Joy and gladness will come to you, and many will rejoice at his birth,

So they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”

And while they still could not believe it (because of their joy) and were amazed, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people:

Then the seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!”

Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in a time of testing fall away.

I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.