Day 2529 – Third Week of Advent – Living in Joy, Daily – 61:1-3
Welcome to Day 2529 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomDay 2529 – Third Week of Advent – Living in Joy, DailyPutnam Church Message – 12/15/2024 Living in Joy, DailyLast week was the second Sunday of Advent, and our focus was “Living in peace, Daily. We were encouraged by the promise from Isaiah 26:3 (NLT): “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”This is a reminder of the peace that is found only in Christ, who calms our hearts and directs our steps each day. This week is the Third Sunday of Advent: “The Candle of Joy” in a message titled “Living in Joy, Daily.” As mentioned previously, during the weeks of Advent, I want to slow life down a bit so we can truly take time to reflect on the purpose of the Advent season. I will also tie in some Christmas traditions in each message so we can reflect on the meaning of some traditions we practice during this blessed time. Opening Prayer:Heavenly Father, we come before You this Advent season to prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior. Today, as we reflect on the joy that Christ brings into our lives, we ask that You fill us with that unshakable joy that is found only in Your presence. Help us understand the depth of joy You give and to carry it into our daily lives as a testament of Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen. Introduction: The Season of JoyThe third Sunday of Advent is about joy, a word we often associate with Christmas. When we think of joy, we might picture laughter, excitement, or the delight of receiving something we’ve longed for. But the joy we focus on today, the joy we celebrate in Advent, is much deeper than any temporary happiness. Luke 2:10 (NLT)records the angel’s announcement to the shepherds: “I bring you good news that will bring great joyto all people.”This joy wasn’t just for a few; it was for everyone. And it’s not fleeting. The joy of Christ’s coming brings a lasting sense of peace, security, and hope—because God is with us. Today, we’ll explore what it means to “Experience True Joy in Jesus,” a joy that stays with us regardless of life’s ups and downs. • The Source of True Joy (Bulletin – 4 Aspects of Joy) Let’s start by looking at the source of this joy. In the Bible, joy is always connected to God’s presence and His promises. The joy of the Lord is notbased on external circumstances but on a relationship with Him. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), meaning it’s something God plants and grows within us as we walk with Him. Christmas Tradition: The Advent Wreath and the Candle of JoyThe Advent wreath is a beloved Christmas tradition that symbolizes the journey toward the birth of Christ. The pink candle, also known as the “Shepherd’s Candle” or the “Candle of Joy,” is lit on the third Sunday of Advent. It reflects the joy of the shepherds who heard the angel’s announcement of Jesus’s birth in Luke 2:10 (NLT): “I bring you good news that will bring great joyto all people.”The pink color stands out against the other candles, symbolizing the joyful anticipation of Christ’s arrival. As we light the candle of joy, we’re reminded that Jesus’s birth brought joy not only to the shepherds but to the entire world. Tie to the Message:The joy represented by the Advent candle isn’t fleeting or seasonal. It’s a daily reminder that Jesus’s arrival has brought lasting joy to all who believe in Him. Psalm 16:11 (NLT)says, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.”The psalmist here highlights that joy is found in God’s presence. In other words, true joy results from being close to God. Unlike happiness, which comes and goes based on circumstances, joy in God remains because it’s based on an unchanging relationship with Him. Illustration: A Child’s Joy at ChristmasThink of the joy a child feels on Christmas morning when they see the gifts under the tree. Their face lights up, their laughter fills the room, and there’s a contagious sense of excitement. That joy is a small reflection of the joy we experience when we realize the gift of Jesus—God’s ultimate gift to us. Unlike a toy that loses its appeal over time, the joy of knowing Jesus never fades. Memorable Point:True joy isn’t based on circumstances; it’s rooted in our relationship with God. • The Joy of Christ’s Coming The Advent season reminds us that joy entered the world in a new way when Jesus was born. His arrival brought the fulfillment of God’s promises and the hope of salvation. Isaiah 61:1-3 (NLT)prophesies about the Messiah in his 1stperson voice: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed... to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive
