Most of the time we settle for happiness when Joy is being offered. Happiness is circumstantial and depends on things going the way we expected. Joy is deeper and certainly longer lasting. Joy understands the ups and downs of life because its focused on the destination and know that trials and troubles are a necessary part of life's adventure. When we gather to sing "Joy to the World" it is profound recognition of this deeper purpose in life, it is an attention grabber that despite all the hardships that still exist, there is a purpose more wonderful than we might realize.
This Sunday we take a passage from John 16. Jesus' disciples are very concerned about the direction Jesus is taking toward Jerusalem. They fear for their lives and for the future. Jesus speaks to them of true joy, the way a mother gives birth to a child. There will always be moments of great pain in life, he says, but true joy will be realized in overcoming it.
Happiness happens, but Joy is Genuine!
Sermon Audio: Advent Joy 12.16.12L Advent Joy 12.16.12E Sermon Notes: Sermon Notes 12.15.12 JoyEmail Subscription: