Joy - Advent Week Four

Sunday, Dec 11:  Luke 15:7  “I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Question to ponder:  We know we are all sinners, so what does this mean, “righteous persons who need no repentance?”

Monday, Dec 12:  Psalm 30:5  Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

Question of the day:  What does the word “morning” represent in this passage?  How does this tie into spiritual joy versus emotional joy?

Tuesday, Dec 13:  John 15:11,  “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Question of the day:  What do you think Jesus meant when he said “that your joy may be complete.”  Do we find that joy in this life?

Wednesday, Dec 14:  Romans 12:12   Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer.

Question of the day:  Perseverance is a recurring theme in the New Testament.  How does perseverance in prayer allow us to find spiritual joy?

Thursday, Dec 15:  Psalm 118:24  “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Question to ponder:  I find joy in knowing God has called me to the life I am living, for good and for bad.  God will make all things work together for good.  What are some of the good and bad things you are dealing with right now?  It is easy to be glad when things are going well, but how can you find spiritual joy in the midst of hard things in life?

Friday, Dec 16:  1 Peter 1:8-9   Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Question to ponder:   It is always easier to believe in something tangible, something you can see or touch or feel or experience.  How do you feel or experience the presence of Jesus in your life?  Where do you find God in this life?  Is the Holy Spirit a living presence within you?  How does that give you joy in the future assurance of his salvation?

Saturday, Dec 17  James 1:2  “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

Question to ponder:   How do you think Mary and Joseph felt about being the parents of Jesus?  In what ways do you think they were tested?  Do you think they questioned God’s intent for their lives in the midst of this situation?  Do you think they ever felt doubt over the ministry of Jesus?  Do you ever feel doubt?   Does the Holy Spirit help you face up to that doubt?

Advent Candle Lighting Service:

Hymn:  Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee   551 LBW

Today, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we light the Candle of Joy.  Through this week, we have been thinking about spiritual joy, and how that differs from the temporary joy we find in all the earthly things that make us happy for a moment, but which will quickly fade.  We often look to material things to bring us joy, or to other people, but the only lasting joy is when we are in the presence of our Lord and Savior, found on earth through the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.   This morning, we give you thanks and praise for coming to earth as one of us, in order to bring us the greatest gift of all, eternal life with you, and the true joy of your mercy and grace.

Let us pray.  Dearest Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing your joy to the world.  We praise and give you thanks for the light of grace and mercy you have shined upon us, and help us to shine our joy upon others, that they, too, may feel the joy of knowing you.  In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, we ask this.  Amen.