Advent Week 3: Joy - "Joy in the Coming Saviour"
Introduction: Dear friends, as we gather in this season of Advent, our hearts turn to the theme of joy. The birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, brings a joy that transcends circumstances. Let's explore the profound joy found in the Saviour’s arrival.
The Announcement of Great Joy:
Luke 2:10-11 (NLT) - "But the angel reassured them. 'Don’t be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Saviour—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem.'"
The angel's proclamation to the shepherds heralds the arrival of the Saviour, bringing news of great joy for all humanity.
Illustration: Imagine receiving news of the birth of a long-awaited child. The joy that fills the hearts of parents is but a glimpse of the joy brought by the birth of our Saviour.
The Source of Unspeakable Joy:
Psalm 16:11 (NLT) - "You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever."
The psalmist recognizes that true joy is found in the presence of God. The birth of Jesus opens the way for us to experience this joy in an unprecedented way.
Smith Wigglesworth encourages us, saying, "Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials."
Rejoicing in Salvation:
Isaiah 12:2-3 (NLT) - "See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. With joy, you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!"
The arrival of Jesus marks the beginning of our salvation—a cause for rejoicing and drawing deeply from the fountain of salvation.
Consider a thirsty traveller finding a refreshing spring in the desert. In Christ, we discover a wellspring of joy that satisfies our deepest longings.
The third Advent candle symbolises the joy that radiates from the Saviour’s arrival — the joy that fills our hearts and overflows into a world longing for true happiness.
The Joy of Divine Presence:
Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) "For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."
God's presence brings joy beyond measure. The promise of God dwelling among His people is a cause for rejoicing, as His love casts out fear.
C.S. Lewis beautifully articulates, "Joy is the serious business of Heaven."
The Countercultural Nature of Christian Joy:
James 1:2-3 (NLT) "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."
Christian joy is not contingent on favourable circumstances. Instead, it thrives in the face of challenges, becoming a testimony to the transformative power of faith.
Think of a resilient tree that stands tall even in the midst of a storm. Our joy, rooted in Christ, can withstand life's storms.
The Depth of Joy in Salvation:
Romans 15:13 (NLT) "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."
The joy of salvation is not a fleeting emotion but a profound experience that comes from trusting in God. It's a joy that goes beyond surface-level happiness.
Adrian Rogers notes, "The joy of the Lord is not just happiness that comes and goes. It is a constant delight in the Lord."
Sharing the Joy of Salvation:
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT) "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
As recipients of the joy of salvation, we are called to share this joy with others. The Great Commission invites us to be joy-bearers, carrying the message of salvation to the ends of the earth.
Consider the joy of a rescued person eager to share their story with others. In Christ, we are rescued and compelled to share our joy.
The third Advent candle reminds us that the joy of the Saviour’s arrival is not a one-time celebration but an ongoing source of strength and inspiration.
Conclusion:
May the joy of the Saviour’s arrival be not just a seasonal emotion but a constant companion in our lives. As we navigate the challenges of this world, may the enduring joy found in Christ be our strength.
Let us be joy-bearers, sharing the good news of salvation with a world desperate for lasting happiness.
In a culture that often seeks joy in fleeting pleasures, let our lives be a testimony to the joy that transcends circumstances—joy in the Saviour, Jesus Christ.
A brief word of prayer to close:
Heavenly Father
May the joy of the Saviour’s arrival permeate our lives, radiating to those around us as we celebrate the true source of joy.
In a world often searching for happiness in fleeting places, let us point to the enduring joy found in our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Lord God, help us to share the real message of Advent and Christmas with those around us. In your love help us to share the wonderful truth that Jesus is the light of the World, the Prince of Peace, and the true source of joy.
Amen
May the joy of Christ be a beacon of joy, guiding you through this season and beyond, may your joy extend to those around you.
God bless.
