YouTube video sermon

Joy Between the Advents: How to Keep Your Heart Full

Stephen Gibbs kicks off Advent with a message on joy—not the fragile kind tied to circumstances, but the deep, resilient Kingdom joy Jesus gives.

Why this matters

• We live between two Advents—Jesus’ first arrival in a manger and His promised return. Waiting can make us grumpy and drain our joy.

• Joy isn’t a bonus; it’s a vital sign of a healthy spiritual life (John 15). Jesus wants our joy to be full.

What steals joy

• Comparison (the thief/death of joy)

• Busyness (crowds out God’s presence)

• Suffering (real and painful—but not ultimate)

Where real joy comes from

• Zephaniah 3:14–17: God is in our midst, rejoices over us, quiets us with His love, and even sings over us.

• Joy is rooted in God’s presence, not perfect conditions: “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).

• Joy is a confident assurance that God is in control and victory is coming—even when we don’t get what we want.

How to practice it this week

• Re-center daily in Scripture & prayer (receive, don’t achieve, your joy).

• Sing—worship is a God-designed pathway to joy.

• Trade short-term pleasure for long-term joy (choose habits that lead you toward Him).

• Name your comparison triggers and set limits.

• In suffering, remember: the good news is stronger than the bad news. Jesus wept (first Advent) and we will rejoice always (second Advent).