(April 16, 2023). An introduction to our study through Paul's letter to the Philippian church. It is often pointed out that this letter is a letter of "joy". Joy is a primary theme in the letter, but a close reading of Paul's letter shows that joy is a "leitmotif*" that arises from knowing and following Jesus Christ. The letter to the church in Philippi shows us that Christian joy is rooted in Christ and abounds in us as we give our lives in service to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

(A "leitmotif" is a melody that plays whenever a character in a play or movie enters into the scene. Think about the tin-whistle/music that plays when the character that will bring justice enters into the story of old western movies, or the music that plays whenever Darth Vader appears in Star Wars movies)