Dec 22, 2013
Advent—The Great Joy of the Gospel
Luke 1:39-45; 2:8-14
There is an undeniable connection between God’s presence and true joy.
“You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest . . .” Isaiah 9:3
In Need of Joy . . .
Without Christ there is no hope, and without hope there is no joy.
The things of this world will never produce joy.
The Joy of His Presence . . .
The advent of Jesus was God’s gift of great joy. (Luke 1:39-45; 2:8-14)
o Where Christ is not present, there is no joy. (Isaiah 9:1-3)
o Where Christ is present, there is overwhelming joy. (Matthew 2:10)
The indwelling presence of Christ is the source of all joy. (Psalm 16:11; 37:4)
o Inexplicable joy is experienced when we are delighting and finding pleasure in Christ.
o All satisfying joy eludes us when we pursue the “lesser joys” of life.
o Sustaining joy is present even in times of sorrow. (2 Corinthians 6:10; John 16:16-22)
God’s Invitation to You . . .
God invites all, through His Son Jesus, to know the joy of His salvation.
o Without Christ, all is not right.
o In Christ, all is made right.