Fullness Of Joy

by Pastor Mark
November 30, 2023

Facing a world that lacks joy

This Christmas, we are facing a world that may not have much to be joyful about. Numerous countries are at war, such as Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Hamas, turmoil in Myanmar and more. The economic outlook for the world, including Singapore, is worsening as we enter 2024. We may also face personal difficulties, such as concerns over job security, health issues, ageing parents, etc. These things make it hard for us to find joy during Christmas.

The joy of Christmas

  1. Often, we see Christmas as a time of joy.
  2. There are different types of joy.
    1. Seasonal joy…it is during this festive time that joy is experienced.
    2. Secular joy…many find joy in Christmas shopping, partying, etc.
    3. Temporal joy…the problem is that these types of joy do not last and are fleeting.

The true joy of Christmas

What is the true joy of Christmas? The Lord Jesus Christ taught what true joy is.

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)

1. The gift of joy

  1. This joy does not come from ourselves.
  2. It is a gift from the Lord Jesus.
  3. It is His joy that is the true joy of Christmas.
  4. When the Lord Jesus came down to this earth on Christmas day, He came to give us joy.
  5. The Lord Jesus taught that His joy could become our joy.
  6. All of us can receive this gift of joy this Christmas.

2. Words of joy

How do we receive this gift of joy?

  1. Through listening to the words of the Lord Jesus: “These things I have spoken to you.”
  2. In John 15, the Lord Jesus taught His disciples many wonderful truths.
  3. He taught them to abide in Him, His Word and His love.
  4. These are words that are full of instruction, insight and inspiration.
  5. When we are able to learn deep lessons from the Lord’s Word, there will come a special joy.

3. A continuing and growing joy

“That My joy may remain in you,”

  1. This joy was not only given, but it also remains…it is a lasting joy.
  2. The Lord’s joy is meant to grow in us…it is not meant to remain stagnant.
  3. As we learn more of the Word of the Lord, His joy will continue to last and grow.

4. Fullness of joy

“And that your joy may be full.”

The Lord’s joy will grow until it becomes full in us. There is much joy to experience in Christ no matter what we go through in life and ministry. Let us be challenged to receive and grow the joy of the Lord Jesus in us this Christmas.

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