Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, December 3, 2023
Grief. Shame. Guilt. Economic anxiety. Job loss. Broken relationships. Crisis of faith. Political division. An abiding sense of loneliness. Substance abuse. A lack of purpose.
Have I named your pain point? If not, fill in the blank, and you will find something or someone trying to steal your joy.
How do we ensure that our lives are not absent of joy?
Joy begins with hope. A joyful life is a life grounded in hope. In a world that stands afraid of the next bad thing, it is an act of hope to declare with the angels, “Do not fear.” We boldly claim “do not fear” out of joy because we know fear doesn’t have the last word. Death doesn’t have the last word. God will have the last word. And because of that, we can remain joyful. Whatever happens in the world, we believe, as followers of Jesus, that love and reconciliation will win out in the end.
Joy is rooted in hope because hope is grounded in the goodness of God. Hope is believing in God’s goodness more than believing in the world’s badness. The world gives us enough bad to believe nothing could ever improve. We would be left hopeless if all the bad news were absorbing all we did. But hope directs us to the goodness of God. Hope allows us to see beyond our circumstances.
Every person has a choice in how they will live their lives. We can focus on our badness, our failed attempts at life, our weaknesses, our sickness, and our brokenness, or we can focus on God’s goodness that is revealed in Jesus. It is a choice between despair and hope. The story of Christmas is a story of hope. It is the story of God still believing in us. Some of you think God has stopped believing in you. You are focused on your circumstances and situations, and everything looks hopeless. I want you to know that there are no hopeless situations. I want you to know that God has never stopped believing in you.
And that should be reason enough to live with joy.
As the season of Advent begins, I invite you to live into the joy of the expectation of Christ being born among us.
After the angels left and heaven was silent, the shepherds went to see Jesus. What will you do with the hope you have been given? The shepherds heard from heaven, and they acted. They would never have to look back on their lives and say I wish I would have done something with the gift of joy given to us by the angels. Never would they have to say, “I wish I would’ve ….”
Don’t let fear give you a lifetime of regrets. Begin living today because hope is born, love has conquered fear, and joy is ours to share.
Jamey
(Music performed by the Modern Worship Team of Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekly Prayer
As we enter the season of Advent, we invite You to fill our hearts with the joy of the expectation of Christ's birth. Help us live with hope, act on the joy we have been given, and never regret not embracing the gift of joy. Remind us that You have never stopped believing in us and that alone should be reason enough to live with joy.
In this Advent season, we ask for the surprise of joy in our lives. Open our eyes and ears to the God moments that surround us daily. Help us to be caught up in wonder, to slow down and appreciate the simple joys of life. May we be open to new experiences and opportunities for joy, and always remember that Your belief in us gives us reason to rejoice.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
Why was the snowman sad? Cause he had a meltdown!
How do you build a snow fort? You igloo it together!
Wisdom Nugget: Resilient leaders can navigate challenges and maintain their composure under pressure.
A Question to Consider: How can I be more present and engaged in my everyday life?
Photo Taken By Me
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
We’re excited to share that this year’s Christmas Eve Offering from Gainesville First United Methodist Church will benefit Love Your Story. Love Your Story’s mission is to provide respite and belonging for families impacted by disabilities. Watch the video to learn more about Molly’s House and prayerfully consider your Christmas Eve Offering gift.
Click Here to Learn More About Love Your Story
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Happening in North Georgia
Sunday, December 3 / 5-7pm / Green Street
Have you always wanted to be in a parade? Here is your chance. On Sunday, December 3, at 5pm the Gainesville community will kick-off the season with the annual tradition of Christmas on Green Street. The parade starts at 5pm.
Interested in riding on Gainesville First United Methodist Church Float?
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
"Leadership is lifting a person's vision to high sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations." - Peter Drucker