Advent: Joy
12.13.2020
12.13.2020
Luke 2:8-14
As the stress, strife, and suffering of this broken world persists, the struggle for true joy is real. Is joy missing or lacking in your life? As our countdown to Christmas continues, Tyler Briggs provides an expanded, eternal perspective of the joy of Jesus, the joy of the Father, and the joy of the saved.
Point #1: Jesus had great joy in coming to save you.
As Hebrews 12:2 testifies, “for the joy set before him (Jesus), he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Reconciling sinful humanity to God brought joy to Jesus amidst unfathomable suffering as our substitute on the cross.
Point #2: The Father has great joy when you come to Him.
From the three parables in Luke 15, Tyler highlights a singular theme of a God who rejoices over the repentant. Rather than running and hiding from Him in guilt and shame when you sin, be reminded of His perfect love and faithfulness, continually run to Him with confidence, and walk with Him each day.
Point #3: You can have great joy.
Tyler preaches, “We can rejoice because we have received God’s grace.” For the believer, Christ has saved you, is saving you, and will save you. He enables you to walk in fellowship with Him, enables you to endure life’s trials with perspective and perseverance, and produces a joy, peace, and contentment that transcends the sorrows of this earthly life.
Application