Sermon Date: 12/14/2025

Bible Verses:

• Psalm 98

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-

Introduction: The Sound of Joy in a Weary World

We come today to the third Sunday of Advent—the Sunday of Joy. The pink candle, often called the Shepherds’ Candle, reminds us that the news of Christ’s coming brings joy so deep that it shakes the foundations of the world.

And what better hymn to drive that home than “Joy to the World”?

What most people don’t realize is that Isaac Watts wasn't writing about the baby in the manger—he was writing about the King on the throne. This hymn is not just about Christmas past; it’s about the coming kingdom. It’s rooted in Psalm 98, which opens like this:

“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things…” (Psalm 98:1)

It’s a psalm of triumphant joy—not naive happiness, but world-shaking, sin-conquering joy grounded in God’s promise and power.

Let’s break down that kind of Advent joy in three parts.

1. Joy Declared: The King Has Come, The King Will Come Again

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King!”

Watts was pointing to the fulfillment of Psalm 98, which celebrates a God who:

• Acts with power (v. 1)
• Reveals righteousness (v. 2)
• Remembers His love and faithfulness (v. 3)

Advent joy doesn’t start with us—it starts with God. The Lord has come. He entered our world not to observe suffering, but to overcome it—from Bethlehem to the cross to the empty tomb.

Every time we sing “Joy to the world,” we’re not just remembering Christmas—we’re rehearsing the moment when Jesus returns as King and joy floods everything that’s been broken.

✦ Advent joy isn’t rooted in what we feel—it’s rooted in who reigns.

1. Joy Received: Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

Joy is offered—but it must be received.

The line we sing so casually—"Let every heart prepare Him room"—is a direct challenge. It asks: Have you made room in your life for the King?

Joy doesn’t come from a perfect December. It doesn't come from the right gifts, the right balance in the bank, or even the right relationships. Joy comes from surrendering the throne of your life to the One who already rules heaven and earth.

Psalm 98 repeats the word “all” and “every”—indicating the reach of God’s joy:

• “All the ends of the earth have seen…” (v. 3)
• “Let the sea resound, and everything in it…” (v. 7)
• “Let the rivers clap their hands…” (v. 8)

If seas and rivers and mountains can rejoice—how much more should the people He came to save?

✦ Joy is not automatic—it’s the echo of a heart where Jesus is welcome.

1. Joy Restored: Far as the Curse Is Found

Why is this hymn connected to Genesis 3? Because Jesus didn’t just come to save souls—He came to undo the curse. Every sorrow, every brokenness, every ache in your bones comes from a world still shadowed by sin. But Watts reminds us:

“He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found.”

Psalm 98 ends with anticipation:

“…for He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.” (Psalm 98:9)

That’s not bad news—that’s good news. Jesus doesn’t just bring joy—He restores justice. He doesn’t just save hearts—He heals creation. He doesn’t just reign someday—He reigns today.

In Jesus, joy is not fragile—it’s unstoppable. It’s coming with Him when He returns, and it’s breaking into the world now through every believer who refuses to let despair have the last word.

Conclusion: Light the Candle, Live the Joy

Today we light the Candle of Joy—not because life is perfect, but because God’s promise is. Joy is not a mood—it’s the music of heaven breaking into earth.

So let the good news of Advent ring louder than the bad news around us. Let every heart prepare Him room. Let every home, every workplace, every struggle, and every silence feel the weight of this truth:

✦ Joy to the world—the Lord is come. ✦ Joy to the world—the Lord is coming again. ✦ Joy to the world—let us live like we believe it.

Join Tim and John as they celebrate two years of the Podcast!

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning and https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/halloween-time

Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/

A Poem for the Walnut Grove Podcast – Celebrating Year Two

Two years of roots grown deep in grace, Of truth proclaimed from place to place, Of voices steady, kind, and sure— A gospel sound both rich and pure.

They opened John’s great book of light, Where Word made flesh broke through the night. They told of life from womb to breath— How God still weaves through life and death.

They faced the world’s most sacred strife, The worth of soul, the gift of life. With trembling hands and holy tone, They said: Each child is His alone.

Through pain and loss, through tear and song, They showed that faith still stands strong. That suffering, though hard to bear, Becomes a place where God meets there.

They sought God’s will through every test— Not in confusion, but in rest. In purpose, guidance, sovereignty— They found His heart, and helped us see.

They spoke of anger, right and wrong, Of tempers short and mercies long. Of Saul and Samuel’s shadowed hour, Of witches, fear, and fading power.

They talked of death—and what’s beyond, Of heaven’s gate and Christ’s dear bond. They said, Fear not!—for love is near, And perfect love drives out our fear.

They called the church to stand and fight, To “suit up” strong in armor bright. To wield the Word, the Spirit’s flame, And bear the banner of His name.

They taught of light that will not fade, Of freedom won, of debts repaid. Of hearts forgiven, spirits freed, Of purpose born from grace and need.

They spoke of friends—the kind that stay, When storms of life don’t go away. Of love that laughs, and truth that binds, Of mercy strong and hearts aligned.

And when the hymns began to rise, Their voices joined beyond the skies. Through words and melody combined, The saints of old and new entwined.

So here’s to years of faith well sown, Of seeds of truth the Spirit’s grown. To Tim and John—whose steady tone Has helped the weary find their home.

Two years beneath the Walnut Grove— Where gospel roots and friendship grow. And if the Lord should grant year three, May His Word still set captives free.

• How many tacos can you eat in one sitting? - Jack Brewer
• What is your favorite parable? Psalm? - Laken Howell
• What do you think about the most recent “rapture-tok” situation with the South African pastor (Joshua Mhlakala)? - Mallory Kaul
• Why are so many people so eager/trusting when they know that no one will know the time or place? - Mallory Kaul
• Which LOTR Movie is the Best? (And Why is it RotK?) - Mallory Kaul
• Is Karma biblical?
• How should we address other Christian who believe in Karma?
• What is your favorite Childhood Memory? - Sheila Shapley
• What was your favorite thing to watch as a child? - Sheila Shapley
• What is your favorite hymn? - Sheila Shapley
• What is your greatest fear?” - Sheila Shapley

Rev. Tim Shapley delivers a chapel message about Advent, reflecting on Jesus' first coming, the fulfillment of prophecy, and God’s faithfulness throughout history.

He explains the hope of Christ’s second coming through a simple overview of Revelation, encouraging listeners to wait with peace, joy, love, and readiness.

Sermon Date: 11/30/2025

Bible Verses:

• Haggai 2:7
• Isaiah 8:10
• Isaiah 7:14

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-

Theme: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”

Introduction: A Season of Waiting, A Candle of Hope

Advent isn’t just about looking back to the birth of Christ—it’s also about looking forward to His return. We're stuck living in the tension between what God has already done and what He has yet to do. So every year, we light this first candle—the Candle of Hope—not because everything is fine, but because everything isn’t. Hope is fire in the darkness.

Charles Wesley felt that tension in 1744. As he walked the streets of England, he saw orphans freezing in the cold and massive gaps between rich and poor. He was moved by Haggai 2:7—"And I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come." That verse birthed the Advent hymn: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.” In it, Wesley reminds us: Jesus is not just the answer for ancient Israel—He is the answer for every fearful, longing heart.

1. Hope Declared: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”

“Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art…”

Advent begins with longing. Like ancient Israel, we are waiting for deliverance—not from Rome, not from Babylon, but from fear, sin, and death.

• “Not only that,but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.” (Rom. 8:23)

The world is full of broken strategies and failing plans. But God cuts through that noise:

• Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; Speak the word, but it will not stand, For God iswith us.” (Isaiah 8:10)

Advent reminds us—God is with us. Not distant. Not absent. Emmanuel.

1. Hope Delivered: Born a Child, and Yet a King

It still shocks us, doesn’t it? God didn’t send an army. He sent a baby. The King of Ages wrapped in fragile flesh.

Isaiah prophesied it:

“Behold, a virgin will conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

And Matthew confirms it:

“...they shall call His name Emmanuel, which means ‘God with us’.” (Matt. 1:23)

The gospel is not “try harder”—it’s “behold your King.” He came once in humility; He’s coming again in glory. He broke into history at Bethlehem; He’ll break the skies at His return.

Advent says: He came. He is coming. He is with us now.

1. Hope Alive: A Living Hope

Peter gives us the heartbeat of Advent hope:

“Blessed be the God and Father… who has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)

“Living hope” means this: our past is forgiven, our present is empowered, and our future is secure. Hope is not optimism. It’s not positive vibes. It’s resurrection power. And it is alive because He is alive.

1. Hope Ahead: The Blessed Hope of His Return

Advent invites us to lift our eyes and hearts to this:

“Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.” (Titus 2:13)

The same Jesus who came in a manger will come with majesty. The King who wore thorns will wear a crown. And the One who died for us will raise us to glory with Him.

Wesley prayed it this way:

“By Thine all-sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.”

Don’t miss that: not by our merit—but His.

Conclusion: Light the Candle, Lift Your Hope

As we light the Candle of Hope, we aren’t pretending the world is bright. We’re declaring that Jesus is the Light—and He is coming. We remember Bethlehem—and we await the clouds of glory. We acknowledge the ache—and we cling to the promise.

So this Advent, join Wesley in his prayer, and let it become your own: Come, Thou long expected Jesus… reign in us forever. Bring Thy gracious kingdom. Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Rev. Tim Shapley explores Psalm 107:1-9, showing how thanksgiving begins by remembering God’s unchanging goodness.

He highlights three truths: gratitude starts with who God is, it is the natural response of the redeemed, and it remembers God’s delivering and satisfying provision.

Be encouraged to tell your story, trust God’s faithfulness, and live a life of daily thanksgiving.