Advent: Exploring Hope, Peace, Love, and JoySample

Week Four: Joy

The fourth week of Advent is the crescendo of over 90 ancient prophecies coming to fulfillment in the birth of Christ. A child has been born, and God has become man (Luke 2:4–20)! This week is about anticipation, excitement, and celebration of Christ the King—and so much more. The fourth week of Advent allows us to explore the completeness of biblical joy!

The words rejoice, joy, or joyful appear 430 times in the Bible, whereas happiness only appears 10 times. Joy embodies excitement, anticipation, and happiness, but it is also resilient and cannot be diminished by current circumstances.

It is in the uncontainable expectancy of the shepherds and the vibrant singing of a choir of angels. It is in the power given to the apostles on Pentecost and the hush of heaven as Jesus hung on the cross. It is the fulfillment of God’s plan for mankind through His Son, Jesus Christ. It is the eternal victory of the goodness of God.

And the amazing truth about joy—which is worth an eternity of celebration—is that the joy in your life is an expression of God living within you! Here are just a few categories of biblical joy:

1. Joy is God-given (Romans 15:13).
2. Joy is protected and cannot be taken from you (John 16:22).
3. Godly joy bears fruit (Galatians 5:22–23).
4. Joy comes through obedience (John 15:10–11).
5. Joy is an expression of worship (Psalm 32:11).
6. There is certain joy in salvation (Psalm 71:23).
7. Joy can be found in trials (Hebrews 12:10).

During this week of Advent, explore the different expressions of the Lord’s joy so that your joy might overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit to others (Romans 15:13).

Questions:

1. Happiness is fleeting, but joy is honed and developed. Where are you seeking happiness instead of joy?
2. When was the last time you worshipped without hesitation or control? When was your last belly laugh? Take time this week to express your love for God in celebration and gratitude! Sing out “Joy to the World” at the top of your lungs!
3. Joy is a key theme throughout the Bible. How has joy been present throughout your life? When do you feel your joy is threatened?