Philippians 4:4–7, Psalm 136:1-14, and Luke 3:7–18
Through today’s sermon, I would like to look at Jesus from the aspect of Joy. The more I meditated on the connection between joy and Jesus, the more I asked this question. ‘Was the baby Jesus happy?’ What do you think? Was Jesus happy about being born in the land of Israel? When theologians introduce Jesus, they often express that the Word became flesh. Before coming to this earth, Jesus was with God. Jesus existed as the logos itself before creation. How did Jesus think about God’s plan? I couldn’t easily understand Jesus’ thoughts. However, how much did Jesus know when he came to this earth? As we know, Isaiah 53:5 writes: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Yes, Jesus knew the purpose of his coming to this earth, and he seemed to know the timing. The prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and several passages in the Old Testament partially mention the various things Jesus must do.
The more I think about it, the more strange it becomes. We cannot recognize God’s will and plan. Recently, while studying the Bible on Wednesday evenings, I meditated on the strangeness of God through various ICONs. On the one hand, it is very mysterious, but on the other hand, I feel that God the Father is harsh towards Jesus. Of course, ironically, we can all understand the point of view that Jesus was given to us and offered a peace offering as a ransom in the manner of the previous Israelites. However, I can’t deny that a question mark arises inside me. The more Jesus suffers, the more we can see that God loves us, but there is a mystery in which our feelings of regret and gratitude to Jesus deepen. When we think about Israel 2,000 years ago, it was a ruined country. It was a country that was under colonial rule. Jesus came as a poor baby from a famous family in a tiny rural area in that country. Is this a situation to be happy about? Mary, pregnant with baby Jesus, was anxious at first. The society at that time was like that too. However, paradoxically, while reading Psalm 136, I was able to resolve the questions I had.
Jesus, who came as a perfect god and a perfect human, took on our sins. We Christians confess that. Jesus, who trusted God, faithfully carried out God’s plan. And I believe he knew about the resurrection beyond life on this earth and the sending of the Holy Spirit to this earth in place of Jesus. But at the same time, Jesus, who had a human body, had to experience all suffering personally. So, as I read the Psalms, I have no choice but to be thankful as the author intended. I’m not sure if I’m thankful because I’m happy or happy because I’m thankful. However, I naturally confess my gratitude to God and Jesus at this point in Advent. Thank you, God. Thank you, Jesus.
After Gratitude, Joy follows. There is someone who loves me this much, and the fog of fear disappears. I feel that the distance between Jesus and joy is disappearing. Yes, that’s right. Jesus himself is joy, and he gives joy to us as a gift during this season of Advent. He declares joy into our lives. Although I may encounter complex problems, someone supports me until the end. There is someone who hugs me even in situations where I have no choice but to be sad. There is someone in my life who declares joy. And there is one who commands us to be happy. This fact brings me comfort. So, the words of the Philippians are very touching. This is verse 4. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Even though my heart is dark due to war, famine, conflict, climate crisis, political instability, drug addiction, homelessness issues around the world, and various problems at home, Paul declares: “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Even if we don’t know whether we are thankful because we are happy or the cause-and-effect relationship, everyone, please rejoice. “The Lord is near.” (5)
So how should we wait for Jesus, who comes as the King of joy? The Apostle Paul and Luke present us with the following two things. The first is to communicate with God through prayer and petition with Thanksgiving. Paul advised that if you believe that there is a God, that He is the Lord with the power to solve any problem that comes to mankind, and that He is the One who rewards those who seek Him, you should not worry but rather pray to God. They are the prayers offered with a heart of worship to God and the prayers requesting what is needed. This is because these privileges are given to us by God.
Sometimes, some children look forward to Santa Claus more than baby Jesus at Christmas. More accurately, they expect presents than Santa Claus. Of course, I told my kids I had delegated all this work to me since Santa Claus was getting old and Canada Post was on strike.
So, I bought gifts for my children that cost less than $20. Children often ask whether there is a Santa Claus. Then I reply that those who believe will receive gifts, but those who do not think so will naturally not receive gifts prepared by Santa Claus. And naturally, the kids ask me to do it. Why is that so? Because I am their dad. And I also request God every day. I ask for the well-being of our church members, blessings in the workplace, and our children. By what authority do I ask? This is what we request as children of God. But very mysteriously, there are times when God avoids an immediate answer. Paul’s experience of God seems to refer to timing, just as a parent knows when a child asks for jelly every day that it is not good. As Philippians verse 7 says, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” He testifies that God will keep our hearts and minds. Amazingly, when we ask for what we desire, God will guard our hearts, even if the response sometimes takes a long time and feels rejected. And these are very gracious words. We will be delighted if we can be thankful and happy even if what we hope for does not come true. I hope that God’s answers and joy will come to our lives.
Lastly, John requested the following from the people of various classes who came to him for baptism: To tax collectors, he says: “Don’t collect any more than you are required to.” To those soldiers, he says, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” To people, he says, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Putting this together, we can know how to use the love and talents we have been given. And the person who knows it best is you. I hope this week will be when we receive the Lord, who joyfully came to us as good news. I hope you and your friends can enjoy this joyful and surprising news that will naturally bring about gratitude. God will set us free. Amen.