Let Your Light Shine

Spectacular

This Christmas Eve I want to share with you something spectacular. Spectacular according to the Cambridge Dictionary means : very exciting to look at, something great. Tonight we are celebrating the birth of Jesus which is spectacular. I want to go deeper tonight than just the birth, I want us to celebrate the life of Jesus.

Preparation is not always easy. You can practice and prepare over and over for one single moment in life. A one-handed catch that seems effortless for an athlete was accomplished by hours of practice.

Imagine with me for a moment that you were in Mary and Joseph’s shoes. Dream with me. Tomorrow morning you or your wife are going to give birth to the Son of God. What are you thinking? What are you excited about? What are you maybe afraid of? Oh my goodness honey we are going to be raising Jesus the Son of God. Sweetheart do you know what this means for us as far as protection, do you know what this means for us as far as provision, do you know that amongst the Jewish people we are going to have status, can you imagine the conversation. I dont know about you but I can already hear myself having this conversation. I also know what my wife would say, sweetheart I’m about to give birth to the son of God and you’re concerned about status. Then I think about the fears, what if I don’t raise him according to God’s standards? What if I can’t provide for the family? What if the Jewish people think we are heretics?

You can prepare and plan for an event, but it never seems to turn out the way you expected. Pinterest has become a great social network tool for showing off creative crafts, DIY projects, and artwork. Many people try to replicate what they have seen on Pinterest. This has created a trend called “nailed it,” where you see the Pinterest expectations vs. the failed attempt.

Here you are, Mary and Joseph, on the verge of the most spectacular event in history, the birth of the son of God. Tonight as we celebrate the birth and life of Jesus I want us to take this celebration beyond tonight and tomorrow morning. I want to take a couple of moments and take us back before the eve of the birth, back just before conception.

Luke 1:34–38 NIV

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Luke 2:34–38 NIV

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

The ESV says it this way in verse 38: And Mary said, Behold I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word.

Luke 2

Let it be to You According to His Word

Jesus was born on purpose for a purpose. You and I were created on purpose for a purpose. In order for us to know that purpose, we must come into and continue cultivating a relationship with Jesus. Let it be to you according to His Word.

According to His Word:

John 1:12 NIV

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

You are Accepted

God’s Child-

A friend of Jesus-

God’s Child

A Friend of Jesus

Declared Righteous

I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.

I am a member of Christ's body.

I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. I am complete in Christ. I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.

I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. I am complete in Christ.

I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.

According to His Word:

2. You are Secure

I am free from condemnation.

I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.

I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. I am hidden with Christ in God.

I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.

I am a citizen of heaven.

I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.

I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.

According to His Word:

3. You are Significant

I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.

I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.

I am God's temple.

I am a minister of reconciliation for God.

I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. I am God's workmanship.

I may approach God with freedom and confidence. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

Invite worship team back up.

It’s important for us to know who we are according to His Word. During the Christmas season we put a lot of emphasis on the birth, tonight I want us to think about the return as well. A common question that is proposed when talking about the return is : Are you prepared? Some people think of the return as the end of the world, and they prepare,they stockpile food and resources, some go as far as to have underground bunkers.

One might say I don’t know if I don’t if I’m prepared to serve? I don’t know how to be a servant.

Preparation is not always easy. You can practice and prepare over and over for one single moment in life.

Now, preparing for Christ’s return does not mean stockpiling food for the end of the world. Jesus wanted our lives to reflect his kingdom. So, we prepare for the Lord by living lives that reflect the coming kingdom. We love others more than ourselves. We are patient, kind, and giving. We embody the fruit of the Spirit (). And that fruit may look like spending a Saturday serving at the homeless shelter or visiting the lonely in nursing homes. Being patient to the cashier on their first day. We prepare for Christ’s return by reflecting him to the world around us, being light in dark places, and slowing down to cherish blessings rather than speeding up to acquire more.

Invite Ushers to Light Candles

So tonight as our candles are being lit, I would like us to reflect on our own lives, Am I, are you, living a life that reflects the Kingdom? Am I living according to His Word?

The greatest gift we could give anyone is Jesus Christ.

Let’s celebrate the birth and life of Jesus remembering this night, the candle you’re holding that is flickering, represents the light of Jesus in you. It may seem small but it will light up the darkest of rooms if you allow it. I challenge you to let your light shine, let your light shine by the way you slow down and cherish blessings, by the way you are patient and kind and giving, let your light shine by the way you love people. God sent Jesus to be born in this world and die on a cross because He loves us, let’s let that love pour out of us and into the lives of others. God created you and I to be spectacular, Let’s be spectacular.

As we close and the worship team plays Silent Night allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you.