The Joy* Clause | *Joy starts with pretending | 3

·32 min·3 clips

Pastor A.J. reveals neuroscience shows you can pretend your way into joy, starting with a simple smile.

This episode is a sermon from Pathfinder Church's Advent series 'The Joy Clause', focusing on the third footnote: 'Joy Starts with Pretending'. Pastor A.J. Mastic opens by setting the Advent context, noting the lighting of the joy candle. He contrasts the ubiquitous holiday decor featuring 'joy' with the reality that many people don't feel joyful. He shares a personal anecdote about attending a support group holiday party at a cramped hotel ballroom that he initially didn't want to attend. Despite his reluctance, he stayed, saw his kids enjoying themselves, reconnected with friends, and was delighted by a performance from the Muni Kids and Teens Group choir. This experience led him to realize joy can become real through immersion, even when starting by going through the motions. He introduces the sermon's thesis: joy starts with pretending, which is supported by neuroscience and the Book of Philippians. He references previous footnotes: joy is not just a feeling, and joy is blocked by comfort. The scriptural focus is Philippians 1:27-2:11, where Paul writes to the church in Philippi, acknowledging they might face suffering and reluctance. Pastor A.J. explains that Paul instructs them to 'conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel' regardless of feelings, using the Greek word 'politeuomai' which implies citizenship and duty. He addresses the cultural resistance to duty, then presents two reasons to act without feeling: for others' sake, and surprisingly, to pretend your way into joy. He cites the facial feedback hypothesis, where forcing a smile can trigger genuine positive emotions in the brain. He illustrates with a personal example of pretending to be a runner and eventually enjoying it. The sermon delves into Philippians 2:1-4, where Paul urges valuing others above oneself. Pastor A.J. acknowledges this seems extreme and untrue, but suggests pretending it is true as a method. He references a C.S. Lewis quote about acting as if you love your neighbor to eventually come to love them. He leads the congregation in repeating affirmations: 'I am a joy bringer' and 'I give others joy'. The teaching connects to Jesus' mindset in Philippians 2:5-11, where Jesus humbled himself, pretending to be nothing, to bring salvation. Pastor A.J. emphasizes this was God's joyful choice out of love. The conclusion from Philippians 2:12-15 warns against grumbling, which undermines joy training. He gives the example of Paul and Silas singing in prison instead of grumbling. The sermon ends with a guided prayer for people experiencing grief, feeling lost, or overwhelmed, encouraging listeners to be 'bringers of joy'.

As heard by us

An Advent sermon that treats joy as something people can practice together.

Pathfinder Church frames this Advent message around joy, opening with Christmas decor, a child's ornament, and the weekly candle lighting. Pastor A.J.

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Why you'd press play

When your holiday grin feels rented, this one hands you a reason to keep it on.

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