Advent 3b (JOY - bearing witness)

Advent 3b (Joy – bearing witness)

December 11, 2011                                  John  1:6-8, 19-28

Song: “I’ve got the JOY JOY JOY JOY…”

Share Testimonies

          – How has God brought Joy to your life?

Memory Verse – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (tniv) Rejoice always. ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

First Sunday of Advent: Hope & importance of waiting

Second Sunday of Advent: Love, and the need to prepare

Third week we’re looking at: Joy, and our call to bear witness

v In the Old Testament there are many occasions for joy: 

* marriage    * the birth of children     * good harvests

* recovery from sickness     * and defeat of enemies

v Greatest source of JOY = God’s action on behalf of his people.

The prophet is a joyful witness to God’s GRACE!

§  And his joy has a social dimension

¨      not only for the poor and oppressed in Israel

¨      but for all peoples

John’s Gospel

Includes many of the themes found in the other Gospel accounts about John the Baptist.

          He is perceived by some as an Elijah figure.

          He is making straight the way of the Lord

          He prepares for the coming of the ONE

There is, however, one distinctive theme

John 1:6-7 God sent a man, John the Baptist,^[a] 7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony.

The Theme: WITNESS

v The word for “testimony” or “witness” in Greek is martyria

·        Which we derive our word “martyr.”

v The term evokes the setting of a law court.

·        In such a setting the witness gives a testimony and speaks the truth.

v In his witness John the Baptist refuses to make himself the center of attention.

§  Instead, he rejoices as a witness to Jesus.

Question: “WHO ARE YOU?”

·        John Answers: “I am not the messiah.

o   I am not the light… But part of the light.

o    I am not the messiah…

§  But I know him – and he’s here.

When the world asks you: Who are you?

v What is your response?

§  How are you participating in the redemption of the world?

§  How are you participating in bringing JOY?

§  Are you prepared – to give account – of your JOY?

Memory Verse – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (tniv) Rejoice always. ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

v In the New Testament (and today) we have many reasons for JOY:  * marriages  * birth of children

* good health   * recovery from sickness  *employment...

In your patience – Be.Hopeful

As you prepare – Be.Loving

As you bear witness to God’s bountiful Grace – Be.Joyful

As you go, May the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and sould and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful! (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.)  Go and Love!