St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran, Howards Grove, WI - Dec. 15th, 2024

A Real Christmas: results in great joy._ We all need a real Christmas…one that results in great joy. But joy is not the same thing as happiness. It is infinitely better. Happiness is an emotion. Joyfulness is a condition. Happiness comes from your circumstances. Joyfulness comes from Christ assuring you of his abiding love and your glorious future. Therefore, happiness – “holiday cheer” – is fleeting. Joyfulness is enduring. The historic Christian Church gave Latin titles to each Sunday. They titled the Third Sunday in Advent “Gaudete”…which means “Rejoice!” As we reach the midway point of Advent…we ask Christ to empower us to do just that.