[0.00 --> 9.76] series on words of waiting, right? Advent is about waiting, waiting in hope and holy expectation [9.76 --> 17.72] that God has, is right now, and will accomplish his good will for the world. And out of that [17.72 --> 24.04] holy expectation then is where real joy is found. If it wasn't evident enough this morning, [24.04 --> 31.66] joy is our word of waiting for us this morning. When you think of the word joy, what phrases or [31.66 --> 37.26] ideas come to mind for you? Before we even jump into like the biblical text, you think about joy [37.26 --> 42.34] and happiness. What are some of the phrases? Obviously I watched the video as well, the video [42.34 --> 46.96] that we saw at the beginning from the Bible Project, they said, they ended the video with, you know, the [46.96 --> 52.86] world tells you turn your frown upside down. It's one of the key messages, right? Don't be sad, be happy [52.86 --> 58.36] all the time. And then I googled what joy and, googled joy and happiness, and these are some of the [58.36 --> 63.48] popular quotes that came up. You'll see on the screen. The first one is, yes, turn your frown upside [63.48 --> 68.82] down, and then famous person, I don't know if you've heard of him, Walt Disney. Yeah, so he said, [68.82 --> 74.78] after the rain, the sun will reappear. There is life. After the pain, the joy will still be here. [75.60 --> 82.84] And then a more modern Christian thinker, theologian, he says, joy does not simply happen to us, [82.86 --> 88.76] we have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. That's reflective of God's people and their [88.76 --> 94.48] journey, obviously. And then, as you google, you get a whole bunch of different algorithms pop up at [94.48 --> 100.00] you, and I saw two songs that really stuck out to me. I pulled snippets, the lyrics from those, [100.12 --> 105.40] from a couple of songs. I just thought it was interesting. So the first song, hopefully some [105.40 --> 111.46] of our older generation, you recognize this song. Maybe our younger ones won't, but this is the first one. [112.86 --> 117.86] You got to turn the sound on for me. We got to enjoy the mood a little bit. [121.86 --> 126.28] Anyone want to just sing it for us? You know what song this is? Don't worry. [128.68 --> 129.90] You guys are too fast. [129.90 --> 138.90] You guys are too fast. There you go. Oh, somebody's whistling. Thanks, Joel. Wow, that was pretty impressive. [138.90 --> 146.90] I thought it was the actual... Okay, don't worry about it. We'll go on to the next one. This is one of my son's favorites, and it's... [146.90 --> 159.90] Yeah. It's Happy by Pharrell Williams. Anybody recognize this song from the lyrics? Right? Because I'm... [159.90 --> 169.36] Ah, it's such a gloomy happy. Happy. Because I'm happy. Yes, I'm very happy. Right? Nothing can bring me down. [169.36 --> 177.08] My level's too high. Can't nothing bring me down because I'm happy. Now, these popular songs and quotes are reflections, [177.80 --> 185.76] small snippets of our human existence and desires. Because deep down, all of us, every single one of us, [186.14 --> 191.60] crave joy, happiness, and pleasure. Good things for our lives, not bad things. [191.60 --> 199.02] And the same desire for joy and happiness is found as a key theme throughout the whole entire Bible. [200.00 --> 208.56] It's as if our Holy Scripture speaks about real humans with real lives, seeking what it means to love, [208.78 --> 216.10] what it means to be peaceful, what it means to be joyful, rejoicing, and what that really means. [216.10 --> 224.24] Because from the beginning, as we read from Genesis 1, God created the whole world, the whole entire universe, [224.86 --> 232.40] and then He rested, yes, but He said after each day that the creation that He made was good. [233.06 --> 237.86] It was good. It was good. And then at the very end, He said, it was very good. [237.86 --> 246.84] In other words, He, our Creator, took joy and pleasure in His beautiful, creative, diverse creation. [248.22 --> 254.16] And then part of that beautiful creation is us, human beings, made in His own image. [254.42 --> 260.82] This is a very important doctrine, very important teaching, imago Dei, that we are all made in the image of God. [260.82 --> 272.18] Why this is important is because just like God takes joy in all of creation, we, made in His image, also find real joy in creation as well. [272.52 --> 275.34] That's where I want to start before we get into our Isaiah text. [276.56 --> 279.78] A lot of the songs express different feelings. [280.48 --> 287.30] But particularly, Psalm 104 is a longer psalm that details all the beauty of creation. [287.30 --> 289.60] And then at the end, the psalmist says, [289.90 --> 291.78] I will sing to the Lord all my life. [292.30 --> 295.30] I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. [295.72 --> 303.44] May my meditation be pleasing to God as I rejoice in the Lord, as I find joy in the Lord. [304.72 --> 307.56] And thinking about what real joy looks like then, [307.92 --> 313.62] we find that source of joy in God as we read from the prophet Isaiah again. [313.62 --> 320.88] Isaiah speaks about God's people finding joy and praising Him for His sovereignty and goodness. [321.70 --> 323.48] Sovereignty, which is something we'll get into. [324.02 --> 329.22] And so if you have your Bibles with you, my Bible is just kind of filled with glitter from the table for some reason. [329.60 --> 336.42] If you have a non-shiny Bible with you, and even if it's not the God-ordained NIV version, that's okay. [337.16 --> 342.38] Whatever version you have, I encourage you to bring your Bibles and turn with me to Isaiah 55. [342.38 --> 345.86] If not, it'll be available on the screen for you. [347.78 --> 350.82] We read from verse 6 from Isaiah 55. [372.38 --> 381.82] And the Lord goes on to say, [381.82 --> 388.60] As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. [389.24 --> 396.42] As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, [396.56 --> 399.46] so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, [400.56 --> 403.48] so is my word that goes out from my mouth. [403.48 --> 411.34] It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. [412.26 --> 418.10] So then you, all my people, will go out in joy and be led forth in shalom. [418.76 --> 424.64] The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. [424.64 --> 430.52] Instead of the thorn bush will grow the juniper, and instead of briars the myrtle will grow. [430.96 --> 436.18] This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign that will endure forever. [436.74 --> 438.28] This is the word of the Lord. [439.72 --> 440.48] Thank you. [440.48 --> 452.44] From our passage this morning, I would suggest that there are two main things, two main takeaways for God's people, which is us. [453.16 --> 457.00] One, just as we heard from the video at the beginning of the service, [457.52 --> 462.84] joy is an attitude that God's people adopt, not because of happy circumstances, [463.26 --> 466.34] but because of their hope in God's love and promises. [466.34 --> 470.94] In other words, God is the foundation of real joy. [471.94 --> 473.36] That's one key takeaway. [473.92 --> 481.98] Second, we find real joy in God, our foundation, because God's word and his promises are trustworthy. [483.44 --> 486.80] When all else fail, his word doesn't. [487.44 --> 488.28] That's good news. [489.18 --> 495.98] God's word, his will, his mission, and his loving mercy is trustworthy and true. [496.82 --> 497.30] Always. [498.20 --> 499.94] So follow with me the logic here. [500.02 --> 506.02] If, therefore, God is the unshakable, reliable foundation for us, [506.34 --> 513.48] the more we are aligned to him, the more we are aligned to his will and his purposes for the world, [514.04 --> 519.32] then the more we will be able to glimpse and live in real joy, [519.94 --> 523.38] because our foundation is in him and his will. [523.38 --> 528.22] It's a full blessed cycle, if you can picture it that way. [529.08 --> 531.94] Our joy is an adopted attitude because we trust in God. [532.26 --> 536.18] And the more we trust in God and are aligned with his will, [536.42 --> 538.76] the more joy we will be able to live out. [538.96 --> 540.16] It's an ongoing thing. [540.58 --> 546.16] And so even in the hardships of life, within this blessed cycle, with God being our foundation, [546.16 --> 551.60] we can find joy and choose joy because God is with us. [552.48 --> 555.78] So with that in mind, let's walk through our passage from Isaiah [555.78 --> 559.60] and how it reflects this joyful good news for God's people. [560.40 --> 563.84] The structure of the passage that we read is actually pretty simple. [564.12 --> 565.44] It's split into three parts. [565.86 --> 571.42] First, from verses 6 to 9, it's about seeking God for forgiveness. [571.42 --> 573.24] It's about repentance. [573.90 --> 575.02] And this is very significant. [575.16 --> 576.04] This is where we start. [576.66 --> 580.54] Finding real joy starts with asking for forgiveness and repenting. [581.18 --> 585.98] Second, in verses 10 to 11, we are told, proclaimed, [586.64 --> 589.26] that God's words are reliable and effective. [590.12 --> 591.72] He is sovereign, we say. [591.82 --> 594.84] He's all-powerful and his words will never fail. [595.68 --> 597.84] And then because of these foundational things, [597.84 --> 603.90] we have this last section in our passage where we burst out with all of creation in a song of joy. [605.14 --> 606.76] So let's start from the beginning. [607.40 --> 612.74] As I mentioned, it is so significant that the beginning of finding real joy in our passage [612.74 --> 617.18] starts with repentance and seeking God for forgiveness. [618.36 --> 621.34] Against the message of looking within ourselves, [621.76 --> 623.98] maybe suppressing all sadness and gloom, [623.98 --> 627.92] and then forcing ourselves to be happy out of our own strength and logic. [628.80 --> 631.86] Isaiah, this passage, says, don't start there. [632.28 --> 634.78] You don't start with your own strength and your own wisdom, [635.20 --> 637.92] your own joyfulness, whatever you have. [638.82 --> 643.10] It starts with seeking God and seeking for forgiveness. [645.40 --> 651.04] The prophet calls the people who are thirsty and who are desperate in sadness to repent. [651.52 --> 652.26] That's verse 1. [652.26 --> 654.50] We didn't read it, but we'll read it now. [654.58 --> 656.22] At the beginning of this chapter that we read, [656.78 --> 659.72] from chapter 55, verse 1 says, [659.84 --> 661.80] Come all you who are thirsty, [662.22 --> 663.14] come to the waters, [663.62 --> 665.82] and you who have no money, come buy and eat. [666.42 --> 667.98] Come buy wine and milk, [668.58 --> 670.38] without money and without cost. [671.10 --> 672.16] This is the invitation. [672.68 --> 673.82] And then it goes on [673.82 --> 676.08] to our verse, in verse 6, [676.20 --> 676.80] where it says, [676.80 --> 678.92] seek the Lord while he may be found. [679.32 --> 681.10] Call on him while he is near. [681.72 --> 682.48] Let the wicked, [683.76 --> 684.42] that's us, [684.76 --> 686.54] let the wicked forsake their ways [686.54 --> 688.30] and the unrighteous their thoughts. [688.86 --> 690.74] Let them turn to the Lord, [691.04 --> 692.42] and he will have mercy on them. [692.66 --> 694.28] Let them turn to God, [694.58 --> 696.28] for he will abundantly forgive. [696.44 --> 698.24] I know it says freely forgive in our [698.24 --> 700.46] God-ordained NIV passage, [700.46 --> 704.10] but abundantly makes it better to understand. [704.68 --> 706.04] God always forgives. [706.28 --> 707.50] He is slow to anger, [708.00 --> 709.66] and is abounding in love, [710.04 --> 711.34] and is loving mercy. [713.46 --> 715.48] So, you might, [715.68 --> 717.48] if you didn't grow up in the church, [718.22 --> 718.96] you might be thinking, [719.06 --> 720.14] what is this guy talking about [720.14 --> 721.60] when he keeps saying repenting? [722.22 --> 722.42] Right? [722.60 --> 724.42] What does repent mean? [725.34 --> 725.56] Right? [725.74 --> 726.58] When you think of it, [726.64 --> 727.46] do you think of, [727.66 --> 729.50] like, feeling sorry and apologizing [729.50 --> 730.60] for something you did wrong? [731.32 --> 733.30] Feeling guilty and feeling bad for yourself? [734.38 --> 736.34] Being motivated to try harder, maybe? [736.50 --> 737.22] To shape up? [738.14 --> 739.10] Seeking forgiveness? [740.64 --> 741.52] Yes, like, [741.60 --> 744.36] these are parts of what it means to repent. [745.18 --> 746.46] But let's make it simpler. [746.80 --> 748.16] What does that word actually, [748.84 --> 750.58] how is that word actually defined? [751.36 --> 752.96] The word, the verb, [753.16 --> 753.98] it's an action word, [754.06 --> 754.62] to repent, [755.00 --> 758.08] is simply meaning to turn around 180 degrees. [758.08 --> 760.28] So, if you leave your house, [760.34 --> 761.70] and you forgot to take your keys, [762.08 --> 764.40] to repent is to turn around 180 degrees, [764.52 --> 765.60] to go get your keys. [765.88 --> 767.46] That's simply what that verb means. [768.48 --> 771.84] But in our biblical gospel context then, [772.76 --> 774.92] to turn 180 degrees, [775.04 --> 776.64] away from our wicked ways, [776.86 --> 778.60] and turn to the right way, [779.10 --> 780.84] means to turn to the way of God. [781.46 --> 782.58] To the way of truth, [782.94 --> 784.48] to the way of righteousness. [784.48 --> 787.66] In other words, [788.08 --> 790.90] it's to live in the way of blessing, [791.24 --> 793.10] as opposed to the way of curse, [793.88 --> 794.48] and death, [794.86 --> 795.30] and sin. [796.10 --> 799.16] This is the key theme that we will look at, [799.36 --> 802.32] as we trace that throughout the whole Bible story in the new year. [802.54 --> 803.44] That's our next series. [803.44 --> 806.52] And as mentioned, [807.12 --> 808.86] so turning to the right way, [809.04 --> 809.98] to the way of blessing, [810.88 --> 812.46] part of this repenting then, [812.94 --> 814.68] is to ask for forgiveness. [815.52 --> 815.88] Why? [817.06 --> 820.30] Because we constantly live in the way of curse, [820.48 --> 821.30] and brokenness, [821.42 --> 822.88] and we fall to our temptations, [823.00 --> 823.62] and our weaknesses, [823.82 --> 824.26] and sins. [825.22 --> 827.66] So, we seek God in repentance, [827.66 --> 829.58] so that we can turn to Him, [829.62 --> 830.44] and His ways. [830.44 --> 834.52] We confess our shortcomings, [834.74 --> 835.54] and brokenness, [835.60 --> 836.90] and seek God for forgiveness. [837.62 --> 838.14] And that's why, [838.28 --> 839.82] even as we gather for worship, [840.10 --> 840.96] our worship leaders, [841.46 --> 842.98] lead us in a prayer of confession, [843.12 --> 844.18] during our worship time. [845.32 --> 846.72] But here's the catch. [847.36 --> 847.54] Right? [848.30 --> 850.52] Yes, it is to seek forgiveness. [851.46 --> 853.10] But the main key, [854.00 --> 854.72] to repenting, [854.80 --> 855.68] is to repent, [855.94 --> 858.30] and ask God for forgiveness. [858.74 --> 859.50] That's the key. [859.50 --> 861.64] You're not just feeling sorry for yourself. [861.82 --> 862.98] You're not just feeling guilty, [862.98 --> 864.20] because you did something wrong. [864.82 --> 867.00] It is to turn to our God, [867.72 --> 869.54] and asking Him for forgiveness. [870.66 --> 871.18] Why? [872.52 --> 873.04] Because, [873.44 --> 875.34] He's the only one who can. [876.50 --> 878.44] He's the only one who can, [878.94 --> 879.72] forgive our sins. [879.90 --> 882.60] The only one who has the power to do so. [883.92 --> 885.06] And so, remember, [885.52 --> 886.90] whenever Jesus had conflicts, [886.90 --> 887.82] with the Pharisees, [887.88 --> 888.90] and the teachers of the law, [888.90 --> 891.50] these Jews had the right idea. [891.60 --> 893.02] They were asking the right question. [894.22 --> 895.54] As He was healing, [895.86 --> 896.82] He was also what? [897.60 --> 899.74] He was also forgiving people's sins. [900.22 --> 900.86] And... [900.86 --> 908.44] Who is this person [908.44 --> 910.54] that has the power to heal, [910.64 --> 911.26] for one thing, [911.40 --> 913.48] but also has the power to forgive? [913.48 --> 915.14] Who does He think He is? [915.14 --> 916.94] Does He think He's God? [918.54 --> 919.14] Yes. [919.86 --> 922.42] He is the Son of God. [922.84 --> 923.98] God in the flesh, [924.24 --> 926.60] who came to forgive all of our sins, [926.80 --> 927.78] once and for all. [927.98 --> 929.52] That's the good news. [930.22 --> 932.26] But I just want to sympathize with the Jews, [932.80 --> 935.28] because they were asking the right questions. [935.28 --> 937.90] Who is this person [937.90 --> 939.84] who is able to forgive? [940.84 --> 942.52] And this one person [942.52 --> 944.42] that is able [944.42 --> 946.36] and has the power to forgive, [947.10 --> 948.04] came in the flesh, [948.78 --> 950.18] was born in a lowly manger, [950.32 --> 950.74] as you saw, [950.84 --> 951.94] demonstrated by our kids, [952.60 --> 955.52] took up that curse of death on the cross, [955.52 --> 958.20] so that we may be forgiven our sins. [958.20 --> 961.36] That's the teaching, [961.50 --> 963.40] that's the doctrine we call atonement. [963.74 --> 964.86] That is good news. [965.14 --> 966.30] And that's the heart [966.30 --> 967.84] of the Christmas message. [968.28 --> 969.78] That's why we celebrate Christmas [969.78 --> 970.74] in the first place. [973.04 --> 974.62] And our loving Father, [974.94 --> 976.80] through the sacrifice of His own Son, [977.16 --> 978.72] and His victory over death, [979.12 --> 980.98] did all this so that [980.98 --> 982.60] we as His people [982.60 --> 984.44] may be free from slavery, [984.82 --> 985.62] from our brokenness, [985.76 --> 987.70] and that we may be able to follow Him [987.70 --> 990.12] and align more and more with Him [990.12 --> 992.20] by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. [994.12 --> 996.26] For as it says in our passage today, [997.38 --> 998.08] our thoughts, [998.82 --> 1001.14] even the smartest of us, [1001.58 --> 1003.20] cannot and is not [1003.20 --> 1005.22] perfectly similar to God's ways. [1006.88 --> 1008.04] This Arab transition, [1008.16 --> 1009.36] what I'm trying to say is that [1009.36 --> 1011.18] not any single one of us [1011.18 --> 1013.22] or a collection of the smartest [1013.22 --> 1014.84] Christians and theologians [1014.84 --> 1016.46] have the ability [1016.46 --> 1018.54] to know exactly [1018.54 --> 1020.42] what the mind and will of God is. [1020.58 --> 1021.88] We discern together. [1022.82 --> 1023.90] It's a call of humility. [1025.42 --> 1028.34] That's why God came to us. [1028.62 --> 1029.60] We didn't go to Him. [1030.74 --> 1033.22] His Holy Spirit now guides His people [1033.22 --> 1034.40] so that we can reflect [1034.40 --> 1035.52] and we can glimpse [1035.52 --> 1037.22] and we can reveal [1037.22 --> 1039.62] more and more of what real joy is, [1039.62 --> 1041.70] which is found only in Him. [1043.32 --> 1043.94] So again, [1044.44 --> 1045.26] we are desperate [1045.26 --> 1047.14] for His guidance. [1048.18 --> 1048.80] His thoughts [1048.80 --> 1050.30] are higher than our thoughts [1050.30 --> 1051.86] and His ways [1051.86 --> 1053.26] are trustworthy and reliable [1053.26 --> 1054.70] because it never fails. [1057.12 --> 1058.04] And so Isaiah then, [1058.98 --> 1059.72] now that he has [1059.72 --> 1061.08] called for trust [1061.08 --> 1062.02] of God's people [1062.02 --> 1062.88] to trust in His [1062.88 --> 1064.58] ways and His will, [1065.16 --> 1065.62] demonstrates [1065.62 --> 1067.26] or pictures for us [1067.26 --> 1068.40] in a poetic illustration [1068.40 --> 1069.48] that compares [1069.48 --> 1070.72] this word of the Lord, [1071.12 --> 1071.74] God's will, [1072.18 --> 1073.02] to rain and snow, [1073.22 --> 1074.14] which never fails [1074.14 --> 1075.30] to fall in due time. [1075.92 --> 1077.24] It's beautiful poetry here. [1078.06 --> 1078.60] Before we get [1078.60 --> 1079.34] to the beauty part, [1080.28 --> 1081.04] let's think about it [1081.04 --> 1082.02] in our modern context. [1082.14 --> 1082.62] Right now, [1083.50 --> 1084.84] it's winter, right? [1085.22 --> 1086.18] It's like saying [1086.18 --> 1087.02] you may be going through [1087.02 --> 1088.26] the most life-changing [1088.26 --> 1089.10] and difficult, [1089.56 --> 1091.14] catastrophic circumstances [1091.14 --> 1091.82] in your life, [1092.26 --> 1093.44] but the winter [1093.44 --> 1094.42] is still coming. [1095.02 --> 1096.06] It's here already. [1096.06 --> 1097.80] You can't stop that [1097.80 --> 1098.38] from happening. [1099.46 --> 1100.32] And due to that [1100.32 --> 1101.56] winter cold coming, [1101.94 --> 1103.18] it will cause change [1103.18 --> 1103.80] in your life [1103.80 --> 1105.62] to turn on the heater more, [1105.76 --> 1106.84] to wear more layers, [1107.00 --> 1107.76] and if you're like me, [1108.02 --> 1108.88] you kind of sort of [1108.88 --> 1109.52] have to stop [1109.52 --> 1110.48] drinking iced coffee, [1111.00 --> 1111.72] although I love [1111.72 --> 1112.50] my iced coffee. [1112.90 --> 1114.58] But it causes change. [1115.04 --> 1115.88] And so just like [1115.88 --> 1116.56] the winter cold [1116.56 --> 1117.32] causes change [1117.32 --> 1118.10] in our lives, [1119.28 --> 1120.22] Isaiah says, [1120.60 --> 1121.42] just like rain [1121.42 --> 1122.34] and snow falls [1122.34 --> 1123.22] and it never fails [1123.22 --> 1123.72] to fall, [1124.00 --> 1125.30] and it will water [1125.30 --> 1125.82] the earth [1125.82 --> 1126.98] and cause the earth [1126.98 --> 1128.60] to bear fruit, [1129.08 --> 1130.18] in the same way, [1130.60 --> 1131.24] God's word [1131.24 --> 1132.54] will never fail [1132.54 --> 1133.14] to fall, [1133.58 --> 1134.86] and it will never fail [1134.86 --> 1136.00] to bear the fruit [1136.00 --> 1137.60] that He has planned already. [1141.50 --> 1142.46] God's words [1142.46 --> 1143.34] are powerful. [1144.16 --> 1144.68] And I'm going to [1144.68 --> 1145.44] throw this word out [1145.44 --> 1146.10] again and again. [1146.38 --> 1147.52] God is sovereign. [1148.80 --> 1149.54] That's what we say. [1149.58 --> 1150.70] He's all-powerful. [1150.96 --> 1152.52] Everything is in His hands. [1152.52 --> 1154.38] Remember that [1154.38 --> 1155.34] at the very beginning [1155.34 --> 1156.36] when God created [1156.36 --> 1156.88] the world, [1157.38 --> 1158.32] He didn't necessarily [1158.32 --> 1159.38] make everything [1159.38 --> 1160.52] with His hands, [1160.72 --> 1161.62] whatever that looks like. [1162.22 --> 1163.14] How did He create [1163.14 --> 1163.56] the world? [1165.98 --> 1167.12] He spoke it [1167.12 --> 1167.70] into being. [1168.18 --> 1169.38] That's how powerful [1169.38 --> 1170.18] His words are. [1171.34 --> 1172.74] Doesn't need anything else. [1172.94 --> 1173.56] God just said, [1173.72 --> 1174.32] let there be light. [1175.00 --> 1176.40] He spoke the word [1176.40 --> 1177.58] into being [1177.58 --> 1178.30] out of nothing. [1178.30 --> 1179.98] And in the same [1179.98 --> 1181.00] beautiful way, [1181.76 --> 1182.12] Jesus [1182.12 --> 1184.68] came as [1184.68 --> 1185.80] the living word [1185.80 --> 1186.50] of God [1186.50 --> 1187.06] Himself [1187.06 --> 1188.62] in the flesh. [1188.94 --> 1189.50] As it says [1189.50 --> 1190.52] in the Gospel of John, [1190.66 --> 1190.84] right? [1191.28 --> 1191.94] In the beginning [1191.94 --> 1193.74] was the word, [1194.34 --> 1194.78] the logos. [1196.06 --> 1197.30] He was with God [1197.30 --> 1198.66] and He was God [1198.66 --> 1199.34] and He came [1199.34 --> 1200.26] to accomplish [1200.26 --> 1201.68] God's good will. [1202.62 --> 1204.06] It has happened. [1205.70 --> 1206.30] His word [1206.30 --> 1207.38] never fails. [1207.38 --> 1208.66] That's our Jesus. [1210.24 --> 1211.00] So I think [1211.00 --> 1211.62] I've emphasized [1211.62 --> 1212.42] God's sovereignty [1212.42 --> 1212.96] enough here. [1213.78 --> 1214.90] The other part of this, [1215.32 --> 1216.20] God is all powerful [1216.20 --> 1216.80] and sovereign [1216.80 --> 1219.06] and this God of ours, [1219.50 --> 1220.50] He's also loving. [1221.56 --> 1222.46] It's not just [1222.46 --> 1223.76] some random will [1223.76 --> 1224.32] that He's trying [1224.32 --> 1224.94] to accomplish. [1225.64 --> 1227.10] It is His loving, [1227.74 --> 1228.74] good will [1228.74 --> 1229.44] for the world [1229.44 --> 1230.26] and for us. [1232.38 --> 1233.52] That's part [1233.52 --> 1235.08] of this plan of His. [1235.50 --> 1236.86] Part of the redemption. [1237.38 --> 1238.44] is hope, [1239.12 --> 1239.72] it's peace, [1239.92 --> 1240.32] it's love [1240.32 --> 1241.40] that we'll look at next week [1241.40 --> 1243.16] and it is joy. [1243.72 --> 1244.84] It is to rejoice [1244.84 --> 1246.34] with all of creation [1246.34 --> 1247.42] and with our Maker. [1248.38 --> 1250.06] That's part of God's will [1250.06 --> 1251.72] and this plan [1251.72 --> 1253.56] has already been accomplished [1253.56 --> 1254.60] and will continue [1254.60 --> 1255.46] to be revealed [1255.46 --> 1256.22] through His people. [1257.24 --> 1257.92] The good news [1257.92 --> 1259.22] of His new creation, [1259.62 --> 1260.40] a place where [1260.40 --> 1261.92] all of our holy waiting [1261.92 --> 1263.26] and expecting, [1263.50 --> 1263.78] Advent, [1264.28 --> 1265.88] become fully realized [1265.88 --> 1267.20] where real joy [1267.20 --> 1268.70] is fully lived out. [1269.64 --> 1270.78] I can't even begin [1270.78 --> 1272.32] to express [1272.32 --> 1272.92] what that joy [1272.92 --> 1273.58] will look like. [1273.80 --> 1275.00] We get glimpses of it. [1275.12 --> 1275.38] Again, [1275.54 --> 1276.36] the more and more [1276.36 --> 1277.20] we are aligned [1277.20 --> 1277.86] to His will. [1280.70 --> 1282.28] And so as it is revealed [1282.28 --> 1282.94] through Jesus, [1283.08 --> 1283.94] our Lord and Savior, [1284.64 --> 1286.12] the more Christ-like [1286.12 --> 1286.68] we are, [1287.04 --> 1288.22] the more we'll be able [1288.22 --> 1288.80] to glimpse [1288.80 --> 1289.82] and foretaste [1289.82 --> 1290.84] that joy. [1290.84 --> 1293.06] So that's reflected [1293.06 --> 1293.56] in Isaiah. [1293.74 --> 1294.20] We go back [1294.20 --> 1294.90] to verse 12. [1296.16 --> 1296.64] God's word [1296.64 --> 1297.20] is trustworthy [1297.20 --> 1298.80] and then Isaiah says, [1299.30 --> 1299.52] you, [1299.88 --> 1300.64] all of you, [1300.92 --> 1301.66] God's people, [1302.20 --> 1303.48] will go out [1303.48 --> 1304.08] in joy [1304.08 --> 1305.40] and be led forth [1305.40 --> 1306.18] in shalom. [1307.34 --> 1308.60] That now connects us [1308.60 --> 1309.90] to last week's sermon [1309.90 --> 1310.70] by Pastor Sid. [1311.18 --> 1311.40] Right? [1311.86 --> 1313.06] You find real joy [1313.06 --> 1313.58] in God [1313.58 --> 1315.12] and you shall be led forth [1315.12 --> 1315.82] in shalom, [1315.96 --> 1316.62] real peace. [1318.16 --> 1319.68] Little reminder exercise. [1319.68 --> 1320.72] Peace, [1321.34 --> 1322.72] and I would appropriately add [1322.72 --> 1323.74] joy here, [1323.92 --> 1325.40] is not just the absence [1325.40 --> 1326.44] of conflict, [1326.78 --> 1327.24] violence, [1327.54 --> 1327.80] sadness, [1327.96 --> 1328.54] and loss. [1329.12 --> 1330.94] It's also the presence [1330.94 --> 1332.26] of Jesus, [1332.52 --> 1332.98] our Savior, [1333.74 --> 1334.80] the true foundation [1334.80 --> 1336.12] of our joy. [1337.50 --> 1338.78] So that's what we look [1338.78 --> 1339.58] forward to. [1342.22 --> 1343.40] That's our hope [1343.40 --> 1344.26] and that's what [1344.26 --> 1345.26] the Advent season [1345.26 --> 1346.02] calls for. [1347.24 --> 1348.26] But I sigh here [1348.26 --> 1350.54] because it's not easy [1350.54 --> 1351.30] when we wait. [1352.40 --> 1352.56] Right? [1353.02 --> 1354.54] Especially in our generation, [1354.66 --> 1355.22] I want to say. [1355.82 --> 1356.96] It's not easy waiting. [1358.06 --> 1358.22] Right? [1359.06 --> 1360.10] Same day delivery [1360.10 --> 1360.76] from Amazon. [1361.20 --> 1362.52] That's even becoming [1362.52 --> 1363.36] difficult to wait. [1363.76 --> 1365.08] Don't even get me started [1365.08 --> 1365.92] with Canada Post. [1366.00 --> 1366.20] Right? [1367.26 --> 1370.08] We have a hard time waiting. [1370.34 --> 1371.96] It doesn't come easy for us. [1372.10 --> 1374.00] It doesn't come natural for us, [1374.04 --> 1374.78] I want to say, [1374.84 --> 1376.20] in our sinful brokenness. [1376.20 --> 1379.10] And because of this [1379.10 --> 1380.18] difficulty in waiting, [1380.96 --> 1381.76] this difficulty [1381.76 --> 1382.74] bleeds into [1382.74 --> 1383.52] our difficulty [1383.52 --> 1384.64] in repenting [1384.64 --> 1385.84] and looking for God's will [1385.84 --> 1386.66] in the first place. [1388.32 --> 1389.40] In other words, [1389.50 --> 1390.58] instead of finding joy [1390.58 --> 1391.30] in God [1391.30 --> 1392.66] and trying to discern [1392.66 --> 1393.44] His ways, [1393.82 --> 1395.26] it's so tempting [1395.26 --> 1397.02] and it's so easy [1397.02 --> 1398.66] to find pleasures [1398.66 --> 1399.42] and happiness [1399.42 --> 1400.00] and joy [1400.00 --> 1400.86] in our own ways. [1400.86 --> 1403.62] So the question [1403.62 --> 1404.64] I want to ask is, [1405.18 --> 1406.66] where or in what [1406.66 --> 1407.78] do you find [1407.78 --> 1409.08] happiness and joy in? [1411.68 --> 1412.74] In our attempt [1412.74 --> 1413.80] to find real joy, [1414.80 --> 1416.18] we often fall [1416.18 --> 1417.08] to simple things, [1417.14 --> 1417.52] don't we? [1418.60 --> 1419.74] Phones is one thing. [1420.10 --> 1420.56] That's a simple, [1420.66 --> 1421.40] that's an easy one [1421.40 --> 1421.98] to call out. [1422.42 --> 1423.04] Our phones. [1423.70 --> 1424.64] Or games. [1425.10 --> 1425.94] Or work. [1426.66 --> 1427.72] Many of us struggle [1427.72 --> 1429.38] with working too much. [1429.84 --> 1430.72] Working too hard. [1431.22 --> 1432.02] Devoting our lives [1432.02 --> 1433.18] too much into our work [1433.18 --> 1434.30] because we want [1434.30 --> 1435.42] to find satisfaction [1435.42 --> 1436.58] and real joy [1436.58 --> 1437.46] in something [1437.46 --> 1438.80] in our lives. [1439.82 --> 1440.38] Or, [1440.78 --> 1442.16] more destructive things [1442.16 --> 1443.38] like pornography, [1444.08 --> 1444.48] drugs, [1444.94 --> 1445.36] fame, [1445.82 --> 1447.04] and other abusive things. [1448.66 --> 1449.42] And due to the [1449.42 --> 1450.30] impermanence [1450.30 --> 1451.82] of such non-God things [1451.82 --> 1452.70] that we depend on, [1452.94 --> 1454.12] it's so short-lived [1454.12 --> 1455.36] and we end up [1455.36 --> 1456.52] craving more and more of it. [1456.58 --> 1457.68] That's what addiction means. [1459.46 --> 1460.42] These things [1460.42 --> 1461.52] so easily become [1461.52 --> 1462.08] that addiction [1462.08 --> 1463.08] that gets out of hand, [1463.36 --> 1464.38] that wreaks destruction [1464.38 --> 1465.88] and chaos in our lives. [1466.00 --> 1467.10] But when you think of it, [1467.80 --> 1469.90] the core of that addiction [1469.90 --> 1472.08] is a deep desire [1472.08 --> 1472.54] and longing [1472.54 --> 1473.54] to find happiness [1473.54 --> 1474.02] and joy. [1475.78 --> 1476.76] That's the irony. [1477.82 --> 1478.06] And so, [1478.20 --> 1478.98] as Blaise Pascal, [1479.64 --> 1480.62] a 17th century [1480.62 --> 1481.42] Christian thinker, [1481.68 --> 1482.50] famously said, [1482.50 --> 1485.12] there is a God-shaped vacuum [1485.12 --> 1485.66] in the heart [1485.66 --> 1486.60] of each person [1486.60 --> 1488.44] which cannot be satisfied [1488.44 --> 1489.88] by any created thing [1489.88 --> 1491.98] but only by God the Creator [1491.98 --> 1493.02] made known [1493.02 --> 1494.04] through Jesus Christ. [1496.66 --> 1497.56] That's why [1497.56 --> 1498.96] this passage, [1499.12 --> 1500.40] this Word of God [1500.40 --> 1501.90] from thousands of years ago [1501.90 --> 1503.14] through the prophet Isaiah [1503.14 --> 1504.68] is so applicable [1504.68 --> 1505.72] for us today [1505.72 --> 1506.88] as it was back then. [1506.88 --> 1508.74] We, [1508.96 --> 1510.00] as the people of God [1510.00 --> 1510.86] here and now, [1511.10 --> 1512.24] are not a people [1512.24 --> 1512.98] who's perfect [1512.98 --> 1514.94] but we are a people [1514.94 --> 1516.30] who strive to live [1516.30 --> 1517.50] with our foundation [1517.50 --> 1518.46] being God. [1518.78 --> 1519.06] We, [1520.10 --> 1520.62] a people [1520.62 --> 1521.68] who's humble enough [1521.68 --> 1522.38] to repent [1522.38 --> 1524.22] and to try and seek [1524.22 --> 1525.14] God's ways [1525.14 --> 1526.76] and not our own ways. [1527.22 --> 1528.46] That's who we are. [1529.30 --> 1530.34] That's why we say [1530.34 --> 1531.04] even today [1531.04 --> 1532.54] that our foundation [1532.54 --> 1534.22] for real joy [1534.22 --> 1535.40] is found in God. [1535.40 --> 1537.28] even in the face [1537.28 --> 1537.80] of suffering [1537.80 --> 1538.64] and brokenness. [1539.88 --> 1540.36] Again, [1540.56 --> 1541.38] this doesn't mean [1541.38 --> 1542.80] ignoring or suppressing [1542.80 --> 1544.14] real grief and sadness [1544.14 --> 1546.02] as maybe some of you [1546.02 --> 1546.74] had to deal with [1546.74 --> 1547.72] growing up in the church. [1548.22 --> 1548.48] Hey, [1548.70 --> 1549.68] God's on your side. [1549.74 --> 1550.60] You shouldn't be sad. [1551.16 --> 1552.12] Don't talk about grief. [1552.24 --> 1553.54] Don't talk about your suffering. [1554.44 --> 1554.76] Remember, [1554.90 --> 1555.94] God is all-powerful. [1556.06 --> 1556.94] We need to be joyful. [1558.52 --> 1559.44] But that's not [1559.44 --> 1560.40] the gospel message. [1560.52 --> 1561.02] That's not what [1561.02 --> 1562.26] even Jesus tells us. [1563.68 --> 1564.82] But before we get to Jesus, [1564.82 --> 1566.28] one more Old Testament connection. [1567.22 --> 1567.84] God's people [1567.84 --> 1568.90] through the Exodus story. [1569.02 --> 1569.60] Think about it. [1570.52 --> 1571.62] The first generation [1571.62 --> 1572.60] that did not make it [1572.60 --> 1573.66] into the promised land. [1573.76 --> 1574.66] Where did they end up? [1575.14 --> 1576.28] They went into the wilderness. [1577.72 --> 1578.06] Imagine... [1594.82 --> 1600.34] And enter the promised land. [1600.34 --> 1602.66] God went to them [1602.66 --> 1604.42] and dwelt with them [1604.42 --> 1605.30] in the wilderness. [1606.64 --> 1607.96] That's our God. [1609.02 --> 1610.66] And they rejoiced [1610.66 --> 1612.40] and they praised God [1612.40 --> 1613.46] in the wilderness, [1613.92 --> 1615.48] which testifies, [1615.70 --> 1616.86] which is what we, [1617.20 --> 1618.04] as a people of God, [1618.10 --> 1618.82] are called to, [1619.24 --> 1620.22] that it's not based [1620.22 --> 1621.50] on happy circumstances, [1621.50 --> 1623.72] but in any circumstance, [1624.12 --> 1625.06] we can find joy [1625.06 --> 1626.84] because God is with us. [1627.26 --> 1628.98] That's why we suffer together. [1629.48 --> 1631.36] That's why we grieve together, [1631.60 --> 1632.42] like when we did [1632.42 --> 1633.26] at the lament service [1633.26 --> 1634.06] a few days ago. [1636.36 --> 1637.84] And so we turn to Jesus [1637.84 --> 1638.94] as we come to a close. [1640.62 --> 1641.74] When Jesus taught [1641.74 --> 1642.40] his disciples [1642.40 --> 1643.68] in the Gospel of John, [1644.10 --> 1644.92] he didn't say, [1645.06 --> 1646.06] if you become my follower, [1646.54 --> 1647.16] you'll no longer [1647.16 --> 1648.28] have sadness and suffering. [1648.28 --> 1650.74] What he actually said is, [1651.18 --> 1652.28] you will suffer [1652.28 --> 1654.66] and you will have sadness. [1657.50 --> 1659.32] Jesus even blesses [1659.32 --> 1660.40] those who mourn. [1661.56 --> 1662.66] Get the reference? [1663.20 --> 1663.86] Beatitudes. [1664.90 --> 1666.62] Blessed are those who mourn [1666.62 --> 1668.20] for you shall be comforted. [1668.58 --> 1669.64] That's what he teaches. [1670.60 --> 1672.44] But not just random, [1672.72 --> 1674.48] hopeless mourning and grief, [1674.48 --> 1676.30] but mourning [1676.30 --> 1678.38] with what God mourns for. [1679.48 --> 1681.04] Like how God grieves [1681.04 --> 1682.70] for the estranged family members. [1683.40 --> 1684.70] Like how God grieves [1684.70 --> 1685.34] for refugees [1685.34 --> 1686.60] that have lost their homes [1686.60 --> 1687.82] or sicknesses [1687.82 --> 1688.42] that take away [1688.42 --> 1689.28] the beauty of life [1689.28 --> 1690.02] as he intended [1690.02 --> 1690.62] in the beginning. [1691.06 --> 1693.46] Or the broken relationships [1693.46 --> 1695.22] and the loss of loved ones. [1695.54 --> 1697.06] You will grieve, [1697.20 --> 1697.82] Jesus says. [1698.60 --> 1700.00] But he continues on. [1700.10 --> 1700.52] He says, [1700.80 --> 1701.44] your grief [1701.44 --> 1703.24] will turn to joy. [1703.24 --> 1705.90] So be ministered [1705.90 --> 1707.08] by his own words here [1707.08 --> 1708.26] from the Gospel of John. [1709.34 --> 1710.28] A woman giving birth [1710.28 --> 1711.70] to a child has pain [1711.70 --> 1713.58] because her time has come. [1714.38 --> 1715.88] But when her baby is born, [1715.98 --> 1717.18] she forgets the anguish [1717.18 --> 1718.68] because of her joy. [1718.98 --> 1720.44] Her joy that a child [1720.44 --> 1721.48] is born into the world. [1722.44 --> 1723.70] So it is with you. [1724.30 --> 1726.00] Now is your time of grief. [1726.70 --> 1728.04] But I will see you again [1728.04 --> 1729.86] and you will rejoice [1729.86 --> 1732.36] and no one will take away your joy. [1732.36 --> 1732.46] joy. [1734.76 --> 1736.38] That's our real joy [1736.38 --> 1737.20] in the Lord. [1738.74 --> 1741.18] The real Christmas message. [1741.82 --> 1742.60] The birth of Jesus. [1743.94 --> 1745.70] The unfailing living word [1745.70 --> 1746.74] of God himself [1746.74 --> 1748.84] who came to dwell with us [1748.84 --> 1750.06] in our wilderness. [1750.70 --> 1751.50] In our suffering. [1752.38 --> 1753.40] He is Emmanuel. [1754.02 --> 1755.22] And so hear the invitation [1755.22 --> 1756.34] for us this morning, Hope. [1756.94 --> 1758.12] God is with you. [1758.12 --> 1760.32] So seek the Lord [1760.32 --> 1761.90] and turn to his ways [1761.90 --> 1764.40] and he will abundantly forgive. [1765.92 --> 1768.12] And the more the Spirit guides [1768.84 --> 1769.62] and leads us [1769.62 --> 1770.64] to be more aligned [1770.64 --> 1771.34] with his will, [1771.92 --> 1774.32] may you find real joy in him. [1775.38 --> 1776.82] And may that be the strength [1776.82 --> 1777.74] that you live out [1777.74 --> 1780.42] throughout all of your suffering [1780.42 --> 1781.26] and darkness. [1781.94 --> 1784.02] May the Lord be your source of joy. [1784.02 --> 1785.02] May the Lord be your source of joy. [1785.02 --> 1785.78] Let's pray. [1793.10 --> 1794.00] Loving Father, [1794.16 --> 1795.22] we come to you again [1795.22 --> 1797.98] and we are able to rejoice [1797.98 --> 1799.62] and praise your name [1799.62 --> 1801.64] because of who you are [1801.64 --> 1803.80] and because of your good will [1803.80 --> 1804.44] for us [1804.44 --> 1805.86] and for all of creation. [1807.16 --> 1808.38] We thank you, Lord, [1808.46 --> 1810.36] that it does not depend on us. [1810.36 --> 1814.26] It does not depend on our own ways [1814.26 --> 1815.18] and our own wisdom [1815.18 --> 1816.30] to find real joy. [1816.58 --> 1818.38] But you and you alone [1818.38 --> 1820.38] are the source of our real joy. [1821.92 --> 1823.44] May your Holy Spirit [1823.44 --> 1825.06] continue to guide [1825.06 --> 1826.34] and strengthen us [1826.34 --> 1827.62] in that foundation [1827.62 --> 1828.48] that we have in you. [1829.44 --> 1831.78] May we find real joy in you [1831.78 --> 1834.30] even through all the wilderness [1834.30 --> 1835.88] and suffering and brokenness [1835.88 --> 1836.60] that we face [1836.60 --> 1838.18] in our day-to-day lives. [1838.18 --> 1842.40] May you be the source of our joy [1842.40 --> 1843.70] and may we praise you [1843.70 --> 1844.94] and give you all the glory [1844.94 --> 1846.20] that you deserve. [1847.24 --> 1848.20] Thank you for coming. [1849.62 --> 1850.74] Thank you for promising [1850.74 --> 1851.78] that you will come again. [1853.04 --> 1853.66] In this, [1853.84 --> 1854.74] we put our trust [1854.74 --> 1855.40] and our faith. [1856.66 --> 1856.92] Amen. [1858.92 --> 1860.74] I invite you to stand as we...