Christmas - Joy Or Despair? Series

CHRISTMAS – JOY OR DESPAIR?

Pastor Joel Bernardino – December 10, 2025

Christmas brings out very different emotions in people.

• For many, it’s a time of joy, lights, gifts, family gatherings, and warm memories.

• But for others, Christmas can highlight pain—loneliness, loss, financial pressure, or broken relationships.

A survey once asked people, “Are you looking forward to Christmas?”

Most said yes, but a surprising number said no.

Why?

• “Christmas reminds me of what I wish my life was… but isn’t.”

• “It’s supposed to be a time of love, but I feel unloved.”

• “It’s a time for giving, but I can’t give.”

• “It’s a family season, but our family is broken.”

Even the first Christmas had a similar contrast:

• Shepherds rejoiced.

• Wise men celebrated.

• Angels sang.

• But Herod responded with fear, anger, and hatred.

Today, the same question remains:

“Will Christmas bring joy or despair to my heart?”

Let’s look at Herod as a warning and the wise men as an example.

Matthew 2:1–12

1. DON’T BE PREOCCUPIED WITH YOURSELF

Herod was obsessed with himself—his throne, his power, his reputation.

When he looked in the mirror, he didn’t see people to serve; he saw a kingdom to protect.

By worldly standards, Herod was very successful:

• He ruled 43 years.

• He built palaces, cities, and even expanded the Temple.

• He knew how to impress people and manipulate politics.

But inside, he was insecure and paranoid.

History records he killed:

• His favorite wife

• His brother-in-law

• Three of his own sons

Caesar Augustus even said,

“It is safer to be Herod’s pig than Herod’s son.”

Why?

Because self-centered living can never satisfy.

It always wants more.

Like a child who keeps saying, “I want more!”

Herod could never get enough power, enough control, enough assurance.

So when Jesus was born—the true King—Herod felt threatened.

Instead of worshiping Jesus, he tried to destroy Him.

Lesson:

If Christmas is only about what I want, what I feel, what I get,

then Christmas will leave me empty.

2. OPEN YOUR HEART TO JESUS

Herod reacted with hostility to Jesus because his heart was hardened.

This story raises a painful question:

“How can a man order the killing of innocent children?”

Only one answer:

A heart hardened by sin becomes insensitive.

Sin doesn’t start big.

It begins with small lies… small compromises… small disobedience…

until the conscience becomes numb.

Christmas reminds us of moments when our hearts were once tender:

• Times we felt God speaking clearly

• Times we cried in worship

• Times we were easily moved by Scripture

• Times we wanted to serve God with all our heart

But life happens.

We get busy.

We get hurt.

We get distracted.

We get cold.

Christmas is God’s gentle light shining into our dark places.

Not to condemn us—but to call us back.

Like the story of the child who broke a priceless vase and cried,

“I broke the treasure!”

But the mother hugged him and said,

“I thought you were hurt. You are my treasure.”

Christmas tells us:

God cares more about saving us than punishing us.

We are His treasure.

That’s why Jesus came.

3. REJOICE BY LIVING A LIFE OF LOVE

Herod saw Christmas as a threat.

The wise men saw Christmas as a gift.

Herod chose power.

The wise men chose worship.

Herod destroyed.

The wise men bowed down and gave.

Herod’s way leads to fear, emptiness, and eventually death.

Christ’s way leads to joy, peace, and eternal life.

Thirty-three years after Christmas, another contrast happened:

• Soldiers with swords

• Religious leaders with authority

• All standing against one man—Jesus.

They nailed Him to a cross and thought,

“Power has won. The threat is gone.”

But they were wrong.

Rome has fallen.

Herod’s kingdom is gone.

The Sanhedrin disappeared.

But the love of Jesus remains.

And the message of Christmas still speaks:

The only way to truly live…

is to live a life of love.

CLOSING:

CHRISTMAS CALLS US BACK TO JESUS

Some here may be hurting.

Some may feel empty.

Some may be unsure if they can celebrate this year.

But Christmas comes with an invitation:

Let Jesus fill what is empty.

Let Jesus heal what is broken.

Let Jesus forgive what is sinful.

Let Jesus reign where fear has ruled.

The wise men came to worship.

Herod chose to resist.

Which response will you choose?

Joy—or despair?

Worship—or worry?

Surrender—or self?

Jesus is offering Himself to you again today.

His arms are open.

His forgiveness is ready.

His love is here.

Come and let Him be the King of your heart this Christmas.