Every year the theme for the Third Sunday in Advent is Joy
This is the Time of Year to Sing and Rejoice Zephaniah 3:14-18
This is a season for fun and enjoyment Our seasonal greetings Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Happy Holidays! Our celebrations and gatherings
Sometimes some Christians loose sight of the joy in this season
The Christian faith and life are not meant to be austere lives of self-denial and severity With no fun With no joy
The Christian life is the celebration of life itself With the enjoyment all the good things the Creator meant for us
Sing and Rejoice! Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem! The punishment is taken away! So Don’t be afraid! For The Lord is with you!
The punishment is taken away The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.
The punishment is taken away The celebration of the season is the birth of the SAVIOR The enemies are turned back Sin Selfishness Death
So Don’t be afraid On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.
So Don’t be afraid The theme for “Gen-X” No Fear ! God’s people are strong people God’s people are involved in His work Ignite the flame to invite Invite again and again
For The Lord is with you The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
For The Lord is with you He brings His might to your life He not only loves you – He like you – He is pleased with you He brings peace and joy to your life
So…Sing and Rejoice
Amen
And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ to eternal life. Amen