I’m Never Alone WK:1

I need to start this morning with an announcement. Thanksgiving is officially over and Christmas has arrived! We will now openly drink hot cocoa, listen to Christmas music, and decorate our homes. Yes, many of us already did most of those things, but now it is socially acceptable to do them publically. And there is something about seeing all of the christmasy things that just make me excited this time of year. I loved seeing the Christmas decorations downtown this weekend- Christmas wreaths and trees are up everywhere, lights are going up- it’s just a great time. I love this season, it makes me think of being at my grandmother’s house as a kid, surrounded by family, eating great food and opening presents! I think many of us feel the same joy and excitement this time of year. But the reality is, that’s not the experience for everyone. Many people actually really struggle during the holiday season, specifically, they struggle with their mental health. This may or may not be you here today but there are statistics to show that this is a very common struggle:

A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 89% of U.S. adults feel stressed during the holiday season, with 41% reporting higher stress levels compared to other times of the year. This stress can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. The reasons given include lack of time, financial pressure, gift-giving, and family gatherings.

The most wonderful time of the year doesn’t always feel so wonderful. And to be clear, you aren’t immune from the struggle just because you are a christian! Emotions are part of all of us and they can be tricky. Our bodies are broken just like the rest of creation and that means they don’t always work like God intended them to. Our minds can easily turn against us, even at Christmas time.

So, let’s ask the question over the next few weeks: what do we do when life feels dark and lonely in the midst of bright Christmas lights or even surrounded by family and friends?

We are going to lean into this topic and we are going to remember the hope we can cling to as christians- that no matter what we walk through, we are never alone- God is With us.

This morning we are going to start by looking at John chapter 1. Grab a Bible and turn to the first page of the Gospel of John with me.

As you do that…

I have a game for us this morning. It’s a word association game. I am going to say a phrase of a few words and you shout out what it makes you think of, got it?

Let’s play ball! - Baseball

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. - Star Wars

Once upon a time. - Fairy tales

Hakuna Matata - Lion King

Drivers, start your engines! - Nascar Races

Live Long and Prosper - Star Trek

Ok, one last one:

In the beginning…

It’s crazy how one phrase can immediately take us somewhere so specific.

This also happens all throughout the Bible and we see the perfect example of this in John Chapter 1.

John is writing his Gospel, the story of Jesus’ life and ministry on the earth, and he specifically chooses to start off with those 3 words- In the beginning.

This immediately takes our minds to Genesis, the creation story- in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

This time John says something different.

Let’s read this passage together and see what John says.

John 1:1–9 CSB

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

Let’s pause there.

Just for some context before we dig in-

John the disciple, also known as “John the Beloved,” was one of Jesus’ closest friends and a key follower. He worked as a fisherman with his brother James before becoming a disciple. John wrote the Gospel of John, where he shares the story of Jesus and emphasizes themes like love and faith. But it all centers around the reality that Jesus truly is God’s Son.

Now, let’s go back to those first three words-

In the beginning- was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. John starts off this Gospel strong by pointing to Jesus- the living Word of God, and saying Jesus is eternal, he has always been and always will be, He is God Himself.

That’s important to realize in the midst of our struggles- Jesus isn’t just a good teacher, or religious leader. If so, he is useless in our loneliness, depression, or darkness of any kind. But He is God, eternal and creator God, there is no darkness that can withstand His light! That is the Jesus we know!

But John doesn’t stop there.

One of the most powerful insights John offers us in this passage is that Jesus is the “Light of the world.”

Now, in the Bible Light is equivalent to Life. John is saying that Jesus was life itself- come to us to show us the path to walking in life instead of death.

Of course, as I talked about a couple of weeks ago, this is pointing clearly to the Gospel- that we all are born dead in our sins and we are walking in death each and every day that we aren’t walking with Jesus. However, Jesus came to us to bring us out of death and darkness and into the light of His life. But this isn’t just about our salvation from our sins- we have to remember that part of that is rescuing us from the effects of sin and the brokenness of the world we live in.

Jesus brings us light in the midst of a dark world. This means that Jesus brings hope, guidance, and truth to our lives. He helps us find our way, especially in difficult times. The book of John teaches that by following Jesus, we can live in this light and share it with others, spreading love and kindness to everyone we encounter. John’s message encourages us to believe in Jesus and to let His light shine through us!

“Jesus is the Light that shines in our darkness.

Even when we feel overwhelmed, we can remember that

Jesus changes everything.”

Even when the darkness is in our own minds, we are not ALONE! Jesus lights up that darkness by the power of His Spirit. He is with you no matter how much you are struggling!

Read John 1:14

John 1:14 CSB

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Two major things we see here:

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”

Our God came to us.That word dwelt- means he Lived among us, he made a home with us. When we were lost and dead in our sins He didn’t leave us hopeless and alone. He stepped down into the darkness, he Lit it up with His life and invited us to walk with Him through the darkness, in His marvelous light.

What’s the takeaway here?

“Jesus stepped into our world to be the Light.

When we expect darkness, we can look forward to His

presence.”

In all that we may encounter in this dark world that we live in, we can find not only hope, but also joy in the reality of Jesus being with us, in our midst.

[CUT THE LIGHTS]

This darkness may represent insecurity, depression, heartache, pain and grief, guilt or shame, regrets or holding on to the past. When we live in the darkness, it can consume and drain our joy and even cast gloom over what used to bring us so much joy. In this space, our emotions can trick us into believing that there’s no way out. And yet, our Light, Jesus, doesn’t command us to strive and find our own way out of our darkness. He actually comes into our darkness and shines with the light of His presence that brings us hope, joy, and peace…

[LIGHTS ON]

...And that is GOOD news! The darkness of death itself couldn’t overcome the Light of the World when Jesus rose from the dead. He is enough for any darkness you are going through!

If you find yourself feeling disconnected this Christmas, remember that the true gift is Jesus, the Light shining in our lives. Let’s focus on the real reason for the season. The light of the world came to be with us in our darkest moment!

This morning, I don’t know how you are feeling this Christmas Season, but can I just remind you- you are not alone. The God of Life sees you and came here for you. You can turn to him and find light in the midst of your darkness. And You have a family here that loves you and wants to help you walk in the light of Jesus today! Open up, tell someone what you’re feeling today and let’s share the hope and joy of Jesus together this Christmas!

Let’s pray and get to our groups!