A Journey With the Shepherds: God Is For Us (Joy Has Come) [Advent Week 3]

On December 21, Pastor Jeff McLain continued our Advent series, Journey with the Shepherds, with Week 3: “God Is for Us (Joy Has Come)”, exploring joy not as a fleeting emotion but as a rooted reality flowing from God’s favor.

In a world where joy is often chased, manufactured, or lost as quickly as it’s found, the Christmas story offers a deeper truth. Joy emerges not when life becomes easier, but when we discover that God is truly for us. Joy is knowing Jesus. Through the shepherds’ encounter in Luke 2, we see that joy is born in the midst of ordinary life, long waiting, and risky obedience.

Sermon Summary: Centered on Luke 2:15–18, this message follows the shepherds as they move from hearing God’s word to stepping into God’s promise. Their journey reveals how joy grows in community, is sustained by remembering God’s promises, is strengthened through faithful risk, and overflows as good news shared with others. Pastor Jeff connects this moment to the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, reminding us that God keeps His promises—sometimes after long seasons of waiting, sometimes immediately—but always faithfully.

This message highlights a central Advent truth: God’s favor rests on the humble. Joy is not earned or manufactured; it is discovered when we receive God’s grace, trust His word, and step forward in obedience.

Practical Application: How do we live into this joy? Pastor Jeff invites us to respond in four ways:
Journey Together in Community, Remember What God Has Spoken, Take Faithful Steps of Obedience, and Share What God Is Doing.

Passage: Luke 2:15–18 (NIV)