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Advent Journey

Week 3: Sustained by Joy: Advent with Jesus

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” Hebrews 12:1-3 

The Letter to the Hebrews in the Bible was written anonymously, so we don’t know who to thank for these precious words. Whoever it was, he was writing to a community of Christians in the first century, perhaps in Rome. They were living in a reality where life wasn’t easy. And he was writing to encourage them in their faith and in their struggles.  

The heart of his encouragement was to fix their (our) eyes on Jesus. He told them (and us) that what kept Jesus going through the sufferings and heartbreaks was the joy that was before Him. The joy of the Father. The joy of knowing that God would restore all things – that the days of evil, pain and loss were numbered. The joy of being fully loved, seen and known. The joy of God’s goodness and kindness unfolding. The joy of being a cherished son (daughter) of the King. It was joy that sustained Jesus in the midst of struggle.   

Paul explains it well for us in Romans 8:22-23. He compares our reality to that of a woman in childbirth. Childbirth is painful, often very painful, but the pain doesn’t compare to the joy of what is to come; that’s why a mother endures. Perhaps that is, in part, why Jesus entered humanity as a baby. To show us that even in the midst of our pain there is great joy to come. So, this Christmas, remember, Jesus came not only to save you and me from our sins but also to declare that joy was coming. And that in itself brings joy to you and me today. 

Darren Young

Darren Young
President
Power to Change

Prayer

Heavenly Father, during this Advent journey, we turn our gaze to Jesus. Strengthen us, we pray, to release every burden and struggle, allowing us to run this race with enduring faith. May the joy that sustained Jesus through His own challenges be a wellspring of strength and encouragement for each of us. 

Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on any struggles you may be facing. Lay them before Jesus, fixing your gaze on His unwavering love. Consider how the joy set before you can infuse strength and endurance into the midst of challenges. As you navigate your day, let the joy in Jesus be a guiding light, bringing reassurance and resilience to your heart and to your journey.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, during this Advent journey, we turn our gaze to Jesus. Strengthen us, we pray, to release every burden and struggle, allowing us to run this race with enduring faith. May the joy that sustained Jesus through His own challenges be a wellspring of strength and encouragement for each of us.  

Reflection:

Take a moment to reflect on any struggles you may be facing. Lay them before Jesus, fixing your gaze on His unwavering love. Consider how the joy set before you can infuse strength and endurance into the midst of challenges. As you navigate your day, let the joy in Jesus be a guiding light, bringing reassurance and resilience to your heart and to your journey. 

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