ADVENT: Joy
CHRISTMAS 2023 • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before you as they rejoice at harvest time and as they rejoice when dividing spoils.
INTRO—
INTRO—
[[VID: Lighting of 2nd Advent candle]]
[Lighting our Advent candles.]
ADVENT:
Isaiah 40:1–2 ““Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and announce to her that her time of hard service is over, her iniquity has been pardoned, and she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.”” [U=v. 1]
Luke 2:36–38 “There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and was a widow for eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” [U=v. 38]
Comfort…Redemption…Consolation…brings JOY!
Joy is glee; jubilation; cheerfulness.
Joy is also…gladness; delight
[Like warm hugs to Olaf!!]
GREAT JOY
GREAT JOY
ISAIAH [Isaiah 9.2-7; c. 700 years before the first Christmas Day]
Isaiah 9:6–7 “For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.”
The One who brings a comforting joy is…the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace!
Isaiah 9:2–3 “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before you as they rejoice at harvest time and as they rejoice when dividing spoils.”
Walking in light instead of darkness is…a really, really good thing! Increased joy…rejoicing, rejoicing!!!
Do we rejoice at the simple, awesome goodness and greatness of our LORD??
ANGELS & SHEPHERDS [Luke 2.8-14, 20; the same night as the first Christmas Day]
Luke 2:8 “In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.”
Luke 2:13 “Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:”
Angels are sent to Shepherds!!! [Think about that.]
Luke 2:10–11 “But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!”
Luke 2:20 “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.”
The Good News (Gospel) brings great joy—exciting enthusiasm AND comforting consolation.
The ANGELS loudly sang for joy!
The SHEPHERDS ran (?; skipped…bounded…) back home excitedly telling everyone they ‘ran’ into!
CONCL—
CONCL—
Philippians 4:2–7 “I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
INVITATION:
Salvation
Joy
Strength
But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.