Sermons on Joyful Anticipation:

God's Indescribable Gift – A Gift Worth Waiting For Series

Contributed by D. Greg Ebie on Nov 16, 2006

The anticipation of Christmas is growing, but God’s gifts are always worth waiting for. While God’s timing may be inconvienent it is always perfect.

GOD’S INDESCRIBABLE GIFT – A Gift Worth Waiting For Luke 2:1-7 INTRODUCTION: The anticipation level is increasing around our house. There are only 20 days left until Christmas! (In addition to the countdown to Christmas we have other countdowns happening at our house; the countdown stands at zero ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Great Joy In The City

Contributed by Charles Salmon on Jul 5, 2005

The Christian finds joy in being freed from guilt, anticipating an eternal reward, having fellowship with God, and being part of God’s work.

Great Joy In the City Acts 8:5-8 INTRO.: You can see almost anything in the city. You can see poverty and plenty, sorrow and happiness, but cities are seldom known as places of great joy. They are places where people work, live, and perhaps celebrate, but not where they simply enjoy themselves. not ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:5-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

An Infinitely Superior High Priest

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 27, 2015

In an argument from the lesser to the greater, this chapter commences with a demonstration of the limitations of the access to God allowed in the annual Day of Atonement. All this anticipates the comparison: But Christ…

AN INFINITELY SUPERIOR HIGH PRIEST. Hebrews 9:11-14. This short passage is the high point of the writer’s comparison between the old covenant and the new. In an argument from the lesser to the greater, the chapter commences with a demonstration of the limitations of the access to God allowed ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:11-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Another Essential Christmas

Contributed by John Huyser on Jan 3, 2023

Compared to the other Gospels, John's version of the Christmas story is far more cosmic in scope and captures much of the Old Testament anticipation.

Building the day after Thanksgiving, more than any other holiday, the pending arrival of Christmas marks the start of a marathon. By the time December 25, Christmas Day, rolls around, Christmas Day, the finish line is in sight. Except this year, a well-timed blizzard forced us to pause. The ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-14

Firm In The Future Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 4, 2023

As believers, we should stand firm in our faith and live righteous lives as we anticipate the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul's answering questions about what happens to people who loved Jesus but have died. He says they'll be with the Lord forever. Jesus promised this too in John 14:1-4. That's some good news, right? He says they'll be with the Lord forever. We know Jesus is coming back, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

Topics: End Times, Faithfulness, Second Coming, Resilience

Suddenly: A Message Of Hope

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Dec 4, 2024

Advent reminds us of two realities: the joy of Christ’s first coming and the anticipation of His second. Both are deeply tied to the theme of suddenly.

Suddenly: A Message of Hope December 1, 2024 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship Luke 2:8-14 Today, as we begin Advent, our focus is on hope—the hope that came suddenly on that first Christmas night and the hope we continue to carry as we await Christ’s return. Advent reminds us of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14

Denomination: Brethren

Parable Of The Ten Bridesmaids PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 23, 2023

This sermon encourages spiritual preparedness, perseverance, and prudence, urging believers to live in anticipation of Christ's return, as illustrated in Matthew 25:1-13. Key

Greetings, beloved family of Christ. We gather here today with hearts full of hope and minds eager for the nourishment that only the Word of God can provide. We are not here by happenstance, but by divine appointment. We are drawn together in this sacred space to engage in an intimate conversation ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Topics: Be Ready

Waiting On Jesus' Return PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 4, 2023

This sermon encourages believers to truly know God, not just about Him, and to live in anticipation of Christ's return, serving Him with energy, boldness, and contentment.

Good morning, beloved congregation. As we gather together in the warmth of this sanctuary, let's take a moment to remember the grace that has brought us here. The grace that carries us through our trials, our joys, our sorrows, our victories. The grace that reminds us, even in our darkest hours, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:24-37

Topics: Return

...and We Shall Be Healed PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 26, 2024

This sermon encourages embracing God's desire for our spiritual prosperity, seeking healing through repentance, harmony in forgiveness, and anticipating hope in Easter renewal.

Good morning, beloved! It is a joy to stand before you today, not because of any merit of my own, but because of the grace that has been bestowed upon us, the grace that brings us together in this sacred fellowship. Today, we stand on the brink of a new understanding, a fresh revelation, a deeper ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:2, Jeremiah 17:14

Topics: Repentance, Healing

An Opportunity For Joy Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jun 19, 2017

God is making you better through your troubles so consider them an opportunity for joy!

An Opportunity For Joy Text: James 1:1-4 Introduction 1. Illustration: "Joy in Christ requires a commitment to working at the Christian lifestyle. Salvation comes as a gif, but the joy of salvation demands disciplined action. Most Christians I know have just enough of the Gospel to make them ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-4

Denomination: Methodist

Joy In The Waiting Room

Contributed by Marie Harvin on Sep 14, 2006

This sermon tells us that while we are here on earth we are in God’s waiting room and we should make our time useful and joyful.

If you ever had an appointment with a doctor, dentist, lawyer, etc, you have notice when you arrive at their office, usually the first thing the receptionist say is, have a seat. We will be with you soon. The offering of a seat is an invitation to rest while you are waiting. While you are waiting ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:28-31

Denomination: Methodist

The Life That Really Is Life

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Sep 30, 2019

Genuine and joyful life cannot be found in the pursuit of wealth and possessions. It can only be found within the true source of life: God and the kingdom of eternal light.

September 29, 2019 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Lk. 16:19-31; I Tim. 6:6-19 The Life that Really Is Life Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. You can’t take it with you. There was a rich Texas oil man, and he wanted ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19

Denomination: Lutheran

The World Is A Choir

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 25, 2025

Creation praises God constantly; every blessing flows from Him, inviting us to join heaven’s chorus with grateful hearts and joyful worship.

Introduction — Hearing What We’ve Been Singing We have sung it so many times that it slips out of our mouths on autopilot. The ushers walk forward, the pastor nods, the pianist plays four familiar measures, and suddenly the congregation rises to its feet and a tiny hymn floats through the room. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 19:1, James 1:17, Romans 1:20, Isaiah 6:1-3, Revelation 7:8-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Worship Is Feasting On God PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 8, 2025

True satisfaction and joyful obedience are found only in knowing God and delighting in His presence, rather than seeking fulfillment in the world’s empty offerings.

If we could sit together around a kitchen table, you’d notice the warmth of the oven and the smell of fresh bread. Plates set, cups full, chairs pulled close. That’s the picture in my mind when I think of what God offers His people: a table where the hungry are welcomed, where the thirsty are ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:47-48

Topics: Worship, Feasting

Generosity PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 20, 2025

God’s grace empowers joyful generosity, enabling believers to give willingly and abundantly, even in hardship, as an expression of trust and partnership in God’s work.

Friends, welcome. Some of us walked in today with a full heart and a thin wallet. Others with a strong budget and a weary soul. God sees both. And right in the middle of our ordinary lives—with bills to pay, kids to raise, parents to care for, and newsfeeds that rattle the nerves—God offers a grace ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-4

Topics: Generosity, Giving