Sermons on Joyful Anticipation:

Rejoice! I Say Rejoice!

Contributed by The Rev Deniray Mueller on Feb 12, 2024

On this third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday), we change from penitence to rejoicing for what is to come.

John 1:6-8, 19-28 The shortest and darkest day and longest night of the year – the Winter Solstice – occurs this week. It is the onset of the winter season when the sun is the furthest from Earth and is often a time of darkness, doubt, and fear. And yet, Sunday is Gaudete Sunday - a beloved day ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-5, Matthew 22:37-40, Matthew 1:21, John 14:2, Isaiah 61:1, Isaiah 61:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Luke 1:46-49, John 1:6-8, John 1:19-28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Episcopal

"Celebrating The Season Whatever Your Circumstances" Series

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on Mar 23, 2003

We can have the joy of the Lord no matter what our circumstances

Iliff and Saltillo UM Churches Third Sunday of Advent Joy December 15, 2002 “Celebrating the Season Whatever Your Circumstances” Psalm 126 INTRODUCTION: No Christmas This Year We won’t have a Christmas this year, you say For now the children have all gone away And the house is so lonely, so ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 126:1-6

Denomination: Methodist

"joy's Light Outshines Mere Happiness"

Contributed by John Huyser on Dec 20, 2022

Compared to the other holidays, why is it significant the words Merry and Christmas are tied together?

This morning, seeking joy’s light, I selected a prophecy from the minor prophet Habakkuk. Given his prophecies are unfamiliar, a quick overview is in order. Habakkuk lived in Israel’s Southern Kingdom as the countdown clock to the Babylonian invasion and their exile was hitting 0. The Northern ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-19

The Work Of The Holy Spirit In Jesus' Ministry Series

Contributed by Todd Riley on Dec 11, 2001

An examination of the work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ life and ministry

Islington Baptist Church December 9, 2001 Isaiah 11:1-9 Scriptures: Luke 10, Jeremiah 33, Psalm 89, Isaiah 10, I Corinthians 12:1-11 Jesus in the book of Isaiah As you know, Isaiah is filled with references and allusions to Jesus Christ. 700 years before Jesus came down to the earth from ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

So You Want To Have Joy? Series

Contributed by Tim Norman on Nov 15, 2002

We all want satisfaction and fulfilment - happiness is not enough. Jesus tells us how to know joy in our lives, joy that is with us whatever happens in life.

Opening jokes - notice sheet howlers 1. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. 3. Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones. 6. For those of you who have children ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-42, Galatians 5:22-26

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Rejoice In The Lord Pt 2 Series

Contributed by David Welch on May 2, 2018

Message 25 from Philippians. This is the second message exploring Paul's admonition to rejoice in the Lord.

“Rejoice in the Lord” Part two I have found practicing last week’s message an actual source of joy. Throughout the day, I have declared, “I choose joy.” I look forward to completing this important topic. Paul specified some specific joy related actions throughout chapter four. • Stand firm in the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

The Greater Cantata

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Nov 7, 2013

Creation's harmonious praise.

THE GREATER CANTATA. Psalm 96:1-13. Psalms 93-100 are sometimes known as the “enthronement” Psalms. Yet this is not the enthronement of any earthly king (Psalm 93:1; Psalm 97:1; Psalm 99:1). Many of the words of this particular Psalm (Psalm 96) make their first appearance at the instalment of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 96:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Third Sunday Of Advent: John The Baptist

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Nov 19, 2019

Advent 3, Year A

There is a story of a Spiritual Master who went to China. There he gathered a group of disciples to prepare them for enlightenment. When they became enlightened, they stopped attending his lectures! The moral of the story: It is not credit to a spiritual guide that his disciples sit at his feet ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1, Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: Catholic

If There Be No Resurrection, What Then?

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Apr 16, 2013

Comparing what it would be like if Christ had not risen with what the difference makes of the risen Christ

The Resurrection makes a Difference - Can you name this series – Play Dragnet Theme Dragnet acclaimed for its attention to detail and realistic portrayal of the nuts and bolts of police work - Aried from 1949 radio over to TV 1966 -You knew it's distinctive "dum-de-dum-dum" opening four ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Denomination: Baptist

How To Worship God Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jun 16, 2022

Psalm 100 shows how seriously worship was taken in Old Testament times. That in itself is enough to tell us we should take worship seriously today. There is a back and forth rhythm to this Psalm.

Do you need to learn to do something new? How will you learn? You could read a how to book. You could watch an instructional video on the internet. But if you want to know how to worship God you should spend time in Psalm 100 the divinely inspired how to worship guide. Psalm 100 Shout for joy to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Butterfly Effect Of Prayer Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Oct 1, 2016

A simple prayer can have amazing impact

The European union was fracturing along national lines. Political and religious rivalries had caused chasms of separation to grow, so that a threat to one part was even seen as a good thing to other parts of the continent. A resurgent Islamic state had taken territory and executed hundreds, even ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Catholic

The Spirit Of Christmas

Contributed by Bobby Brewer on Dec 9, 2021

The “spirit of Christmas” is a phrase we’ve all heard referenced but how exactly do you define it? Is it possible or just idealistic to have the Christmas spirit throughout the year?

The Christmas Spirit Text: Mt. 1:20, 2:3-5, Luke 1:35, 2:11-18, Date: Dec 12, 2021 Big Idea: The “spirit of Christmas” is a phrase we’ve all heard referenced but how exactly do you define it? It’s been well documented that Americans are generally a bit more kind, joyful and even a bit more ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:35, Matthew 1:20, Matthew 2:3-5, Luke 2:11-18

The Joy Set Before Us

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Sep 16, 2025

This teaching reminds us that the promise of future glory and eternal joy empowers believers to endure trials and remain faithful to God.

THE JOY SET BEFORE US By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Supporting Texts: John ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:2

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Joys Of Prison

Contributed by David Dewitt on Dec 14, 2000

An examination of true Christian joy

The Joys of Prison Philippians 1:3-11 October 25, 1998 Morning Service INTRODUCTION I. The Prescription for a Joyless Life 1. Make little things bother you: don’t just let them, make them! 2. Lose your perspective of things, and keep it lost. Don’t put first things first. 3. Get yourself a good ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11

Denomination: Church Of God

God Is Faithful PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 12, 2023

To encourage the church family to live in constant joy, gratitude, and trust in God, even amidst the chaos of the world.

Good morning, Church Family! I'm glad we're all here today to dive into God's Word together. We're going to unpack a passage that's all about joy, gratitude, and trust - all things we could use a little more of in our lives. You know, the great theologian Karl Barth once said, "To clasp the hands ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Topics: Trusting God