joy.

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When I was asked about a month ago to preach during Advent, focusing on Joy in the third week of the season, I was excited. After all, who doesn’t love a good Advent message about joy? I was ready to dive into the season with a warm, feel-good message about the happiness we find in Jesus. But then I started reading our passage from Luke for today—and, well, let’s just say it didn’t exactly fit the “warm and fuzzy” vibe I was expecting. It opens with a line that really sets the tone: “John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?’”
Uh... okay. Cool. So not exactly what I had in mind for a cheerful Advent sermon. You know it’s going to be an interesting ride when the Vicar says, “Good luck with that one!”
So yes, at first glance, this definitely isn’t the heartwarming, joy-filled reading you might hope for when you’re thinking about Advent. In fact, it’s a bit of a downer. But hang in there with me, because I truly believe God has something powerful to say to us through this passage—even if it starts with a bit of tough love.
In this passage, we meet John the Baptist, a rather fiery prophet who’s preparing the way for Jesus. John’s message is all about repentance and transformation, calling people to turn away from their sins and embrace a new way of living. And let’s be honest—his words are pretty intense. "You brood of vipers!" doesn’t exactly scream "peace on earth, goodwill toward men," does it? But here’s the thing: John is serious about preparing people for the arrival of Jesus—and in his mind, that preparation starts with getting real about where we’ve fallen short. As Richard said last week, this isn’t just a scurryfunge of the soul - it’s a deep dive into our hearts and attitudes that goes beyond just the Advent season”.
John’s challenge is clear: "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance" (Luke 3:8). In other words, show real change, not just talk about it.
And this is where true joy comes in. It’s not about fleeting moments of happiness, like the thrill of a new gadget or the rush of likes on social media. Joy can’t be bought, earned, or manufactured—it’s not about instant gratification. Instead, true joy is a deeper, lasting peace that comes from being in a right relationship with God. In a world that’s often consumed by the materialism of Christmas, understanding this kind of joy is more important than ever. It’s a reminder that joy isn’t found in what we accumulate or how we’re perceived, but in the abiding peace that comes from repentance, transformation, and alignment with God’s will.
So, while John’s words are a bit harsh at first, they’re not just about warning us or making us feel guilty. They’re about setting us on the path to real joy. The kind of joy that isn’t temporary but lasts through the ups and downs of life. The kind of joy that comes when we turn away from our mistakes, put our trust in God and live life with him.
Let me give you an example. Think about those moments when you’ve messed up—maybe you’ve hurt someone, or you’ve made a decision that you knew wasn’t the best. In those moments, there’s a weight that hangs over you, right? But when you take responsibility, apologize, and make things right, there’s this sense of relief, a lightness that follows. That’s the peace that comes with repentance. It’s not about guilt or shame—it’s about getting back into a right relationship with God, and with the people around us.
And here’s the thing: This is the joy that John is pointing us toward. It’s not the kind of joy that comes from a fleeting, feel-good moment. It’s the kind of joy that comes from turning our hearts toward God, being real with ourselves, and making space for Him to change us. It’s a joy that is rooted in peace, in healing, and in the deep, abiding love that God offers us every single day.
John continues by showing the people how to live out their repentance in practical, everyday ways. He tells them, "If you have two shirts, share with someone who has none. If you have food, do the same" (Luke 3:11). For the tax collectors, he says, "Don’t collect more than you're supposed to" (Luke 3:13), and to the soldiers, "Don't take advantage of people, don’t make false accusations, and be happy with what you’re paid" (Luke 3:14).
These aren’t just random rules—John is showing that true joy isn’t just something we feel inside; it’s something we show in how we live. When we act generously, honestly, and justly, we reflect the joy of the Lord to the people around us. And Christmas is the perfect time to put this into practice. Whether it's donating to food drives, contributing toys for children in need, giving handmade gifts, writing heartfelt cards, supporting local businesses, or offering our time and skills to others—this season gives us countless opportunities to spread joy through our actions. Our joy, when shared in these ways, becomes a living testimony of God's love and goodness, and it can draw others to seek that same transformation in their own lives.
See, I told you there was plenty to be found in this passage, and like any good salesperson,
I’m going to end my pitch with a “But wait, there’s more!” When John the Baptist speaks to the crowd, he’s not just calling them to repentance—he’s pointing them toward something even greater: the coming of the Messiah. John says, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16). In other words, John is saying, “You think this is good? Just wait! Someone is coming who will change everything.” That someone is Jesus, the Lamb of God, who offers salvation and the hope of eternal life.
This promise of the Messiah is the ultimate source of our joy. It’s a joy that’s unshakable because it’s grounded in the eternal truth of God’s love and the redemption we have through Jesus. The joy of the Lord comes from the assurance that, through Christ, we’ve been reconciled with God. And this isn’t just any kind of joy—it’s peace that surpasses all understanding, just like we read in Philippians 4:4-7: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Think of it like Frozen—yes, Frozen, look, I have four children under 5 and I love a good Disney example! At the start of the movie, Elsa is like that friend who’s constantly holding back at karaoke night because they’re terrified of messing up. She has all this incredible power, but she’s so afraid of it getting out of control, she hides it—literally and figuratively—under a bunch of layers. Sound familiar? Maybe it’s not ice powers, but we all have our own "Elsa moments" where we’re trying to keep things together, too scared to let go and be fully ourselves.
But then, in that epic moment with “Let It Go,” Elsa finally decides, "You know what? I’m done hiding. I’m just going to embrace who I am—crazy ice powers and all!" And does everything immediately go back to normal? No. Does the kingdom suddenly become a giant snow globe? Absolutely. But Elsa has this moment of joy and freedom because she’s finally being true to herself. She stops hiding, stops pretending to be something she’s not, and in doing so, finds peace and joy.
In the same way, when we embrace the promise of the Messiah, we experience that same deep, unshakable joy. We might feel like we’re on the verge of a snowstorm, unsure of who we are or where we’re headed. But when we finally let go of the fear and accept the truth that we’re loved and enough because of Jesus, everything changes. We realize that, just like Elsa, we don’t have to hide anymore. God’s already made us whole through Christ, and that truth gives us a joy that’s way cooler than anything Elsa could conjure up with her magic ice powers. And just like her, we can rest in the peace of knowing we’re enough, no matter what life throws at us.
So, as we continue through Advent and look forward to Christmas, remember this: true joy isn’t about having everything perfect or getting everything we want—it’s about the peace that comes from being right with God, being open to transformation, and sharing that joy with others. As Philippians 4 reminds us, “Rejoice in the Lord always” and let that joy be evident in how you live. And if you’re ever feeling unsure, remember: the joy that comes from knowing the Messiah is the best gift you could ever receive. Let that joy fill your heart this season, and may it overflow into the lives of everyone around you. Amen.
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