We know and have heard many sermons on joy. It is one of the wonderful evidences of the Holy Ghost, especially the baptism in the Holy Ghost! I remember after receiving Him the most joy and gladness I had ever experienced. For righteousness, peace, and joy are in the Holy Ghost. We are baptized in Him and receive the Kingdom of God with great joy.
The night of Jesus’ birth, the heavens were filled with great glory and great joy. This great joy was announced to and for all people.
Be joyful unto Him and bless His name was a chorus we sang during the pouring out of His Spirit in the late 60s and 70s.
Great joy in the Bible centers on God’s presence, salvation through Jesus, and the hope of His coming kingdom. It was accompanied by and highlighted by angels announcing Jesus’ birth as “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). The disciples’ overwhelming happiness at His resurrection and the spread of the Gospel was a supernatural, enduring joy deeper than circumstance. It is an eternal fountain springing up in us. It is God’s delight to see joy in His people.
Heavenly Moments of Great Joy
Jesus‘s Birth: Angels proclaimed “good news of great joy” to shepherds, marking the arrival of the Savior.
Jesus’ Resurrection: The disciples experienced “fear and great joy” running from the tomb, and later returned to Jerusalem “with great joy” to praise God.
The preaching of the gospel through all the world: The inclusion of Gentiles brought “great joy” (Acts 15:3), showing the joy of God’s kingdom expanding with salvation and new life. Jesus spoke of His joy being in believers and John the Baptist leaped in the womb at Mary’s greeting (Luke 1:44).
During this season and the celebration of His Birth, let us receive His wonderful joy and may we be filled to overflowing with it. Glory to God in the Highest, and great joy to all!
-KC
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