Embracing the Light of Jesus in Dark Times

 

Summary

The theme of this Christmas message is the light of Jesus for our darkest days. Reflecting on the challenges of 2020, we are reminded of the significance of light, especially during the Christmas season, which coincides with the darkest time of the year in the northern hemisphere. The Bible frequently uses light as a metaphor for God's presence and guidance, and this is particularly evident in the Christmas story, where light played a crucial role. The angels lit up the sky for the shepherds, and the wise men were guided by a bright star to find Jesus. This celebration of God's light entering the world is a reminder that we can expect dark days in our lives, but we are not without hope.

Dark days can manifest as confusion, conflict, disappointment, loss, loneliness, grief, stress, anxiety, heartbreak, depression, and despair. Isaiah predicted such days but also foretold the coming of Jesus, the great light for those walking in darkness. The antidote to our darkest days is to turn to God's light. God's character is the source of all light, and His first act of creation was to bring light into the universe. Jesus, as the light of the world, offers us clarity, purification, healing, and growth.

Light illuminates, helping us see clearly in times of confusion. It disinfects, cleansing us from guilt and shame. It heals, offering comfort and restoration in our pain. And it grows, enabling us to change for the better. By embracing the light of Jesus, we can navigate our darkest days with hope and assurance. This Christmas, we are invited to exchange our darkness for God's light, allowing His love and guidance to transform our lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. Light Illuminates: In our darkest days, we need the light of Jesus to guide us when we can't see the way forward. Trusting in Christ helps us see things more clearly, offering a perspective that is beyond our own limited understanding. The Bible, as God's word, is a source of this light, providing direction and wisdom for our lives. [10:07]

2. Light Disinfects: The light of Jesus offers a clean start, purifying us from guilt, shame, and regret. By confessing our sins and embracing God's forgiveness, we can experience a fresh beginning, free from the burdens of our past. This cleansing light dispels the darkness within us, allowing us to live as children of light. [18:24]

3. Light Heals: In times of emotional, spiritual, or physical pain, the light of Jesus brings healing and restoration. By turning to God's light, we can find relief from our wounds and experience the healing power of His presence. This light not only heals but also frees us from the darkness of our deepest fears and anxieties. [23:09]

4. Light Grows: The light of Jesus is essential for our spiritual growth and transformation. Just as plants need light to grow, we need God's light to change for the better. By living in His light, we can enjoy life more fully and grow in our understanding of His purpose for us. [27:22]

5. Exchange Darkness for Light: This Christmas, we are invited to exchange our darkness for God's light. By accepting Jesus as the light of the world, we can experience His love, guidance, and healing in our lives. This transformation is not just for our darkest days but for all our days, as we learn to live in the light of His love. [30:00]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - The Light of Jesus for Darkest Days
- [00:47] - Christmas Lights and Hope
- [01:29] - Light as a Major Biblical Theme
- [02:08] - Expecting Dark Days
- [03:26] - Isaiah's Prediction of Dark Days
- [04:03] - The Great Light of Jesus
- [04:29] - God's Character as Light
- [05:33] - Jesus as the Light of the World
- [06:04] - Properties of Light
- [07:39] - How Jesus' Light Helps Us
- [09:41] - Trusting Christ for Clarity
- [11:33] - Discovering God's Perspective
- [14:23] - God's Promise of Guidance
- [16:04] - Light as a Disinfectant
- [18:24] - A Clean Start with Jesus
- [21:08] - Light's Healing Power
- [23:09] - Healing in Dark Days
- [25:22] - Light for Growth and Change
- [27:22] - Changing for the Better
- [30:00] - Exchanging Darkness for Light
- [31:20] - Prayer for Light in Our Lives

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 9:2 - "The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; a light that will shine on all who have been living in the shadow of death."
2. John 8:12 - "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
3. 1 John 1:5 - "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."

#### Observation Questions
1. What role did light play in the first Christmas according to the sermon? [01:42]
2. How does the Bible describe God's character in relation to light? [04:40]
3. What are some of the dark days mentioned in the sermon that people might experience? [02:35]
4. How does Jesus describe Himself in John 8:12, and what promise does He make to those who follow Him? [09:51]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the metaphor of light help us understand God's presence and guidance in our lives? [04:29]
2. In what ways can the light of Jesus provide clarity during times of confusion and uncertainty? [10:07]
3. How does the concept of light disinfecting relate to spiritual cleansing and forgiveness? [18:24]
4. What does it mean to exchange our darkness for God's light, and how can this transformation impact our daily lives? [30:00]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt you were walking in darkness. How did you seek out the light of Jesus during that period? [14:37]
2. What specific areas of your life currently feel dark or confusing, and how can you invite God's light to illuminate them? [15:13]
3. Are there any past regrets or guilt that you need to bring into the light of Christ for healing and forgiveness? How can you take steps to do this? [20:44]
4. How can you actively seek spiritual growth by living in God's light, similar to how plants grow with sunlight? [27:22]
5. Identify a practical way you can be a light to others during this Christmas season, reflecting the light of Jesus in your community. [29:45]
6. Consider the emotional or spiritual wounds you may have. What steps can you take to allow the healing light of Jesus to bring restoration? [23:09]
7. How can you ensure that you are not just enduring life but enjoying it by living in the light of God's love? [28:42]

Devotional

Day 1: Light as a Guide in Confusion
In our darkest days, the light of Jesus serves as a beacon, guiding us through confusion and uncertainty. When we find ourselves lost and unable to see the way forward, trusting in Christ offers us a perspective that transcends our limited understanding. The Bible, as God's word, is a source of this light, providing direction and wisdom for our lives. By turning to Jesus, we can navigate the complexities of life with clarity and assurance, knowing that His light will illuminate our path. [10:07]

Psalm 119:105-106 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules."

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you feel confused or uncertain. How can you seek God's guidance through prayer and Scripture to find clarity today?


Day 2: Light as a Clean Start
The light of Jesus offers a clean start, purifying us from guilt, shame, and regret. By confessing our sins and embracing God's forgiveness, we can experience a fresh beginning, free from the burdens of our past. This cleansing light dispels the darkness within us, allowing us to live as children of light. Embracing this transformative power means letting go of past mistakes and stepping into the freedom that God's forgiveness provides. [18:24]

1 John 1:7-9 (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. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Reflection: Is there a specific area of your life where you need to experience God's forgiveness? How can you take a step today to confess and embrace His cleansing light?


Day 3: Light as Healing and Restoration
In times of emotional, spiritual, or physical pain, the light of Jesus brings healing and restoration. By turning to God's light, we can find relief from our wounds and experience the healing power of His presence. This light not only heals but also frees us from the darkness of our deepest fears and anxieties. Embracing the healing light of Jesus allows us to find comfort and hope in the midst of our struggles. [23:09]

Malachi 4:2 (ESV): "But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall."

Reflection: Identify an area of pain or fear in your life. How can you invite Jesus' healing light into this area and trust Him for restoration today?


Day 4: Light as Growth and Transformation
The light of Jesus is essential for our spiritual growth and transformation. Just as plants need light to grow, we need God's light to change for the better. By living in His light, we can enjoy life more fully and grow in our understanding of His purpose for us. This growth is a continuous journey, inviting us to become more like Christ each day. [27:22]

Ephesians 5:8-10 (ESV): "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you desire to grow spiritually? How can you intentionally seek God's light to foster growth and transformation in this area?


Day 5: Exchanging Darkness for Light
This Christmas, we are invited to exchange our darkness for God's light. By accepting Jesus as the light of the world, we can experience His love, guidance, and healing in our lives. This transformation is not just for our darkest days but for all our days, as we learn to live in the light of His love. Embracing this exchange means allowing God's light to permeate every aspect of our lives, bringing hope and renewal. [30:00]

Isaiah 60:1-2 (ESV): "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you."

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where darkness seems to prevail. How can you actively invite God's light into this area and allow His love to transform it today?

Quotes


The antidote to your darkest days is to turn to God's light. The Bible is filled with references to the effect of God's light in our lives. First off, it says that God's character is the source of all light in the universe. Without God, there would be no light, without God, there would be no universe. [00:59:59]

Light can illuminate. Ephesians 5:13 says light makes all things easy to see. Now, I don't have to belabor this point because you use this principle every time you flip a light switch. Why in the world do you turn on lights? To see better. And you can always see more in the light than you can in the dark. [00:07:50]

During dark days, trusting Christ will help me see things more clearly. So I want you to write this down: number one, in dark days, I need the light of Jesus when I can't see the way forward. When I'm confused, when I'm undecided, when I don't know what's best, when I can't figure out what to do next. [00:10:10]

If we live in the light as God is in the light, then we can have real fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, God's son, purifies us. That's cleanses, sanitizes, disinfects. God's son's blood purifies us from all sin. And if we claim to be without sin, we're just fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. [00:17:41]

In dark days, I need the light of Jesus when I want a clean start. When I want a clean start, you know, I could not count the number of times that people have said to me confidentially, you know, Rick, I have made so many mistakes in my life. I really need a fresh start. [00:18:28]

Light can heal things. Scientists are discovering more and more about the healing properties and the healing powers of light. In medicine, light is now being used in all kinds of therapeutic ways. We use them from lasers, which we use in surgeries and wounds, and all kinds of different levels of infrared to light therapy for depression. [00:21:16]

In dark days, I need the light of Jesus when I'm wounded and in pain. When I'm wounded and in pain, emotional pain, spiritual pain, physical pain, relational pain. When I feel discouraged or disappointed or depressed or in despair, the antidote is turned to the light of Jesus in those dark days. [00:23:09]

The light of Jesus can free us from our darkest emotions and thoughts. So here's my question here for this third point: what needs healing in your life? What needs healing in your life? What needs to be exposed to the light of Christ? Because light illuminates, shows me when I'm confused, light disinfects, it takes care of all the junk in my past. [00:25:19]

Light grows things. Light is life for anything living. Okay, it's the key to life. Every plant grows by photosynthesis, which is dependent upon light. No light, no growth. No light, no power. You can't live without life. Now, I'll tell you personally, as a vegetable gardener, I can tell you that the more hours of light you have, the bigger your crops will grow. [00:25:22]

In dark days, I need the light of Jesus to change me for the better. I need the light of Jesus to change me for the better. You know, I've often said there are two ways that we change: when we see the light and when we feel the heat. One of those ways is far less painful. [00:27:22]

Your light lets us enjoy life. God says life is meant to be enjoyed, not merely endured. But the key is living in God's light. The more you live in God's light, the more you'll enjoy life. That's why Jesus said this, John 8:12, I'm the light of the world, and if you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness. [00:28:18]

Are you ready to exchange your darkness and the dark days you're going through for God's light? This is what Christmas is all about. Jesus came to light up your life. By the way, when Jesus came at Christmas, he didn't start with his birth. He's always existed because he's God. [00:30:00]

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Transcript
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