God's Gift Of Joy

God’s Glory

Section Title: "Glory Then, Glory Now, and Glory to Come"

Scripture Focus:

Luke 2:9: “And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.” Ezekiel 10:18-19, Ezekiel 11:22-23: The glory of the Lord departed from the temple and rested above the mountain east of the city. Matthew 16:26-27: “For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what they have done.”

Introduction to the Section

Church, there’s a story in the glory! From the temple in Ezekiel, to the shepherds in Luke, to the sky in Matthew, God’s glory has been moving, working, and revealing His plan. The glory of the Lord is not just a symbol—it’s a sign, a source, and a summons for all who will follow Him.

Let’s take a journey through the departure, the display, and the destiny of God’s glory.

Point 1: The Departure of Glory (Ezekiel 10:18-19; 11:22-23)

Ezekiel saw what no prophet wants to see—the glory of the Lord departing.

Sin and Separation: The people’s rebellion polluted the temple, and God’s glory couldn’t stay where sin reigned supreme. Have you ever experienced an emptiness so deep it felt like God Himself stepped back? That’s what happened to Israel in Ezekiel’s day. The glory of the Lord—that sacred, shining sign of His presence—departed. But I want you to know today, when the glory of God seems to step away, the grace of God is still at work. Hallelujah!The brightness that once filled the temple moved to the threshold, then to the east gate, and finally to the Mount of Olives. Grace in the Going: Even as the glory departed, God’s grace was still active. A Promise in the Pause: Why the Mount of Olives? That mountain becomes a place of prayer, prophecy, and power. Centuries later, Jesus would stand on that same mount, weeping for Jerusalem and declaring salvation for the world. Even in the absence of glory, God’s grace was paving the way for redemption.The Mount of Olives became a marker of hope, for it’s the same place where Jesus would later ascend and promise to return. Church, when the glory seems distant, His grace is still near!

But Ezekiel’s vision wasn’t the end of the story—glory was on the move.

Point 2: The Display of Glory (Luke 2:9)

Fast-forward to a field in Bethlehem. The same glory that departed the temple in Ezekiel returns to earth in Luke—but this time, not to a building, but to a baby.

To the Humble, Not the High and Mighty: The angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds, not scholars. The glory of the Lord shone around them, not the rich or the royal. That’s a reminder that God’s glory doesn’t need gold, glamour, or grandiosity—God’s glory goes and seeks hearts ready to receive Him. Glory Wrapped in Grace: The baby in the manger was the fullness of God’s glory wrapped in human flesh. This was the first Advent, the arrival of the Savior, and it was a glimpse of God’s plan to dwell with His people once more. God’s Glory in Motion: When the glory moves, God is still working. He’s repositioning His presence, preparing His plan, and making room for something greater. Somebody needs to hear this today: just because God is quiet doesn’t mean He’s quit!

But church, the glory that came to the shepherds is a preview of greater glory to come.

Point 3: The Destiny of Glory (Matthew 16:26-27) For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

Jesus declares in Matthew 16 that the Son of Man will come again in His Father’s glory.

Glory in Majesty: At His second Advent, Jesus won’t come as a helpless baby but as a conquering King. The same glory that filled the temple and lit the fields of Bethlehem will fill the sky with power and purpose. Glory in Judgment: Jesus will reward each person according to what they’ve done. For the faithful, it’s a day of celebration. Colossians 1:27 tells us “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (NIV) “For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing His glory.For the rebellious, it’s a day of reckoning. The question is: Are you ready for His return?

What This Means for Followers of Jesus

Live in Expectation: If you’ve seen His glory in salvation, live in anticipation of His return. Don’t let the distractions of the world steal your focus. Reflect His Glory: Just as the shepherds spread the good news, we are called to be mirrors of His light in a dark world. Prepare for His Return: If the first Advent was about grace, the second Advent will be about glory. Be found faithful when He comes.

Closing Exhortation

Church, the glory that departed in Ezekiel, the glory that appeared in Luke, and the glory that is coming in Matthew is the same glory that calls you today. Will you follow it? Will you reflect it? Will you be ready when it returns? Let His glory fill your life now so you’ll rejoice in His glory forever! Amen.

God’s Good News

Sermon Title: "God’s Good News!"

Scripture Focus:

Luke 2:10-11: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.’” John 20:28: “Thomas said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” Romans 10:11-15 (summary): Faith comes by hearing the Word, and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how will they hear unless someone preaches? Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Introduction to the Section

Church, the angel’s announcement in Luke 2:10 wasn’t just words; it was a world-changing declaration. The angel proclaimed good news that wasn’t just for a few folks, wasn’t just for the favored, and wasn’t just for the fortunate. It was for all people! And let me tell you today, this good news still resonates. From the fields of Bethlehem to the hearts of believers today, the birth of Jesus brings joy, salvation, and hope.

Let’s break it down and see how this news moves from proclamation to participation.

Point 1: The Proclamation of the Savior (Luke 2:10-11)

A Savior Sent: The angel didn’t just announce a birth; he announced a Savior. Not a politician, not a philosopher, not a military general, but a Savior—the one who would rescue humanity from sin and reconcile us to God. Great Joy for All People: This news wasn’t limited to Israel; it wasn’t exclusive to the religious elite. This was global good news for every tribe, tongue, and nation. The angel said, “A Savior has been born to you.” That’s personal. That’s practical. That’s powerful.

Point 2: The Person of the Savior (John 20:28)

After the angel’s proclamation in Luke 2, the shepherds witnessed the Savior in the manger. But Thomas, in John 20:28, declares something profound: “My Lord and my God!” Jesus is Lord: He’s not just a baby in a manger; He’s the Creator who stepped into creation. He’s the Lord over life, death, and eternity. Jesus is God: Thomas recognized Jesus not just as a teacher or a prophet but as God Himself. That’s the heart of the good news—God became flesh to dwell among us, die for us, and rise for us.

Point 3: The Preaching of the Savior (Romans 10:11-15)

Paul reminds us in Romans that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But then he challenges us:

“How will they call if they don’t believe? How will they believe if they haven’t heard? And how will they hear unless someone preaches?” The angel preached the message to the shepherds. Now it’s our turn to carry the good news to those who haven’t heard. The gospel isn’t just for receiving; it’s for repeating. Part of Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost (Acts 4:12) was “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Salvation is found in no one else! Church, the angel’s message leads us to this truth: There’s no other name that can save. Not the name of government. Not the name of success. Not the name of self-righteousness. Only the name of Jesus! His name breaks chains, heals wounds, and restores hope. And His name invites all people to experience the fullness of salvation.

What This Means for Us

We Must Rejoice: Like the shepherds, let’s celebrate the good news of great joy. We Must Respond: Like Thomas, let’s declare, “My Lord and my God.” We Must Repeat: Like Paul teaches, let’s share the message so others can hear and believe.

Closing Exhortation

Church, this good news isn’t just ancient history—it’s alive today. The angel announced it, the shepherds witnessed it, Thomas proclaimed it, and Paul preached it. And now, it’s our turn to live it and share it. Jesus, the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord, is the good news for everybody. Let’s take that news to the world! Amen.

God’s Great Joy

Sermon Title: "The Gift of Great Joy"

Scripture Focus:

Luke 2:10: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’” John 15:11: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” James 1:2: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Hebrews 12:2: “…for the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Conclusion: The Power of Great Joy

Church, we’ve been talking about joy—the joy announced by the angel, the joy found in Jesus, and the joy that’s available to all people. But this isn’t just any joy; it’s great joy. It’s not small, weak, or fleeting—it’s magnificent, mighty, and monumental.

1. Great Joy Is Fulfilling (Luke 2:10; John 15:11)

The angel called it great joy because it was tied to the greatest gift—a Savior. Jesus Himself explained this joy in John 15:11:

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

The Greek word for “might be full” is πληρόω (plēroō), which means to fill to the brim, to complete, or to bring to full measure.

That’s the kind of joy Jesus gives! It’s not half-full or halfway there—it’s a joy that fills the heart, fuels the spirit, and fortifies the soul.

This is the joy the angel announced. This is the joy Jesus offers. It’s not based on what’s happening around us; it’s based on what God is doing within us.

2. Great Joy Is Resilient (James 1:2; Hebrews 12:2)

Now let me be real with you: Joy doesn’t mean the absence of pain. It doesn’t mean we won’t cry, hurt, or face trials. But joy gives us a different point of view.

James 1:2 tells us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Why? Because our trials produce perseverance, and perseverance produces character. Joy doesn’t erase the pain; it helps us endure it with hope. Look at Jesus in Hebrews 12:2: “…for the joy set before Him He endured the cross.” Even in the agony of the cross, Jesus saw beyond the pain to the promise. That’s the power of joy—it lifts our eyes off the storm and fixes them on the Savior.

Church, joy is not the absence of sorrow; it’s the presence of God’s strength. It’s the ability to say, “Even if I’m going through it, I’ll still praise Him because I know He’s working all things together for my good.”

3. Great Joy Is Available to All (Luke 2:10)

The angel said this joy is for all people. That includes you and me! You don’t have to earn it, and you can’t buy it. Joy is a gift that comes from knowing the Savior born in Bethlehem, crucified on Calvary, and raised from the grave.

Invitation: Receive the Savior

So let me ask you: Do you have this joy? Do you know the Savior who brings it? Jesus came so that your joy may be full—so that you could have hope in hopeless times, peace in painful moments, and strength in every storm.

If you don’t know Him as your personal Savior, today is the day. Just like the angel said to the shepherds, the message is the same for you: “A Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.”

Will you receive Him today? Will you open your heart and let His joy fill your soul?

Come to Jesus, the source of great joy, and experience the life-changing, soul-filling gift that only He can give. Amen.