned to illustrate this? ([04:44])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Zechariah's journey from disbelief to joy illustrate the importance of trust in God's promises? ([12:16])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that sharing joy can increase it for both the giver and the receiver? ([29:50])
3. How does the concept of "joy in the waiting" challenge common perceptions of waiting as a negative experience? ([17:59])
4. What role does obedience play in unlocking joy, according to the sermon and the story of Zechariah? ([26:22])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to trust in God's promises. How did that affect your sense of joy? What steps can you take to strengthen your trust in God's word? ([14:14])
2. The sermon mentions the stress and pressures of the holiday season. How can you intentionally focus on the joy of Jesus' presence during this time? ([04:44])
3. Consider a promise from God that you are currently waiting on. How can you find joy in the waiting, as Elizabeth did? ([17:59])
4. Think of a recent experience where you shared your joy with others. How did it impact you and those around you? How can you make sharing joy a regular practice? ([29:50])
5. Zechariah's obedience led to the release of his joy. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to obedience? How might this step of faith unlock joy for you? ([26:22])
6. The sermon encourages us to attach our joy to God's story. How can you align your personal story with God's larger narrative this Advent season? ([37:12])
7. Communion is a reminder of hope and joy. How can you incorporate this reminder into your daily life to live in the light of future hope now? ([35:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Advent as a Season of Hope
Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation, where believers focus on the hope that Jesus brings. This season is not just about the birth of Christ but also about His promised return. In a world filled with stress and distractions, Advent invites us to pause and reflect on the true source of joy and peace. The hope of Jesus' return and the establishment of His kingdom of love, truth, righteousness, and peace is the anchor for our souls. As we navigate the pressures of the holiday season, we are reminded that true joy is not found in material things or worldly success but in the assurance of God's presence with us. [01:47]
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: In what ways can you intentionally focus on the hope of Jesus during this Advent season, despite the busyness and stress around you?
Day 2: Trust as the Foundation of Joy
The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1 highlights the importance of trust in experiencing joy. Despite years of barrenness and hopelessness, they were promised a son who would prepare the way for Jesus. Zechariah's initial disbelief led to his silence, but when he finally trusted and obeyed, joy was released. This narrative teaches us that trust is the foundation of joy. Without trust, joy is stifled, but with trust, even in waiting, joy can flourish. Trusting in God's promises unlocks joy in our lives, allowing us to experience His peace and presence even in uncertain times. [12:16]
Psalm 37:5 (ESV): "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you struggle to trust God? How can you take a step of faith today to trust Him more fully?
Day 3: Joy in the Waiting
Belief in God's promises allows us to experience joy even before their fulfillment. Elizabeth's joy, as she encounters Mary and the unborn Jesus, shows that joy can be present even in the waiting. Trusting in God's word and His timing fills our hearts with joy, enabling us to live in the light of future hope now. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the assurance of God's faithfulness. As we wait for the fulfillment of God's promises, we are invited to live with a sense of anticipation and hope, knowing that His plans for us are good. [17:59]
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: How can you cultivate joy in your life while waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled? What practical steps can you take to focus on His faithfulness today?
Day 4: Sharing Joy Increases Joy
Sharing our joy with others not only enhances our own joy but also spreads it to those around us. By investing in God's kingdom and sharing His love, we create a community of hope and celebration. When we share the joy of Christ with others, we participate in the expansion of His kingdom and the transformation of lives. This communal joy is a powerful testimony to the world of God's love and grace. As we share our joy, we are reminded that we are not alone in our journey and that together, we can make a difference in the world. [29:50]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: Who in your life can you share the joy of Christ with today? How can you intentionally encourage and uplift someone in your community?
Day 5: Communion as a Reminder of Hope
Communion reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice, which brings us hope and joy. His body and blood represent a new covenant, a promise of eternal relationship and forgiveness. As we partake in communion, we are encouraged to live in the light of future hope now. This sacred act is a reminder of the depth of God's love for us and the assurance of His presence in our lives. By attaching our joy to God's story and investing in His kingdom, we multiply our joy and live in the assurance that God is with us, working in our lives and the world, and that Jesus will come again. [35:06]
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
Reflection: How does the act of communion deepen your understanding of God's promises and hope? In what ways can you live out this hope in your daily life?
Quotes
"Trust is the foundation of all joy. Trust unlocks joy. Tell a kid that something is going to happen. And what happens? Joy. Something good is going to happen. They respond as if it is happening and happening now." [00:12:48] (16 seconds)
"Sharing our joy actually increases joy. Many times we think of joy only as individual, only as what's going on with me and in my life. Where is my joy? But sharing it actually increases it." [00:28:54] (15 seconds)
"Obedience activates joy. Listen to Luke 1, 59 to 64. This is much later. Months, months later. When the baby is finally born, Zechariah still, he cannot speak. He's not been able to share and shout his joy and experience it to the full." [00:26:22] (15 seconds)
"Jesus takes the bread, and in the middle of betrayal, in the middle of despair, in the middle of stress and anxiety, he was, Jesus was stressed. He was anxious. He was overwhelmed, scripture says, full of sorrow, even to the point of death, He gave thanks, I believe, for the promise, for what God was doing in this, through this, for what he was fulfilling." [00:33:48] (33 seconds)
"Invest in his kingdom. Give. Serve. Be generous. Encourage others. Because when you say, man, I'm going to invest in your joy. I'm going to invest in your life. It has this crazy way of making their joy yours too." [00:37:51] (15 seconds)
"I'm praying hope and joy over every single one of us. As we look to God, no matter where you are right now, God is on time. You can take courage. You can have hope. Hope because the God of the universe has worked, is working, and Jesus will come again. There's hope." [00:38:12] (18 seconds)
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