ADVENT JOY
Three Truths About Christmas Joy
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice. The third Sunday of Advent is set aside as a time to rejoice in the Lord. This Holiday season is a time of joy, but we need to also rejoice in the true joy. The true joy doesn’t come from the lights, decorations, gifts and fellowship. The true joy is that Jesus Christ was born as our Savior.
- JESUS BRINGS THE JOY OF SALVATION
Psalm 51:12
Jesus brings joy in so many ways in our lives, in ways we don’t even realize are from Him. David wrote this Psalm after his baby died, but he understood the joy connection with the Lord.
Isaiah 12:3
The same connection is with Isaiah – he prophesizes about the second coming of the Lord. This is part of the advent season in that during Christmas we are reminded of Jesus birth, but also that He will be coming again. There is joy that accompanies the salvation we receive from Jesus. Joy and salvation go hand in hand.
Luke 1:39-45
When Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, and the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leapt for joy. The baby John in her womb was filled with the Holy Spirit. Two babies that were part of the trinity – Jesus in Mary’s womb and John filled with the Holy Spirit in Elizabeth’s womb.
Matthew 2:9-10
When the Magi saw the star, they rejoiced with great joy. Jesus came to bring us joy, and this joy of salvation is what the Magi understood.
- JOY LEADS TO PROCLAMATION
Luke 2:8-12
Jesus was laid in the manger in swaddling clothes. Swaddling cloths were used by the shepherds to wrap around the legs and stomach of newly born sheep so they wouldn’t get cut or bruised and because their legs weren’t yet stable. Jesus was wrapped in these kinds of cloths, Jesus the lamb, send to die for our salvation. We declare the good news of Jesus by proclaiming the salvation messages to others. We want everyone to know and share our joy with them.
Luke 2:15-18
The shepherds proclaimed the good news they heard from the angels that the savior was born. Good news is worth proclaiming. Joy leads to proclamation
- JOY LEADS TO PRAISE
Luke 1:46-49
Mary’s joy caused her to burst into joy. Mary rejoiced in God her Savior.
Luke 2:20
The shepherds went out and spread their joy by proclaiming that the savior has been born.
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