The Lights

Good morning Church, it was great to see our girls this last weekend and to just enjoy some rest and peace. You know this is the season for peace and goodwill, it’s Christmas, that’s right, it is “Christ”mas. The seasons is all about Jesus Christ. Just as one the central images of the season is all about Him too, the Christmas tree. A couple of weeks ago we talked about the tree itself, now I want to talk about some of the adornments that are found on about every tree out there and that is the lights on and star that tops the tree. And how do we know these things are about Christ, well it is in the very story of Christmas found in , if you would go ahead and turn there, it says:

Intro:

Good morning Church, it was great to see our girls this last weekend and to just enjoy some rest and peace. You know this is the season for peace and goodwill, it’s Christmas, that’s right, it is “Christ”mas. The seasons is all about Jesus Christ. Just as one the central images of the season is all about Him too, the Christmas tree. A couple of weeks ago we talked about the tree itself, now I want to talk about some of the adornments that are found on about every tree out there and that is the lights on and star that tops the tree. And how do we know these things are about Christ, well it is in the very story of Christmas found in , if you would go ahead and turn there, it says:

Pray

Christmas Linebacker video. You see it is time to put the Christ back in Christmas. I had a pretty eye-opening conversation on Facebook this week about the Christmas tree and I was amazed at how many of us have no clue about our Christian heritage. The Christmas tree was not a pagan symbol we adopted, no, it is purely Christian. We learned that from the lesson on the tree and we are going to find out more this week as we talk about the beautiful lights and the star on top. Because to understand why we do what we do, we have to understand where it come from and it all started around 1500 with Martin Luther.

I. The history –

A. Martin Luther

1. Who He was

2. The stars lighting the trees

a. Around 1500

b. snowy night

B. On the tree

1. reminder of the stars

2. Reminder of the light

a. Light has come

b. There is one who sent the light

c.

II. The lights

A. Creation

1. How God created

a. Everything comes back to that

b. In the Beginning, God

2. How He created man

B. People

1. We have become the light –

a. We have a story to tell

b. About a child king

c. Many would come to worship

2. Many lights of salvation

a. Now the message is salvation

b. Season to remember

c. There is a Spiritual world out there

i. Great powers

ii. Take us in their protection

C. We all shine for Christ –

1. We are a reflection

a. Just like the lights represent

b. Now the voice of salvation

2. How a babe came to Earth

3. Changed the whole world

D. Why do you put up all the lights

1. Story

2. Let’s me shine my light

3. Let them see my work and praise God

a. Not for me

b. Lots of work, back hurts

c. But for the lost

d. Being a beacon of hope

III. The Star

A. Why the star –

1. Story of the Magi

2. Led them to Christ –

B. What is the star

1. The light of the world –

a. Light of Truth

b. Light of love

c. Light of peace

i. what the angels told the Shepherds

ii.

2. Bring attention to Jesus

a. Could not do it without Him

b. Needed the light

i. Hate stubbing toe in darkness

ii. Darkness just brings death

c. He Brings the light of truth, love and peace

C. He is THE reason for the Season

1. Reminder

a. Always a reminder

b. Never in Worship to tree/star

2. Jesus brought the light to defeat the darkness –

a. No longer have to worry

b. Devil no longer has power

c. Jesus light is eternal

3. And So we let the lights shine

a. Light of hope

b. Light of Salvation

c. Light that brings joy

d. Reminder of what we live for

e. Reminder to the World

Conclusion:

Because if we want to put Christ back in Christmas, then it starts with me. It starts with shining my light of salvation for others to see. Shining my light means being excited and bought out totally to this purpose. It doesn’t mean I just love one time a year, but it means that I use whatever I can to point to Christ, and Christmas is the perfect time. Then we can share about the reason, the star, the Light of the world that has brought us peace and joy. The one who says peace on Earth and Goodwill to those on whom His favor rests. The great counselor, the prince of peace. The reason for the season. For that is what Christmas is all about, it is about the love of God who came as a babe to save His people.

Pray