Advent: Joy

This week’s Advent message focused on Joy not a surface-level happiness or forced positivity, but a deep, Spirit-given joy rooted in God’s character, presence, and promises. Pastor Cory taught that biblical joy is not dependent on circumstances, but is something God forms in us through hope, trust, and His nearness. Joy can coexist with sorrow, pain, and grief, and Scripture shows that God intends for His people to experience joy as strength, motivation, and a sign of His kingdom at work. Joy is both a gift and a practice that shapes our faith.