Text: Philippians 4:4-9
Theme: 3 – Joy
Sermon series: “Advent’s Gifts”
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Introduction: Iron is an essential ingredient in our bodies that keeps us going; without it, we risk developing anemia. This vital metal forms a key part of our blood cells, along with protein and other elements. A lack of iron leads to anemia, a condition where our bodies struggle due to insufficient oxygen transportation. Some excellent sources of dietary iron include beef, eggs, and broccoli. By incorporating these into your meals, you can help prevent anemia and maintain your strength and health.

But there’s another side to this story—some people face the opposite problem. Instead of lacking iron, their bodies accumulate too much of it. This condition occurs when excess iron builds up due to diet or other factors. When this happens, the liver, the organ responsible for processing and distributing iron, becomes overwhelmed. It starts depositing the surplus iron in various parts of the body, such as the kidneys, heart, or pancreas, which can lead to serious health issues.

I experienced this firsthand when a routine blood test showed my iron levels were “above upper panic level.” It was alarming to see such a result. Later, I learned my iron levels were around 500, which is concerning but manageable compared. This taught me the importance of balance. Through dietary changes and actions like donating blood, I was able to address the issue.

Why am I talking about iron and its excess in the body? Because this can be a good illustration to explain what happens during this time of year.

Throughout the year, people typically maintain a balance of joys and sorrows. There are highs and lows, victories and struggles, but it usually evens out. But when Christmas approaches – or, lately, even well before that – they begin to receive excessive doses of ‘iron.’, that is, calls for happiness. Then, they might be led to believe they must desperately be happy, cheerful, at peace, joyful, buy presents, give presents, receive presents, wish for presents, get presents, shop, spend, visit, contact, socialize… the liver, I mean, the heart and the mind have a lot to handle. It’s as if we’re expected to overload ourselves with happiness. The result is that they start distributing this ‘extra energy’ in the most disorganized and frantic way possible. And the outcomes are often frustrating, or even dangerous.

Just like with excess iron, this forced happiness can overwhelm us. It can strain our mental and spiritual health, leading to stress and even burnout. Just because an old man with a white beard insists that we should smile from October to December 24 – because we know that after the 25th, few still hold on to the peace, joy, hope, and happiness of Christmas – doesn’t mean we have to consume this demand recklessly. Excess can destroy our faith, joy, and conscience.

On top of all of that, when you come to church, you hear words like we heard in the epistle today, “Rejoice always!” You might think, “Oh no, even here the expectation is be relentlessly joyful?”

However, the joy Paul speaks of in Philippians 4 is different. Chairō(Rejoice) encapsulates a deep, enduring joy rooted in Christ, independent of external circumstances. It’s not a fleeting emotion, but a profound, enduring joy rooted in Christ. This joy transcends our external circumstances because it is anchored in the hope and peace Christ gives. It is not about feeling happy all the time; it’s about having a secure foundation. It’s the assurance that comes from knowing Christ.

Happiness and Joy

Here I want to make a distinction between happiness and joy. Because you can be happy or sad in your life, these feelings come and go. But joy is something more profound. I have a picture here to illustrate how the pursuit of happiness goes in life. Try to fix your eyes in one of the curved lines in this picture, see if it works for you.

Can you? Probably not. Every time you fix in the curved line, it is over here; then you try to look at it and it’s over here and to look here it’s over here. An optical illusion is going on here.

I thought this is a great illustration for trying to pursue happiness in your life. If you’re trying to pursue it, that’s likely where you’ll get – you never arrive there. Like in the picture, every time you try to fix your eyes on happiness, it escapes you.

What Paul talks in Philippians 4, it’s a word that we can translate by rejoice, that talks about a deep and enduring joy. It withstands even external circumstances. It’s something that Christ brings into our heart and here we can connect the other sermons of the series.  We we talked about Hope (1st Sunday in Advent) as the assurance you will receive what you expect for; Then, Peace(2nd Sunday in Advent): as knowing that Somebody is carrying the burden for you. That ties into Joy: “I have hope, I have peace in Christ, therefore deep down in my heart – not in my liver – I have this assurance which is more than just a passive feeling and goes beyond mere emotion.”

You’re not expected to feel happy all the time, but as a Christian, you can have joy. This joy was gifted to you in your Baptism and through your faith. No one can take it from you. It remains with you in every season, even during difficulties like grief, loss, or disappointment. You know that nobody can ever take it out of your hands. You have joy inside your heart.

Now, you may be thinking, “well pastor, that’s easy for Paul to say that, you know he lived in the Bible times, when everybody was happy back, right? They had Jesus, they didn’t have to live in the 21st century with all the problems we have.” I could describe to you but I’ll show it to you Here’s a 30s video illustrating the place where Paul is writing us to be joyful and not be anxious and trust the Lord and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. (Shows video)

“Even for the time, one of the worst places in the world,” a first century prison. Not the ones with cable TV, air conditioning, sunshine time, even though it’s already bad enough when anybody is locked down. But think about first century and Paul is there in those harsh conditions and he is writing, rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice in him, don’t be anxious about anything, put everything in the Lord’s hands because he has care for you. Rejoicing is more than fleeting happiness or sadness or any other emotion. They may come, we are all made up of emotions, but when we want to resort to joy we go back to Christ. We go back to the one who gave his own life on the cross for us, who came on a manger to become the King of Kings.[1]

Relationship

As we live in joy we have to remember this. Paul is not just saying rejoice, that will be again fleeting. He says rejoice in the Lord. How do you get to rejoice in Jesus? Getting to know him. Relationship. I know you will say, “I know him pastor, I was baptized, I’m a lifelong Christian”. But we are never short of things, new things to learn about Jesus. And even though it’s important to be in the house of the Lord for an hour, can you think about any meaningful relationship in your life that you want to deepen, that you were touch base with the person only once in a while?

Paul’s call to “rejoice in the Lord” is an invitation to deepen your relationship with Jesus. Just as meaningful relationships in our lives require daily engagement, so does our relationship with Christ. Spending time in His Word, receiving His body and blood in the sacrament, and sharing faith with others. Relationships demand engagement, daily engagement, constant engagement.

This is how we foster relationship with the one who is bringing joy; and not just for Christmas. It starts here,  Jesus is born. But it goes into January, into Lent, into Easter, into the rest of the year. The joy that he brings is not meant to overload you, to overcharge you so that you get frantic, “above upper panic level” on what to do with it. He wants you to be close to him so that as you get to know him, this hope and peace that transforms into joy will be present in your life. So that instead of trying to look there with your fixed eyes, trying to find joy, you look to Him. He is a fixed source of joy for you. Every time you look to Christ, you see his face, you see his word, you see his sacraments, you see the one that he’s there for you. [2]

In the end, if the difference between being happy and being joyful is not always clear in daily life, try this exercise. Think about filling this sentence, “I’ll be happy when….” Perhaps, “when I graduate, when I have my kids, when I get married or when I do this or when I do that.” Now here’s a question for you: what if that one thing doesn’t happen? I’m not wishing that for you, but there’s chances in life that something that I wish for doesn’t come true. Does that mean that you won’t have happiness and joy, you can’t be a joyful person? Of course not.

Now, instead of thinking, “I’ll be happy when…” and attaching your happiness to uncertain future events, try this one: “I have joy because…” and list the blessings Christ has already placed in your life. Joy in Christ is not about what we lack or wish for; it’s about what we already have in Him. This is the joy that sustains us through all seasons, not just Christmas, and gives us the strength to face whatever comes our way. 

Cc – Want to fix your eyes in joy? (Picture of Jesus) Fix your eyes in him. Then whether in a 1^st century prison cell, in a turmoil world, in the presence of God and your Christian family, whether…wherever! Joy fills your heart and your life. In His presence there’s fullness of joy.

Against the Christmas overdose of ‘iron’ – which hides a troubling anemia – we can treat our heart as it deserves: by living Christmas in faith in the One who is Christmas – Jesus Christ. A proper dose of balance and peace.

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[1] In the prison with Paul, in Port Coquitlam, or the Tri-Cities area or whatever you come from, everywhere you go you have somebody that when you look to him, you know that he is there with you, taking care of your heart with a proper dosage of joys and carrying you through the sorrows or the griefs you have in your life. This is how you can have as a Christian joy even in the most difficult times when you lose somebody, when you are grieving, when you are going through separations or to some distress in your life. You may not be happy, but you look to him and you see a secure source of what you need.

[2] The world has its offers about our relationship with happiness and joy.  I’ve got this sample from a short video online. There’s some truth in what the speaker says, but it needs a deeper, more solid, consistent and constant application of this to our life if we acknowledged that this is a poorer, simplified and existentialistic version of what the Bible teaches us in a profound secure and eternal way.
1 – “You have to stop regretting the past, there’s nothing you can do about it, you can learn from it” – What about the persistent feeling of guilt, should I explain it away, call it just learning?  The Bible has a deeper solution for it: forgiveness + learning from the People of God and God’s promises “This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.”.
2 – “Stop worrying about the future. 85% of things you worry about never happen. That’s a waste of your energy and time”. What about the realization that your future is in the hands of people that are imperfect sinners just like yourself, how much comfort does that bring? The Bible again has a deeper, permanent offering – “”Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; Trust in God’s providence.
Christians walk confidently into the future because 1) it comes one day at a time and 2) It comes with God’s presence every day. And by the way, if psychologists say 85% or the things in the future never happens – we know it, and the reason why we trust is because the other 15% we know for sure will come: Christ presence, Christ’s redemption, the last Day, and life everlasting.
3 – “Stop looking for your happiness in other people. Happiness is an inside job” –. Think about all the times when the inside is so messy, confused, sad or resented that no job can be done properly.
Christian joy isn’t about chasing happiness like an optical illusion, always out of reach. Instead, it’s about fixing our eyes on Christ—the unchanging source of hope, peace, and joy. The Word has a deeper offer here. Joy must first come from outside. From heaven. From a manger. From a Cross and an empty tomb. It comes from the one who is the root of our joy. Through the action of the Holy Spirit, the joy of the Lord becomes our strength. Christ places salvation through faith in our heart, and then he works it from within. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”.

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More resources

“Fortune”  – Psalm 85 and Zephaniah talk about “restoring our fortune”. God restores joys and blessings to his people. How? Here’s a thought that doesn’t occur to that human mentality: through repentance. God is constantly calling us to turn away from our sin and to be back in his presence.

Joy is restored through repentance and faith. How about that one? One would think that joy comes from excitement, from peace of mind, from doing the right things, from receiving compliments from… In both passages, the term points to God’s redemptive work in transforming suffering and judgment into renewal and blessing, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness. Joy is a fruit of the fact that
1)you don’t need to earn your salvation
2) you can live a life with God
3) you will live forever with Him

Happiness as defined by the world

Let me give you some examples of how the world might tempt you to pursue happiness:

• “Just be yourself.” How is that going for you? You know yourself well enough to understand that just being yourself doesn’t always bring clarity. Sometimes, you can barely hear your own thoughts, let alone follow some ideal version of yourself.
• “Chase your dreams.” But what if your dreams, the ones you’ve worked so hard for, don’t come true? What if, like so many others, your aspirations are dashed?
• Material achievements and personal success: We’ve all heard stories of the rich and famous who have everything, yet still seem miserable. Am I saying they are worse than us? No. I’m saying they are just like us. All their possessions, their fame, and their visibility don’t guarantee the happiness their social media feeds may portray.
• Pleasure and entertainment. The easiest one: If you can do things that bring you pleasure anytime you want, that must be happiness, right? But we know it’s fleeting. It doesn’t last.

Counterpoints to the sermon and responses

Counterpoint: “Joy sounds great, but life is full of suffering and pain. How can joy be real if my circumstances are so hard?” 

Response: Perhaps because we are too conditioned to think about Joy only in terms of feelings. If that is the case, Joy will never be a safe harbour. Actually, nothing will ever be. Can we name a feeling that is constant in your life? A good one?

It’s true — life can be really tough sometimes. We all go through hard times, and it can be hard to feel joy when everything around us feels broken. But here’s the thing: joy isn’t about ignoring our pain or pretending everything is fine. Jesus Himself tells us in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” That means our joy doesn’t depend on what’s happening to us; it’s rooted in the truth that Jesus has already overcome everything that tries to take us down. Even when life hurts, we can still have joy because we know that Jesus is with us, and He’s already made things right between us and God.

2. Counterpoint: “But what about those who aren’t Christian? Are they just doomed to miss out on joy?”

Response:      If you are not a hockey fan, you will never have the joy of being a hockey fan. Same for Christian Joy. Being Christian is a pre-requisite to dive deeper into Christian Joy. Good news is: This joy is not exclusive. And unlike a hockey game, there’s no cost. It is offered for all for free.

As Christians, we believe that the fullness of joy comes in knowing Jesus. God wants everyone to experience the joy of knowing Him, and He calls us to share that joy with others (1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9). Yes, people outside the faith can experience happiness, but true, lasting joy comes from a relationship with Jesus. Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “In Your presence there is fullness of joy.” We are called to show others the way to this joy, and when they meet Jesus, they can experience a joy that lasts, no matter what’s going on in their lives.

3. Counterpoint: “Isn’t joy just a feeling? How can it be constant if it’s based on how I feel?”

Response: Same as response #1

Joy is more than just a feeling. While happiness comes and goes — depending on what’s happening in our lives — joy is something deeper, something that stays with us even when we don’t feel like celebrating. The Bible talks about joy as a gift from the Holy Spirit, something that doesn’t depend on our moods or circumstances (Romans 14:17). When we know that God loves us, forgives us, and has a plan for our lives, that gives us joy that goes beyond just how we’re feeling today. It’s a deep, lasting peace that comes from knowing Jesus is with us, no matter what.

4. Counterpoint: “What does having joy really mean? Isn’t that just religious talk?”

Response: Many areas of life have their own language about finding joy or purpose. It’s not unique to religion. In fact, every field or passion has its own way of talking about how to live a fulfilling, joyful life.

• Sports: Think about the world of sports. Athletes often talk about “the game plan” or “the journey to greatness.” Coaches and players alike emphasize the importance of discipline, focus, and persistence to succeed. They speak of finding joy in the process, not just the victory. For example, many professional athletes say that the real joy is in the struggle, the training, and the teamwork, not just in winning the trophy. This is somewhat like “walking the way” — staying committed, even when things are tough, with the belief that the journey itself holds meaning.
• The Arts: In the world of art, there’s a similar idea. Artists, whether they’re painters, musicians, or dancers, often talk about “finding their flow” or “being in the zone.” It’s about connecting deeply with their craft, expressing themselves fully, and staying true to their creative journey. The joy comes not just from the final masterpiece, but from the process of creation itself. In the same way, walking the “Way” with Jesus is about engaging with the process of living out our faith — the daily steps we take, trusting in Him and growing in relationship with Him.
• Medicine: Doctors and medical professionals talk about wellness and healing — they have their own way of explaining how to achieve health and happiness. A common phrase is, “It’s not just about treating the illness, it’s about supporting the whole person.” This holistic approach considers physical, emotional, and mental health. In a similar way, walking in “THE WAY” with Jesus is about holistic well-being — it’s not just about being physically healthy or having everything figured out in life, but about having peace and joy in every aspect of who we are as God’s children.
• Psychology: In psychology, experts talk about “mindfulness,” “self-actualization,” and “personal growth.” The idea is to find inner peace and joy by understanding ourselves better, accepting who we are, and finding purpose in life. While these ideas can be helpful, the Christian understanding of walking in “THE WAY” takes it a step further by rooting our identity and joy in God’s truth — not just our own self-discovery. Walking the way with Jesus means being shaped by His love and forgiveness, and that’s what gives us a deeper, lasting joy.

Christian Joy is not just a concept, but also a person:  Jesus Himself. Joy in Jesus means following Him — trusting in Him for our salvation and living according to His teachings. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers, but trusting the one who is the source of joy and fulfillment in life, Jesus.

5. Counterpoint: “Isn’t joy just for the spiritually mature? What if I’m struggling to even believe in Jesus?”

Response: Vitamins are not only for those who are healthy and strong. Therapy sessions are not only for those who have life figured out. Mom’s lap and kiss on the forehead are not only for the child that is happy and singing.

You don’t have to be spiritually mature to experience joy. In fact, joy isn’t about how strong or faithful we are; it’s about God’s grace, and His grace is for everyone, no matter where we’re at in our journey. Jesus says in Matthew 17:20, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can move mountains.” Even a little bit of faith — even if we’re struggling — is enough. Joy comes from knowing that God loves us, that Jesus has forgiven us, and that we don’t have to be perfect for God to care about us. So, if you’re struggling, know that God meets you right where you are, and His joy is available to you, even in the tough times