Podcasts about advent joy

ADVENT | Joy that Outlasts Struggle | Pastor Vernon Mobley, Jr. | Sunday, December 21, 2025

GOOD.GOD.GOSPEL.https://goodgodgospel.comHouse Church & Lifestage Events:https://www.churchproject.org/housech...Give to Church Project:https://www.churchproject.org/give

GOOD.GOD.GOSPEL.https://goodgodgospel.comHouse Church & Lifestage Events:https://www.churchproject.org/housech...Give to Church Project:https://www.churchproject.org/give

Today we remember Joy discovered in the coming of Jesus. We explore the Joy that was, the joy we are invited to now and the joy that is to come.

QUESTIONS:Q. (Tahi) Q. Why is the birth of Christ reason for joy?Q. (Rua) Q. How do you chose Joy, especially in suffering?Q. (Toru) Q. What do we sense the Holy Spirit speaking to us about His joy?

Matthew 2The Joy of the Magi is on display, contrasted against Herod's rage. “Son,'he said,' ye cannot in your present state understand eternity...That is what mortals misunderstand. They say of some temporal suffering, "No future bliss can make up for it," not knowing that Heaven, once attained, will work backwards and turn even that agony into a glory. And of some sinful pleasure they say "Let me have but this and I'll take the consequences": little dreaming how damnation will spread back and back into their past and contaminate the pleasure of the sin. Both processes begin even before death. The good man's past begins to change so that his forgiven sins and remembered sorrows take on the quality of Heaven: the bad man's past already conforms to his badness and is filled only with dreariness. And that is why...the Blessed will say "We have never lived anywhere except in Heaven, : and the Lost, "We were always in Hell." And both will speak truly.” C.S. Lewis, The Great DivorceArt Study: “The Adoration of the Magi” by Peter Paul Rubens1st - LINK2nd - LINK

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This Sunday, we continue our Advent series focusing on joy, and it's fitting, since “joy" is one of the first words used to announce Jesus' birth: “I bring you good news of great joy.” A multitude of angels praised God, reminding us that true joy doesn't depend on circumstances but on God's presence, promises, and character. Even when life feels uncertain or difficult, joy is rooted in who God is and what He has done for us through Christ. True to form, God brings this message in a way that no one expects. The shepherds were ordinary, overlooked people, yet they were the first to hear the angels' announcement, showing that God's joy is for everyone. Jesus said in John 15:11, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” This joy grows as we abide in His love, obey His commands, and trust His guidance. Even in hardships and heartache, Paul reminds us that God's love poured into our hearts produces hope that does not disappoint. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, I want to encourage you to anchor your joy not in the lights, gifts, or celebrations, but in the unchanging love of God made visible in the baby Jesus. Obedience to His word and remaining in His love are not burdens; they are the paths to experiencing His joy fully. Henri Nouwen beautifully reminds us, “Joy is the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved.” This week, let that truth guide your hearts and your steps. Let God's deep, steady, unshakeable joy fill you, and may you share it freely with those around you.

Join us each week for a brief encouraging word from Pastor Roger Hirth or one of our associate pastors.

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Todd Cullen preaches on Philippians 2:1-1112/14/2025Support the show

In this episode of Echoes Through Eternity, Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner explores the theme of joy during the Advent season, particularly in the context of current societal challenges. He reflects on the biblical text from Zephaniah, emphasizing that true joy is rooted in God's presence amidst chaos and is not a denial of pain but a strength that comes from trust in God. The conversation highlights the transformative power of joy, which leads to restoration and hope, even in the face of brokenness.

1. TRUE JOY STARTS WITH WHO GOD IS, NOT HOW LIFE FEELS Mary's theology creates her joy Mary's joy is not rooted in what she understands, but in who God is Mary's joy comes from God's initiating grace Mary's joy is rooted in God's unchanging character Mary's joy foreshadows the joy of all believers Mary's joy points to Jesus 2. TRUE JOY GROWS WHEN WE SEE GOD REVERSING WHAT THE WORLD BUILDS 3. TRUE JOY RESTS ON GOD'S UNBREAKABLE PROMISE   Where do we find joy right now? Let's rejoice when life feels small — because God sees you! Let's rejoice when life feels reversed — because God is working in the hidden places Let's rejoice when the future feels uncertain — because God's promises are not

Pastor Mike Nafziger  Sermon: Joy  Passages: Luke 2:8-14, 10:17-20, Psalm 16:11, John 15:11, James 1:2-3, Romans 5:3, Acts 5:41, Matthew 5:9-12 & Exodus 15:1-2 & 15:17-18  Series: Advent 2025  December 14, 2025

Advent 2025. Sermon by Dana Ergenbright. Luke 1:44-45 - "As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

“Joy to the World” is one of the most familiar songs of the season, but its origins—and its message—might surprise you. This week Josh takes a fresh look at what it means for God to "set the world right," and how that hope meets us in unexpected places, through unlikely people. From ancient texts about startled shepherds to our own lives today, this teaching explores a vision of judgment, justice, and joy that stretches wider than we often imagine.⛪️ To learn more about who we are and what we do, visit https://gracepointe.net/about-us

Advent // Joy The word for Joy is the Greek word “Chara - Khar-ah,” meaning calm delight or cheerfulness, or “Chairo - Khah-ee-ro,” meaning to be calmly happy or well-off. Philippians 4:4 (KJV)"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice." Matthew 2:1-18 (NLT)“Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.' King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, ‘Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?' ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,' they said, ‘for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.' Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, ‘Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!' After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,' the angel said. ‘Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.' That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod's death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: ‘I called my Son out of Egypt.' Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men's report of the star's first appearance. Herod's brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: a cry was heard in Ramah—weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.”      On a day when we announce good news of great joy. It doesn't sound very joyful…It is because of the Nature of this Joy.This is a Joy that is Stronger and Deeper than our Sorrows; A Joy that Cannot be Quenched by the Tragedies of Life; A Joy that can Sustain those who Suffer Great Loss.A Joy that Shines in the Darkness... Whatever the circumstances of our world and our lives, the message given to Joseph by the angel is true, and it's a message of joy—“Give him the name Jesus, because He will save His People from Their sins.” The Joy of Christmas is not just the Joy of personal salvation; it's the Joy of being part of something bigger, grander, and greater—it's the Joy of being able to participate in and cooperate with Christ in the coming and establishing of God's kingdom. It's in our coming together, it's in our unity of heart and purpose, it's in our giving and serving, it's in our intentionality in the midst of our community.It's the Joy of living out of all that we are blessed with to be a blessing to others.It's the Joy of being a participant in the message of salvation to the world. Joy to the World

Listen to this week's sermon with guest speaker Chad Wenger as he engages the third theme of Advent: Joy.

CHRISTMAS AT KENSINGTON: https://www.kensingtonchurch.org/christmas Come & See | Dec 23-24 A star illuminated the way thousands of years ago – and it still shines as an invitation today. An invitation reaching into the shadows, crossing margins and tracks,leaping over every boundary we draw on this earth – reaching all the way to you and to me. The invitation to Come & See. Come and see the newborn Jesus. Come and see the way of Jesus. Come and see the kingdom of Jesus. This is your invitation to come and see! Bring along family and friends and make sure to RSVP so we can save you a seat!

Pastor Mike Overstreet continues our Advent season as we prepare for the arrival of Jesus on Christmas!

Isaiah 35v1-10 and Luke 1v46-55 with Phil Hughes

How can joy be more than a just feeling of gladness? When we understand joy more fully through the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we begin to experience resilient joy that can coexist with any feeling.   Taught by Ryan Doucet

It's Week 3 of Advent: Joy. We explore Zechariah's song in Luke 1 as a means to understanding the path of Joy that the Christmas story lays out for us. Zechariah's own darkness and uncertainty left him waiting for a breakthrough. As we each wait in our own way, today is a reminder that joy is available to us in both great times and in dark times: sometimes it just takes the right bait to get us to reach for it.

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Pastor Josh Hall is the Lead Pastor of Ocean Church, located in Estero, FL.Ocean Church exists to partner with the work of God in people's lives.To stay connected to Ocean Church:Website: https://bit.ly/2vx8M2oOcean Church Facebook: https://bit.ly/2IXUsTqOcean Church Instagram: https://bit.ly/2vx8x7u

Pastor Jason continues our season of advent with a message on joy from 2 Corinthians 7:2-9.

Advent: JoyDave Goffeney | December 14, 2025Redemption Tucson Church

In the third week of Advent, we look at how the Gospel is a living hope that produces lasting joy.

Advent: Joy // Pastor Steven GibbsStonecreek Church

This week, Adam explores Christian joy through Psalm 126, showing that true joy is not constant cheerfulness but a deep, God-rooted contentment that can coexist with suffering and longing. Drawing on the Advent tension of the “Already and Not Yet,” it invites believers to cultivate joy by remembering and celebrating what God has already done, while honestly lamenting and praying for what God has not yet made whole. Ultimately, joy is presented as a fruit of the Spirit that grows as we intentionally live between gratitude for God's past faithfulness and hopeful trust in his future restoration.Support the show

Jesus is our joy— not because life is easy, but because God has come near.

Welcome to the third week of our Advent Meditation Journey. If you're longing for a more meaningful Advent season, this meditation invites you to pause and reflect on the deeper joy that often hides beneath the noise and hustle of December. Each week, we focus on a different theme—Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love—and today we turn our attention to joy. Joy is more than a fleeting feeling—it's rooted in what we love and how we live. This short reflection will guide you to consider the longings that shape your joy and help you notice where God may be meeting you right now. So take a few moments, find a quiet space, and let yourself be still. Wherever you are, however you are, know that God welcomes you here. Let's begin. We at the Thrive Center wish you a season filled with the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ. To receive all four meditations, visit  https://thethrivecenter.org/ and sign up for our newsletter  Check out our blog - Third Sunday of Advent: Joy. https://thethrivecenter.org/third-sunday-of-advent-joy/ About the Thrive Center Learn more at thethrivecenter.org. Follow us on Instagram @thrivecenter Follow us on X @thrivecenter Follow us on LinkedIn @thethrivecenter   About Dr. Pam King Dr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.  Follow her @drpamking.   About With & For Host: Pam King Senior Director and Producer: Jill Westbrook Operations Manager: Lauren Kim Social Media Graphic Designer: Wren Juergensen Special thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.

An look at the joy found in the person of Jesus, regardless of circumstances.

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Because Christ has come, we should rejoice.In the third week of Advent, we consider the prophecy of Isaiah 9:1-7. In light of Christ's coming, Christians should be a people of profound joy!

This message is a beautiful, Spirit-led reminder that joy doesn't wait for things to be tidy. Through Scripture, story, and raw honesty, Pastor David and Tina invite us to see that the miracle of Jesus' birth—and the miracles in our own lives—don't show up after the mess. They come right in the middle of it.In Mary's unplanned pregnancy, in the shepherds' fear, in the brokenness of a weary world—God arrives. And He's still arriving. This message helps us see joy not as a feeling we manufacture, but as the fruit of staying close to Jesus—especially when life feels hardest.With crocus flowers blooming before the spring rains, and tear-streaked prayers met with mercy, we're reminded that God is not waiting on us to clean things up. He's already working—right here, right now.This message explores joy that's possible in the tension of Advent:• Joy through holding the hand of the Helper• Joy through beholding beauty in the broken• Joy through confidence in God's promises• Joy through rest in His sufficiencyThe joy we're aching for is not found in perfect peace—but in a perfect Savior.Jesus is here. The miracle is already in motion.

Isaiah 35

Pastor Boyd Bettis preaches on the Advent of Joy using Luke 2:4-11 and Habakkuk 3:17-19.

Tune in as Pastor Josh Boyer continues our Advent series, "Oh Come Let Us Adore Him," with an encouraging message about Joy.

The post Advent: Joy appeared first on Redemption's Hill Church.

During this Advent season, we've paused our study of the Gospel of Mark to reflect on the profound truths of Christ's coming. Two weeks ago, we explored the hope of resurrection from Mark 12, and last week, we looked at the peace we find in Christ. These are not basic, mundane truths; we benefit when we remember who our God is and rekindle our passion for Christ's gospel. In Christ, we have perfect reconciliation with God and complete righteousness before the Father. As Christmas approaches, let's focus on these magnificent realities, resting and rejoicing in our hearts. Joy is our theme this third Sunday of Advent. The angels announced good news of great joy for all people at Jesus' birth, and we will explore how to cultivate joy as the Spirit's fruit, mainly from John 15:1-11. We will explain the Christian's joy, distinguishing it from mere happiness, and see how joy is commanded by God, endures through sorrow, flows from God Himself, and grows as we abide in Christ—trusting in Him. Abiding in Christ nurtures the fruit of joy, because our joy comes from Jesus' own joy, transforming even our hardships into reasons for rejoicing. I. Joy & Happiness Overlap But Are Not the Same - (Jeremiah 33:11, Proverbs 23:24-25, Proverbs 27:9) II. Joy & Rejoicing Are Commanded By God - (Rom. 12:15; Phil 3:1; 4:4; 1 Thess. 5:16) III. Joy Can Still Be Present In Sorrow - (Habakkuk 3:17-18, 2 Corinthians 6:9-10) IV. True Joy Is In God & From God - (John 15:11, Isaiah 42:1) V. Joy Is A Fruit That Grows As We Cultivate it - (John 15:1-11)

Rose leads us in a discussion of Joy as we continue our celebration of Advent

With six kids, busy schedules, and long to-do lists, Deacon Jason and Rachel Bulman understand what it means to try and slow down in the Advent season, and how even best laid plans to slow down are often thwarted. In today's episode, they share how Jesus actually finds us in that chaotic family life, is present to us, and shows us his tenderness and brings joy even when we feel like everything is moving too fast. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)