ADVENT - HOPE

In her sermon, Pastor Crystal delves into the biblical concept of joy as part of the Advent season. She begins by juxtaposing the secular definition of joy, which is often tied to circumstances, with its biblical meaning that is rooted in the character of God and the hope found in Jesus Christ. Drawing from the works of Kay Warren, Pastor Crystal emphasizes that joy is a settled assurance in God's control, a quiet confidence that all will ultimately be well, and a determined choice to praise God in all circumstances. She highlights that true joy is not dependent on feelings or external situations but springs from our inward trust in God and our acceptance of His good news.Referring to the story of the shepherds in the Bible, Pastor Crystal illustrates that joy transcends fear. The angel's announcement to the shepherds about the birth of Christ is steeped in transformational significance, showing that joy is meant to be shared. She urges the congregation to embrace and share this good news, reminding them that joy is a birthright for believers and an invitation to experience a deeper relationship with God. Ultimately, she challenges everyone to not let the profound truth of Christ’s birth become ‘old news’ but to recognize its continuous capacity to ignite joy in their lives and in those around them.