PRAYER
Loving Father,
In this season of anticipation,
we pause to remember joy—
Not just the fleeting happiness
of wrapped presents and twinkling lights,
But the deep, abiding joy
that comes from knowing You are near.
As the pink candle burns bright this week,
We confess that sometimes joy feels distant.
We carry anxious thoughts about tomorrow,
We grip tightly to what we cannot control,
We search for peace in our own strength.
Remind us, Lord, that true joy isn’t found
In perfect circumstances or careful planning,
But in Your perfect presence.
Like Mary, who rejoiced even in uncertainty,
Help us trust in Your promises.
In a world that often feels chaotic,
Thank You for being our constant.
Thank You for being the God
who doesn’t just observe from afar,
But draws near to Your people.
As we continue our Advent journey,
Open our eyes to see Your presence,
Open our hands to release our worries,
And open our hearts to receive Your joy.
For You are Emmanuel, God with us—
And that is reason enough for rejoicing.
In the name of Jesus,
who came and is coming again,
Amen.
SERMON
POINT:
POINT: Joy isn’t the
Philippians 4:4 NIV - “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”
Philippians 4:5-6 NIV - Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Isaiah 12:2 NIV
Surely, God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself,
is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love, he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.
John 3:10-14 NIV
“What should we do then?” the crowd asked.
John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”
“Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.
Then, some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”
He replied, “Don’t extort money, and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”
POINT: God’s peace is found not in tight
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
- Acknowledge each circumstance as deserving of prayer
- Articulate precise prayers
- Incorporate gratitude
- Present everything to God
Philippians 4:7 NIV
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
POINT: Joy comes not from perfect