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The Angels' Song - Jade
Sermon Summary
Jade continues our series on The Angels' Song, sharing about the good news of Great Joy.
The sermon explores the deep and enduring nature of joy as a fruit of the Spirit that transcends circumstances, is rooted in being aligned with God's will through faith in Jesus, and calls us to move beyond fear to experience the transcendent joy of being part of God's greater purpose.
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Jade opened with a bit of fun because joy is easier to spot in the small stuff—pet peeves and punchlines—before we reach for the deeper thing beneath them. Scripture shows that the angel’s announcement in Luke 2 didn’t land as joy at first; it landed as fear. But the good news is meant to move us from fear to a joy big enough for “all the people.” He asked us to consider where we feel joy—connection, beauty, creativity, purpose—because even those good gifts point beyond themselves. They remind us joy is sturdier than happiness and not hostage to our circumstances.
From there, we looked at joy as the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5). Joy grows as we live in step with the Spirit, and it becomes light for others, not just a feeling we hoard. Then we learned to “rejoice”—joy in motion (Philippians 4). Many of us are self-conscious and comparison-driven; both choke expression. Joy expands when our attention turns from ourselves to the Lord and to others, and it often travels with gentleness and peace.
Joy also fuels endurance (Hebrews 12). Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before him.” That future horizon—union with the Father, redemption for us—gave strength for present suffering. Likewise, Nehemiah shows us the “joy of the Lord is your strength.” When Israel aligned with God’s will, God’s joy over them became the very thing holding them up. In Christ, this alignment is no longer achieved by our perfect law-keeping but received by faith in the One who fulfilled the law for us. That’s why the angel’s news truly is “great joy.”
Finally, there’s a transcendent joy—the thrill of being caught up in something bigger than ourselves. Often fear sits right at its doorway. Like stepping off a cliff into deep water, there’s a moment of letting go. As we surrender to God’s will, we find not only joy but the whole fruit-salad of the Spirit: peace, gentleness, patience, and love. If you need that kind of joy, it’s found not in tighter control but in trusting the One who already delights over you.
Key Takeaways
1. Joy grows with the Spirit: Joy isn’t a mood we manage; it’s a fruit God grows as we walk with the Spirit. Exposure to God’s presence expands our capacity to enjoy Him and radiate His goodness to others. This kind of joy doesn’t evaporate in hard weather; it ripens there. Ask for more of the Spirit, and expect more joy.
2. Rejoice: joy practiced out loud: Rejoicing is joy that refuses to stay private. Self-consciousness and comparison mute our worship and our laughter, but turning our gaze to the Lord releases expression. Practice rejoicing: pray with gratitude, sing, testify, bless others. Joy grows whenever we risk being wholehearted.
3. Joy fuels endurance in suffering: Jesus endured because He held a joy-shaped future in view, and He invites us to do the same. Naming the joy set before us—God’s presence, a redeemed future, others’ good—gives stamina for today’s cross. Hope isn’t denial; it’s a horizon that reinterprets the valley’s shadow. Fix your eyes, then keep running.
4. God’s joy becomes our strength: When Israel realigned with God, they were told to feast, share, and stop grieving because God’s joy over them would fortify them. In Christ, our alignment is a gift before it’s a grind; we stand in His favour and work from delight, not for it. Strength flows from being rejoiced over by God.
5. Step through fear into purpose: Transcendent joy often waits on the other side of a trembling yes. Surrender redraws control into trust and opens space for calling, courage, and consolation. Move through fear into obedience, and the fruit of the Spirit meets you there. The wheel turns best when we let God hold it.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Good News of Great Joy Breaking Through Fear
Scripture:
Luke 2:8-18 (NIV)
'And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/LUK.2.8-18
The angels appeared to terrified shepherds and began by saying, "Do not be afraid." They then announced the birth of a Saviour who's coming created a joy that broke through fear and launched the shepherds into hurried witness and praise. This shows that the greatest joy often arrives after fear is met and then spoken into action.
Reflection:
What in your life has kept you silent through fear?
This week, name one person you will intentionally 'hurry off' to — call, visit, or invite them to church — and share the good news or your story of Jesus with them.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for sending Your Son so that I can have joy and peace in my life. Help me to overcome fear and urgently seek to share Your love with those who do not know You. May Your joy and peace reign in every situation where I share Your love and the hope that I have in You. Amen.
Day 2: Joy as a Fruit Grown by the Spirit
Scripture:
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/GAL.5.22-23
Joy is listed among the fruit of the Spirit, meaning that as a person stays connected to and exposed to the Spirit of God, joy grows naturally alongside the other virtues. It becomes a sustaining, transcendent strength that also equips believers to be light to others.
Reflection:
Pick one simple daily practice for the next seven days (for example: 10 minutes of Scripture, a short time of silent waiting on God, or a verse of sung worship) aimed at increasing your exposure to the Spirit. Commit to doing it and notice whether a sense of joy begins to grow.
Prayer:
I thank You Lord that joy and the other fruits of the Spirit will grow in me as I spend intentional time with You. I pray for Your help as I commit to spending time with You so that I can have the self-control to see my commitment through and so that I will reap the rewards of Your fruit in my life. Amen.
Day 3: Rejoice Actively; Prayer Replaces Anxious Worry
Scripture:
Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)
'Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.4.4-7
Devotional:
Rejoicing is not a passive feeling but an action of praising the Lord even amid worry. It turns anxieties into specific prayers and giving thanks. As you rejoice, the peace of God comes and guards your heart and mind, with gentleness made evident to all.
Reflection:
Write down one specific worry you are carrying right now. Then, write a one-sentence prayer to God that includes one thing you are thankful for about this situation. Continue to pray that prayer each day and watch what God does in you and in your situation.
Prayer:
Gracious God, thank You for all that You are doing for me. I give thanks for the blessings that I have in my life and for all that you have protected me from that I don't even know about! I will rejoice and praise Your name for my salvation and that I can know You. I cast my cares on You right now and trust You with them, Amen.
Day 4: Joy Set Before Jesus Fuels Endurance
Scripture:
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.'
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/HEB.12.1-3Devotional:
Jesus fixed his eyes on the joy set before him and endured the cross; likewise, when believers fix their eyes on the greater purpose and the joy of being in God's will, that vision becomes fuel to persevere through trials rather than succumb to weariness.
Reflection:
What area of your life are you focused on instead of God? What are you procrastinating doing that you need to persevere through by the strength and grace of Jesus?
Identify one difficult step God is calling you to take (a risky obedience, a costly choice, or a long season of faithfulness). Write the first concrete action you will take this week to move toward it. Pray that God would fix your eyes on the joy ahead.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank You that You promise to be a lamp for my feet, so that I might know my next step even if I don't know the final destination. Help me to trust in You for my next step in my journey. To be obedient to Your calling and fix my eyes on You. I trust You and put You first in my life. Amen.
Day 5: The Joy of the Lord Strengthens Us
Scripture:
Nehemiah 8:10-11 (NIV)
'Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.” '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/NEH.8.10-11Devotional:
When the people repented and realigned with God's word, they were grieved by their past actions. Instead, Nehemiah told them to celebrate and to share with those in need, declaring that the joy of the Lord is their strength. By aligning with God's will we find restorative joy that becomes practical strength for life.
Reflection:
Where do you need to change your life to realign with God's will today so that you can gain His strength and joy?
Plan one concrete act of joyful generosity this week (for example: prepare a meal and invite someone who is lonely, buy food to share with someone in need, or bring a small care package to a neighbour) and do it as a way of practicing the strength of the Lord's joy.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I repent of the actions in my past where I have sinned and caused separation between us. I thank You that You bring joy and strength into my life when I align with Your will. Help me to do good to those around me today and to be generous to those in need as You ask. Amen.
Day 6: Joy is Deeper Than Happiness
Scripture:
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...Devotional:
Joy is not just a fleeting feeling based on our circumstances. It is a deep, enduring fruit of the Spirit that grows within us as we draw closer to God. Unlike happiness, which can be fragile and temporary, joy is rooted in God’s presence and promises. This Christmas, may you seek that lasting joy that comes from knowing God’s love and faithfulness. Give thanks to Him for the gift of Jesus who is the bearer of joy for the world and your life.
Reflection:
What do you need to trust God with so that your joy and peace can grow?
Set aside some time today to draw near to Him and reflect on the joy of the gift of Jesus: how will you respond to His gift to you?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to the world as a helpless babe. Thank You for all that you taught us as an adult. Most importantly, thank You for sacrificing Your life on the cross so that I can be free from sin and part of God's family. I entrust my life into Your hands and rejoice in this gift You have given me!
Day 7: Joy Comes Through God’s Good News
Scripture:
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
'For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.'
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/ISA.9.6-7
The birth of Jesus is the ultimate good news — a Savior born for us, the Messiah and Lord. This news is not just a story from long ago; it is a message that brings joy to all people, even today. The shepherds hurried to see the baby in the manger, and their joy overflowed as they shared the news with others. This Christmas, let us open our hearts to that same joy, knowing that Jesus came to bring hope and peace to our world.
Reflection:
Who in your life needs the joy of God's good news? Write a list of names somewhere that you can keep and commit to praying for them to know Jesus. Ask God to provide opportunities for you to share the joy that Jesus has brought into your life.
Prayer:
Lord God, I thank You for the opportunity that Christmas brings to share about who You really are. Help me to have the courage to share my story of joy and how Your Good News has changed my life. I thank You Lord for those in my life who don't yet know You and I pray that they would know Your love and salvation. In Your mighty name Lord Jesus, Amen.
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