Embracing the Light of Christ This Christmas
Summary
Merry Christmas! It's a joy to gather together as God's family during this special time of year. As we celebrate, we are reminded of the profound significance of Advent and the coming of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. This season is not just about the festivities, but about embracing the transformative power of Christ's light in our lives.
Reflecting on the story of the Grinch, we are reminded that Christmas is more than material gifts; it is about the light that Jesus brings into our lives. The prophet Isaiah and the gospel writer Matthew spoke of a great light shining in the darkness, a light that Jesus embodies. In a world filled with darkness—be it oppression, wars, or personal struggles—Jesus offers hope and transformation.
The darkness of our world can manifest in various forms, such as loneliness, emptiness, or societal issues like racism and unemployment. Yet, the good news is that even the smallest light can dispel the deepest darkness. Just as a nightlight comforts a child or a bonfire brings warmth and celebration, Jesus' light brings peace and joy to our hearts.
The story of the Civil War bonfires illustrates how light can unite and bring peace, even amidst conflict. Similarly, Jesus' birth was celebrated by angels as the light that would change the world. He invites us to step out of darkness and into His light, offering us a chance to repent and walk with Him, experiencing a profound change in our lives.
As we partake in communion, we remember Jesus' sacrifice and the hope of His return. This act of remembrance is a powerful reminder of the light that Jesus brings into our lives, urging us to let His light shine through us to the world.
Key Takeaways:
- The True Meaning of Christmas: Christmas is not about material gifts but about the light of Jesus that transforms our lives. This season invites us to reflect on the deeper significance of Christ's birth and His role as the light of the world. [37:49]
- Light in the Darkness: Jesus is the light that dispels the darkness in our lives, whether it be personal struggles or societal issues. His presence offers hope and transformation, reminding us that even the smallest light can overcome the deepest darkness. [40:14]
- Unity Through Light: The story of the Civil War bonfires illustrates how light can bring unity and peace. Similarly, Jesus' light unites us as God's family, offering peace and joy amidst the chaos of the world. [45:20]
- Invitation to Transformation: Jesus invites us to step out of darkness and into His light, offering us a chance to repent and walk with Him. This invitation is an opportunity for profound change and a deeper understanding of His transformative power. [46:15]
- Communion as a Reminder: Partaking in communion is a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the hope of His return. It is an opportunity to renew our commitment to Him and to let His light shine through us to the world. [49:34]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Prayer
[01:30] - The Advent Journey
[02:15] - The Grinch's Lesson
[03:00] - Light in the Darkness
[04:00] - The Oppression of Darkness
[05:00] - Modern Darkness
[06:00] - The Power of Light
[07:00] - Historical Light: Civil War Bonfires
[08:00] - Jesus, the Light of the World
[09:00] - Invitation to Transformation
[10:00] - Communion Invitation
[11:00] - Communion Instructions
[12:00] - Closing Prayer
[13:00] - Final Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 9:2 - "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."
2. Matthew 4:16-17 - "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who lived in the land where death cast its shadow, a light has shined. From then on, Jesus began to preach, 'Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.'"
3. John 1:5 - "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
Observation Questions:
1. What does the prophet Isaiah say about the people walking in darkness and the light they have seen? How does this relate to the coming of Jesus? [38:32]
2. How does the gospel writer Matthew describe the impact of Jesus' light on those living in darkness? [38:32]
3. In the sermon, what examples are given to illustrate how light changes darkness in our lives? [43:26]
4. How does the story of the Civil War bonfires serve as an illustration of light bringing unity and peace? [45:20]
Interpretation Questions:
1. What might it mean for someone to "walk in darkness" in today's world, and how does Jesus' light offer hope and transformation? [40:14]
2. How can the concept of light overcoming darkness be applied to personal struggles or societal issues mentioned in the sermon, such as loneliness or racism? [41:35]
3. What does the invitation to "repent and walk with Jesus" imply about the changes one might experience in their life? [46:15]
4. How does partaking in communion serve as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the hope of His return? [49:34]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt surrounded by darkness, whether personal or societal. How did you find light in that situation, and how can you seek Jesus' light in similar situations now? [41:35]
2. The sermon mentions various forms of darkness, such as loneliness and emptiness. Identify one area of darkness in your life. What steps can you take to invite Jesus' light into that area? [41:35]
3. How can you be a source of light and hope to others in your community who may be experiencing darkness? Consider specific actions you can take this week. [43:26]
4. The story of the Civil War bonfires illustrates unity through light. How can you foster unity and peace in your relationships or community, especially during conflicts? [45:20]
5. During this Advent season, how can you focus on the true meaning of Christmas and let go of the materialistic aspects that often overshadow it? [37:49]
6. Communion is a time to remember Jesus' sacrifice. How can you use this practice to renew your commitment to letting His light shine through you? [49:34]
7. Think of someone in your life who might be struggling with darkness. How can you share the message of Jesus' light with them in a meaningful way? [46:15]
Devotional
Day 1: The Light of Christmas Transforms Lives
Christmas is a time to reflect on the profound significance of Jesus Christ's birth, which is not about material gifts but about the transformative light He brings into our lives. This season invites us to look beyond the festivities and embrace the deeper meaning of Christ's coming as the light of the world. The story of the Grinch serves as a reminder that Christmas is more than just presents; it is about the light that Jesus brings into our lives. The prophet Isaiah and the gospel writer Matthew spoke of a great light shining in the darkness, a light that Jesus embodies. In a world filled with darkness—be it oppression, wars, or personal struggles—Jesus offers hope and transformation. [37:49]
Isaiah 9:2 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you let the light of Jesus transform an area of your life that feels overshadowed by darkness this Christmas season?
Day 2: Jesus, the Light that Dispels Darkness
Jesus is the light that dispels the darkness in our lives, whether it be personal struggles or societal issues. His presence offers hope and transformation, reminding us that even the smallest light can overcome the deepest darkness. The darkness of our world can manifest in various forms, such as loneliness, emptiness, or societal issues like racism and unemployment. Yet, the good news is that even the smallest light can dispel the deepest darkness. Just as a nightlight comforts a child or a bonfire brings warmth and celebration, Jesus' light brings peace and joy to our hearts. [40:14]
John 1:5 (ESV): "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
Reflection: Identify a specific area of darkness in your life. How can you invite Jesus' light into that area today?
Day 3: Unity Through the Light of Christ
The story of the Civil War bonfires illustrates how light can bring unity and peace, even amidst conflict. Similarly, Jesus' light unites us as God's family, offering peace and joy amidst the chaos of the world. The birth of Jesus was celebrated by angels as the light that would change the world. He invites us to step out of darkness and into His light, offering us a chance to repent and walk with Him, experiencing a profound change in our lives. [45:20]
Ephesians 2:14 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility."
Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life that needs healing. How can you be a light of unity and peace in that relationship today?
Day 4: An Invitation to Step into the Light
Jesus invites us to step out of darkness and into His light, offering us a chance to repent and walk with Him. This invitation is an opportunity for profound change and a deeper understanding of His transformative power. As we embrace this invitation, we are called to reflect on the areas of our lives that need His light and to take steps towards transformation. This is not just a one-time event but a continuous journey of walking in His light and allowing it to guide our paths. [46:15]
1 John 1:7 (ESV): "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to walk more fully in the light of Jesus?
Day 5: Communion as a Reminder of Hope
Partaking in communion is a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the hope of His return. It is an opportunity to renew our commitment to Him and to let His light shine through us to the world. As we remember Jesus' sacrifice, we are reminded of the hope and transformation He offers. This act of remembrance urges us to let His light shine through us, impacting those around us and bringing His peace and joy to the world. [49:34]
1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV): "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
Reflection: How can you let the remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice during communion inspire you to be a light to others this week?
Quotes
It's amazing how we begin to move through the Advent season, the Christmas season, and so much goes on, and we're so busy, we're so busy in so many different ways. We heard earlier that Pastor BJ, when he was reading from Isaiah chapter 9, he read these words, that the people walking in darkness have seen a great light. The gospel writer Matthew would eventually quote the great prophet in Matthew chapter 4, after Jesus had been tempted when he was getting ready to start his earthly ministry, and he said that the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. [00:38:32] (37 seconds)
Whenever I think about things, maybe a little bit more than what we thought, and I think about Christmas, I think that so much of us, we think about lights. I look up here and I see the different Christmas lights. We think about Christmas lights on the porch, we think about getting up on the roof to hang the lights and across everywhere, all throughout the yard. And you may have seen that commercial that I've seen this season, where you have one house that has its whole house and all of its yard lit up in lights, and you look over to their neighbor and they have ditto written in lights. [00:39:24] (37 seconds)
Why even think like that? I think part of it is, is when you begin to understand their situation that the people really were in darkness. They were in the darkness of oppression, right? I mean, they had been conquered. If you go back to Isaiah and they were in exile, they were conquered people. Even Matthew, when he quoted the prophet, realized that the people were, they were a conquered people. They had been beaten down by Rome. They had been enslaved and defeated. They were not only oppressed, but they were also persecuted. [00:40:16] (34 seconds)
Light always, always, always changes the dark. If you ever wonder how much light can change the dark, just ask a toddler, right? You have a toddler in a room, and you shut the door, and the lights are off, and they freak out. But if you put just, a little bitty nightlight, how much better do they feel? Why? Because light changes the dark. If you ever want to know how much light helps, just ask a parent who has walked through the dark and stepped on a Lego with their bare foot. [00:42:54] (32 seconds)
Light always changes the dark. Once again, so kids and families and parents, we've got the carols that we sing, we've got the scriptures that we read, but you can even learn that from history. History even tells us how much light changes the dark. I read this, and I, well, let me just read it for you. It was during the dark winter of 1864, and it was in Petersburg, Virginia, that the Confederate Army of Robert E. Lee faced the Union Division of Ulysses S. Grant. The war was now three and a half years old, and the glorious charge had long since given way to the muck, and mud of trench warfare. [00:44:41] (40 seconds)
Light always changes the darkness. Now, I want you to know that that child didn't change the world forever. But the angels, the angels in all their glorious light, celebrated the one who would be the light of the world. I am the light of the world. So, Jesus came into a dark world. It's what Isaiah talks about. It's what Matthew talks about. And he came with certainty. He came with authority, saying, listen, you don't have to walk in darkness anymore. You don't have to, you don't have to experience the darkness because I have come. And if you will just repent, turn and begin to walk with me, you, you can experience the change of a lifetime. [00:46:32] (47 seconds)
Communion is a sacrament where we connect with God in this very special way. And it allows us to proclaim the life of Jesus, and the sufferings, and death, and resurrection, but also the hope of his coming again. It's a means of grace where Christ is present in our lives. And so that means, what that really means, is that if there is darkness in your life, if there's any, even if it's just a hint, that all you have to do is say, Jesus, I need you. And his light will begin to change your life. [00:49:00] (34 seconds)
We thank you for your presence. We thank you for your presence in this place as we are here to gather at your table. And we want to take some time just to remember you, your life, the message of the good news, the comfort, forgiveness, the freedom that you proclaim. We're thankful for your birth, but also the death and resurrection and the hope that we have of you coming again. In this moment, Lord, we offer ourselves up to you in praise and thanksgiving. And we ask that you would pour your Holy Spirit on these elements as well as on us. Would you make us one with you, one with each other, and one on mission for the kingdom. [00:51:35] (40 seconds)
is now with us in a brand new way, brightening our lives but also carrying us into the world so that you and I, we together, can be a living reminder of the Bible's announcement that in him was life, and that life was the light of everyone. The light shines in the darkness so that through him all might believe. [00:58:48] (23 seconds)
of this light is seen in him and in you because the darkness is passing and the true light is already there. The light is shining. Jesus is the light of the world. We are to let our light shine before all that they may see the good deeds that we do and to praise our Father in heaven. [00:59:37] (36 seconds)
Lord, shine your light on us. Oh, Lord, shine your light on us. Oh, Lord, shine your light on us. Oh, Lord, shine your light on us. [01:05:16] (38 seconds)
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