Light in the Night

John 1:1–14 NIV

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. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Introduction:

Have you ever listened to a movie soundtrack and noticed that you hear a similar piece of music playing throughout the film? Or that a specific song that plays when a certain character or group shows up on the screen? This is known as a theme, and it helps us recognize what is happening and who is doing the action. Light is a major theme in John’s opening verses. The word “light” shows up seven times in the first nine verses. Jesus’s life is light to humanity (1:4). The light is more powerful than the darkness (v. 5). John the Baptist was a witness to the light (v. 7) but was not himself the light (v. 8). Rather, Jesus is “the true light” that illuminates everyone and everything (v. 9).

This passage also very succintly connects Jesus with the major themes of the O.T. The Word at creation, the tree of life, the burning bush light, and how that light infuses humans with life, and tabernacle/temple as the dwelling of God with humans as seen through the glory cloud. Jesus is the embodiment of God's creative speech, he is the tree of life, and the life giving light that gives people life, and He is all of these things coming in the flesh, his body being the new temple/tabernacle in which God's glory dwells.

Jesus being light is contrasted by the Darkness…What is the darkness?

16 - Darkness = Death

Coat Monster when I was a Kid!!!!

Human beings are often afraid of the dark. If not afraid, then at the very least we tend to be very uncomfortable with it. Why do people string lights up in their backyard and turn them on every night, even if they never go outside? The light pushes the dark away.

the last prophet you will find in the O.T. is Malachi. Turn the page and you’ll find yourself in the New Testament book of Matthew. That space represents four hundred years when Israel dwelled in darkness, waiting on God to speak to them again. - Ben Post & Mike - Isaiah’s 9 prophesy - The Land of Naphtali - people sitting in darkness has seen a great light

- Creation - Genesis 1:2 - The earth was empty and formless, and darkness was over the surface of the deep.

Chaos

Uninhabitable - Not condusive for life - Think of all of the other planets - The question is are there any that have life on them? They are like the earth was -

- The God spoke - Genesis 1:3 - “Let there be light.”

- The claim of this text however, is somehow there is still darkness over our world and so God has to speak light into the darkness again. Not still, but rathare again.

Romans 13:11–13 NIV

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.

Romans 6:23 NIV

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

But the Good News is Light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness can not overtake the light.

17 - Life = Light

In Him was Life and that Life was the light of man. - First Christmas Eve service.

Psalm 36:9 NIV

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

19 - This connects two themes from creation - light and the tree of life.

Without light there is no life, without the “Tree” of life there is no eternal life.

The necessity of the sun by the National Solar Observatory.

- Earth is powered by Solar Energy - everything that moves is because of the Sun.

- Solar Energy powers photosynthesis. - life in trees

- It’s the reason for the seasons - cycles of life.

- Creates awe inspiring phenomena - rainbows - color spectrum.

- Makes the earth habitable.

So the phrase seems backwards

The Word is the source of both life and light.

When the light entered the world and lived among people, humanity was given a glimpse of the glory of God (1:14). Revelation 22:5 - Jesus gives us a glimpse of this future light.

So what came first light or life?

20 - Jesus is Light in the Darkness

Psalm 27:1–3 NIV

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

24 - Unknown

The legend is told of the time Satan and his demons were having a Christmas party. As the demonic guests were preparing to depart, one grinned and said, "Merry Christmas, your majesty!" At that, Satan replied with a growl, "Keep it merry my friend. If they ever get serious about it, we’ll all be in trouble." *...

Jesus is the Word become flesh - In the Trinity Jesus is the second person of the Trinity - and Creator of the Cosmos.

Jesus was life before life on our planet began. He is the source of life and the source of light who created the light (s) that made life on this planet possible.

He and through his death on the cross is the Tree of life, by which the darkness = sin = death is overcome and he gives eternal life.

A Christmas Poem:

A baby's hands in Bethlehem

Were small and softly curled.

But held within their dimpled grasp

The hope of all the World.

Paul Fritz

The Work of Christmas:

When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flock,

The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,

To heal the broken,

To feed the hungry,

To release the prisoner,

To rebuild the nations,

To bring peace among brothers,

To make music in the heart.

Here is the good news for you this Christmas Eve morning.

26 - You Can Receive the Light.

John 8:12 NIV

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.”

28 - K. Edward Skidmore

Why would we feel like it’s an imposition to go to Church on Christmas Day? How ironic to think of Worshiping Jesus as an interruption to His birthday celebration!

It reminds me of a story I heard about a mother who was running furiously from store to store on Christmas Eve … trying to get those last-minute gifts. Suddenly she realized she’d lost track of her little 3-year-old son. In a panic, she retraced her steps and found him standing with his little nose pressed flatly against a frosty window. He was gazing at a Manger Scene.

When he heard his mother call his name, he turned and shouted in innocent glee: “Look Mommy! It’s JESUS! Baby Jesus is in the hay !”

The harried mom grabbed his arm and jerked him away, snapping, “We don’t have time for all that! Can’t you see that Mommy’s trying to get ready for Christmas!?!”

We can go our whole life tipping our hat to Jesus, and making all the preparations for Jesus, but that is not the same as receiving Jesus.

- Acknowledge to him, you have been in darkness.

- Ask Him to bring you into the light - turn from darkness

- Receive his life. and follow Him.

Conclusion:

Darkness = sin & death

Light = eternal life

Jesus’ life overcomes the darkness

Receive his life.