“JOY” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
1. Today , the Advent candle in the wreath is not blue or purple; it is pink.
• It symbolizes joy. On this third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate joy.
• Today is also known as Gaudete Sunday, from the Latin, Gaudete, meaning “rejoice.”
• These words are lifted from Philippians 4:7, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice.”
2. We just lit the candle of joy. It’s pink. It’s a happy and joyous color.
• It’s the color of birthday candles.
• Joy is the one thing we must have for Christmas
• You can take away the Christmas tree, carols, gifts, lights and tinsel. But take away joy and Christmas is impossible.
3. I todays reading not only do we read joy but read the need to pray
• The text goes on to urge, “Pray without ceasing,
• The writer says give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God
• Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything;
• hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil” (vv. 17-22).
• “Pray without ceasing.” “Give thanks.” “Test everything.” “Hold fast to what is good.”
4. Joy is not just the third Sunday Advent but joy is the Christian Faith
• The Bible continually reminds us of great Joy we find in the Christ
• We possess joy despite turbulence about us.
• One commentator I read said the following: “Joy, It’s like the stillness of the ocean below the surface. The waves may be high, but in the depths of one’s soul, there’s a peace and joy that “passes understanding.”
• The prophet of old says it this way: “Though the fig tree does not blossom,?and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails?and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold?and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord;?I will exult in the God of my salvation.
• God, the Lord, is my strength;?he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,?and makes me tread upon the heights.—Habakkuk 3:17-19
5. If we have been redeemed we have joy! Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit
• The Bible describes joy as a “fruit” that is produced by the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul puts it this way: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22).
• “Rejoice in hope” (Romans 12:12).
• “Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8).
6. Joy is rejoicing, Joy is prayer, giving thanks, holding on, Joy is Christian Faith, Joy is produced by the Holy Spirit and Joy is more than just Christmas. Devotion was found in ibeleive
• “It's more than just the presents and time spent with family.
• The joy of Christmas goes deeper than the sweet taste of gingerbread, the happiness on a child's face, and the beautiful lights wrapped around the tree.
• The joy of Christmas comes from why Jesus was born in the first place.
• Joy of Christmas comes from what Jesus came to do. He didn't come simply to be a precious baby for us to ooh and ahh over. He didn't come to remain a child.
• He came to be our Messiah, our Savior. He came to bring us forgiveness for our sins.We May call this Sunday Joy Sunday,
• Joy gives us a cheerful heart. “a cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). Rejoice in the Christ
