Results tagged “Advent 2008” from Beacon Community Church

(12/14) Joy is a word used quite a bit during the Christmas season. But what is the true nature of joy? Is it just a feeling of happiness, fleeting at best? Or is there something more? This week, John Mury explores joy and why it is sometimes so difficult for us to grasp.

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What is peace? In this season of Advent as we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child, the question is especially relevant. Our modern understanding of peace is only defined negatively: the absence of conflict. But for the writers of the New Testament, peace meant so much more. For them, peace was based in the Hebrew concept of shalom. As we celebrate the peace Christ brought and look forward to the final peace he will bring, the meaning of shalom reveals a peace that truly surpasses our modern understanding.

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In the midst of our suffering and our trials, God provides hope. Often we only see part of this hope: hope of an end to suffering and difficulty. As we move into our Advent season, John looks at the other part of the hope God provides to us: that God can redeem our suffering and difficulty, turning it into something amazing. In the midst of our need, we find God ready to provide for all our needs, working to form the nature of Christ in us. The hope God extends to us through his spirit is real, and it does not disappoint!

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