Where Jesus Is, There Is Light and Joy

I began in the dark because that is where the Christmas story begins. Isaiah spoke to a people who knew exile, loss, and fear. He named the darkness honestly while holding onto a promise of light. Our week has felt that way too—joy in one hand, heaviness in the other. We paused to grieve, because rushing past pain makes joy thin. God does not ask us to pretend. He meets us in the dark.

Into that darkness, Jesus came. Not into a safe, calm, bright world, but into a place of occupation, violence, and waiting. Some missed the light when it arrived—Herod, many religious leaders—but others saw it and moved: Elizabeth felt a leap of joy, shepherds ran to the manger, magi followed a light they only partly understood. They were overjoyed when the star stopped, not because the star was special, but because wherever Jesus is, there is light. This is the heart of Christmas.

That light brings a joy deeper than happiness. Happiness is real and good, but it rises and falls with the moment. Joy holds steady in the storm because it is tied to a Person, not a circumstance. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” and John wrote, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” We still face loss, anxiety, and uncertainty, but under it all, there is a steady, quiet joy when we look to him.

Jesus came as light and, by his Spirit, places that light in us. When we turn to him, another light turns on. Those lights are popping on all over the world. This is part A of the plan; part B is his return, when darkness is gone for good. So if you follow him, keep following, keep carrying the light into dark places—do not hide it, do not drift. If you are still seeking, keep walking toward the light you see. Ask questions. Pray, even if you are unsure. The invitation stands: come and see. Wherever Jesus is, there is light and joy.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Begin in the darkness with God We don’t find real joy by skipping pain; we find it by telling the truth in God’s presence. Isaiah’s words teach us to name the night and still expect morning. Lament clears room in the heart so joy has somewhere to live. Honesty before God becomes the doorway to hope.
• 2. Wherever Jesus is, there is light The magi didn’t understand everything; they simply moved toward the light they had. Faith often looks like the next faithful step, not full clarity. Joy rises as we follow, because his presence—not perfect plans—brightens the path. Light is not an idea; it is a Person who meets us.
• 3. Joy deeper than happiness Happiness is a gift, but it is fragile; joy is rooted in Christ and can stand in hard weather. Joy doesn’t deny grief; it refuses to be defined by it. We practice this joy by attention—turning toward Jesus in prayer, scripture, and simple obedience. The more we look at him, the steadier our hearts become.
• 4. Carry the light into dark places By the Spirit, the light is in us, not only before us. We don’t have to be loud to shine; faithfulness, kindness, and courage are bright. Small acts—a prayer, a visit, a just choice—push back real darkness. We are not the source, but we are real lamps in his hands.

1. In Isaiah 60:1-3 (and verse 2 quoted in the sermon) what images are used to describe the coming of light, and who is the light said to reach?
2. According to John 1:4-5, how are "life" and "light" connected, and what is said about the darkness?
3. In the sermon three groups noticed the light early (Elizabeth/John, the shepherds, the magi). What specific responses did each group show when they encountered the light?
4. What did Jesus say about himself in John 8:12, and what promise about walking does he attach to following him?

1. How should a person understand Isaiah’s promise of light for a people in exile when applying it to individuals or communities currently experiencing loss or fear?
2. What implications arise if John’s description links life and light as essentially the same reality for understanding why joy is deeper than happiness?
3. When the sermon says "a light pops on" when someone turns to Jesus, what does that suggest about the role of the Spirit and personal transformation in the believer’s life?
4. How should one interpret the different responses to the light (those who missed it, those who ran to it) when considering reasons people reject or accept Jesus today?

1. Identify one current "darkness" in your life (grief, anxiety, a broken relationship, fear). How will you name that darkness honestly before God this week (a short prayer, a journal entry, or a conversation)? Commit to a specific time to do it.
2. The sermon encouraged lament as clearing room for joy. What is one concrete way you will practice lament this week (a lament prayer each morning, a written lament, or sharing grief with a friend or leader)?
3. Think of one person in your life who seems to be following a faint light (curious about faith but unsure). What specific step will you take to walk toward that person with them this week (invite them for coffee, offer to pray, send a message asking how you can support them)?
4. Small acts were called "real lamps"—a prayer, a visit, a just choice. Choose one tangible act you can do in the next seven days to carry light into a dark place in your neighborhood, workplace, or family. When exactly will you do it?
5. The sermon contrasts happiness (momentary) with joy (rooted in Christ). What daily spiritual habit could you try for the next two weeks to keep your attention on Jesus (a 10-minute scripture reading from John, a short prayer when you wake, or a weekly check-in with a friend)? Be specific about time and content.
6. If you already follow Jesus: what is one way you have been hiding or drifting from the light? What change will you make this week to keep carrying the light (saying yes to a serving opportunity, apologizing, removing a distraction)?
7. If you are still seeking: what is one small faithful step you can take this week toward the light you see (ask a question to someone who knows Jesus, attend a life group, pray a simple sentence to God)? Name the step and when you will take it.