The Advent of Joy

So far in our Journey through the advent season we have lit the candles for hope, love, and peace. Today we light the final candle, the candle of Joy. I’ve asked Thor Knowles to read Luke 2:10-11

Luke 2:10–11 CSB

But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.

What is this Joy?

The Lexham Bible Dictionary defines “joy” this way.

JOY (שִׂמְחָה, simchah; χαρά, chara). Closely related to gladness and happiness, although joy is more a state of being than an emotion; a result of choice. One of the fruits of the spirit (Gal 5:22–23). Having joy is part of the experience of being a Christian.

In the Old Testament, joy is closely related to victory over one’s enemies.

In the New Testament, “joy” is still used for victory,...However, the victory focuses more on salvation (Luke 15:7)—the presence of Christ, the bridegroom, gives reason for joy (John 3:29

It is important for us to realize that the biblical definition of Joy is more than an emotion but rather a state of being; a result of a choice. In our text today we will see this idea exemplified clearly by the reactions of those who hear the news of the Messiah’s birth.

Matthew 2:1 CSB

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem,

Matthew 2:2 CSB

saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.”

I have always been amazed by this part of the narrative. How did these men know that the star was a symbol of the birth of the Messiah? To answer this question we must dive into a little bit of the background of these men.

Who were these “wise men”? History tells us that most likely they were a group of astrologers practicing a religion by the name of Zoroastrianism. It was somewhat of a monotheistic religion. They believed in a one true god and then also a false god. These two gods were locked in a battle for supremacy creating balance in the universe. The closest modern ideas we would see from this is the imagery of the Yin Yang, basically this is the belief system portrayed in the star wars genre.

According to their belief system eventually the good god, the one true deity would defeat the evil one. Monotheism was not a popular belief system. In fact, this small group of people practicing Zoroastrianism were heavily persecuted.

Liberal scholars try to attribute the practices of Zoroastrianism to being the foundation for Judaism. Judaism was actually much wider spread then Zoroastrianism. Due to the very few who practiced this religion, it doesn’t make sense that this religion would have influenced Judaism it wasn’t widespread enough. What is more likely is that Zoroastrianism borrowed ideas from Judaism.

It began in the same region of the Babylonian empire, modern day Iran. We know from scripture that Daniel was taken to Babylon. We know that Daniel, and many other devout Jews were taken to Babylon the same birthplace of Zoroaster.

It makes sense that these learned men would have heard of the Hebrew faith and consequently the prophesies such as

Numbers 24:17 CSB

I see him, but not now; I perceive him, but not near. A star will come from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will smash the forehead of Moab and strike down all the Shethites.

Trans: so these wise men recognize the star as a sign. Let’s see what happens next.

Matthew 2:3–6 CSB

When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born. “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they told him, “because this is what was written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah: Because out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”

Micah 5:2 CSB

Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; one will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me. His origin is from antiquity, from ancient times.

I. We two different groups of people with the same information yet two completely different reactions.

The first group we will focus on is King Herod and his counselors.

The scripture tells us that Herod is greatly disturbed. Why? because he didn’t believe the prophesy? No, on the contrary, because he did believe? Why would Herod be disturbed by a prophesy that he didn’t believe had any credibility? Logic tells us that his disturbance and consequently his actions was a result of his belief.

Have you ever wondered why some people get so disturbed by the gospel message? I mean they don’t get upset by Santa Claus, Elves, and the north pole. We can spout these tales all day long and no one gets upset. Yet preach the name of Jesus and the good news of the gospel message publicly and you will find a whole host of people that will respond in anger. Why? because in their hearts they can recognize the difference between the mythology of Santa Clause and the reality of Christ. Just like Herod they are threatened by the coming King.

You see the reason why they are so disturbed is that the gospel is good news to only a certain group of people. Those who choose to accept it. To those who reject Christ, it’s not good news because they will be held accountable for their own sin.

So we see this same reaction with Herod and the even it seems the religious leaders who were with him.

Lets see what happens next

Matthew 2:7–8 CSB

Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship him.”

We see that Herod begins to implement a diabolical plan. His plan was to kill the messiah to avoid losing his throne.

Matthew 2:9–11 CSB

After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

II. Same News; Two Very Different Reactions

I find it interesting that we have two groups of people with the exact same information and yet one group rejoices and the others fear it. Herod’s fear turned to murderous hatred.

While the wise men seek out the savior and are filled with great joy.

Look at what the scriptures say here. To them the star stopping over the place where Jesus lived meant they had finally found Him. For what purpose were they searching for him. To Worship him. They came for know other reason than to fall down at his feet and worship the Savior for the Joy of it.

Earlier on when we gave our definition of Joy. We centered in on the idea that joy is not so much a feeling but a state of mind, a result of a choice.

So I did a study one where the results somewhat overwhelmed me. Nearly half of the references in which the expression of Joy is mentioned so is the Lord and worship.

Joy as a result of a choosing to worship. Joy in fact is always a result of choosing to worship. In fact, you cant separate worship from Joy.

I don’t know about you all but over the last several weeks. I can sense a joy in the halls of this place. Along with that noticing the joy that is here. I’ve also noticed that during worship your no longer an audience.

What do I mean by that. An audience is there to observe but during our times of singing you are no longer an audience, but a choir singing with one voice worshipping the King of Kings. Church family it is no coincidence that as we worship together we have increased joy and as we increase in joy our worship is less like an audience coming to watch a concert and more like a choir of God’s people enjoying singing praises to our King.

This is beyond exciting because we are discovering and experiencing together the secret of Joy! It is worship. It is true worship

Matthew 2:10–11 CSB

When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.