Advent Week 3 - Joy - Luke 2:8-14 Series

2025.12.14.Sermon Notes. ADVENT WEEK 3 - JOY - Luke 2:8-14

William Akehurst, HSWC

(The Shepherd’s Candle)

Forward- My Jewish Learning: Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah beginning at sundown and lasts until sundown on Monday, December 22, 2025.

Celebration Activities

• Lighting the Menorah candle: At sundown, Light one candle on the menorah (hanukkiah) using the shamash (helper candle).

• Blessings: Recite the blessings for lighting the candles.

• Traditional Foods: Enjoy oil-based foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts).

• Games and Songs: Play dreidel and sing Hanukkah songs.

Significance

Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil (only enough for one day) that lasted eight days. The festival lasts for eight nights, with one additional candle lit each night.

SCRIPTURES: Luke 2:8-20, Isaiah 9:2-3, Isaiah 9:6-7, John 15:11, Philippians 4:4-7, Nehemiah 8:10, Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Peter 1:8-9

KEY WORDS: Joy, Good News, Shepherds, Praise, Emmanuel, Strength, Witness, Rejoice, Presence, Advent, Advent Week 3

BIG IDEA

True joy is found in the presence of JESUS - a joy the world cannot give and the world cannot take away.

INTRODUCTION

Advent reminds us that we live between two arrivals: Christ has come, and Christ will come again.

Each week, a candle is lit to reveal another facet of GOD ’s promise fulfilled in JESUS. (reminded me of Hanukkah which begins tonight)

This week would mark the lighting of the third candle known as the Shepherd’s Candle, or the Candle of Joy. Traditionally it is pink, symbolizing rejoicing and celebration.

Joy breaks into darkness.

Joy interrupts fear.

Joy transforms despair into hope.

And this joy does not come from circumstances…

This Joy comes from CHRIST.

Our text for today begins with one special night, and some shepherds tending their sheep.

Luke 2:8-14 (NKJV)

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising GOD and saying:

14 “Glory to GOD in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

I. JOY ANNOUNCED

The first announcement of JESUS’ birth is not given to dignitaries or rulers, but to shepherds - the forgotten ones, the outcasts, the ordinary, those living in the fields and in the dark.

GOD ’s glory shines, fear rises - but then heaven declares and the angels proclaim:

Luke 2:10-11 “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”

“For there is born to you… a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Joy is not a human achievement…

Joy is GOD ’s revelation.

Joy is born with JESUS.

Joy is universal, offered to the lowly first. Heaven went looking for the ones the world ignored. Joy arrives where it’s least expected.

Luke’s message:

Joy begins when JESUS is revealed.

This fulfills the ancient prophecy…

Isaiah 9:2-3 (NKJV)

2 The people who walked in darkness

Have seen a great light;

Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,

Upon them a light has shined.

3 You have multiplied the nation

And increased its joy;

They rejoice before You

According to the joy of harvest,

As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

Vs 1 “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light…”

Isaiah foresaw a coming King who would break the yoke of bondage and increase their joy.

HOW?

Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV)

6 For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty GOD ,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of His government and peace

There will be no end,

Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,

To order it and establish it with judgment and justice

From that time forward, even forever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

“For unto us a Child is born… and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty GOD …”

Isaiah declares joy as a promise.

Luke declares joy as a Person.

Isaiah points forward to the Light.

Luke proclaims - the Light has come.