DECEMBER WEEK 3_THEME VISION :SPIRIT-LED JOY

This is our month of the impartation of uncommon presence, spirit-led joy.

My name is Josephin Kimai from the Women of Impact of Parklands Baptist Church.

Now, indeed, we can say as a family that the presence of the Lord has been with us in 2025.

We have seen his goodness.

So as we get into the third week of December, we're just looking at spirit-led joy.

And as we think about that, we're filled with thanksgiving.

God has been good, and his goodness is driving us to just want or desire more of him.

Now, as I think of spirit-led joy, I think of the joy that brings rejoicing, I think of joy that brings overflow, and I also think of joy, the joy that is our strength.

So God's joy that brings rejoicing.

Philippians 4:4 says, always be full of joy in the Lord.

Philippians 4:4

I say again, rejoice.

So we are being reminded that we should rejoice in the Lord.

Then let's look at God's joy that brings overflow.

John 15, verse 11 says, I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy.

John 15:11

Yes, your joy will overflow.

This is Jesus Himself who is telling us that He wants us to be filled with His joy and that our joy should overflow.

Then as I look at God's joy is our strength.

It is Nehemiah 8, verse 10 that tells us, and Nehemiah continued, Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared.

Nehemiah 8:10

This is a sacred day before our Lord.

Don't be dejected or and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

We are being reminded that as we celebrate, we should celebrate with others, we should give to others who do not have.

And in all this, look forward because the joy of the Lord is our strength.

And therefore, as we take time with family and with friends in this season, as we reflect on the year that has been, let us remember to rejoice in the Lord.

Let us also give because Jesus gave first to us, and he gave us to overflowing.

And then let us look ahead to the year ahead and the years and the seasons ahead with strength, because the joy of the Lord is our strength.

And now may the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord cause his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

May the Lord grant you his peace and may you experience his joy.

Amen.