Summary

Life is full of seasons—some dark and uncertain, others bright and full of hope. Just as Dolly Parton found her “light of a clear blue morning” after a season of struggle, we too walk through times of darkness, waiting for the dawn. In these moments, it’s easy to feel lost or unsure, but God’s presence and love are constant, guiding us through. We gather as a community to lift up our prayers, our burdens, and our joys, trusting that God hears us and walks alongside us, even when we can’t find the words.

The story of the sea turtles on Pleasure Island offers a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey. Baby turtles, born in darkness, instinctively seek the light of the moon to guide them to the ocean. Yet, artificial lights can confuse them, leading them away from their true destination. In the same way, we are created with a longing for God’s light, but the world is full of “artificial lights”—success, possessions, busyness, even good causes—that can distract us from the true light of Christ. Our souls are drawn to God, often before we even realize what we’re seeking. This is the gift of prevenient grace: God’s love reaching out to us before we know we need it.

Scripture reminds us that Jesus is the true light, shining in the darkness, and that darkness cannot overcome it. We are not only called to follow this light but to reflect it into the world. Like the volunteers who guide baby turtles safely to the sea, we are called to help one another find our way to God. This is not a solitary journey; we need community, people who will walk with us, guide us, and encourage us as we seek to live in the light.

We also recognize that sometimes, as a church or as individuals, we can become resistant to new ways of shining God’s light. We may cling to the familiar and inadvertently stifle the gifts and ideas of others. But the true light of Christ is for all people, and we are called to be open, welcoming, and generous in sharing God’s love. As we come to the table, we remember that God’s invitation is for everyone, and we are sent out to be the light in a world longing for hope.

Key Takeaways

- Longing for the Light Is Part of Our Nature
Just as baby sea turtles are born with an instinct to seek the moonlight, our souls are created with a longing for God. Even when we can’t name what we’re searching for, that deep yearning is God’s prevenient grace at work, drawing us toward the true light. When we feel restless or incomplete, it may be the Spirit inviting us to seek God more deeply. [36:55]

- Artificial Lights Can Lead Us Astray
The world is full of distractions—success, possessions, busyness, and even well-intentioned causes—that can pull us away from the light of Christ. Like turtles confused by artificial lights, we too can lose our way if we follow what glitters but does not give life. It’s essential to regularly examine what we’re drawn to and ask whether it truly reflects the love and light of Jesus. [41:40]

- We Are Called to Reflect the Light, Not Just Follow It
Jesus calls us not only to walk in the light but to be the light for others. Our actions, words, and presence can help guide those around us toward God, just as volunteers guide baby turtles to the sea. This responsibility is both a gift and a calling, reminding us that our faith is meant to shine outward, illuminating the path for others. [44:30]

- Community Is Essential for the Journey
No one can reflect God’s light alone. We need the support, guidance, and encouragement of others—people who will walk with us, speak truth into our lives, and help us avoid pitfalls. True Christian community is a place where we help each other discern the right direction and where everyone’s gifts are welcomed and valued. [46:30]

- God’s Table Is Open to All, and So Is God’s Light
The invitation to come to Christ is for everyone, regardless of background or status. At God’s table, there are no barriers—only grace, abundance, and welcome. As we receive this gift, we are sent out to extend that same radical hospitality and light to a world in need, trusting that God’s love is more than enough for all. [57:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[18:06] - Sharing Prayers and Community Concerns
[20:50] - Opening Prayer for the World
[30:06] - Sea Turtle Story: Survival and Hope
[31:38] - Scripture Reading: John 1
[33:06] - Lessons from Sea Turtles and Volunteering
[35:25] - The Draw of the Light: Nature and Spirit
[41:40] - Artificial Light and Spiritual Distraction
[44:30] - Reflecting Christ’s Light
[46:30] - The Importance of Community
[47:33] - True Light for All People
[51:16] - Confession and Assurance
[53:22] - Communion: Remembering Christ
[57:18] - God’s Table: Radical Welcome
[01:03:00] - Announcements and Community Life
[01:09:32] - Sending Forth: Be the Light

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Longing for the Light”

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### Bible Reading

John 1:1-14 (ESV)
> 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
> 2 He was in the beginning with God.
> 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
> 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
> 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
> 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
> 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.
> 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
> 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
> 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.
> 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.
> 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
> 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
> 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to John 1, what does it mean that Jesus is the “light” and how does the darkness respond to this light?
2. In the sermon, what natural instinct do baby sea turtles have when they hatch, and how does this relate to our spiritual lives? [[35:25]]
3. What are some examples of “artificial lights” that can distract us from the true light, as described in the sermon? [[41:40]]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of community in helping us follow the light of Christ? [[44:30]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says our souls are created with a longing for God, even before we know it. How does this idea of prevenient grace help us understand our own spiritual restlessness? [[35:25]]
2. When the world is “awash in artificial light,” what are some ways people might mistake these for the true light of Christ? [[41:40]]
3. The sermon talks about not just following the light, but reflecting it. What does it look like for someone to “be the light” in their everyday life? [[44:30]]
4. The message warns that sometimes churches or individuals can resist new ways of shining God’s light. Why do you think this happens, and what might be lost when we do this? [[47:33]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon compares our longing for God to the baby turtles’ instinct to seek the moonlight. When have you felt a deep longing or restlessness in your life? Looking back, do you think it was God drawing you closer? [[35:25]]
2. What “artificial lights” (like success, busyness, or even good causes) are most tempting for you to follow? How can you tell when you’re being drawn away from the true light of Christ? [[41:40]]
3. The pastor shared about volunteers guiding baby turtles to the sea. Who has been a “guide” for you in your faith journey? How did they help you find your way? [[44:30]]
4. Are there ways you can help guide others toward God’s light this week? What would that look like in your family, workplace, or neighborhood? [[44:30]]
5. The sermon mentions that sometimes we resist new ideas or ways of shining God’s light. Can you think of a time when you or your church resisted something new? What was the result? [[47:33]]
6. God’s table is open to all, and so is God’s light. Is there anyone in your life who needs to know they are welcome and loved by God? How can you show them that welcome? [[57:18]]
7. The message ends with a call to “be the light.” What is one specific way you can reflect Christ’s light in your daily life this week? [[01:09:32]]

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Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to pray for God’s guidance to seek the true light, to avoid distractions, and to be a welcoming, shining presence for others.

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus, the True Light Shines in the Darkness
The world is often filled with confusion, uncertainty, and darkness, but from the very beginning, God’s Word has been the source of life and light for all people. Jesus, the true Light, entered the world to shine in the darkness, and no amount of darkness can ever overcome Him. Just as baby sea turtles are drawn instinctively to the light of the moon, our souls are drawn to the light of Christ—even when we don’t fully understand what we’re seeking. This light is not just for a select few, but for everyone, and those who welcome it are given the privilege of becoming children of God. [32:23]

John 1:1-13 (CEB)
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God. The Word was God. The Word was with God in the beginning. Everything came into being through the Word, and without the Word nothing came into being. What came into being through the Word was life, and the life was the light for all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light. A man named John was sent from God. He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him everyone would believe in the light. He himself wasn’t the light, but his mission was to testify concerning the light. The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world. The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light. The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him. But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God.

Reflection: Where in your life do you most feel the darkness pressing in, and how might you open yourself today to the light of Christ shining in that place?


Day 2: Called Out of Darkness Into God’s Amazing Light
God’s love reaches us before we even know we need it, calling us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. Like the sea turtles who are drawn to the moon, we are chosen and called by God to experience His grace and to share the story of how He has brought us from confusion and searching into the clarity and hope of His presence. This calling is not based on our worthiness, but on God’s initiative and love, inviting us to speak of His wonderful acts and to live as people of the light. [36:55]

1 Peter 2:9 (CEB)
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s own possession. You have become this people so that you may speak of the wonderful acts of the one who called you out of darkness into his amazing light.

Reflection: What is one way you can share with someone today how God has brought you from darkness into His light?


Day 3: Letting Your Light Shine for Others
We are not only called to follow the light of Jesus, but also to reflect that light into the world so others may see and be drawn to God. Just as a lantern can guide baby turtles safely to the ocean, our lives can guide others toward hope, love, and truth. Jesus teaches that we are the light of the world, meant to shine openly and not hide our faith or good works. When we let our light shine, we point others to God and bring glory to Him, making a difference in a world that desperately needs hope. [45:30]

Matthew 5:14-16 (CEB)
You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can let your light shine for someone in your community or workplace today?


Day 4: Avoiding the Distractions of Artificial Light
Just as baby turtles can be led astray by artificial lights and lose their way, we too can be distracted by the “lesser lights” of success, possessions, busyness, or even good causes that are not rooted in Christ. These distractions can pull us away from the true light and cause us to lose sight of God’s path for us. It is important to regularly examine what we are following and to realign our hearts with Jesus, the light that darkness cannot overcome, so that we may reflect His love and help others find their way home. [47:00]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV)
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Reflection: What “artificial lights” are most likely to distract you from following Jesus, and how can you intentionally turn your focus back to Him today?


Day 5: The Power of Community in Reflecting God’s Light
We are not meant to walk this journey alone; reflecting God’s light is something we do together in community. Just as the lantern-bearer guiding the turtles needed a spotter to help them move safely, we need others to encourage, guide, and support us as we seek to follow Jesus and shine His light. Community helps us avoid pitfalls, stay accountable, and grow in love. When we walk together, we can accomplish more, support one another, and ensure that no one is left behind in the darkness. [46:30]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Reflection: Who is someone in your faith community you can encourage or support this week, and how will you reach out to them?

Quotes

I have so many stories of people and adventures and turtles that I could talk on and on and on about it. And someday, maybe you'll be sitting with me somewhere and we'll get started on that and you'll tell me to shut up. Because I just can go on and on. I didn't know in 2013 that this was going to become something that would be a long journey for me. I set out to see one nest hatch. And if I ever saw that one nest hatch, I would be happy. I would be done. And that's all I needed to see. [00:34:45] (35 seconds)  #StoriesOfJourneyAndJoy Edit Clip | Translate Clip

But baby sea turtles when they hatch automatically know to look for the moon. They know that light shining out on the ocean is where they need to go. They innately know this. They are drawn to the moon. They are born knowing how to do this because nature is just really really cool how nature just knows how to do things. [00:37:12] (29 seconds)  #NatureKnowsTheWay Edit Clip | Translate Clip

In our scripture today we find John speaking about light, the light of the world. You see, Jesus, the human incarnation of God, is the light. And like our baby sea turtles, we are drawn to the light. It's in our nature. It is the nature of the baby sea turtle, it is the nature of humans to be drawn to God. We are looking for God. It's innate in us. [00:37:41] (29 seconds)  #DrawnToDivineLight Edit Clip | Translate Clip

We are called to the light by the very nature of the love of God that was given to us before we knew we needed it and before we ever deserved it. [00:39:34] (16 seconds)  #CalledByUnconditionalLove Edit Clip | Translate Clip

But baby turtles can get confused by artificial light. They make the mistake and they go in the opposite direction from the ocean because artificial light is drawing them away from the ocean and not toward the ocean. [00:40:47] (19 seconds)  #BewareArtificialDistractions Edit Clip | Translate Clip

Maybe what we're doing is meaningful, but our reasons for doing it, not so much. If it's not the light of Jesus, then I submit to you that we are headed in the wrong direction. If it's not the love of Jesus that we are shining into the world, if that's not what we're following, then I think we've got it wrong. [00:43:30] (27 seconds)  #ReflectingLightResponsibly Edit Clip | Translate Clip

But you see, being the light had responsibility. Number one among the responsibilities was don't step on a baby turtle. But you see, I'm trying to see the turtles in front of me and it was impossible for me to see any turtles that might have got behind me, and I'm trying to back up, so I had a spotter, I had a person whose hand was on my shoulder, whose words were in my ear to let me know that it was safe for me to take a step back. [00:45:30] (37 seconds)  #TrueLightUnitesUs Edit Clip | Translate Clip

And that, my friends, is where community comes in. We are the light, we are reflecting the light, we are drawing others to God, but we can't do that by ourselves. We have to do that in community. We need someone who has their hand on our shoulder, we need someone whose voice is in our ear to help us to make the right steps, to help us to move where we need to move, to do what we need to do, because we do this in community, we do this in church together. [00:46:23] (44 seconds)  #HowAreYouTheLight Edit Clip | Translate Clip

You see, our scripture says that true light is on all people. True light authorizes us to be the children of God. We are called to the light by the wonderful acts of God that we might speak that light to others, that we might shine that light to others, that we might be that light for others. [00:48:05] (24 seconds)  #MoreThanWeCanHandle Edit Clip | Translate Clip

As you go forth today, may you be the light. May you be the one that God uses to draw other people into the light. Be the one that is drawing other people to God. Go in love and light to serve the world. Amen. [01:10:47] (25 seconds) Edit Clip | Translate Clip