Affirmation In Joy

Advent Series: Promises Fulfilled

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Scripture Reading: Zeph 3:14-20   Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!  For the Lord will remove his hand of judgment and will disperse the armies of your enemy. And the Lord himself, the King of Israel, will live among you! At last your troubles will be over, and you will never again fear disaster. On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, "Cheer up, Zion! Don't be afraid!  For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." "I will gather you who mourn for the appointed festivals; you will be disgraced no more. And I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you. I will save the weak and helpless ones; I will bring together those who were chased away. I will give glory and fame to my former exiles, wherever they have been mocked and shamed. On that day I will gather you together and bring you home again. I will give you a good name, a name of distinction, among all the nations of the earth, as I restore your fortunes before their very eyes.  I, the Lord, have spoken!"

Sermon Text: Isaiah 12:2-6   “See, God has come to save me.  I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory." With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!  In that wonderful day you will sing: "Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world.  Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy!  For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you." 

1- What are God’s Promises In the Texts? 

     Zeph 3:14-20 

     Isaiah 12:2-6 

2- How Are You Affirmed In This       

     Message of Joy?

     Receiving the Joy 

     Transformed by Joy

3- How Will You Incorporate Joy Into

    Your Life, Advent & Beyond? 

     Being the Joy 

     Sharing the joy
 

Questions for Reflection:

Who are the most joyful people in your life? Why?

Do you suppose others experience you as a person of joy? In what ways?

What will you do during Advent to receive and share God’s joy?

Willing to make those permanent?

Study Guide