Advent Of Joy 12-13-20

In the 3rd week of the Advent season leading up to Christmas. This week Pastor Eric talks about the Advent of Joy. This year of pandemic, closing of businesses and schools, etc... it has been hard to have Joy or to be thankful. Joy is an essential part of the Gospel of Christ and God's love for us.

Joy is for all people. When the Angels announced the birth of Christ to the world, the Angels went to the Shepherds, who were told not to be afraid but to be joyful. Salvation is meant to bring Joy. the Apostle John wrote in his letters about Joy using phrases such as "Make Our Joy Complete" "Walk in Truth and Great Joy".

Sometimes we have Delayed Joy as written in Psalms 126. If we need Joy, we just need to seek Jesus, because Jesus and Joy are for all (John 3:16). We go out into the world that is full of troubles, but we can return with Joy. In the difficult times that Israel faced, they planted what few seeds that had in the ground with tears and sorrows, not knowing if it would produce growth, but would harvest in Great Joy. James 1states to consider it pure joy when trials and troubles come. Joy renews and restores us to the Lord through the Joy of Salvation.