As we continue our Advent journey through hope, peace, and love, this message confronts a foundational question: Is God truly who He says He is? Scripture reveals that these Advent themes are not merely virtues we strive for, but attributes of God Himself—fruits of the Spirit produced in us as He imparts His life within us.

This sermon focuses on joy—not fleeting happiness, but the complete, enduring joy Jesus promises in John 15. A joy rooted in love, obedience, and relationship. A joy that is not self-generated, but received. And most importantly, a joy that is not meant to be experienced alone.

From the angels’ proclamation in Luke 2 to Paul’s letters and the prophetic vision of Isaiah, Scripture consistently presents joy as communal before it is individual—sung together, shared together, celebrated together. Jesus’ joy is for all people, deeply inclusive, and fully realized in shared faith, shared life, shared encouragement, and shared salvation.

This message challenges the modern pursuit of isolated happiness and reframes joy as a divine system for unity—where “my joy” becomes “our joy.” Ultimately, we see a picture of embodied joy: God rejoicing over His people with singing, while His people respond in worship and praise.

If you’ve ever felt joy fall short when experienced alone, this message invites you to rediscover the joy of Jesus—complete, enduring, and alive in community.