Advent: Joy

Christmas at Grace

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11 ESV)

We light the third (rose) candle of Advent, which stands for Joy.

Luke 2:8–20 (ESV):

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Biblical Joy – “chara”: a reason for gladness.

Joy is a result not a reason

WE HAVE A REASON…

I HAVE A REASON TO BE BRAVE

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)

What was their reason to not be afraid anymore?  The good news!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

10 Reasons From The Shepherds  Luke 2:8–20 

  1. No One Is Overlooked (v. 8)
    Shepherds—considered insignificant—were chosen to hear first, proving every person matters to God.
  2. God Is With Us (Emmanuel) (v. 9)
    The glory of the Lord came around them—God’s presence is with us.
  3. God Honors Every Promise (v. 11)
    “Born this day in the city of David” fulfills ancient prophecy, proving God keeps His word.
  4. Salvation Has Come (v. 12)
    A Savior is born, wrapped in humble cloths, announcing God’s rescue plan for humanity.
  5. Heaven Declares His Goodness Over Us (v. 13–14)
    The angelic host praises God, revealing that heaven celebrates Christ’s coming.
  6. We Find True Peace (v. 14)
    “On earth peace” reminds us that Jesus brings everything into wholeness and completion.
  7. We Can Rest in His Pleasure (v. 14)
    “…with whom he is pleased” shows that God’s favor is a gift, not earned by status.
  8. We Can Approach Him Personally (v. 15–16)
    The shepherds heard, believed, and found Jesus. We too can draw near to God ourselves.
  9. The Gospel Is Going Out (v. 17)
    They immediately spread the news, ensuring the Good News would not remain hidden.
  10. We Can Overflow with true Joy (v. 20)
    Encountering Christ leads the shepherds to praise and glorify God, showing true joy ends in worship.

I HAVE A REASON TO BELIEVE

“Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” (Luke 2:15)

The shepherds heard the good news, believed it, and saw it confirmed with their own eyes.

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

“Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8–9 (NKJV):

There is a joy for which words fail! JOY is your PROOF! 

I HAVE A REASON TO BOLDLY SHOUT

“And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered…” (Luke 2:17–18)

There is greater power in your words than you realize!

Jesus taught us to fill one another with joy by telling them the reason for our gladness.

“These things I have spoken to you, that my “reason for gladness” may be in you, and that your “reason for gladness” may be full.” (John 15:11 ESV)

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