"ONE STAR, ONE SAVIOR, ONE LIGHT"

Text: John 1:1-14; Luke 2:8-20 Theme: The Light has come—worship and witness

Service Structure

GATHERING IN DARKNESS (sanctuary dimly lit) Begin in near darkness, symbolizing the world before Christ. The darkness represents:newbreak+3​

Spiritual blindness

Sin's bondage

Humanity's hopelessness

Death's shadow

LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH (progressive illumination) Light all four candles plus the Christ candle, narrating:lovetoknow+2​

Hope - The star appeared to the Magi, promising a Kingbibleproject+1​

Peace - Angels announced peace on earthintouch​

Joy - The Magi rejoiced with exceedingly great joybibleproject+1​

Love - God so loved the world He gave His only Sonintouch​

Christ Candle - "I am the light of the world"bibleproject+1​

SCRIPTURE READINGS (interspersed with carols)

Reading 1: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 (Light in darkness; Prince of Peace) Carol: "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"

Reading 2: Luke 2:8-14 (Angels announce Christ's birth) Carol: "Angels We Have Heard on High"

Reading 3: Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11 (The Magi follow the star) Carol: "We Three Kings"

Reading 4: John 1:1-5, 14 (The Word became flesh; Light shines) Carol: "O Holy Night"

SERMON: "From Star to Savior" (12-15 minutes)

I. ONE STAR POINTED TO ONE SAVIOR The star wasn't the point—Christ was. All of God's guidance—creation's order, prophetic word, providential circumstances—points to Jesus. Don't worship the blessings; worship the Giver. Don't fixate on signs; follow them to the Savior.intouch+4​

Brief Illustration: The star guided the Magi to Bethlehem, then disappeared. Its job was done. Jesus alone satisfies. He alone saves. All other lights fade; He shines eternally.newbreak+2​

II. WORSHIP REQUIRES RESPONSE The shepherds "went with haste". The Magi "fell down and worshiped". Both responded immediately to divine revelation. Information without response breeds spiritual lethargy. Tonight, God isn't asking for your admiration but your allegiance.biblegateway+3​

Direct Application: Some here tonight have attended church for years but never surrendered to Christ. You've sung the carols, lit the candles, heard the story—but never responded personally. The Magi traveled across deserts to worship. Jesus traveled from heaven to earth to save. Will you make the shortest journey—from your seat to surrender?

III. ONE LIGHT ILLUMINATES ALL PATHS After Christmas, the Magi went home "by another way". After tonight, will you walk differently? The light has come. Darkness no longer has excuse. Jesus declared: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life".oursundayvisitor+4​

From Ray Comfort's evangelistic urgency: If you died tonight without Christ, no amount of Christmas attendance would save you. But if you receive Christ tonight—the Light of the World—you pass from darkness to light, from death to life, forever.

CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Instruction: "We began in darkness. Christ came as light. Now He commissions us: 'You are the light of the world'. As we light our candles from His light, remember: we shine not by our power but by His presence within us."zeteosearch​

Process:

Ushers light candles from the Christ candle on the Advent wreathspiritualeldercare+2​

Pass light row by row, person to person

As sanctuary fills with candlelight, sing "Silent Night"lovetoknow+1​

Conclude with "Joy to the World"

BENEDICTION

"The Magi followed one star and found one Savior. Tonight, you've encountered that same Savior—Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. As you leave, go by 'another way'—transformed by His light, committed to His path, shining His glory in the darkness. He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. Amen."

Post-Service Elements

Photo Opportunity: Families can take pictures in front of a beautifully lit nativity sceneyoutube​lovetoknow​

Serve Others: Provide information about serving opportunities—food banks, homeless ministries, etc.youtube​lovetoknow​

Next Steps: Offer clear pathways:

Accepting Christ for the first time

Baptism

Joining a small group

Serving in ministry