Message: Rejoice Always / Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


Today is the third Sunday of Advent, and our focus is on joy. As Christians, we live in the tension between “Already” and “Not Yet.” Through Jesus Christ, we are already saved and experience God’s presence in our lives. However, God’s kingdom is not yet fully completed. We wait for the day when all suffering, violence, and injustice will be removed, and a new heaven and a new earth will come.

In today’s psalm, the prophet Isaiah describes this tension as follows: “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3). Through Jesus Christ, God has given us the wells of salvation, which are endless sources of life, hope, and love. However, drawing water requires action. We need to actively seek God’s peace and justice through prayer, worship, and serving others.

Drawing water from the wells also shows that we have to return to God again and again, especially when we feel tired or spiritually dry. God’s living water never runs out. Even in struggles, our joy is renewed when we trust in God’s promises and draw closer to God.

In the first Scripture reading today, Paul encourages us to embrace three practices to live out God’s love and hope in this in-between time of “Already” and “Not Yet.” First, he says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!” (4:4). This might seem hard when we see a world filled with wars, conflict, environmental crises, and personal struggles like illness, financial challenges, or broken relationships. Some may think this is naive advice, detached from harsh reality.

However, Paul did not write this in a comfortable situation. He was in prison for sharing the gospel of Christ. He was also uneasy because some church leaders criticized his position, and he was physically weak due to a chronic illness. Nevertheless, he encouraged his fellow Christians to rejoice. This was because his joy was not based on his circumstances but on Jesus Christ. He knew that nothing could separate him from God’s love.

Joy in the Lord is not about ignoring reality or pretending everything is fine. It’s about trusting that God is present in every situation, working for our good even when we cannot see it. When we root our joy in Jesus, we find a deep strength that carries us through life’s storms.

Second, Paul says, “Let your gentleness be known to everyone” (4:5). As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect his kindness and hospitality throughout our lives. Jesus always left the door open for repentance and transformation. He forgave even those who crucified him. He stood firm against injustice and sin but never hated people. Experiencing the joy of Jesus opens our hearts, making us more welcoming and inclusive, just as he is.

Gentleness is often mistaken for weakness, but it’s actually strength under control. It takes courage to respond to others with patience, compassion, and understanding. In a society that often reacts with anger and division, our gentleness can be a powerful witness to Christ’s love.

Third, Paul urges us, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (4:6). Worry arises when we let imagined future problems grow in our minds. Paul does not say we will never feel anxious, but he tells us to turn our worries into prayers.

When we pray, we align our hearts with God’s eternal perspective, allowing us to see that challenges become opportunities in God's bigger purpose. In this regard, Paul says, “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (4:7). This peace keeps our hearts and minds, helping us realize what we truly need and what we can do with joy.

One story that beautifully illustrates true joy in the season of Advent is Clorinda's Gifts by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Clorinda, a teenage girl, feels sad because she cannot afford to buy Christmas gifts due to financial struggles. Her wise Aunt Emmy gently encourages her to reflect on the true meaning of "giving," saying, “The gifts which money can purchase are not the only ones we can give, nor the best, either.”

For several days, Clorinda struggles to understand Aunt Emmy’s words. Then, one day, the meaning becomes clear to her: the most precious gifts come from the heart. She finds ways to give her loved ones things that money cannot buy. She gives a cherished book to her teacher, writes a heartfelt letter to her Sunday school teacher, spends time with a retired nurse, and offers forgiveness to a friend who has wronged her. She also chooses to stay home with her dear Aunt Mary instead of taking a job far away.

Clorinda’s final gift to Aunt Emmy is a rosebush, a symbol of love and joy. Aunt Emmy kisses one of the roses and says tenderly, “It’s as sweet as yourself, dear child. And it will bring me joy through the lonely winter days. You’ve discovered the best meaning of Christmas giving, haven’t you, dear?”

As we journey through this Advent season, let us remember that we live between “Already” and “Not Yet.” As we draw water from the wells of salvation, we wait for God’s reign with joy. During this time of waiting, may we rejoice always, show gentleness to others, and replace worry with prayer. In doing so, we can find what we truly need and what we can do, just as Clorinda did. May we all experience the deep and unshakable joy rooted in Jesus Christ. 

Thanks be to God. Amen.


Rev. Min Hwang
South Stormont Pastoral Charge
St. Andrew's-St. Mark's United Church & Ingleside-Newington United Church
Advent 3, 2024

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