Message: “Waiting with Joy” from Matt Nelson

ADVENT Waiting with Joy 12.12.21 Advent is like a prison cell in which one waits, hopes and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside – Dietrich Bonhoeffer Happiness tries to mask your circumstances and joy sustains you through your circumstances. The deep roots of joy: Contentment Gratitude Simplicity Suffering Hope Psalm 137:1-4 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept
    when we remembered Zion.
2 There on the poplars
    we hung our harps,
3 for there our captors asked us for songs,
    our tormentors demanded songs of joy;
    they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” 4 How can we sing the songs of the Lord
    while in a foreign land? Faith doesn’t wait until the story is resolved. Faith sings in the waiting. Luke 1:46-55 46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.” Have you hung up your harp on the poplars or will you sing?

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From Series: "Advent: Waiting"

Advent is something we celebrate and anticipate. Christ has burst into our world and ushered in His kingdom through His incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. And yet, we also wait in eager expectation for Christ to return once again and make all things new. Join us this Advent season as we focus the themes of celebration and anticipation - hope, peace, joy, and love.