Advent Devotional: WEEK THREE
Introduction:
Joy is a word often associated with the Advent season. It’s in the title of one of the most popular Christmas Carols, “Joy to the World”. How often have you heard this song this month? On the radio? (Does anyone still listen to the radio?) In the background at the retail shop, the grocery store, or even on the playlist of your favorite streaming service?
The question before us is an old question, isn’t it? It can be summed up by asking,
“To be joyful, or not to be joyful?”
But what is joy?
Joy is often confused with happiness, but they are distinct emotions. Happiness is fleeting and dependent on external circumstances, while joy is a deep-seated, enduring state of contentment and well-being that can even overlook the current circumstances. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a source of strength and resilience.
Joy sometimes comes when one is in a difficult day. Consider Hebrews 12:2, “Who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross.” Joy can even be something we aim at because we know its apprehension is worth enduring the hardship.
Joy is not the absence of suffering or hardship, but rather the ability to find meaning and purpose even in the midst of challenges.
This week we will meditate on the subject of Joy.
- How to get joy
- How to be joyful
- How to give joyfully
That is an important subject, isn’t it?
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Question: Who is the Prince of Peace
Answer: The Prince of Peace is Christ the Lord.
– Isaiah 9:6-7
There are many helpful disciplines to develop in your life. One of them is to discipline yourself in the practice of reflecting on a recent sermon you’ve heard. We archive our Sunday morning services at www.sermonaudio.com/thebridge for a few reasons. One of those is to give you a place to relisten to a sermon to reflect upon the word of God. What are your thoughts on the sermon by John Martinez this morning? If you took notes, take a moment and remember a few important thoughts you wrote down.
Read: Isaiah 9:6-7
Monday, December 16, 2024
Joy is a profound sense of inner peace and delight that springs from a relationship with God. It is not the absence of suffering or hardship, but rather the ability to find meaning and purpose even in the midst of challenges. As in the introduction to this week’s Advent Devotional, Hebrews 12:2 reminds us, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Look unto Jesus. Consider and meditate on a few words.
- What joy was set before Him?
- What did He endure for you?
- What shame did He go through on the cross?
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
In the Spring (which is months away) I cultivate the soil in my garden, meaning I have to do some things. I have to work, prepare, add, remove, and correct the soil. Generally speaking, I put effort into improving the soil.
Do you put any effort into cultivating a relationship with God?
What are you currently doing to cultivate a joyful relationship with God? Do you have a discipline of prayer, worship, and Bible study? Is it possible joy is missing in your life because you don’t see the need to cultivate a relationship with God?
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Here are a few things to meditate upon throughout the day concerning the discipline of joy.
Practice Gratitude: Recognizing and appreciating the blessings in our lives, both big and small, cultivates a grateful heart and opens the door to joy.
Serve Others: Giving of ourselves to others through acts of service and kindness brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment that contributes to lasting joy.
Forgive Others: Harboring resentment and bitterness hinders joy. Choosing to forgive others frees us from negativity and allows joy to flourish.
Join others today at 2 PM, 5:30 PM, or 7 PM to pray for our church and our community in the Thanksgiving Room of Eastside Baptist Church.
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Consider Habakkuk 3:18
Joy is not a constant state, and there will be times, like the phases of the moon when it waxes and wanes. However, we can cultivate and sustain a joyful heart that endures through all seasons of life. May we all find and keep the joy that comes from knowing and serving God.
Friday, December 20, 2024
Sing or read: Joy To The World
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Prepare for the Lord’s Day Gathering. Don’t forget, last week David invited all of us to wear something with purple in it. Throughout the Bible, purple is deeply symbolic. In the context of Advent, this symbolism extends to the arrival of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. This is a visual reminder of the nature of Christ’s birth and the reverence we share in His anticipated return.
The catechism question for Sunday, December 22, is…
Question: Who told the shepherds where Jesus was born?
Answer: An angel of the LORD told the shepherds where Jesus was born.
– Luke 2:11-12
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Plan to attend at least two (if not all) of the following opportunities to gather with each other today.
9:15 AM: Sunday School
10:30 AM: Morning Worship
5:30 PM: Christmas Carolling at the Twin Falls City Commons on Main St.
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