This sermon focuses on the darkness that may surround us during Christmas, whether in the world situation or in our personal relationships and hearts. It highlights the prophecy of Isaiah about the coming of Christ as a great light to those in darkness, emphasizing the hope and joy that Jesus brings. The message encourages looking to Jesus, the radiant sun, who draws us into His kingdom of light, where His light shines brightly and His joy surpasses all sorrows.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of asking questions and seeking understanding when studying the Bible. He shares a story about a Jewish boy who was supposed to read the Torah and Talmud but wanted to go out and play instead. The boy claimed to have read both texts, but his father noticed something was off. The speaker then delves into the concept of fellowship, explaining that sin breaks fellowship with God and other believers. He highlights the significance of confessing sins and the role of Jesus as an advocate for believers.

John Alexander Dowie reflects on the life and death of Esther Dowie, emphasizing the profound beauty and purity of her spirit dedicated to God and humanity. He expresses sorrow over her sudden passing due to disobedience, yet finds solace in the victory given by God, reminding the congregation of His presence in times of grief. Dowie encourages the faithful to remember the joy and love that Esther embodied, even in her absence, and to trust in God's plan amidst sorrow.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of being chosen by God for a specific purpose, focusing on the need to understand why God chose us and the significance of bearing fruit for His glory. It highlights the primary purpose of bringing forth fruit in our lives, both in producing the fruit of the Spirit and impacting others for eternity. The message stresses the necessity of being broken before God, surrendering our own desires, and seeking to live a life that remains fruitful and joyful, even in the face of challenges and persecution.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

In this sermon, Basilia Schlink shares her testimony of finding joy in her relationship with God. She describes how her sisterhood experienced tears of repentance and sorrow due to their sins and the difficult circumstances they faced. However, she explains that true joy comes from suffering and drawing close to Jesus. By placing their lives under His will and lordship, they have found true happiness. The sermon emphasizes the importance of intimate union with Jesus and the everlasting joy that comes from praising and loving Him.

Sadhu Sundar Singh delves into the concept of sin, explaining that it is the act of disobeying God's will and choosing to follow one's desires instead. He emphasizes that sin is not a creation of God but rather a delusive and destructive state of being, leading many astray. Through the incarnation and redemption, God's boundless love is revealed, offering a way for sinners to be rescued from darkness and find eternal joy in heaven. Sundar Singh also addresses the misconception that salvation can be earned through good deeds, highlighting the need for repentance and a new life in Christ to bear lasting fruit and receive true peace and eternal life.

Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus' presence in the lives of believers, highlighting that true joy comes from a personal relationship with Christ. He reflects on the promise of Jesus to manifest Himself to those who love Him and keep His commandments, assuring that even in sorrow, joy can be found through faith. Waldvogel shares his own experiences of joy and fulfillment in Christ, encouraging believers to open their hearts and mouths in praise, allowing the Holy Spirit to bring about a breakthrough in their lives. He stresses the importance of recognizing the invisible yet powerful presence of Jesus, which surpasses any earthly understanding. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper communion with Christ, where believers can experience His love and joy in a tangible way.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that death serves as a liberating force, freeing believers from the tyranny of sin, the assaults of Satan, and the afflictions of the world. He assures that in death, one gains perfect freedom from all sorrows, both internal and external, and that the consequences of sin will cease as well. Brooks highlights that while life is filled with tears and suffering, death will bring an end to all pain and sorrow, offering a perfect cure for both body and soul. He encourages listeners to view death not as a loss, but as a transition to a state of holiness and joy in heaven. Ultimately, he poses a thought-provoking question about the benefits of dying to escape the burdens of sin and suffering.

John Wesley preaches about the 'Wilderness State' that believers often experience after being delivered from sin, likening it to the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness. He emphasizes that this state is characterized by a loss of faith, love, joy, and peace, leading to spiritual darkness and powerlessness. Wesley identifies the causes of this condition as sin, ignorance, and temptation, and he stresses the importance of self-examination to find the root cause of one's spiritual malaise. He encourages believers to seek restoration through repentance and a renewed commitment to prayer and obedience to God. Ultimately, Wesley reassures that God desires to restore joy and peace to those who earnestly seek Him.

Andrew Murray emphasizes that abiding fully in Christ leads to a life filled with exquisite joy, as believers partake in the joy of the Lord. He explains that true joy is a reflection of the believer's relationship with Christ, which transcends earthly trials and sorrows. Murray highlights that this joy is not only a personal experience but also a powerful testimony to others of God's love and blessings. He encourages believers to seek and claim this joy as part of their identity in Christ, reminding them that joy is a vital aspect of their spiritual life. Ultimately, he calls for a full surrender to Christ to experience the fullness of joy that He promises.

C.H. Spurgeon preaches on the promise that God will wipe away all tears from the eyes of believers, emphasizing that the current world is filled with sorrow, but it is temporary. He highlights the hope of a new heaven and earth where there will be no more pain or weeping, as God will dwell among His people, bringing eternal joy. Spurgeon encourages believers to look forward to the day when their tears will cease, reminding them that while weeping may last for a night, joy will come in the morning.

Samuel Chadwick preaches on the incredible power and promises of prayer, emphasizing the Old Testament examples and assurances of deliverance, help, guidance, and grace to those who call upon God. Prayer transitions from entreaty to command, with no limits to its possibilities. Jesus Christ establishes a new basis for prayer, urging believers to ask in His name, promising that whatever is asked in His name will be done, highlighting the unity and identity believers have with Him through prayer.

John Chrysostom delivers a sermon addressing the Prefect's role in pacifying the people amidst rumors of danger, emphasizing the need for courage and faith in the face of adversity. He urges the congregation to avoid oaths and highlights the importance of enduring tribulations with patience and hope in God's deliverance. Chrysostom encourages the listeners to imitate Paul's example of finding joy and glory in suffering for Christ, showcasing the power of faith and perseverance. He concludes by exhorting the congregation to use the Lenten season as a time for spiritual growth, focusing on genuine repentance and good works that endure beyond the fasting period.

H.J. Vine preaches about the profound truth of God's righteousness and grace revealed in the Scriptures, where the condemned are justified, the forsaken are accepted, and the dead are made alive through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes how believers are righteously cleared of condemnation, brought into eternal favor with God, and granted access to His presence through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice. It highlights the joy and fullness of life that believers experience in knowing God as their Father and being alive in His eternal love and acceptance.

David Wilkerson emphasizes that those who know Christ's righteousness are never without hope, even amidst judgment and despair. He reminds us that God has blessed us with His love and fear, encouraging us to rejoice and sing despite our circumstances. Drawing from Isaiah 51:11, Wilkerson highlights that the redeemed will return to God with joy, experiencing everlasting gladness that transcends trials. He reassures that while suffering may persist, our trust in the Lord will elevate us above pain, allowing us to possess true joy and gladness.

Charles Alexander preaches on the profound significance of the angelic announcement of the Lord's birth to the shepherds, emphasizing the divine inspiration of the Word that continually reveals fresh insights. He delves into the symbolism of the shepherds being chosen to receive the message, representing the Chief Shepherd, Jesus, who was born that night. The sermon highlights the humility and exaltation of Christ, born in a manger for the salvation of all people, bringing great joy and eternal hope to humanity.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the contrast between earthly joy, which is often interrupted by sin, Satan, and afflictions, and the perfect joy that awaits believers in heaven. He describes how, in this life, joy is mixed with sorrow and challenges, but in heaven, believers will experience pure and everlasting joy without any disturbances. Brooks highlights that the joys of heaven are beyond human comprehension, filled with fullness and eternal pleasures at God's right hand. He encourages believers to look forward to the ultimate joy that will encompass every aspect of their being in the presence of God.

Thomas Reade preaches about the blessedness of the righteous, emphasizing that true salvation belongs to the Lord and that His blessing is upon His people. The sermon highlights the peace and security found in God, the importance of trusting in His promises, and the joy that comes from having a saving interest in Christ Jesus. It encourages believers to find contentment and happiness in the love of God, to persevere through trials with faith and hope, and to rejoice in the blessings of Providence and the promises of eternal glory.

Anne Dutton preaches about enduring through afflictions, emphasizing that God allows trials to refine His people, not to destroy them. She encourages trusting in God as the Refiner who controls the intensity and duration of the fire of affliction, ensuring that it leads to both present growth and eternal reward. Dutton reassures that those who are in Christ are secure in their salvation, standing on an immovable foundation that can withstand any storm or doubt.

William MacDonald emphasizes the necessity of moving on from mourning over the past, as illustrated by God's command to Samuel to stop grieving for Saul, whom He had rejected as king. Samuel's prolonged sorrow hindered his ability to fulfill God's plan, which included anointing David as Saul's successor. MacDonald draws parallels to our own lives, where we may mourn lost opportunities, relationships, or dreams, but stresses that while mourning is natural, it should not paralyze us from embracing the present and future. He encourages a timely recovery from grief, reminding us that God has a purpose beyond our disappointments.

Charles E. Cowman delivers a sermon on the beauty and coexistence of Sorrow and Joy, personified as individuals with contrasting characteristics. Sorrow, with a melancholic yet tender nature, and Joy, with a radiant and conquering spirit, realize their paths diverge. However, in the presence of the King of Joy and Sorrow, they find unity and purpose, understanding that only He can bring together such contrasting emotions. Together, they embrace a life journey of following Him through all seasons, embodying the essence of being 'as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.'

Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the transformative power of Christ's death and resurrection, emphasizing that those who believe should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died and rose again. She encourages a life of continuous thanksgiving and praise, centered on the reality of Christ's sacrifice. Tileston urges believers to seek Christ's living presence and to carry the joy of Easter into their homes, work, and hearts, spreading unselfish love and service. She highlights the hope and expectation of eternal reunion through the proclamation 'Jesus lives!' at the grave-side.

Isaac Penington preaches about the deep spiritual experiences and truths he has encountered, emphasizing the importance of the seed of the kingdom, the nourishment of the soul through God's Word, the power of God working within believers, overcoming temptations by focusing on God's strength, and prayer as the breathing of the spiritual birth within. He highlights the need to look to God for salvation, trust in His power to overcome trials, and maintain a steadfast faith in the face of temptations.