Welcome: 

During Advent, we reflect on the moment when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, God entering our broken world with grace and redemption. Yet, Advent doesn't end at the manger. It directs our hearts beyond the gifts and celebrations, pointing us toward the greater promise of His return. Advent invites us to live with hope and expectation, holding firmly to the truth of Christ’s first coming while eagerly awaiting His return. It prompts us to ask a the all important question: How should we live during this time of waiting?

This question isn’t new. The early church wrestled with it too—especially the Thessalonian believers Paul addressed in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24. They struggled to find purpose and direction in the in-between, caught between hope and uncertainty. Thankfully Paul did not just offer wisdom to help them endure; he gave them a blueprint for thriving. His words were a call to action: “Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.”

So, let me ask you: Are we living with joyful expectation? Or have we allowed the distractions of the season to pull us away from what truly matters? Advent calls us back to the core of our faith, to practices that sustain and shape us as we wait for Christ’s return. 

This season, let’s cultivate joy, deepen our prayer, and nurture gratitude in every moment. As we open our hearts to the Spirit’s work, may we be ready to meet Jesus when He comes again.

Scripture Reading: 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, ESV:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”

Opening Prayer: 

Father God, we come before You with hearts humbled by Your majesty and lifted by Your love, thanking You for the call to joyful living. Teach us to find our joy not in fleeting pleasures but in the eternal truths of Your character and promises, anchoring our hope in Christ’s return. Help us live in constant communion with You, offering every moment as worship, and give us hearts of gratitude that trust in Your sovereignty even in difficulty. As we reflect and worship, sanctify our hearts, draw us nearer, and fill us with the joy and peace that come from knowing You. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

A Call to Joyful Living (v. 16-18) 

Our passage today begins with a triumphant but challenging command from the apostle Paul to the Thessalonian church: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). These commands are not suggestions, nor are they bound to the fleeting moods of the moment. No,they are God’s will for His people, declared through His Word!

But let us pause and consider: How could Paul dare to issue such commands to a church besieged by persecution, a people who bore the scars of their allegiance to Christ? To "rejoice always," to "pray without ceasing," and to "give thanks in all circumstances"... does this not strike the natural mind as an impossible demand? 

If Christian joy were tethered to the changing tides of fortune or the whims of this world, such an appeal would be cruel or foolish. But, praise God, it is not so! The joy to which Paul calls us is a deep and abiding wellspring anchored in the eternal truths of God’s character and promises. Jesus himself declared, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). 

What a joy this is! It does not waver with the winds of circumstance, nor does it falter in the face of trials. It is a joy rooted in the unchanging nature of God, the certainty of His promises, and the unshakable hope of eternity. This is the joy of Advent, a joy that looks back to the manger with wonder and forward to the trumpet’s sound with anticipation. It is the joy of a redeemed people, confident that the One who came as an infant  in Bethlehem will return as the King of Glory.

Consider the Thessalonian believers. This was a church refined by fire, enduring trials that would make the strongest hearts falter. They faced religious persecution, political hostility, social rejection, and economic hardship. Their allegiance to Christ flew in the face of pagan norms and imperial authority, leading to accusations of sedition (Acts 17:7) and estrangement from their neighbors. Yet, they stood firm, receiving the gospel "in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Their faith became an example to believers across Macedonia and Achaia (1 Thessalonians 1:7–8).

But what sustained them in such suffering? It was this: their eyes were fixed, not on their trials, but on the unshakable promise of Christ’s return. They understood, as Paul reminded them, that no trial, no opposition, no power on earth or in hell itself could ever separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38–39). Their joy was not rooted in ease or comfort but in the eternal assurance of God’s presence, power, and faithfulness. If those early believers in Thessalonica could rejoice in the midst of persecution, how much more ought we to rejoice, surrounded as we are by daily reminders of God’s goodness and grace?

Paul exhorted them to "rejoice always," and their lives became a living testimony of what that means. To rejoice always is to anchor your heart in God’s unchanging character, to treasure Him above all else, and to trust His purposes even in the storms of life. It is to say, as they did, "The Lord is our joy, our strength, and our song, and nothing can take that from us."

Paul also reminded them that "we are destined for this" (1 Thessalonians 3:3)—not for ease, but for a faith refined by persecution and trials, but ultimately crowned in glory. He pointed them to the hope of Christ’s return, urging them to lift their eyes beyond their present suffering to the day when their King would come to set all things right (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). 

Their steadfastness proclaims a message that echoes across the centuries: suffering for Christ is not a burden to be feared but a privilege to be embraced. It is the path to glory, the mark of those who truly belong to Him. And if they could rejoice, pray, and give thanks in the fires of persecution, how much more should we, who stand surrounded by the evidences of God’s faithfulness?

But Paul does not stop with joy; he exhorts the Thessalonians, and us by extension, to "pray without ceasing." What a lofty call! Does this mean we are to retreat to monasteries or to speak endless words? By no means! Paul speaks not of perpetual speech but of perpetual connection: a life lived in constant communion with the God who made us. Just as breathing sustains our bodies, so prayer sustains our souls. It becomes the rhythm of a heart attuned to heaven, the whisper of a child who knows the Father’s love. 

Let us marvel at this privilege: the God who spoke the stars into being invites us into unceasing fellowship with Him! Every moment, every task, every breath can become a prayer—whether in words of praise, cries for help, or silent trust. And in this season of Advent, as we remember Christ’s first coming and await His return, what better time to cultivate this rhythm of unbroken prayer?

Finally, Paul calls us to "give thanks in all circumstances." Here is a command that pierces the prideful heart, for gratitude is easy when the sun is shining but much harder in the storm. Yet Advent, more than any other season, reminds us that gratitude is not rooted in what we have or what we lack, but in who God is. It is a response to His sovereignty, His goodness, and His power to redeem even the darkest circumstances.

We see this in Job, who, after losing all, still declared, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21)? Gratitude in trials does not deny the pain but submits to the higher truth that God’s ways are perfect, even when they are beyond our understanding. And what an amazing cause we have for gratitude in this season! The birth of Christ, the eternal Word made flesh, is the ultimate assurance that no situation, no sorrow, is beyond God’s power to redeem.

These commands; to rejoice, to pray, to give thanks, are not three separate practices but one seamless way of life, a life shaped by the Holy Spirit and aligned with the eternal purposes of God. They are not burdens but blessings, not demands but invitations to a life of freedom and fullness. 

A Spirit-Empowered Life (v. 19-22) 

In 1 Thessalonians 5:19–22 we find more timely guidance for this sacred season: "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil." These verses remind us that Advent is a season of preparation, a time to ensure our hearts are open to the Spirit’s transforming work as we await the return of the King.

"Do not quench the Spirit” is a powerful and fitting reminder for Advent! The Spirit of God, who hovered over the waters at creation and fills the hearts of believers with faith, hope, and love, continues His work today. He is like a flame, illuminating our heavenward journey toward Christ. Yet Paul warns that distractions, busyness, complacency, and sin can quench this flame.

During Advent, the hustle of the season often threatens to crowd out the quiet, reflective work of the Spirit. Paul’s words challenge us to rekindle this flame through worship, prayer, and engagement with God’s Word. The Spirit longs to guide us as the angels once guided the shepherds, and the heavenly star guided the wise men,  leading them toward Christ with courage and faith. Are we making space to hear His voice? Are we quieting our hearts enough to discern His promptings?

Paul’s call "not [to] despise the words of prophets, but [to] test everything" reminds us that God speaks, and Advent is a season to listen. In ages past, He sent prophets like Isaiah to foretell the coming Messiah. Isaiah’s words, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given" (Isaiah 9:6), brought hope to a weary and waiting people. Similarly, God continues to speak today through His Word, faithful teachers, and the inner witness of His Spirit. Yet Paul pairs this encouragement with a call to discernment. Not every voice that claims to speak for God truly does. Testing what we hear against the unchanging truth of Scripture is essential. Advent invites us to tune out the clamor of the world and attune our ears to the good news of the gospel. The angels declared this message of great joy to the shepherds, and it remains the foundation of our hope today. Are we listening for God’s voice amid the noise of our age? Are we holding fast to what is good, what aligns with the timeless truth of His Word? Advent calls us to discern carefully and cling to the gospel, the glorious news of Christ’s coming.

Finally, Paul exhorts us to "abstain from every form of evil." As John the Baptist cried out, "Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight" (Matthew 3:3), so we are called to prepare our hearts for the coming King. Advent invites us to examine our hearts, repent of compromise, and recommit to walking in righteousness. This is not a call to legalism but a call to love, a response to the Savior who came to redeem us. To abstain from evil is to reject the sin that entangles and the values of the world that dull our commitment to Christ. It is to pursue a life that honors God in thought, word, and deed, motivated by the grace we have received through Christ. Are we striving to live in a way that reflects our devotion to Him, or have we allowed the distractions of the world to diminish our holiness?

This Advent, may we tend the flame of the Spirit with diligence and faith, listen closely to His voice with discernment and joy, and pursue holiness with steadfast devotion. Let us prepare the way for the Lord, who came as a child in the manger and who will return as the triumphant King. 

The Promise of Wholeness (v. 23-24)

Paul then concludes his appeal to the Thessalonians with words of hope and assurance: "May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this" (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24, ESV). These verses provide a blessing, a promise, and a reminder that we do not walk this journey of faith alone. 

Paul begins by describing God as the "God of peace." This title carries special significance during Advent, a season when we celebrate the Prince of Peace entering the world in Bethlehem. The peace Paul speaks of is not merely the absence of conflict but the shalom of God. This peace represents wholeness, restoration, and harmony that only He can bring. It is the peace Isaiah foretold when he said, "Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end" (Isaiah 9:7, ESV).

This God of peace is not distant or passive. He is actively working in His people, sanctifying them entirely. Paul emphasizes the completeness of this work—spirit, soul, and body. Every part of who we are is being shaped by God’s hand to reflect His glory. This sanctification is not partial or superficial; it is holistic, touching every aspect of our being.

Paul’s prayer invites us to see ourselves as clay in the hands of a master potter. A potter skillfully molds and shapes the clay into a vessel of beauty and purpose, and the clay rests in the potter’s care, trusting the artist’s intention. In the same way, we are called to submit to God’s sanctifying work, trusting Him to shape us into the people He has designed us to be.

This preparation requires daily surrender. Let His Word renew your mind and align your thoughts with His truth. Let His Spirit guide you, bringing conviction, comfort, and encouragement as you walk by faith. Advent is not just a time to look back at Christ’s first coming or forward to His return. It is an invitation to open our hearts to His transforming power in the present. Are we yielding to His hands and allowing Him to do His work in us, or are we resisting and clinging to our own ways?

Paul prays that believers would be "kept sound and blameless" for the coming of Christ. This is a call to readiness, reminding us that Advent is a season of active preparation. We live in the tension of the "already" of Christ’s first coming and the "not yet" of His return. This waiting is not passive but intentional, as we ready ourselves for the day we will meet Him.

To be kept sound and blameless is to live with Christ’s return always in view. It means aligning our lives with His kingdom values and pursuing holiness in thought, word, and action. This readiness, however, is not about achieving perfection through our own strength. Paul’s prayer points us to the sufficiency of God’s grace. It is God who sanctifies us, and it is God who sustains us. Our part is to surrender and trust Him to complete the work He has begun.

The greatest assurance in Paul’s prayer comes in these words: "The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this." Advent is a season of fulfilled promises. The God who promised a Savior to Abraham, to David, and through the prophets kept His word when Christ was born in Bethlehem. This same God has promised to sanctify and sustain His people, and His faithfulness ensures that promise will be kept.

Paul’s words echo the truth he proclaims in Philippians 1:6: "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." This work does not rely on our strength or ability. It depends entirely on the unchanging faithfulness of God. The God who called us to Himself is the God who will finish what He started, ensuring that we are ready to meet Christ when He comes.

As we reflect on Paul’s words, we are reminded that Advent is a season of both promise and preparation. The God of peace is at work, sanctifying us entirely and preparing every part of our being (spirit, soul, and body) for the return of Christ. This work is not a burden we carry alone but a gift of grace from the faithful God who calls us His own.

This Advent, let us rest in the hands of the Potter and allow Him to shape us into vessels for His glory. Let us live confidently, knowing that the God who kept His promise of a Savior will keep His promise to sanctify and sustain us. May we surrender daily to His transforming power, trusting that He is faithful to complete what He has begun. In doing so, we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ’s birth and await His glorious return with hope and expectation.

Living in Light of Christ’s Coming

Ultimately, Advent is a season of hope and anticipation, a time to reflect on what God has already accomplished and to look forward to the fulfillment of His promises. It is a season marked by the tension of the “already” and the “not yet.” In the stillness of Bethlehem’s manger, the Savior of the world arrived; Emmanuel, God with us, fulfilling ancient prophecies and answering generations of prayers. Yet Advent also points us forward to the day when the trumpet will sound and the Lord Himself will descend from heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Jesus told His disciples, “You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44). This call is not intended to create fear but to inspire faithfulness. It urges us to live with purpose, aligning our lives with God’s priorities and viewing each day as an opportunity to prepare for His return. The kingdom of God is already breaking into the world, and we are invited to join in its work. Are we living as people ready to meet Christ face-to-face? Do our hearts, homes, and actions reflect the hope of His return?

Advent calls us to proclaim the good news with boldness. When Jesus was born, the angels announced, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). This same message, the hope of salvation through Christ, is still the greatest need of our world. As we await His return, we are entrusted with this gospel, called to share it with urgency and love. Like the shepherds who could not keep silent about what they had witnessed, we are called to declare the good news of Christ’s first coming and His promised return. Are we making the most of every opportunity to tell others about the Savior?

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Amid the busyness of the season, we are called to reflect His love, joy, and truth in our actions and attitudes. Are we embodying the love of Christ in the way we treat others, especially during this season? Advent is an opportunity for Christ’s light to shine through us, illuminating a world that desperately needs His grace. By showing kindness, encouragement, and compassion, we point others to the hope that is found in Him.

Conclusion:

As we journey through this season of Advent, let us prepare our hearts for the coming King. True joy is anchored in the hope of salvation, prayer keeps us in constant communion with the One who holds all things, and gratitude flows from trusting the faithfulness of our God. The King is coming, and His promise is sure. "Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." So, as you go from here, I ask you, are you ready to meet Him? Are you living in the hope of His return, bearing the marks of His love and holiness? Today is the day to answer His call. Rejoice in His salvation, anchor your heart in prayer, and give thanks for His promises. Let us go forth as people prepared to meet the King, for He is coming again. 

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for this season of Advent, a time to reflect on the gift of Your Son and to prepare our hearts for His return. You are faithful, and Your promises never fail. Help us to live with joyful expectation, to walk in the light of Your truth, and to align our lives with Your will. Teach us to rejoice always, to pray continually, and to give thanks in all circumstances, knowing that Your grace is sufficient and Your love unchanging. Sanctify us completely, Lord, in spirit, soul, and body, that we may be blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we leave this place, may Your peace guard our hearts and guide our steps. Let us be a light in the darkness, proclaiming the good news of salvation and reflecting Your love to a world in need.  We ask these things in the name of Jesus, our Savior and King. Amen.