Day 2529 – Third Week of Advent – Living in Joy, Daily – 61:1-3

Welcome to Day 2529 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2529 – Third Week of Advent – Living in Joy, Daily Putnam Church Message – 12/15/2024 Living in Joy, Daily Last week was the second Sunday of Advent, and our focus was “Living in peace, Daily. We were encouraged by the promise from Isaiah 26:3 (NLT): “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” This is a reminder of the peace that is found only in Christ, who calms our hearts and directs our steps each day. This week is the Third Sunday of Advent: “The Candle of Joy” in a message titled “Living in Joy, Daily.” As mentioned previously, during the weeks of Advent, I want to slow life down a bit so we can truly take time to reflect on the purpose of the Advent season. I will also tie in some Christmas traditions in each message so we can reflect on the meaning of some traditions we practice during this blessed time. Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You this Advent season to prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior. Today, as we reflect on the joy that Christ brings into our lives, we ask that You fill us with that unshakable joy that is found only in Your presence. Help us understand the depth of joy You give and to carry it into our daily lives as a testament of Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen. Introduction: The Season of Joy The third Sunday of Advent is about joy, a word we often associate with Christmas. When we think of joy, we might picture laughter, excitement, or the delight of receiving something we’ve longed for. But the joy we focus on today, the joy we celebrate in Advent, is much deeper than any temporary happiness. Luke 2:10 (NLT) records the angel’s announcement to the shepherds: “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” This joy wasn’t just for a few; it was for everyone. And it’s not fleeting. The joy of Christ’s coming brings a lasting sense of peace, security, and hope—because God is with us. Today, we’ll explore what it means to “Experience True Joy in Jesus,” a joy that stays with us regardless of life’s ups and downs. The Source of True Joy (Bulletin – 4 Aspects of Joy) Let’s start by looking at the source of this joy. In the Bible, joy is always connected to God’s presence and His promises. The joy of the Lord is not based on external circumstances but on a relationship with Him. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), meaning it’s something God plants and grows within us as we walk with Him. Christmas Tradition: The Advent Wreath and the Candle of Joy The Advent wreath is a beloved Christmas tradition that symbolizes the journey toward the birth of Christ. The pink candle, also known as the “Shepherd’s Candle” or the “Candle of Joy,” is lit on the third Sunday of Advent. It reflects the joy of the shepherds who heard the angel’s announcement of Jesus’s birth in Luke 2:10 (NLT): “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” The pink color stands out against the other candles, symbolizing the joyful...