Good News of Great Joy

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11 (ESV)

In the midst of all the bad news of shootings, strife, sorrow, struggles, and suffering, God offers us good news.

At this Christmas time, when everyone is searching for a great deals, great presents, great Christmas goodies, great decorations, great warm fuzzy feelings, and great family time, God offers us great joy.

In a world full of “haves” and and “have nots,” God offers this good news of great joy to all the people.

And what is this good news of great joy for all the people? It is the birth of a baby, who is called a Savior, King, and Lord.

He is a Savior from the penalty and power of sin, and one day from the presence of sin and all its miserable results.

He is a King, who will one day usher in a glorious eternal kingdom of righteousness, justice, and peace.

He is the Lord – God become man. Immanuel – God with us.

This Christmas may you embrace this good news of great joy for all the people. Embrace Jesus, your Savior, King, and Lord.

Sermon Songs: Hebrews 9:15-28

Celebrate our joyful circumstance
Forever we have full forgiveness
Promised eternal inheritance
With God now, forever, through Jesus

Chorus
Fast, Fast, Hold fast
Hold fast to Jesus the Better One
Near, Near, Draw Near
Draw near to God through His only Son

Dying for our sins He did appear
In heaven now appears – so draw near!
Of death and judgment we need not fear
For with salvation He will appear

(Repeat Chorus)

Come with your sin and guilt, heed the call
Turn and believe before it’s too late
His promises, now enjoy them all
For His return, eagerly now wait

(Repeat Chorus)

© 2023 Brian J. Mikul

(Sing to tune of “Grace Greater Than Our Sin”)

Sermon Songs: Hebrews 9:1-14

Our God is holy, holy, holy
We are sinners in need of cleansing
We could not find inner purity
From the Old Covenant offerings

Chorus
Fast, Fast, Hold fast
Hold fast to Jesus the Better One
Near, Near, Draw Near
Draw near to God through His only Son

Offering Himself, Jesus shed His blood
All of our sins and guilt washed away
Now we can draw near and serve our God
Once for all Jesus opened the way

(Repeat Chorus)

© 2023 Brian J. Mikul

(Sing to tune of “Grace Greater Than Our Sin”)

Sermon Songs: Hebrews 8:1-13

Jesus our better priest before God
Our punishment on the cross He takes
Reigns as King at the right hand of God
A better covenant Jesus makes

Chorus
Fast, Fast, Hold fast
Hold fast to Jesus the Better One
Near, Near, Draw Near
Draw near to God through His only Son

God changes us with a brand new heart
He is our God, to Him we belong
We know the Lord for a brand new start
Full forgiveness of our ev’ry wrong

(Repeat Chorus)

© 2023 Brian J. Mikul

(Sing to tune of “Grace Greater Than Our Sin”)

Sermon Songs: Hebrews 7:23-8:5

Behold Jesus saves us completely
The Son of God and the perfect man
Dying, He paid for our sins fully
Now intercedes for us in heaven

Chorus
Fast, Fast, Hold fast
Hold fast to Jesus the Better One
Near, Near, Draw Near
Draw near to God through His only Son

So come into God’s presence boldly
Gasp in wonder at full forgiveness
Gratefully pursue His purity
Hold fast to Jesus your confidence

(Repeat Chorus)

© 2023 Brian J. Mikul

(Sing to tune of “Grace Greater Than Our Sin”)

Sermon Songs: Hebrews 7:11-22

The Law of Moses had a defect
Could not bring us into God’s presence
But Jesus our High Priest is perfect
Draws us to God with endless access

Chorus
Fast, Fast, Hold fast
Hold fast to Jesus the Better One
Near, Near, Draw Near
Draw near to God through His only Son

Jesus comes from the tribe of Judah
Comes with an oath and by prophecy
Lives forever by God’s great power
Gives us hope now and eternally

(Repeat Chorus)

© 2023 Brian J. Mikul

(Sing to tune of “Grace Greater Than Our Sin”)

Sermon Songs: Hebrews 7:1-10

Behold Jesus our great Righteous King
A King of peace who brings us to God
Priest of the Most High, always serving
That we might always draw near to God

Chorus
Fast, Fast, Hold fast
Hold fast to Jesus the Better One
Near, Near, Draw Near
Draw near to God through His only Son

Jesus is greater than Abraham
Deserves the gift of our daily lives
Offers access to the great I Am
No other priest offers what He gives

(Repeat Chorus)

© 2023 Brian J. Mikul

(Sing to tune of “Grace Greater Than Our Sin”)

Sermon Songs: Hebrews 6:13-20

Behold Jesus the Promised Offspring
Our great High Priest who pays for our sins
Our Refuge, the Source of all Blessing
He brings us to God – our access wins

Chorus
Fast, Fast, Hold fast
Hold fast to Jesus the Better One
Near, Near, Draw Near
Draw near to God through His only Son

God’s promise in Jesus is certain
His purpose stands, with an oath secure
Hold fast to Him, where else would you turn?
He is our Anchor, steady and sure

(Repeat Chorus)

© 2023 Brian J. Mikul

(Sing to tune of “Grace Greater Than Our Sin”)

Here the Hallelujahs Roar

City Alight has five new songs out, and here is one of them. This one looks forward to the return of Christ and the wonderful blessings we will enjoy with Him. It is an upbeat celebration of our future with Christ. The words are spot on, and it is easy to sing (and play on the guitar). I introduced it to our church this past week, and have enjoyed listening to it at home as well.

Lyrics, chord charts, lead sheets, related Scriptures, places to listen or buy, and more are available on their site here.

Sermon Songs: Hebrews 5:11-6:3

Grow up, and listen more carefully
The basic truths of the gospel learn
Commit to know the Word more fully
Follow the good way and evil spurn

Chorus
Fast, Fast, Hold fast
Hold fast to Jesus the Better One
Near, Near, Draw Near
Draw near to God through His only Son

Grow up and basic truths understand
Call others to repent and believe
Gather with God’s people in the land
Press on in hope, God’s warning receive

(Repeat Chorus)

Grow up and no longer be lazy
Push to know Jesus better each day
Follow Him, move toward maturity
For His grace and growth now plead and pray

(Repeat Chorus)

© 2023 Brian J. Mikul

(Sing to tune of “Grace Greater Than Our Sin”)