Living in the Purpose of Advent [1 John 1:1-4] [Purpose]

Introduction

Church, listen to these words from the elder John:

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life… We write this to make our joy complete.”

Advent is not just a season of waiting—it is a season of purpose. The coming of Jesus is not accidental. It’s intentional. God sent His Son for a reason, and that reason gives our lives meaning.

Beloved, in a world where so many people are asking, “Why am I here? What is my purpose?”—Advent answers: Our purpose is tied to the coming of Christ!

Today, let me lift three Advent purposes from this text:

Advent gives us the purpose of testimony

Advent gives us the purpose of fellowship

Advent gives us the purpose of joy

Point 1: Advent Gives Us the Purpose of Testimony (vv. 1–2)

John says, “We have heard… we have seen… we have touched… this we proclaim.”

Advent reminds us that our faith is not theory—it’s testimony. Jesus didn’t just come in an idea; He came in the flesh. John says, “We touched Him.”

Illustration: Have you ever had somebody doubt your story? But you say, “I was there. I saw it. I know it for myself.” That’s testimony!

Our ancestors had testimony. They saw God bring them through slavery, through segregation, through storms. They didn’t read it in a book—they lived it.

Application:

Young people: your testimony matters. Don’t be ashamed to say what God has done for you.

Adults: in your workplace, your testimony can encourage someone ready to give up.

Elders: don’t stop sharing your testimony. Your story might be the very light somebody else needs.

Call and Response: Turn to your neighbor and say: “I’ve got a testimony!”

Point 2: Advent Gives Us the Purpose of Fellowship (v. 3)

John says: “We proclaim… so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.”

Advent is not just about Jesus coming to individuals—it’s about Jesus creating a community. The purpose of His coming is fellowship: God with us, and us with each other.

Illustration: When family gathers around the table at Christmas, you don’t just eat food—you share fellowship. Stories are told, laughter is shared, love is strengthened. Advent is God’s family reunion, bringing heaven and earth together.

Our people survived because of fellowship. Singing in the brush arbor, praying in the basement, marching in unity—that’s fellowship.

Application:

Church, don’t let Advent be about being too busy to connect. Make room for fellowship—with God and with one another.

Fellowship means reaching out to the lonely, checking on the sick, lifting up the weary.

Call and Response: Say it with me: “We are better together!”

Point 3: Advent Gives Us the Purpose of Joy (v. 4)

John concludes: “We write this to make our joy complete.”

Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances. Joy comes from knowing Christ. Advent joy is the deep, unshakable gladness that God came near.

Illustration: Anybody remember getting that one special gift at Christmas? The one you really wanted? That joy wasn’t about the wrapping—it was about the gift inside. Jesus is God’s gift, and in Him, our joy is complete.

Our people knew joy in the middle of sorrow. Singing, “This joy I have, the world didn’t give it, and the world can’t take it away.”

Application:

Joy is your strength when the world feels heavy.

Joy is your witness that God is still good.

Joy is your purpose—because God’s glory shines when His people rejoice.

Call and Response: If you’ve got joy, shout—“Joy!”

Celebratory Close

Church, Advent is about purpose!

The purpose of testimony—to tell what we’ve seen and what we know.

The purpose of fellowship—to walk together as God’s family.

The purpose of joy—to celebrate the gift of Christ.

Advent tells us Jesus didn’t come by accident—He came on purpose. He came to save us on purpose. He came to redeem us on purpose. He came to give us life on purpose!

And if Christ came on purpose—then your life has purpose too!

You are not an accident.

You are not forgotten.

You are here on divine assignment.

So testify! So fellowship! So rejoice! Because Advent purpose is living in the light of Christ.

Call and Response Celebration:

If you’ve got a testimony—say yes!

If you’re glad for fellowship—say yes!

If you’ve got joy—give God a shout!

Because the Word of Life has come, and our purpose is complete in Him.