Advent of Joy

Services

Sunday - 8:30 AM, First Worship Service, 10:15 AM Second Worship Service

Dec. 22, 2024

 Pastor Ron Vining
 Luke 1:39-47, Luke 2:8-18, Hebrews 12:1-2
 Joy, Elizabeth, Mary, Gabriel, Shepherds

The sermon begins at 19:27 min into the video. The music is licensed under CCLI Copyright #2723035 and Streaming Media #22024223 licenses.

Experience the True Joy of Christmas: A Message from Pastor Ron Vining

 

This Christmas, Pastor Ron Vining invites us to discover a joy that transcends fleeting happiness – the profound and enduring joy brought by the birth of Jesus Christ. While worldly joys, like sports victories or personal achievements, fade quickly, the joy of Christ is transformative, eternal, and deeply rooted in our souls.

 

Pastor Ron illustrates this difference through powerful stories and scriptural examples. He draws parallels between the joy surrounding the birth of his own children and the immense joy experienced at Jesus' arrival. We see this joy reflected in Elizabeth's elation at Mary's visit (Luke 1:39-41), even causing the unborn John the Baptist to leap in the womb (Luke 1:43-44). The angels' proclamation to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-18) further highlights that this message of joy is for everyone, regardless of social standing.

 

More than just a feeling, the joy of Christ empowers us to:

  • Embrace a Deeper Connection: Let go of temporary happiness and embrace the lasting joy found in a relationship with Christ.
  • Share the Good News: Like the shepherds, excitedly share the transformative message of Jesus with others.
  • Live with Authentic Faith: Move beyond head knowledge to a heart belief that fuels active faith and genuine joy.
  • Find Strength in Community: Connect with the Faith community to experience and express this joy collectively.

 

This Christmas, let the joy of Jesus be your anthem. Let it resonate in your heart, be reflected in your actions, and shared with the world. As we run the race of faith, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross (Hebrews 12:1-2).1 Embrace this enduring joy, and let it transform your life. Let's go forth and share it, making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Let this joy be visible, influencing others and fulfilling Jesus' purpose of bringing abundant life.