I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
— Luke 2:10
As the days grow shorter and Thanksgiving draws near, we find ourselves standing on the edge of one of the most joyful seasons of the year. The Christmas lights are beginning to appear, and soon we’ll hear carols that remind us of the night heaven touched earth.
But before the celebration begins, we find ourselves in a season of waiting — waiting for gatherings, waiting for Christmas morning, waiting for promises fulfilled. Waiting isn’t always easy. Yet in God’s kingdom, waiting is never wasted.
It’s in the waiting that our faith grows and our hearts learn to trust. That’s why this week’s focus in our Countdown to Christmas is Joy in the Waiting. Because even when the answer hasn’t come, and the prayer isn’t yet fulfilled, we can still rejoice — not because everything is perfect, but because God is present.
Be The One with joy and anticipation,
Pastor Shannon
When the angel appeared to the shepherds, the message wasn’t “Be happy because life is easy.”
It was “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
True joy doesn’t come from circumstances — it comes from Christ. And sometimes, it’s in the waiting that we discover that most deeply.
Here’s how we can practice joy this week:
Choose Joy Daily.
Joy isn’t a mood — it’s a mindset. Wake up and thank God for one thing before anything else
Stay Prayerful in the Waiting.
Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us to bring everything to God in prayer. When we pray with thanksgiving, peace follows.
Spread Joy to Others.
Send a card, make a call, or serve someone in need. When we share joy, it multiplies. Even when life feels uncertain, we can still say, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”
Scripture Focus:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” — Philippians 4:4
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.” — Romans 15:13
Take time this week to reflect on the ways God has shown His faithfulness in your past. Joy grows when we remember that the same God who was faithful before will be faithful again.
Thanksgiving Sunday – November 23th:
Join us as we gather for a special time of worship and gratitude. It’s the perfect way to begin the Advent season with thankful hearts.
Advent Series Begins November 30th:
Invite your friends and family to our Christmas series: “Breaking The Silence.” This Christmas series examines Jesus’ arrival after the “four hundred years of silence.” You will be encouraged to worship God for his faithfulness and trust in Jesus’ assured return.
There will be no Sunday Night services during the month of December. Take this time and spend it with your family and friends celebrating our King!
Don’t forget to pick up your awesome HFA apparel if you ordered it. You must pay for it before receiving it.
Joy is not the absence of hardship — it’s the presence of Jesus.
As we count down to Christmas, let’s not rush past the waiting. Let’s rejoice in it.
Because even in the in-between moments, God is working, hearts are softening, and His promise is still true:
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…” (Isaiah 9:6)
So, keep your eyes lifted and your heart joyful —
Christmas is coming, and so is the Light of the World.