Advent: A Picture of Joy (with Communion)
As we continue our journey through Advent, let me start with a question: What is your favourite joyful Christmas tradition or memory? Perhaps it’s decorating the tree, singing carols, or watching the excitement on a child’s face as they open a gift. These moments of joy remind us of something deeper—a longing for the true and lasting joy that only God can provide.
The story of Christmas is a story of joy. Not fleeting happiness tied to presents or celebrations, but a joy rooted in the faithfulness and presence of God. Today, as we look at the promise of joy, we will see how God’s faithfulness to His promises brings joy that transforms our lives.
1. Joy in the Promise: The Vision of Restoration
Isaiah 35:1-2, 10 (NLT): “Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon... Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.”
Isaiah paints a vivid picture of restoration and joy—a time when the barren wilderness will burst into life, and sorrow will be replaced by gladness. This promise pointed forward to the coming Messiah, who would usher in God’s kingdom and restore all things.
The Hebrew word for “joy” here is simHâ, which denotes a deep, abiding gladness rooted in God’s action. This joy isn’t dependent on circumstances but on the certainty of God’s faithfulness to His promises. Isaiah’s vision wasn’t just about physical restoration but spiritual renewal, where God’s people would experience His presence and redemption.
How often do we let the “wilderness seasons” of life rob us of joy? When we face challenges, we can hold on to the promise that God is faithful and His restoration is sure. Like Isaiah’s vision, our joy comes from the certainty of God’s presence and His work in our lives.
Think of a barren garden transformed by rain. What once seemed lifeless bursts into vibrant colour and life. That’s the kind of joy God promises—a joy that turns desolation into abundance.
Psalm 30:5 (NLT): “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
God’s promises bring the assurance that no matter how dark the night, His joy will break through.
Tim Keller writes, “Joy is the deep assurance that God’s love and grace are sufficient for whatever we face. It is not based on our circumstances, but on the unshakable promises of God.”
2. Joy in Fulfilment: Mary and Elizabeth’s Faith
Text: Luke 1:39-45 (NLT): “A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, ‘God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed.’”
Here, we witness the joy of fulfilment as Mary and Elizabeth celebrate God’s faithfulness. Mary carried the Messiah, and Elizabeth carried John the Baptist—the one who would prepare the way for Jesus. Their shared joy reflected their faith in God’s promises.
The baby leaping in Elizabeth’s womb (skirtao in Greek) was a physical response to the presence of the Messiah. Elizabeth’s proclamation, “Blessed are you among women,” highlights her recognition of God’s faithfulness to His word. Mary’s response in the Magnificat further reveals her joy in God as her Saviour.
Like Mary and Elizabeth, do we pause to recognise and celebrate God’s faithfulness in our lives? Even when circumstances seem challenging, we can find joy in knowing that God’s promises are being fulfilled.
Think of a long-awaited letter or package finally arriving. The anticipation turns to joy when what you hoped for is delivered. Similarly, Mary and Elizabeth’s joy flowed from seeing God’s promise fulfilled in their lives.
Psalm 126:3 (NLT): “Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!”
When we recognise God’s work in our lives, we can’t help but rejoice.
Rick Warren says, “Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.”
3. Joy that Overflows: Transforming Our Lives
Luke 1:46-47 (NLT): “Mary responded, ‘Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!’”
Mary’s joy wasn’t private—it overflowed into praise. The joy of knowing Jesus transforms our hearts, attitudes, and actions. When we experience His presence, it changes how we live.
Mary’s song, the Magnificat, is a powerful declaration of joy and praise. Her spirit “rejoices” (agalliao in Greek), meaning to be exceedingly glad or overjoyed. This joy wasn’t passive—it moved her to worship and proclaim God’s greatness.
As we draw near to Christ this Advent season, let His joy overflow in our lives. Share it with your family, friends, and community. Serve others with a joyful heart, and let the light of Christ shine through you.
Picture a candle lighting another candle. The flame spreads, bringing light and warmth to others. That’s how the joy of Jesus works—it overflows, transforming the lives it touches.
Philippians 4:4 (NLT): “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”
This joy isn’t circumstantial—it is a choice to trust and delight in God.
C.S. Lewis wrote, “Joy is the serious business of heaven.” When we live with joy, we reflect the heart of God and His kingdom.
Application: Cultivate and Share Joy
How can we live out this joy during Advent?
Cultivate joy by spending time in God’s presence through prayer, worship, and His Word.
Share joy by encouraging others, meeting needs, and proclaiming the good news of Jesus.
Let the joy of Christ not only fill your heart but also overflow into every area of your life.
4. Joy in Communion: Celebrating Christ’s Presence
As we conclude this message on the promise of joy, we turn our attention to the sacred act of communion—a tangible reminder of Christ’s presence and the joy of our salvation. Communion is a time to reflect on what Jesus has done for us, to give thanks for His sacrifice, and to rejoice in the promise of eternal life.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NLT): “For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.’ For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.”
Paul’s words remind us that communion is both a remembrance and a proclamation. The bread represents Jesus’ body, broken for us, and the cup represents His blood, shed for the forgiveness of our sins. These elements point us to the deep joy we have in Christ’s finished work on the cross and His promise to return.
Communion is a time of joy because it reaffirms our relationship with Christ and with one another. It is a moment to remember the love and grace of Jesus that secures our salvation. As we partake of the bread and the cup, we declare the joy of knowing we are redeemed and made whole through Him.
Imagine sitting at a table with your closest loved ones, celebrating a victory or a milestone. Communion is a spiritual celebration where we come to the Lord’s table, not with sadness, but with reverent joy, knowing the victory over sin and death has been won.
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.”
As we take communion, we are reminded of the joy found in God’s presence, both now and for eternity.
As N.T. Wright said, “When Jesus wanted to explain what his death was all about, he didn’t give a theory. He gave a meal.” Communion connects us deeply to the joy of what Jesus accomplished for us.
Transition into Communion:
As we prepare our hearts for communion, let us reflect on the joy of the incarnation, the joy of salvation, and the joy of Jesus’ abiding presence with us. Communion is a time to celebrate that joy together as the body of Christ.
Let’s take a moment in silent prayer, confessing our sins and thanking God for the gift of His Son. Then, we will come to the Lord’s table with joy and gratitude.
Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, thank You for giving Your life so that we might have life. As we partake in this bread and cup, may our hearts be filled with the joy of Your salvation. Help us to live as joyful witnesses of Your love. Amen.”
Closing Invitation:
If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus, let today be the day you experience the true joy of salvation. Jesus invites you to His table. Come to Him with faith, and He will fill your heart with His joy.
Let us now celebrate communion together, rejoicing in the presence of our Saviour.
