Joy that Carries us Through

 The Third Sunday of Advent is often called the Sunday of Joy.By Pastor Robert Hyatt Sunday December 14, 2025

Joy That Carries Us Through

The Third Sunday of Advent is often called the Sunday of Joy. Advent means “coming,” and in this season the church remembers that Christ has come, Christ is with us, and Christ is coming again. That is why Scripture says, “Rejoice in the Lord always… the Lord is near.” Joy is not something we work up; it is the steady confidence that the Lord is near to His people.On that first Christmas night, shepherds were in the fields, doing their ordinary work, when heaven suddenly broke into their darkness. An angel appeared and said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people… a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” The good news is that joy came to ordinary people in ordinary fields, in the middle of the night. God knew exactly where they were, and He knows exactly where you are.God’s joy comes right into the dark, ordinary places of life, At the perfect moments. If your life feels like a long, cold night, God has not lost your address. He comes to you with “good news of great joy.”

Today’s story – the night‑shift believer

Think of a single mom working the night shift at a nursing home. The halls are quiet, most people are asleep, and she feels alone and forgotten. Yet in that quiet place, she hums a worship song under her breath and whispers, “Lord, help me.” Right there, in that break room, the same Jesus who came to those shepherds draws near to her. She still has bills, she still has worries, but suddenly she knows she is not alone. That is Advent joy: Christ steps into the night with her.This joy is not a fake smile that pretends everything is fine. The Bible says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” That means God’s joy is a power that holds you up when you are tired, grieving, or under pressure. David said, “In Your presence there is fullness of joy.” Joy is not found in everything going right; joy is found in staying close to God’s presence.

Walking into the wind

Think of a person walking into a strong wind. Every step is harder, but as they keep moving, their muscles grow stronger. In the same way, trials are the headwind of the Christian life. They do not mean God has left you; they may be the very place where He is strengthening you with His joy. You can say, “Lord, I do not love this trial, but I trust You in it. Be my strength and my joy.”Modern example: A believer sits in a doctor’s office and hears a hard diagnosis. The wind hits them in the face. Yet as they drive home, they start to pray, “Lord, I don’t understand, but I know You are with me.” In the weeks that follow, they discover a peace and quiet joy in the middle of treatment they cannot explain. That is not human positivity; that is “the joy of the Lord” becoming their strength.Jesus told His disciples that they would weep for a time, but that their sorrow would turn to joy, and “no one will take your joy from you.” That is resurrection joy—a joy rooted in a living Savior that cannot be stolen by people, problems, or pain. The psalmist says, “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” 

Today’s story link – from tears to testimonyPicture a businessman who loses his job unexpectedly. For months, he sends out resumes, feels rejection, and wonders where God is. Many nights, he kneels by his bed sowing in tears, asking the Lord for guidance. In time, God opens a The Father’s SmileThink of a father at a school program, watching his child step onto the stage. The child may stumble over the words or miss a line, but the father’s face is full of joy and pride. He is not focused on perfection; he is focused on relationship. In a far greater way, your heavenly Father looks at you through Jesus and rejoices. When you come to Him, He does not turn away in disgust; He sings over you in love.Modern picture: A believer in a gloomy workplace chooses to speak kindly, work honestly, and share hope instead of joining in gossip and despair. Their circumstances don’t change overnight, but their quiet, steady joy becomes like a small candle in a dark room—co‑workers start to notice and open up. That is the Candle of Joy living in a human heart.As you move to response, you can say something like this:If you are here and you have never truly given your heart to Jesus, the good news of great joy is that a Savior has been born for you. You can turn from your sin and trust Him today. He will forgive you and put His joy in your heart. If that is you, step out and come.“The Lord is near. Joy is not about perfect circumstances; joy is about a present Savior.”