Light of the World

Intro

- Illustration- Christmas lights

o World record for the most lights on a residential property is 687,000 bulbs!

- We often think of Christmas a Merry and Bright time of year

- But for some, the holiday season can a be a time of darkness or loneliness

- I believe it all comes down to what we are truly celebrating

o If it’s family and friends, or food or gifts or activities, then our joy and happiness during this season may disappoint us.

o All of those are good things that we are meant to enjoy, but there is something greater underneath all of that.

- This Christmas we celebrate the Light of the World

- How do we break through the darkness around us?

o It’s not by putting on our happy face and pretending, for just one weekend, that things aren’t so bad

Jesus is the Light of the World

A. Jesus is God made flesh

1. You see, Jesus wasn’t just a good man, or a wise teacher, he was both fully God and fully man

a. He gave up his divinity, humbled himself to be born in a lowly manger, to live a life as a carpenter, and die hung upon a cross

2. 1 John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

B. Jesus claimed to be the light of the world

1. John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

a. Illustration- following someone on a trail

2. John 12:46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

a. The star shone in the sky as a symbol of the light that entered the world that day

C. If we are searching for light in this dark world, we need look no further that Jesus

1. When he was born that night in Bethlehem over 2 thousand years ago, this world was forever changed. Light and hope had come into the world

The Light Overcomes the Darkness

A. John 1:4-5 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

1. There is victory in the light- it pushes the darkness away completely

B. There is no place that the light of Christ cannot shine and chase away the darkness

1. We may be struggling with depression or loneliness or even our own sin- none of these things are too great for Jesus- none of these things are too great for his light

2. In this passage John talks about John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus. He was preparing the way for the light

a. V. 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

b. This is what we celebrate

C. So how do we experience the light of Jesus? How do we overcome the darkness in our lives and in this world?

1. We go back to John 8:12- Jesus told us that whoever follows after him will not walk in darkness

2. We have to understanding that we were lost in darkness

3. But Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, and died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin, for your sin

4. In order to experience that light, that salvation, that restored relationship with God, we must simply place our faith and trust in Jesus alone

5. I must acknowledging that I am a sinner, repent of my sin, and trust in Jesus alone

- But it doesn’t stop there-

We are the Light to the World

A. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are changed

1. Eph. 5:8-9 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),

2. not just we were in darkness and now are in light- we were darkness but now we are light- it’s who we are!

B. If we claim to be followers of Jesus, we have a purpose

1. 1 Thess. 5:5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.

2. If we say we follow Jesus, live like it!

3. “Children of”- common expression referring to someone’s character or their destiny

C. The light of Christ shines through us

1. Matt. 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

2. It is not merely enough for us to rest in the light that Jesus offers to us, we must spread it to those around us

Conclusion

- There is a lot of darkness in this world, and perhaps tonight, in a season that is supposed to be merry and bright, you feel lost in that darkness.

- Celebrating the birth of Jesus reminds us of the light that he brought into the world and the light that he so freely offers to us. A light that the darkness cannot overcome

- My encouragement to you tonight, on this Christmas eve, is to look to Jesus as the source of your light and hope and joy. Enjoy all the good things that God has given to you, but remember where our hope lies. In Jesus Christ the Light of the World

- If you have not experienced the hope that his light brings, I encourage you to make that decision now. It is a free gift that he offers to us.

- If you claim to be a follower of Jesus, resolve to be a shining light this Christmas season, so that others may see you and be pointed to the hope that only God can give.