Welcome to Day 2529 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2529 – Third Week of Advent – Living in Joy, Daily

Putnam Church Message – 12/15/2024

Living in Joy, Daily

Last 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 Joy

The 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 joy to 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.

1. 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 not based 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 Joy

The 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 joy to 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 Christmas

Think 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.

2. 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 1^st person 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 praise instead of despair.”

When Jesus read this prophecy in the synagogue (Luke 4:18-19), He proclaimed its fulfillment. Jesus came to bring freedom, healing, and restoration—all of which lead to joy. His life, death, and resurrection offer a joy that can’t be taken from us, a joy that transforms us from within.

Story: The Joy of Giving

A popular Christmas tradition is giving gifts. Many people trace this tradition back to the gifts of the Magi to the young child Jesus. They came bearing gold, frankincense, and myrrh—each representing something significant about Jesus. But gift-giving also reminds us of the joy we experience in both giving and receiving.

One Christmas, a young boy named Tommy received a handmade blanket from his grandmother. At first, he thought, “I’d rather have a toy,” but as time passed, and he grew into his college years, he realized that this blanket was made with love. He cherished it, knowing it represented the love of his family. In a similar way, God’s gift of Jesus is given out of love, and as we receive it, we find a joy that’s more precious than anything else.

Memorable Point: The coming of Jesus is the greatest gift and the ultimate source of our joy.

3. Experiencing Joy in Difficult Times

The Bible speaks of joy even in times of difficulty. We might wonder, “How can I be joyful when I’m struggling?” Yet, joy in Christ doesn’t mean we ignore our pain or struggles. Instead, it’s an anchor that holds us steady through life’s storms.

James 1:2-3 (NLT) says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”

Story: A Joyful Heart Amid Poverty

There’s a well-known story about a missionary visiting a small village in Africa. The people there had very little material possessions—no electricity, no running water, and very few personal belongings. Yet, as they worshiped together, the room was filled with singing, laughter, and dancing.

The missionary asked one of the villagers, “How can you be so joyful when you have so little?” The villager smiled and said, “We have Jesus, and He is enough.”

This story reminds us that joy doesn’t come from what we own but from who we belong to. Philippians 4:4 (NLT) says, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” True joy flows from knowing Jesus and trusting in His promises.

This may seem challenging. But this joy is not about pretending everything is fine; it’s about trusting that God is at work in our lives, even in hardship. As we grow in faith, we learn that joy comes from a deep trust in God’s promises and His presence with us.

Christmas Tradition: Caroling and the Sharing of Joy

Caroling is one of the oldest Christmas traditions, dating back to the Middle Ages. Groups of people would sing hymns and joyful songs, bringing light and cheer to their neighbors. This tradition reflects the heart of the Christmas message: joy that is shared. Whether through songs, acts of kindness, or simply sharing the good news of Jesus, we are called to spread the joy we’ve received.

Story: The Song “Joy to the World”

The famous Christmas carol “Joy to the World” wasn’t originally written as a Christmas song! Isaac Watts wrote it as a celebration of Jesus’ eventual return, inspired by Psalm 98. However, its words capture the joy of Christ’s rule and reign, which brings joy to the world, even now.

Just as the carol speaks to a joy that will be complete when Jesus returns, our joy today comes from knowing that God’s promises are true and that our hope in Him will never disappoint.

Illustration: A Winter’s Night

Consider the beauty of Christmas lights on a cold, dark winter night. The darkness makes the light shine brighter,>just as God’s joy shines brightest in our challenges. This is the kind of joy that carried Mary and Joseph through their arduous journey to Bethlehem,| the shepherds through their humble work, |and the wise men through their long travels.

Memorable Point: Joy in Christ sustains us, even when life is challenging, because it’s based on the hope of God’s unchanging promises.

4. The Joy of Serving Others

One beautiful aspect of the joy we find in Christ is that it leads us to serve others. When we’re filled with God’s joy, it naturally overflows, and we want to share it with others. Jesus came not to be served but to serve, and He calls us to do the same.

Acts 20:35 (NLT) says, “You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Serving others can bring great joy. When we give, we reflect the heart of God, who gave us His Son. Joy often grows in us as we turn our focus from our own needs to meeting the needs of others.

Illustration: A Fountain That Keeps Flowing

Imagine a beautiful fountain in the center of a garden. Its water doesn’t run out because it is fed by an underground spring, constantly replenishing it. Even in the heat of summer or during dry seasons, the fountain continues to flow because its source is deeper than what is visible.

This is how God’s joy works in our lives. Unlike happiness, which depends on circumstances, joy flows from a deeper source—the presence of Christ in us. Jesus said in John 15:11 (NLT), “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” When we stay connected to Jesus, like the fountain to the spring, His joy becomes a constant, daily presence in our lives.

Object Lesson: A Cup Overflowing with Water

Take a clear glass and begin to pour water into it. Once the glass is full, keep pouring, allowing the water to overflow.

Explain that the glass represents our lives, and the water represents the joy of the Lord. When we stay connected to Jesus, our joy doesn’t just fill us—it overflows into the lives of others. Psalm 23:5 (NLT) says, “My cup overflows with blessings.”

Living in joy daily means allowing God’s love and promises to fill us so completely that our joy spills over into our interactions with others. This overflowing joy can encourage, uplift, and inspire those around us.

Key Takeaway: Joy is a gift from God that fills us and blesses others. When we live in joy daily, we reflect the light of Christ and share His love with the world.

Memorable Point: True joy grows as we serve others, reflecting the heart of Jesus.

Application –  Cultivating Joy in Our Everyday Lives

So, how do we cultivate this joy? Joy isn’t something we can “will” ourselves into feeling; it’s a gift we receive from God, and it requires intentional choices to grow.

Here are practical steps we can take to cultivate and grow joy:

1. Spend Time in God’s Presence: As Psalm 16:11 reminds us, joy is found in God’s presence. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Set aside time daily to pray, worship, and meditate on His Word. It’s in these moments that we experience His peace and joy.
2. Practice Gratitude: Gratitude is like a doorway to joy. By focusing on God’s blessings, we shift our perspective and allow joy to take root. Daily, write down three things you’re thankful for, even if they’re small.
3. Choose Joy in Trials: When challenges come, remember James 1:2-3. Ask God to help you see these trials as opportunities for growth, and trust that He’s working in the situation.
4. Share Your Joy with Others: Joy grows as we share it. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or spending time with loved ones, share the joy God has given you.

Illustration: The Christmas Tree

One tradition that brings joy to many is decorating the Christmas tree. Each ornament tells a story, and the tree itself becomes a reminder of past Christmases and good memories. In the same way, as we decorate our “spiritual tree” with gratitude, service, and faith, our lives become a reflection of God’s joy and light to others.

Memorable Point: Joy grows as we cultivate gratitude, faith, and time with God, filling our hearts and blessing those around us.

A Practical Application: Living in Joy This Advent Season (Summarize)

As we move through Advent, let’s be intentional about carrying the joy of Christ with us each day. Here are three ways to apply what we’ve learned:

1. Joy in Worship: Make time each day to worship. Whether it’s through song, prayer, or quiet reflection, worship draws us close to God and fills us with joy.
2. Joy in Giving: Find one way this week to serve someone else. It could be as simple as writing an encouraging note or as big as volunteering. Let your joy be contagious.
3. Joy in Reflection: Take time to reflect on the promises of God. Remember the hope and joy we have because of Jesus, and let that joy be your strength each day.

Conclusion: Rejoicing in the Good News of Jesus

As we light the Candle of Joy, let’s remember that the joy Jesus brings is not temporary or based on what’s happening around us. It’s a joy rooted in the knowledge that God is with us, that He loves us, and that our future is secure in Him.

This Advent, let’s carry the joy of Jesus with us, reflecting His light and love to a world that desperately needs it. Let’s celebrate the incredible gift of joy we have in knowing Christ, the One who brings “good news of great joy for all people.”

Takeaway for the Week:

This week, meditate on Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT): “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Let this verse remind you that God’s joy is a strength that upholds us in every season. Carry this joy with you, and let it be your anchor as you live out the good news of Jesus’ coming.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the joy that we find in You. Help us to live out this joy every day, regardless of our circumstances. May Your joy be our strength, filling us with hope and peace. Let our joy be a light that draws others to You, as we live as Your people in a world in need of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next week is the fourth Sunday of Advent, and our focus will be; “Living In Love Daily.”  Please invest time in reading 1 John 4:9-10 in preparation for the message.