The effect of cerium concentration and the addition of $Sb_2O_3$ on the light emission of cerium-contained glass were investigated. The glass matrix composition was $20Y_2O_3-25Al_2O_3-55SiO_2$, the $CeO_2$ concentration ranged from 0.05 to 0.5 mol%, and $Sb_2O_3$ was added at concentrations of 0.02 to 0.1 mol%. The $Ce^{3+}$ and $Ce^{4+}$ absorption bands were observed at approximately 330 nm and 240 nm, respectively. A broad emission band at 400 nm, due to the 4f-5d transition of the $Ce^{3+}$ ion, was observed under illumination by a UV light at 330 nm. The photoluminescence intensity of $Ce^{3+}$ had a maximum value at a $CeO_2$ concentration of 0.1 mol%. Adding $Sb_2O_3$ decreased the $Ce^{4+}$ absorption intensity and enhanced the light emission intensity of $Ce^{3+}$ by about 45%.