Embracing the Light: A Christmas Call to Action
Summary
In this Christmas Eve service, we gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. This season of Advent has been a journey of anticipation, asking who this child born in Bethlehem truly is. We recognize Him as the royal one, the king unlike any other, the deliverer, and the living one who shares life with us. But above all, He is the Light of the World, a title that encapsulates His divine mission to bring light into our darkness.
The Gospel of John presents a unique perspective on the Christmas story, focusing on the Word made flesh, the life that is the light of all people. This light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. Throughout the Bible, light and darkness are recurring themes, representing good and evil, hope and despair. In the beginning, God spoke light into the chaos, and this divine light continues to shine into every dark corner of our lives.
We acknowledge the darkness of evil and despair that exists in the world and within us. The darkness of human cruelty, suffering, and hopelessness is real, but God speaks into this darkness, bringing light and hope. The birth of Jesus is the ultimate expression of this divine light, a love letter from God wrapped in human flesh. Jesus, the Light of the World, calls us to follow Him and to become light ourselves, shining in the darkness and bringing hope to others.
Christmas is not just a celebration of Jesus' birth but a call to action. We are invited to let our light shine, to be instruments of God's love and justice in the world. As we light our candles tonight, we remember that we are part of God's plan to push back the darkness, to bring light to those in need, and to live as children of the light. May we carry this light into the world, sharing God's love and transforming lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Light of the World: Jesus is the Light of the World, a divine presence that shines in the darkness and cannot be overcome. This light is a source of hope and guidance, calling us to follow and reflect it in our lives. [31:58]
2. Darkness and Light: The Bible uses darkness to describe both evil and despair. In the face of these, God speaks light into existence, offering hope and redemption. We are called to trust in God's ability to bring light into our darkest moments. [33:14]
3. God's Love Letter: The birth of Jesus is God's love letter to humanity, a message of unconditional love and redemption. This divine love is meant to transform us and inspire us to live in the light. [43:51]
4. Christmas as a Call to Action: Christmas is not just a celebration but a call to be the light in the world. We are invited to let our light shine, to be agents of change and hope, addressing the darkness around us. [47:55]
5. Living as Children of Light: As followers of Christ, we are called to live as children of the light, embodying God's love and grace. This involves actively participating in God's mission to bring light and hope to the world. [49:36]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[20:33] - Introduction to New Year Events
[23:31] - Children's Story: The Birth of Jesus
[26:15] - Prayer with Children
[30:50] - The Significance of Jesus' Birth
[31:58] - Jesus as the Light of the World
[33:14] - Understanding Darkness and Light
[36:07] - The Reality of Evil and Despair
[37:50] - God's Light in Our Darkness
[39:21] - The Birth of Jesus: God's Love Letter
[40:52] - The Meaning of Christmas
[41:41] - The Winter Solstice and Light
[42:43] - God's Love and Redemption
[46:00] - Conversion: From Darkness to Light
[47:55] - Responding to the Light
[49:36] - Living as Children of Light
[54:13] - Offering and Thanksgiving
[56:17] - Communion and Prayer
[01:06:04] - The Story of Light in Darkness
[01:15:25] - Blessing and Sending Forth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 1:1-5 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
2. John 8:12 - "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"
3. Ephesians 5:8 - "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, how does the Gospel of John present the Christmas story differently from the other Gospels? [31:58]
2. What are the two ways the Bible uses the concept of darkness, as mentioned in the sermon? [33:14]
3. How does the sermon describe the birth of Jesus as a "love letter" from God? [43:51]
4. What does the pastor say about the significance of the winter solstice in relation to Christmas? [41:41]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What might it mean for someone to "walk in the light" as described in John 8:12? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about living as children of light? [49:36]
2. How does the concept of light overcoming darkness in John 1:5 provide hope in times of personal despair or evil, as discussed in the sermon? [38:47]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' birth is a call to action for believers? How does this align with the message in Ephesians 5:8? [47:55]
4. How does the pastor's personal story about writing a love letter to their child help illustrate God's love for humanity through Jesus? [43:51]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt surrounded by darkness, whether through personal struggles or witnessing evil in the world. How can the message of Jesus as the Light of the World bring you hope in such situations? [38:47]
2. The sermon calls Christmas a "call to action." What specific actions can you take this week to let your light shine in your community or family? [47:55]
3. Consider the areas of your life where you might be walking in darkness. What steps can you take to invite Jesus' light into those areas? [49:36]
4. The pastor mentioned the winter solstice as a symbol of light overcoming darkness. How can you use this imagery to inspire your spiritual journey during the Christmas season? [41:41]
5. Think of someone in your life who might be experiencing darkness. How can you be a source of light and hope for them this week? [49:36]
6. Reflect on the idea of Jesus' birth as God's love letter to humanity. How does this perspective change your understanding of Christmas, and how can it influence your interactions with others? [43:51]
7. The sermon emphasizes living as children of light. What is one practical way you can embody this in your daily routine, especially in challenging situations? [49:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus, the Unconquerable Light
In the Gospel of John, Jesus is described as the Light of the World, a divine presence that shines in the darkness and cannot be overcome. This light is not just a metaphor but a reality that offers hope and guidance to all who seek it. Jesus' birth is the ultimate expression of this light, a beacon of hope in a world often overshadowed by darkness. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this light in our lives, allowing it to guide our actions and decisions. The light of Jesus is a source of strength and courage, empowering us to face the challenges of life with faith and confidence. [31:58]
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone." (Isaiah 9:2, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel overwhelmed by darkness? How can you invite Jesus, the Light of the World, into these areas today?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Light
The Bible frequently uses the imagery of darkness to describe evil and despair, contrasting it with the light that represents hope and redemption. In the face of life's challenges, it can be easy to feel consumed by darkness. However, God continually speaks light into existence, offering us a way out of despair. This divine light is a reminder of God's unwavering presence and His ability to bring hope into our darkest moments. Trusting in God's light means believing in His power to transform our lives and the world around us, even when circumstances seem bleak. [33:14]
"For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness." (Psalm 18:28, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt hopeless. How can you trust in God's light to guide you through similar situations in the future?
Day 3: Jesus, God's Love Letter
The birth of Jesus is described as God's love letter to humanity, a message of unconditional love and redemption. This divine love is not just a historical event but a living reality that continues to transform lives today. Jesus' incarnation is a testament to God's desire to be in relationship with us, to share in our joys and sorrows, and to offer us a path to redemption. As recipients of this love, we are called to let it transform us, inspiring us to live in the light and share this love with others. [43:51]
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as God's love letter change your perspective on your relationship with Him? How can you share this love with someone in your life today?
Day 4: Christmas as a Call to Action
Christmas is not just a celebration of Jesus' birth but a call to action for all believers. We are invited to let our light shine, to be agents of change and hope in a world that desperately needs it. This involves actively participating in God's mission to push back the darkness, bringing light to those in need, and living as children of the light. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of our responsibility to embody God's love and justice, making a tangible difference in the lives of others. [47:55]
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can be a light in your community this week? How can you take action to address the darkness around you?
Day 5: Living as Children of Light
As followers of Christ, we are called to live as children of the light, embodying God's love and grace in all that we do. This involves a commitment to living out our faith in practical ways, allowing God's light to shine through us and impact the world around us. Living as children of the light means being intentional about our actions, seeking to reflect God's love in our relationships, work, and daily interactions. It is a call to be active participants in God's mission, bringing hope and transformation to a world in need. [49:36]
"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to live as a child of the light? What steps can you take to align your actions with your faith today?
Quotes
Our hope is that by the end of this service that you have found the light of Christ that you've remembered that the darkness cannot overcome it and that as we take you back to Bethlehem to share those events and to ask what does that mean for us today we want to tell you about some things that are coming up in January here a worship series is [00:18:27] (28 seconds)
The very beginning of the Bible, Genesis chapter one, starts the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep. Darkness. Chaos. And then into that chaos, into that darkness, God speaks. God shouts, let there be light. And there was light. And it was good. [00:32:43] (31 seconds)
Every time there is darkness, God is pouring light into it. God is light. And God pours light into the darkness. So when we think about light and darkness, we're going to start with darkness. The Bible uses darkness in two different ways to describe two different things. One is, evil, the awful things human beings do to each other. [00:33:42] (27 seconds)
And in those situations of darkness, both evil and despair, God speaks. God speaks, let there be light, and there is light. In the Psalms it says, it is you, O God, who lights my lamp. The Lord my God lights up my darkness. The prophet Micah said, do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. When I fall, I shall rise. [00:38:22] (32 seconds)
And so God came to us as a baby in Bethlehem bringing light to say, I am with you. I'm not going to leave you. No matter where you've been, no matter what you've done, no matter what creepy, cruddy thing you have ever done, that I forgive you and I will redeem you if you will let me. [00:42:31] (30 seconds)
And I hope, I hope that you will be, that you will be shaped by my love. God is saying in Jesus, I have hopes and dreams for you of who you'll be and what you'll do and what you'll be like. And more than anything, I want you to know that I love you. [00:44:24] (24 seconds)
At Christmas, when we look at the Christ child, and then we remember that he grew up, called disciples. When we, when we think, when we understand that he is the word, that he is the light made, made flesh, made human. There comes a moment in your life. It might be when you're a kid or when you're 20, or when you're 80, but there comes a moment when you say, I get it. [00:45:20] (30 seconds)
Jesus said, I am the light of the world. And then. He turned to his disciples and said, you are the light of the world. Let your light shine among all. Let it shine before all so that they might see your good works and glorify God. You see, Christmas comes with an expectation to do something. [00:47:33] (27 seconds)
God was born as Jesus, bringing the light to show us the light so that we could become light, so that we could be the light, so that we could be part of pushing back the darkness. You are God's strategic plan for changing this world, for bringing light. For bringing light into the dark places of the world. [00:48:45] (26 seconds)
The darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever loves a brother or sister, lives in the light and how awesome is it that when you help somebody when you minister to them when you bless them when you encourage them when you when you feed them or when you give them a chance to go to school when you help somebody you are bringing light you are shining light into the darkness [00:49:30] (33 seconds)
And for the blessing. You are sent in the light of Christ. You are light. Let your light shine before the world so that all who see it give glory to God. And may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Merry Christmas. Amen. [01:15:25] (23 seconds)
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