2. Every year the theme for the Third Sunday in Advent is Joy

3. This is the Time of Year to Sing and Rejoice
Zephaniah 3:14-18

4. This is a season for fun and enjoyment
Our seasonal greetings
Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!
Happy Holidays!
Our celebrations and gatherings

5. Sometimes some Christians loose sight of the joy in this season

6. The Christian faith and life are not meant to be austere lives of
self-denial and severity
With no fun
With no joy

7. The Christian life is the celebration of life itself
With the enjoyment all the good things the Creator meant for us

8. Sing and Rejoice!
Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem!
The punishment is taken away!
So Don’t be afraid!
For The Lord is with you!

9. The punishment is taken away
The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.

10. The punishment is taken away
The celebration of the season is the birth of the SAVIOR
The enemies are turned back
Sin
Selfishness
Death

11. So Don’t be afraid
On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.

12. So Don’t be afraid The theme for “Gen-X” No Fear !
God’s people are strong people
God’s people are involved in His work
Ignite the flame to invite
Invite again and again

13. For The Lord is with you
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

14. For The Lord is with you He brings His might to your life
He not only loves you – He like you – He is pleased with you
He brings peace and joy to your life

15. So…Sing and Rejoice

16. Amen

17. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ to eternal life. Amen