“The word advent means ‘expectation.’” What Advent can do for us is create a sense of hope.” – Louie Giglio.

The season of Advent is nearly upon us. It is a season so packed with tradition, so full of memory, so full of legend. And a season so full, often overfull, bustling and bursting with the exhausting activity of keeping traditions, and creating memories. Advent means the arrival of something significant. The arrival of Jesus changed the course of history and answered the deepest longings and needs of our lost and broken souls.

The Advent season is a special time of anticipation, reflection, and preparation as we await the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. It is a moment to slow down, evaluate our hearts, and ready ourselves spiritually for the profound gift of hope that Christmas brings. As we approach this sacred season, there are several ways to get ready and deepen our faith. We prepare not only to commemorate Christ’s birth over two thousand years ago but also to recognize His eventual return. This dual focus invites us to reflect on the significance of Christ’s presence in our lives today and to renew our hope in His promises.

The Advent season is a time of anticipation, reflection, and spiritual renewal, allowing us to deepen our relationship with God and prepare to welcome Jesus anew. Use this time to open your heart to God’s presence. Pray regularly, asking God to reveal His plans for you during this season. Cultivate patience and faith, trusting that God’s timing is perfect. Practice gratitude for the gift of Jesus and the hope He brings to the world.

Focusing on acts of kindness and charity is also a meaningful way to prepare. Advent is a time to emulate Christ’s love through serving others. Small acts of generosity—such as giving to those in need, volunteering, or simply showing kindness—are powerful ways to reflect the love of Christ and spiritually prepare our hearts. Incorporate prayer into your daily routine, asking for wisdom, patience, and a heart receptive to God’s love.

As we enter the Advent season, remember that preparation is more than outward festivities—it is a spiritual readiness. Open your heart to Christ daily, seek His presence, and let His hope ignite your soul. In doing so, you will find yourself more attuned to the true meaning of Christmas and better equipped to celebrate the coming of our Savior with joy, gratitude, and renewed faith.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you prepare for Advent?
2. What would you like to do differently this Advent season?

“He is great and glorious, whatever we may be; and it is for our joy, our safety, our everlasting happiness, that we should become his servants. It is necessary, for the right ordering of our lives, that our hearts may be in tune to yield the music of joy.” – Charles Spurgeon.

We live in a world where joy is often treated like a spark—bright, exciting, impressive, but brief. Most of what people call joy is really just excitement… or distraction. It’s the thrill of a new purchase, the rush of good news, the comfort of a compliment. It lifts for a moment—but fades quickly. Joy in Jesus is not a thin, fragile happiness that shatters when life gets hard. Joy in Jesus is sturdy. It stays standing when feelings tremble and circumstances shift. It doesn’t disappear in disappointment; rather, it anchors us within it and stands the test of time.

Jesus said in John 15:11, “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow.” Notice—His joy. Not the world’s version. Not temporary emotional energy. Jesus offers a joy that is rooted in Himself—unchanging, eternal, and strong enough to outlast every season of life.

The verses surrounding John 15:11 emphasize the importance of staying connected to Christ, much like a branch is connected to the vine. Joy doesn’t grow through striving—it flows through abiding. When we make time to sit with Him, listen to His voice in Scripture, and stay responsive to His leading, joy becomes less of a feeling to chase and more of a fruit that quietly grows.

Enduring joy remembers who Jesus is, not just what He gives. Temporary joy rises and falls with circumstances. Lasting joy rests on God’s character. When life turns unexpectedly…When prayers take longer than we hoped…When circumstances don’t align with our expectations, joy rooted in outcomes will waver. Joy rooted in Jesus will stand.

Psalm 16:11 (ESV) says, “…in your presence there is fullness of joy….” Not in answered prayers. Not in fixed problems. In His presence. Our joy doesn’t increase when life gets easier—our joy increases when our awareness of His nearness deepens.

James writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,” (James 1:2 ESV). That feels upside down—until we realize trials don’t steal joy. They reveal where our joy is rooted. Trials stretch our dependence, deepen our trust, and mature our faith. They push our joy from the surface into the soil.

Joy that stands the test of time isn’t anchored in the moment—it’s anchored in eternity. Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him.” He kept His eyes on the bigger story.

We can too.

Discussion Questions:

1.  Where do you see the difference between circumstantial happiness and rooted joy in your own life?
2. What drains your joy most easily—people, busyness, comparison, lack of rest, unmet expectations?

“You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” – John 16:24.

Joy in Jesus is not a mood, a personality trait, or a burst of positive emotion that comes and goes depending on the day. Joy in Jesus is a settled confidence that God is who He says He is, and He will do what He said He would do. It is the deep assurance that we are held, loved, and seen—even when life feels uncertain.

Joy shows up in real life, not in perfect circumstances but in the middle of imperfect ones. When the email comes with news you didn’t want…When your plans fall apart…When the road ahead is foggy and you don’t know what’s next…joy whispers, “Jesus is still here. And He is still enough.”

In John 15:11, Jesus says, “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” The joy we receive is not something we manufacture—it is His joy, planted within us. We experience it when we stay close to Him, remain in His words, and abide in His presence. Joy in real life looks like peace, not panic. It looks like choosing gratitude when complaining would be easier. It appears to be resting instead of striving.

Joy is not denial. We don’t pretend pain doesn’t exist. Jesus never asked us to fake happiness. In fact, He said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Joy does not erase sorrow; it sits beside it and reminds us that sorrow doesn’t get the last word.

Joy in Jesus also shows up in our relationships. A joyful person doesn’t drain life from others—they give it. They serve without needing applause. They forgive quickly, because they know how deeply they have been forgiven. They walk into a room not asking, “Who will encourage me,” but instead, “Who can I encourage today?”

Joy turns ordinary moments into sacred ones—the dinner table, the morning cup of coffee, the laughter shared with a friend, the silent prayer whispered in a car line.

Joy is found in obedience. The more we trust Jesus, the more our joy grows—because obedience plants seeds that bloom into freedom. Real joy is rooted in the unshakeable reality that Christ has already won. Our hope is secure. Our future is settled. Our worth is decided.

Joy is not the absence of hardship. Joy is the presence of Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does God’s joy sustain you during difficult seasons, and can you share an experience where this happened?
2. How is Christian joy related to love and hope, and what role does trust in God play in producing this joy? 

“There is no man upon the earth who isn’t earnestly seeking after happiness, and it appears abundantly by the variety of ways they so vigorously seek it; they will twist and turn every way, ply all instruments, to make themselves happy men.” —Jonathan Edwards.

We spend so much of life chasing happiness. We chase it in accomplishments, in purchases, in relationships, in distractions, and even in our own ability to control the world around us. And yet, the harder we chase happiness, the more it seems to slip through our fingers. The Bible offers a surprising truth: happiness isn’t found by running after it—happiness is found by running to Jesus.

In John 15, Jesus invites His disciples into a relationship that is rooted in Him. “Remain in me…so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” (John 15:4, 11). Notice what Jesus doesn’t say. He doesn’t say, “Do more and then you’ll be happy,” or “Fix yourself and then I’ll give you joy.” He says, remain or abide with Me.  We attach happiness to circumstances. Jesus roots it in Himself. Paul writes from prison —“Rejoice in the Lord always.” (Philippians 4:4). Paul doesn’t rejoice because prison is pleasant. He rejoices because Jesus is present. True joy isn’t found where you are—it’s found in who is with you.

Happiness in Jesus doesn’t rise and fall with the economy, the news cycle, someone else’s opinion, or the mood of the day. When happiness is tied to circumstances, we become emotional yo-yos—up one moment, down the next. But Jesus offers us something better: a happiness that’s anchored. A happiness that storms can’t sink. A happiness that pain can’t steal or circumstances can’t corrupt.

Henry David Thoreau said, “Everyone needs to believe in something.” Turns out, his words are backed up by the American Psychological Association, which says that, “People are inherently wired to believe in something supernatural. It provides a sense of peace and well-being to know that our world has an intentional design.” In short, it gives us hope that the world will be okay. God’s Word (the most important source) agrees in Luke 1:45 (CEB), which says, “Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her.

God created us for happiness, and the only way we will find true happiness in this world is to seek the happiness that comes from leaning steadfastly into our God, who loves us and wants what is best for us in all seasons of our lives.

As we find our strength in Him, trusting in His Word and loving others selflessly, we will see that happiness is not so elusive after all. Happiness is not a worldly trait. It’s a gift from a God who delights in the joy of His children.

Today, Jesus isn’t offering you a momentary spike of happiness—He is offering you Himself. And when you have Him, you have joy that nothing in this world can take.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your initial thoughts or definitions of “happiness?”
2. If true happiness is tied to a relationship with God, what does that mean for how you live each day?

“The best news of the Christian gospel is that the supremely glorious Creator of the universe has acted in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection to remove every obstacle between us and himself so that we may find everlasting joy in seeing and savoring his infinite beauty.” – John Piper

In a world often filled with challenges, sorrow, and uncertainty, the joy of Jesus shines as a guiding light for believers. This joy is unlike any superficial happiness that fleetingly comes and goes; it is a deep-rooted, abiding happiness that springs from knowing and experiencing the love of Christ. The joy of Jesus is a gift that sustains us through life’s trials, bringing us peace and hope.

One of the greatest sources of joy in Jesus is His unconditional love. Jesus demonstrated this love sacrificially on the cross. Through His love, we are reconciled with God and granted the gift of eternal life. Knowing that we are loved unconditionally by Jesus transforms our outlook on life. It replaces despair with confidence, fear with courage, and sorrow with joy. His love is constant, and His presence in our lives assures us that we are never alone.

The joy of Jesus also derives from the promise of forgiveness. No matter our past mistakes or failures, Jesus’s mercy renews us daily. His forgiveness lifts the weight of guilt and shame, allowing our spirits to rejoice in His grace. This liberation from guilt fuels our joy, enabling us to live with a sense of freedom and purpose. In Christ, we find renewal and hope, knowing that His mercies are new every morning.

Furthermore, the joy of Jesus is rooted in His promise of peace. Despite the chaos of the world, Jesus offers us a peace that surpasses all understanding. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is a fruit of our relationship with Him. As we seek Jesus and abide in His presence, our hearts are calmed, and our spirits are lifted beyond the troubles of life.

The joy of Jesus also manifests in the hope of eternity. Believers are provided with a future beyond this earthly life—an eternal home with God. This hope anchors our souls, allowing us to rejoice even amid suffering. It reminds us that our present struggles are temporary and that in Christ, victory and everlasting joy await.

Living in the joy of Jesus involves gratitude, worship, and sharing His love with others. It is a joyful response to His goodness and a testimony to those around us. When we rejoice in Jesus, our lives become a reflection of His love, inviting others to experience the joy that flows from knowing Him.

Discussion Questions:

1. What practical steps can you take this week to spread the joy you’ve found in Christ within your family, workplace, or community?
2. How can you remain open to encountering God in the midst of your daily routine, like the shepherds were?

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Gratitude is not just a seasonal theme or a polite response to kindness—it’s a spiritual posture. The Bible calls us to give thanks in all circumstances, not because every situation feels good, but because every situation can reveal God’s goodness if we look closely enough. True thankfulness is an act of trust.

When life runs smoothly—when prayers are answered, relationships are peaceful, and needs are met—thanksgiving comes easily. However, when life becomes difficult, our gratitude is put to the test. Illness, disappointment, loss, or delay all whisper that God has forgotten us. Yet even in those times, the believer learns to lift thanks even from the valley, not because pain is pleasant, but because God’s presence is constant. Gratitude in hardship declares that our faith is anchored not in circumstances but in God’s unchanging goodness.

In Scripture, the people of God consistently practiced thankfulness as a way of remembering His faithfulness. David wrote psalms of thanksgiving even while fleeing enemies. Paul sang hymns of praise from a prison cell. Gratitude shifted their focus from fear to faith, from what they lacked to what God had already done. When we give thanks, we stop rehearsing our worries and start remembering His works.

Thankfulness also has a transforming power over the heart. When we count blessings instead of burdens, our perspective changes. The fog lifts, and we begin to see the subtle ways God provides every day—the breath in our lungs, the food on our table, the people who love us, and the grace that covers us. Gratitude opens our eyes to what was always there: the steady presence of God.

Being thankful doesn’t mean denying pain or pretending everything is fine. It means acknowledging that even in the chaos, God is near. Gratitude is the language of trust; it’s how we say, “I know You’re still in control.” It turns ordinary moments—such as morning coffee, laughter around the table, or a quiet evening drive—into reminders that we are deeply loved and cared for.

As we practice gratitude, our hearts become softer, our faith stronger, and our joy deeper. The more we give thanks, the more we see reasons to give thanks. It’s a cycle of grace that keeps drawing us closer to the Giver of every good gift.

So today, pause and thank God—not just for what’s easy, but for what’s shaping you. Thank Him for His mercy in failure, His comfort in sorrow, and His guidance in confusion. Gratitude won’t always change your situation, but it will always change your heart.

 Discussion Questions:

1. What’s one difficult circumstance where you can still choose gratitude today?
2. How has God shown His faithfulness to you in the past year?
3. What daily habit could help you cultivate a thankful heart?

“Only in authentic community can you have authentic love, and that’s why the value of small groups is so important” – Rick Warren.

Having a strong group of believers to share your life with is one of the greatest gifts God offers us. In a world filled with challenges, these relationships provide support, encouragement, and spiritual growth. The Bible emphasizes the importance of community among believers, reminding us that we are not meant to walk our faith journey alone.

First, a strong group of believers encourages us in our faith. Galatians 6:2 tells us to “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” When we surround ourselves with like-minded faith lovers, we find strength during difficult times. They pray with us, offer wise counsel, and remind us of God’s promises, helping us stay rooted and steadfast in our spiritual walk.

Second, sharing life with believers deepens our understanding of God’s Word. Discussions within a community allow us to see different perspectives and gain new insights. In Acts 2:42, it says, “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” Learning together fosters growth, accountability, and a deeper relationship with Christ, transforming our faith from a routine to a vibrant one.

Third, a strong group of believers provides accountability. Hebrews 10:24 encourages us to “think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Accountability partners help us stay committed to our spiritual disciplines, resist temptation, and live out our faith authentically. This support keeps us focused and motivated to become more like Christ.

Fourth, sharing life with believers brings joy and fellowship. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 highlights the strength of community: “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.” Celebrating victories, sharing burdens, and simply enjoying each other’s company create a sense of belonging and happiness rooted in Christ’s love.

Lastly, a faith community equips us to serve others. Jesus demonstrated this perfectly as He poured His life into His disciples, preparing them to continue His work. When we come together as believers, we are empowered to serve with compassion, generosity, and grace. This collective effort extends God’s kingdom and reflects His love to a hurting world.

In conclusion, having a strong group of believers to do life with enriches our spiritual journey in many ways. They encourage, teach, hold us accountable, bring joy, and equip us to serve. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Let us cherish and seek out these vital relationships, knowing they are a blessing from God designed to help us grow closer to Him and fulfill our purpose in His kingdom.

Discussion Questions:

1.  What does it mean to you to have people to do life with?
2. What can you do to make your small groups more effective?