Joy the World Cannot Give (II)

A PASTORAL WORD BEFORE THE SERMON

(Keep this under 2 minutes — unhurried, calm)

Church family, before we open the Scriptures this morning, I want to briefly share how and why we do this.

Many of you come from a deep Methodist heritage — shaped by liturgy, prayer, confession, Scripture reading, and the church calendar. That is a beautiful and faithful tradition, and I honor it.

Liturgy reminds us of something essential: Worship is not about us — it is about God.

It grounds us.

It forms us.

It places us within the great story of the Church across generations.

My calling, particularly in this season, is shaped by expository preaching — which simply means allowing Scripture itself to lead us. Not asking first, “What do we want to say?” But, “What is God already saying?”

This is not a rejection of liturgy. Historically, it belongs within it.

Jesus read the Scripture, sat down, and explained it. The early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.

So today, we open the Word carefully — not to argue, not to impress — but to see Jesus clearly.

Because wherever Christ is seen clearly, hearts are changed.

THE TEXT

Luke 2:8–11 (Read slowly. Let fear and joy be heard.)

Luke 2:8–11 ESV

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

BIG IDEA

True joy does not come from religion, comfort, or circumstances. True joy comes from the Savior — Jesus Christ.

MOVEMENT ONE

THE ILLUSION OF JOY

When Jesus was born, many in Israel believed they already had joy.

They were not pagans.

They were not ignorant of God.

They were not without structure or tradition.

They had:

the Law

the Temple

the festivals

the promises

the identity of being God’s people

Outwardly, they appeared alive.

But Jesus later exposed the reality:

“This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” — Matthew 15:8

They had religion without relationship.

Form without life.

Confidence without redemption.

John Wesley warned of this very danger — that one may possess the form of faith while lacking its power.

Why did this feel like joy?

Because worldly joy does not require life — only comfort and control.

Their joy rested in:

identity (“We are Abraham’s children”)

performance (“We keep the law”)

tradition (“This is how we’ve always done it”)

Paul describes this condition plainly:

“Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” — 2 Timothy 3:5

It felt safe.

It felt settled.

But it was hollow.

MOVEMENT TWO

MISSING THE MAN OF JOY

Israel knew the promises.

They knew:

the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem

from the line of David

that He would suffer

that He would bring righteousness and peace

They read these texts. They sang them. They taught them.

And yet — when He came — most missed Him.

Why?

Because false joy dulls spiritual hunger.

Jesus said:

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” — Mark 2:17

They did not believe they were sick. They believed they were fine.

They wanted comfort preserved. God sent a Savior.

And who recognized Him?

Not the religious elite — but the shepherds. The poor. The overlooked. Those with nothing left to protect.

Those who had nothing recognized everything. Those who had everything missed Him.

MOVEMENT THREE

THE SAME ILLUSION TODAY

Before we judge them, we must look at ourselves.

Many today live surrounded by comfort and call it joy.

They have:

stable lives

moral values

families

careers

church attendance

religious language

They are not hostile to Jesus. They are simply satisfied without Him.

Worldly joy is:

circumstantial

fragile

temporary

dependent on control

It fades when:

health declines

relationships break

finances fail

death arrives

And it always does.

Jesus asked:

“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” — Mark 8:36

Worldly joy can fill a calendar. It can fill a house. It cannot fill the soul.

MOVEMENT FOUR

THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF TRUE JOY

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy…” — Luke 2:10

Notice the order.

Fear is addressed before joy is announced.

Fear ruled the world:

fear of death

fear of judgment

fear of God’s silence

The angel declares that fear no longer has the final word.

Why?

“For unto you is born this day… a Savior.”

This joy is not emotional intensity. It is redemptive reality.

Joy rooted in:

forgiveness

reconciliation

eternal life

Joy that does not collapse under suffering.

MOVEMENT FIVE

THE SOURCE OF TRUE JOY

“A Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:11

Joy does not come from changed circumstances. It comes from a changed standing before God.

The angel does not announce prosperity. He announces salvation.

Because joy cannot exist where sin reigns and death rules.

Paul could write from prison:

“Rejoice in the Lord always.” — Philippians 4:4

Because joy was no longer situational — it was Christ-centered.

Jesus Himself endured the cross:

“For the joy that was set before him…” — Hebrews 12:2

Joy did not come after Jesus. Joy came with Jesus.

CONCLUSION

A JOY THE WORLD CANNOT GIVE

The tragedy of Israel was not wickedness — it was satisfaction without salvation.

And the invitation of Advent is the same today:

Not to abandon joy — but to exchange a fragile joy for a full one.

True joy entered the world humbly. True joy lay in a manger. True joy carried a cross. True joy walked out of a tomb.

And His name is Jesus Christ.

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” — John 15:11

(Pause. Let silence speak.)