Christmas Eve 2021

I. Light to a Dark World (Hope)

Isaiah 42:6-7

Light brings Hope in Darkness

The world was a dark place 700 years before Jesus was born

Israel had turned it’s back on God

They didn’t follow the Word of God but were chasing after other idols

World powers Assyria and Egypt were using Israel like a ping pong ball

Prophets told of how Israel had made itself a prostitute, selling itself to anyone who would take her

There wasn’t a lot of hope during that time

God’s judgment was coming, but then He promises a light

The Messiah would come as a light that darkness couldn’t overcome

As you watch this world turn darker and darker, remember that Jesus is still the light

If you can’t see or things are getting dim, move closer to the light

II. (Assurance) When Overwhelmed

Luke 1:28-33

Jesus birth gives us Assurance when we are overwhelmed

Imagine being a teenage girl and having an Angel visit you and then have that Angel tell you that you’re having a baby boy

It would be a bit overwhelming to say the least

What would people say? It’s going to bring great shame to my family

What is Joseph going to do when he hears about this?

Gabriel assures her everything is under control

This baby boy is going to be the Messiah… Son of the Most High

Mary knew exactly what Gabriel was talking about because she was a woman of the word of God.

When Gabriel said this, Mary knew he quoted from Isaiah 7:14: the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son.

You can have the feeling of being overwhelmed but still have the assurance that God is in control

Mary had a sense of peace

III. News of Great (Joy)

Luke 2:8-11

As Jesus was being born, Angels appeared to shepherds out in the field

They announced to these lowly shepherds that the Messiah had been born

The glory of the Lord shined upon them and they were a little freaked out

The angel then tells them that he was bringing good news of great joy

The light of this world brings joy to it’s followers

Joy = Total well-being, prosperity, and security associated with God’s presence among his people

The anointed savior of the world had been born in Bethlehem

IV. Follow the Light

Matt 2:9-11

Once Jesus was born a star appeared in the sky

Ironically, that same star just appeared this week

First time in 800 years and it won’t appear again for another 800

When Magi in the east saw the star they started a pilgrimage to Israel

Their legend told them that the star was a sign that the King of the Jews had been born

The Magi/ Wise Men Followed the Light

When the light led them to the house where the Messiah was they rejoiced and worshipped

Having Jesus in our life brings peace and joy and that should result in worship

These wealthy men of great stature in their world made a great sacrifice to come and worship the king