Advent – week 3 – “JOY” – Dec. 13 – 19, 2020
Joy Is A Gift From God
Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, who resides in the heart of the believer, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22, 23 NRSV). Since God is the author of all these good things, when one becomes a Christian, and is united to God through faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit imparts these qualities to the believer. Joy is also an integral part of the Kingdom of God and will exist wherever believers are present, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17 ESV).
Suggestion: Sing your hearts out with Christmas Carols – celebrate the season.
Isaiah 12:6 – Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”
Monday, December 14, 2020
Suggestion: Watch your words when dealing with people and situations. Make them sweet – you might have to eat them. To bring joy to others, remind them of a time that brought them joy. Think of ways to make joy contagious.
Proverbs 15:23– ESV To make an apt answer is a joy to anyone, and a word in season, how good it is!
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Suggestion: you may not be able to visit face-to-face, but connecting with people is important. Pick up the phone / message / write an email of checking in and expressing thanks for having this person in your life.
2 John 1:12 – I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Suggestion: Answered prayer brings joy, but you can’t have answered prayer if you don’t pray. And you won’t pray as much if you don’t have a prayer time! Making time to pray is key to making room for joy!
JOHN 16:24– Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (ESV)
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Suggestion: Surprise someone by making an unexpected phone call, a check in to see how they are (isolated / lonely / lonesome / grieving). Maybe drop off some fresh home baking, a special “thinking of you” gift of candy or flowers or a book.
Romans 15:13- “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Friday, December 18, 2020
Suggestion: choose what you read / watch / listen to, with care. We can reinforce our strength by reading / watching and listening to the words / thoughts / music and art of others. Eg. “Joy is Strength” – – Mother Teresa
Philippians 4:4- “Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say: Rejoice!”
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Nehemiah 8:10 – Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
J – Jesus, the reason for the season we are celebrating
O – Overflowing – with all of the spiritual gifts that you have been granted
Y – Yield – this Advent season is a difficult season for many – stressful,
depressing, financially testing, lonely and has few reasons to celebrate. We
all need to support each other through this time, by connecting, by giving
thanks for what we have and by observing protocols.