Joy...

Like always, the games were a rollercoaster of emotions, from anticipation and excitement to nervousness, to frustration, and then quick celebration. In one game, they were down 1-0 until the 86th minute when they tied it up. Then, in the final minute, they went ahead for the win. Within a minute, I experienced almost every emotion…And I’ll admit, I nearly pulled a hamstring jumping up with excitement…then it would have been anger at myself while I limped back to the car parked almost a mile away.

It’s easy to see how our emotions swing based on circumstances such as wins, losses, or referee decisions. But there’s a difference between those feelings and joy. Joy is steady. Joy is the confidence that God is in control and that He has the best plans for us whether we win or lose.

This Sunday, we’re going to explore joy from Luke 19:1-10, the story of Zacchaeus. Israel had experienced dark and difficult times for centuries, longing for restoration and hope. When Jesus came to earth, He brought joy. And He didn’t keep it to Himself. He shared that joy with everyone He encountered, including Zacchaeus, a man who probably thought joy would never find him.

Advent reminds us that joy is not tied to circumstances. True joy comes when Jesus seeks us out, calls us by name, and reminds us that we are known and loved.

We’ll celebrate that joy together this Sunday with the lighting of the Advent candles, worship, a New Life Story, and a message that will remind us that joy is always possible even in the middle of our messy, chaotic, and sometimes very difficult lives.

I hope to see you this Sunday as we celebrate the joy Jesus brings. Services are at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am. Also, we would LOVE for you to follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and  Instagram. 

See you Sunday,

Troy