In the first Advent week, we embraced the hope Jesus brings.
In the second, we found peace in His presence.
In this third week of Advent, we discover the joy of a restored connection with God through Jesus’ arrival.
In a beautifully written psalm of encouragement, Psalm 126 contains great depth and meaning, especially when we reflect on what it meant for the Israelites in their day.
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. 4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb! 5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! 6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. — Psalm 126
Imagine the emotions they felt—relief, gratitude, and overwhelming joy—as they witnessed the restoration of their fortunes. It was like a dream come true after a season of hardships and tears.
Similarly, the verses of Psalm 126 intersect in our lives today, reminding us of the power of God to turn our sorrows into joy—no matter the circumstance or situation. It’s not just about a change in circumstances, but a deep sense of renewal that Jesus IS and brings into our lives.
We’ve all had our moments or are currently in a moment of sowing in tears—times when life felt heavy, moments when the weight of sin or misfortune seemed too much to bear.
But, just as the psalmist expressed, there’s a promise of joy, a promise of redemption. It’s about experiencing the fullness of joy that only Jesus can offer when we turn to Him, lifting us from sin’s despair into His comforting embrace of a renewing, redemptive joy.
As we gather to pray Psalm 126 tonight, may our hearts express joyful gratitude for the restoration and joy that Jesus’ arrival brings.
Let’s seek His presence for one another, our city, our nation, and the nations sowing in tears right now so that all may reap joy in turning to Jesus alone.
See you tonight at 8 p.m. on Zoom.
God bless,
Pastor Alvin & Mallary Brown
alvin@makingamosaic.com :: mallary@makingamosaic.com
General Prayer Requests & Updates
For evangelism to flourish so communities and campuses in the greater Fort Worth area will be reached, and the lost will see and experience the love of Christ and be drawn to his kingdom.
For signs and wonders to follow the preaching of His Word.
For team unity and laborers to help carry the load.
For finances and provisions.
For fully funded campus missionaries (2 per campus) to help reach the next generation — Texas Christian University (TCU), Tarrant County College (TCC), Texas Wesleyan University (TWU) and Tarleton State University – Fort Worth (TSU), University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), and Dallas Baptist University (DBU).
Alvin Brown, the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church Fort Worth, brings over a decade of pastoral ministry experience and more than 20 years of operational and technical leadership expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Management from DeVry University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Mallary, and their three children and contributing as a writer to various media outlets.
