This Week at Genesis | Advent Week 1 — The Joy of Christ This Sunday we hosted an Apprentice Sunday where we give opportunities to rising young leaders a chance to lead in our Sunday space, this week Judah and Tyler from Biola gave a wonderful sermon on Joy. Judah and Tyler opened our Advent season by leading us into the deep joy found in Christ. As part of our Apprentice Sunday, we created space for the youth of our church to step into their gifts, offering them the opportunity to learn, serve, and lead. Together, they guided us into the heart of Advent—beginning where Scripture begins: with good news of great joy. Rooted in Luke 2:8–14, they reminded us that joy is not grounded in circumstance but in the unchanging character of God. Joy comes from the safety, freedom, and hope found in a Savior who stepped into our world and into our story. Judah and Tyler walked us through:1. The history and meaning of Advent—a season of waiting, hope, and preparation.2. The good news of great joy—announced to shepherds and offered to all people.3. The joyful anticipation of His second coming—living in the tension of “already and not yet.” They also shared three practices that help us cultivate joy in everyday life:Walk by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16–25)Choose joy (Phil. 4:4)Suffer well (James 1:2–4) As we step into this season, we begin with joy—the kind that anchors us, strengthens us, and draws us deeper into the story of Jesus. 📖 Scripture: Luke 2:8–14; Galatians 5:16–25; Philippians 4:4; James 1:2–4✨ Themes: Joy in Christ, Advent, life in the Spirit, choosing joy, enduring through trial About Genesis Costa MesaWe are a Jesus-centered community shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God’s work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: genesiscostamesa.com