Living in Advent: Joy

Luke 2:10–11 NIV

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

The arrival of Christ should bring joy

Our joy is now based on our Savior, not our circumstances

1 Peter 1:6 NIV

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

What is the “all this” Peter is referencing?

1 Peter 1:3 NIV

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

A new birth and and living hope

1 Peter 1:4 NIV

and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,

An inheritance not attached to this life

1 Peter 1:5 NIV

who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

And assurance of salvation

So then our trials become a positive influence

1 Peter 1:7 NIV

These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Our faithful response to trials brings glory to Christ through our witness

And no matter what, we can be joyful that we are always one step closer to Jesus

1 Peter 1:8–9 NIV

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Our joy is sourced by Jesus’ love

And so we joyously celebrate His arrival to save mankind