Today is the next to last sermon on the advent candle and the purpose the only one that needs to be lit after today is the white which we will not on Christmas Eve which represents the birth of Jesus.  Today the fourth candle is representative of Joy the joy that was just proclaimed by the choir and the joy that is around the world at Christmas Time.  Just walk with me for a few minutes as we look at the joy of the Christmas story.

  1. Joy of Ordination
    1. Luke 1:26-28
    2. Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,  to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.  And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!
  2. Joy of Habitation
    1. Luke 1:43
    2. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!  But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.  Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.
  3. Joy of Proclamation
    1. Luke 2:10-11
    2. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
  4. Joy of Illumination
    1. Matthew 2:10-11
    2. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
  5. Joy of Salvation
    1. Luke 2:29-32
    2. Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation  Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.

You can download the PowerPoint presentation: Joy to the World

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