Advent - A Journey of Joy (2)

I. Introduction:

A. Advent - anticipation of the coming of Christ; celebrating the past, acknowledging the present, and believing for the future.

B. Romans 15:13 (NIV) - “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Light Joy Candle - (It’s a different color because it’s a shift in perception from believing in the darkness to joyful anticipation of light.)

C. Joy can’t be self-manufactured from nothing, the God of hope fills you with joy. It’s a response not to a circumstance but to a perception of God.

C. Repentance - “metanoia” - changing one’s perception and thoughts leading to changed attitudes and behaviors. This is the true key to Jesus showing up and filling you with joy.

Acts 3:19–20 (NIV) “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.”

D. It’s more than being in a good mood, it’s being in a good worldview! It’s the way you interpret reality. Find the hope in any given situation and you will find the joy. Begin to find the baby in a manger no matter the context. The watching and wise always find it.

E. It was there from the announcement to the shepherds…Luke 2:9–10 (NIV) - “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’” Did Jesus change the immediate circumstance or mindset in the 1st century?

II. The Journey of Joy

A. A Journey of joyful perspective in a beautiful world

Marriage - Jeremiah 33:11 (NIV) “the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom.” Is the key to a successful marriage the perfect constant romance or repentance? Repentance of selfish, individualistic mindsets.

Work - Psalm 65:13 (NIV) “The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.” Can your mindset see beyond the sweat and thorns of the curse to the blessing and fruit of the kingdom?

Children - Proverbs 23:24 (NIV) - “The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.” Can you trust God who sees the end from the beginning? The one who started a good work in your children will bring it to completion.

It’s an attitude God’s people adopt not because of a happy circumstance but of a hopeful perspective.

B. A Journey of joyful perspective through a desolate desert

When God freed the children of God they came out with joy, although they were just beginning their journey through the desert. Psalm 105:43 (NIV) “He brought out his people with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy;”

The desert is a lack of resources and relationships. Joy can be found in the desert because it removes all distractions. Look at it not as desolation but focus.

How do you maintain joy in the desert, keep your eyes on God. A cloud by day, a fire by night. He always shows up for you to see.

Hebrews 12:1–3 (NIV) “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

What was the joy set before him, Jesus’s cloud by day and fire by night, sitting at the right hand of His father.

C. A Journey of joyful perspective as a displaced exile

Isaiah 51:11 (NIV) “Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

The children in exile choose joy in a future returning.

Exiles aren’t home…until the new heaven and new earth you aren’t going to feel completely home, unless your home is Jesus.

Exiles aren’t citizens…until the new heaven and earth you will be a foreigner, and alien who has a different culture, language, and worldview. You don’t fit in. You’re not supposed too!!

Matthew 5:11–12 (NIV) “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Find joy in exile by adopting the ambassador mindset. You are here to represent another kingdom, a better one.

III. Conclusion and Invitation

What circumstance is a joy sucker for you? Repent - change they way you see it and see God’s perspective.

Isaiah 61:3 (NIV) “and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” - PRAYER TO SEE THE JOY