Joy Arrived

INTRODUCTION

Christmas is interesting, because it’s the only time of year when we schedule joy. We put it on the calendar. We plan it weeks ahead. And then when it finally shows up, we’re like, “Okay… let’s try to enjoy this.”

Christmas is one of the few times of the year when we let our guard down.

We sing songs like Joy to the Word.

We gather with family and friends.

We slow down.

We become a little more like kids again.

For a moment, we admit something we often hide. We want to enjoy life.

But joy feels risky, because it has disappointed us before.

Transition

Christmas does not question whether we want joy. Christmas shows us where joy can actually last.

In Luke 2, joy does not arrive as an emotion or a season. Joy arrives as an event. Something God does in the real world, for real people.

This passage shows us what kind of joy God brings.

Three Truths About Joy Arriving

1. Joy came when God acted, not when we figured things out.

Luke 2:11 (KJV)

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

God did not send joy as a feeling. God sent joy as a person.

Explanation

The angel announces news, not advice.

Not “try harder.”

Not “feel better.”

A Savior is born.

Joy has a name.

Savior — rescue.

Christ — promise fulfilled.

Lord — rightful King.

Joy is a person we meet before an emotion we experience.

Transition

Joy is not fragile because it is not imaginary. It is anchored to a real person who entered history.

2. Joy found us because Jesus came to where we live.

Luke 2:12 (KJV)

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Jesus came low so joy could come close.

Explanation

You would think If God were going to fix the world, this is not how we would do it.

We would choose strength. God chose vulnerability.

We would choose visibility. God chose obscurity.

We would choose control. God chose closeness.

That is not what He chose.

A baby.

A manger.

No palace.

No protection.

God did not wait for ideal conditions. He entered real life.

Matthew 1:23 (KJV)

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

He came to ordinary homes. He came to unnoticed lives. He came to places no one else would choose.

That is why joy can reach us. Because God came to where we live.

Transition

Joy is possible for us all because God did not remain distant.

3. Joy comes from God with us, not easier days.

Luke 2:14 (KJV)

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

The shepherds’ lives do not get easier

Luke 2:20 tells us the shepherds return to their fields.

Same work. Same risks. Same uncertainty.

But they return glorifying and praising God.

Why?

Because God had come near.

Their joy did not come from easier days. It came from knowing God was with them.

The darkness was no longer empty of God.

Joy was found in the manger on that silent night.

Peace does not come because the world improved

Peace comes because God stepped in

Peace in Luke 2:14 is not a feeling. It is a relationship.

God with us brings peace. Peace gives birth to joy.

Joy did not come because darkness disappeared. Joy came because God came near.

THE GOSPEL

Our deepest problem is not difficult lives. Our deepest problem is separation from God because of sin.

That is why Jesus came.

Jesus lived the life we could not live. Jesus died the death we deserved to die. Jesus rose again so forgiveness and new life could be offered.

The manger leads to the cross. The cross leads to the empty tomb.

This is the good news of great joy.

[Lower your voice slightly. Slow down.]

INVITATION

Joy is not achieved. Joy is received.

Tonight, you can trust Jesus.

Not by cleaning yourself up.

Not by promising to do better.

But by believing He came for you.

If you need words, you can speak to God simply: God, I know I need You. I believe Jesus came for me. I trust Him as my Savior and Lord.

Candlelight

As we light candles, the darkness will still be here. Scripture never denies that.

Christmas is not the removal of darkness. It is the arrival of God within it.

Each flame testifies that light does not need darkness to leave in order to prevail.

God entered the night. And the darkness did not overcome Him.