Joyful Anticipation: Embracing God's Promises Third Sunday of Advent

Bible Passages: Zephaniah 3:14–20, Isaiah 12:2–6, Philippians 4:4–7, Luke 3:7–18

Remember when we were much younger being excited over in the promise of a fun day at the amusement park. I’ve had the joy of experiencing this excitement through my children too! On some of those occasions, the weather certainly did not co-operate! Despite dark clouds overhead, our enthusiastic chatter about rides and cotton candy filled the air. This joy and excitement reflect a fearless trust in the promise of joy ahead. Just as we as children looked beyond the clouds, so should we embody joy and fearlessness, trusting in God's promises, believing that despite earthly troubles, Christ brings true peace and salvation.

My prayer this week is that the passages I’m sharing today collectively encourage you to rejoice in the Lord's salvation. And that you gain deeper insight through hope, joy, and steadfastness in faith amid challenges. I pray that you will be inspired to hold onto the promises of God, fostering a spirit of joy even during difficult times, and I encourage you to share this hope (and this message) with others. True joy comes from knowing God, celebrating His salvation, and living out our faith actively and publicly by transforming our lives into a witness. Remember: Christ embodies the fulfillment of these prophetic messages, bringing ultimate joy and salvation to humanity. He is the source of our rejoicing and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Big Idea: In light of God's promises, we are called to rejoice in our salvation and actively share this joy, revealing Christ's transformative power in our lives.

1. Rejoice In God's Salvation

Zephaniah 3:14–16 “Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.”

Zephaniah calls for the people to sing joyfully, emphasizing God's presence among them as a source of protection and salvation. This encouragement to embrace joy and fearlessness in light of God's promises can inspire us to trust in His deliverance and look forward with hope, aware that Christ's coming fulfills these prophecies, bringing peace and salvation.

In the early 20th century, many scientists feared that the discovery of atomic energy would lead to disastrous consequences. Yet, despite the fear, brilliant minds like Marie Curie emerged and used those same discoveries for the benefit of humanity. Similarly, God's promises are like that atomic discovery: they may seem overwhelming at first, but by embracing His joy, we harness it for hope and salvation, transforming fear into trust through Christ's ultimate deliverance.

2. Restoration and Divine Delight

Zephaniah 3:17–20 “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” “I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you. At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame. At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,” says the Lord.”

God's joy over His people is depicted vividly, portraying Him as a mighty savior who delights in His children. These declarations frame joy as an integral part of the believer's life, inspired by Christ's love and sacrificial acts. Perhaps encourage your listeners to let this divine joy transform their lives, compelling them to share God's love actively with those around them.

3. Faithful Trust And Praise

Isaiah 12:2–4 “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.”

These verses suggest how faith becomes a wellspring of salvation leading to thanksgiving and joyful worship. Isaiah's call to trust in God as our strength and song encourage us to rely on Christ, our salvation incarnate. This trust transforms our proclivities toward worry and anxiety into worshipful confidence, reminding us of His steadfast love and faithful promises. Encourage the church to live in joyous confidence, witnessing to these truths in their daily lives.

4. Proclaiming Salvation's Joy

Isaiah 12:5–6 “Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.””

In a children's choir practice, the kids are learning a new song about God's blessings. They each have their little instruments, and as they practice, laughter and giggles fill the room. The teacher reminds them of Isaiah's call to sing and proclaim joyfully. This light-hearted scene echoes the encouragement in Isaiah 12:5-6 – praising God is meant to be filled with joy and celebration. Like those children, let us incorporate joy into our hearts and faith, celebrating what God has done with a childlike spirit!

It is important to proclaim God's mighty acts as a foundation for community rejoicing. In these verses, God's deeds invite the earth to shout and sing. This celebration and proclamation highlight the necessity of witnessing to the transformational power of Christ's salvation in our lives. By holding onto these truths, we can become beacons of hope and joy, illustrating God's enduring faithfulness in all we do.

5. Joyful Lifestyle and Presence

Philippians 4:4–5 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

Perhaps encourage focusing on a lifestyle marked by joy and gentleness, rooted in the awareness that "the Lord is near." Paul's exhortation reminds us how essential it is to live joyfully, even amid challenges. By contemplating Christ's ever-present reality and His imminent return, peace and joy become more accessible to believers. This assurance could urge your listeners to embrace a life of joyful anticipation, affecting every interaction and choice they make with gospel-centered focus.

6. Prayerful Peace and Gratitude

Philippians 4:6–7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Corrie ten Boom recounted her experience in a concentration camp, where her sister urged her to give thanks even for the lice. She initially struggled, but as she learned to be thankful, peace flooded her heart. Prayer became her refuge amidst fear. Their faith taught them that thankfulness is not merely a response to good times, but a powerful tool against despair, bringing joy and peace through prayer in every circumstance.

Thankfulness and prayer sustain peace and joy. Instruct listeners on letting go of anxiety through prayer in Christ, eliciting peace that transcends understanding. This passage speaks to the heart of transformation - where Christ exchanges our worry for His peace, inviting Christians to a life characterized by confident joy, steeped in gratitude. It echoes the call to allow Christ to guard our hearts and minds, illustrating the joy of a Christ-centered life.

7. Repentant Transformation and Joy

Luke 3:7–11 “John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.””

A man named Josh lived a life filled with deceit, taking advantage of others for years. One day, he was confronted by a close friend who reminded him of the joy of honesty. This moment of clarity led him to repentance. As he turned from his deceitful ways, Josh noticed that his relationships improved, and he found true joy in transparency and trust. His heart lightened, illustrating how genuine repentance brings relief and happiness, pushing us off the path of sin and towards true life.

John the Baptist’s call to authentic repentance, emphasizes actions that reflect inner transformation. Repentance, illustrates how joy begins with turning away from sin to embrace God's promises through Christ, His ultimate provision. Encourage listeners to see repentance as a joyous freedom, an opportunity to align their lives with God's will, showing His love and justice to the world through practical deeds, thereby magnifying Christ's transformative power.

8. Anticipate Christ's Salvation

Luke 3:12–18 “Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.”

The good news that John proclaims about one mightier coming—Jesus Christ—who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. This joy is rooted in the reality of Jesus' mission, which transforms judgment into salvation.Rejoice in being part of this redemptive story. Our lives bear witness to Christ's reign and redemption. This ultimate joy invites us to participation in His mission, revealing His power and love to a watching world.

Application

In our busy lives filled with family, work, and other obligations, it's common to feel disconnected from God and to overlook His promises. This week, adopt a ‘joyful greeting’ approach. Whenever you encounter someone in public—whether it’s in a grocery store or at a coffee shop—make it a point to greet them warmly, maybe with a smile and a compliment. Consider sharing something positive about your day or a promise you’re holding onto. This simple action not only spreads joy to others but reinforces your own hope in God's goodness, creating a ripple effect in your community.

Begin each day by selecting a scripture promise, like Jeremiah 29:11, and write it on a sticky note.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Place it where you can see it—on your mirror or refrigerator. Each time you see it, say a prayer of thanks, and let it remind you that God has a good plan for your life. This practice can cultivate a spirit of joy in your home, creating a more uplifting atmosphere that encourages your family to share positive affirmations with one another.

Perhaps, set aside time to write a short encouragement note to a colleague. Acknowledge their hard work and share a scripture that brings you hope, like Philippians 4:13.

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Not only does this foster a spirit of joy in you, but it can transform the atmosphere of your workplace, leading others toward positivity and opening doors for spiritual conversations and support.

In light of God's promises, we are called to rejoice in our salvation and actively share this joy, revealing Christ's transformative power in our lives.

How does Zephaniah 3:14–16 encourage you to embrace joy in your life despite current challenges?

In what ways can you actively share the joy of God's salvation with others this week?

What does Isaiah 12:2–4 teach us about relying on God as our strength and salvation?

Reflect on Philippians 4:6–7. How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to alleviate anxiety?

How does understanding John the Baptist's call to repentance lead to a deeper experience of joy in your faith?

What practical steps can you take to live a lifestyle that reflects joy and gentleness as mentioned in Philippians 4:4–5?

How can greeting others with joy, as suggested in your application, transform your community interactions?

Consider the sticky note exercise with Jeremiah 29:11. How might this daily reminder impact your perspective on life's challenges?

In what specific ways can you show kindness to a colleague this week to reinforce a spirit of joy in your workplace?

How can the principles of repentance and transformation discussed in Luke 3:7–11 change your approach to relationships in your life?