Advent—The Joy of His Arrival

Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10 

The Announcement of Christmas Joy Was…  

Unique 

In this sense Greco-Roman philosophy was at once practical and moral.  Notably, in contrast to today’s ideas of happiness, this moral-philosophical notion of happiness does not mean merely a temporary, subjective state of mind but an overall life that is satisfied and meaningful.  This is summed up often with the Greek word eudaimonia, best translated now with the gloss, “human flourishing.” --Jonathan T. Pennington

Who are we? 

Who ought we to become?

How do we get there? 

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known. John 1:16-18

The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God. --C.S. Lewis 

The Announcement of Christmas Joy Was…   

Enduring 

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:10-11 

So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. That day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:22-24 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23 

What did Jesus have in mind when He used the word joy?  

Outward joy reflects the inner wholeness of a healthy soul.  Joy is sometimes felt as an emotion yet lies deeper.  At its foundation, it is not as much an emotion but an inner fulfillment.  It is the satisfaction that comes when my desires and actions are consistent with my most deeply held beliefs.  

The Announcement of Christmas Joy Was…   

Meant for All 

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:1-3 

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:3