An Advent Liturgy: Joy
God’s Unconditional Love (v.8a)
God’s love for us is evident in the advent, or coming, of Jesus. The coming of Jesus into this world to seek and save sinners reveals the incredible unconditional love of God the Father. His love for us existed before the foundations of the world when He chose us to be His. He doesn’t love us because Christ died for us, but rather, Jesus died for us because God loves us. The coming of Jesus is God’s gift to make His chosen people righteous and to show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:6). This advent season we proclaim the good news that God’s love has come to us in Jesus.
While We were Sinners (v.8b)
God’s love is not a reciprocation because of any good works or righteousness on our part. His love is despite us and our sinfulness; in fact, He sent Jesus to die for us even while we were still sinners. God’s unconditional love has come to us, through Jesus, to change the condition of our hearts from a state of sinfulness to a state of holiness, for all who believe, so that He might dwell in us and we might dwell with him. The new-born king of Bethlehem came so that we, as sinners, could be reconciled with God.
Christ Died For Us (v.8b)
If Christmas is about the birth of Jesus why do we talk about His death? God’s plan for salvation is not simply that Jesus would come and leave gifts of peace, love, and joy to the world. The immeasurable riches of God’s grace are only found in Jesus’ death to pay for our sins. The entire world is not automatically redeemed because Jesus died, nations are not Christian because their forefathers were, and children are not saved on the basis of their parents’ belief. Each person must put their personal trust in Jesus’ sacrificial death for their own sins. The birth of Jesus is the dawn of redeeming grace, and His death is the sinking of sin’s power.
Respond with Joy (v.9-11)
Our response to God for what He has done for us in Jesus, should be a heart filled with joyful thanksgiving and
praise. All who believe in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins should rejoice that we are saved from the wrath of God, and saved to an eternity with Him. There is a joy beyond measure in Jesus, and there is hope and joy for those yet to believe in Jesus, who came to save the lost, the unfaithful, the weak, and the broken. If you have not put your trust in Jesus, there is no better time to do so than this Christmas. Christ is born for you; come and see what God has done for you.
Spotify Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2IBtBQiek7Dy8Ch9EkUQeQ
Call to Worship | Come All Ye Faithful - Sovereign Grace
God | Sing We the Song of Emmanuel - Matt Boswell & Matt Papa
Man | Hark the Herald Angels Sing - Citizens
Christ | Silent Night - Shane & Shane
Response | O Come All You Unfaithful - Sovereign Grace
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