The Light
Text: John 1:1-9 ESV
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, [a] and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
Advent means “coming” and today, Christians around the world is celebrating the birth of Jesus. Last week we heard about the witness account of the coming Messiah today will talk about The Light. My hope is that you will be empowered by the gospel and that the name of Jesus will be great in your life empowering you to make a proclamation of the coming and the good news of Jesus!
Because of scripture throughout this Advent sermon series, we will continue to recognize four virtues of Jesus: hope, love, joy, and peace.
*Scripture is king*
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that
was made.
4 In him was life, [a] and the life was the light of men.
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
In the text we will see the Divinity of Christ as:
Christ the word
John.1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son [a] from the father, full of grace and truth.
Christ eternal
John.8:58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
Christ divine
Romans.1:4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,
Christ preexistent
1 John.1:2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—
Christ creator
1 cor.8:6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Christ the Life
5:26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.
Christ the light
the true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
*The light of Jesus coming into the world is for all people...*
Because of his coming Jesus is the light of the world
1- Because of the Light you do not have to walk in darkness.
Isaiah 9:2
English Standard Version
2 [a] The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
2- Because of the light it will give you life.
John 1:4
English Standard Version
4 In him was life, [a] and the life was the light of men. John 8:12
I Am the Light of the World
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.”
3- Because of the Light darkness will not conquer you.
John 12:35
Jesus said, “For a brief time still, the light is among you. Walk by the light you have so darkness doesn’t destroy you. If you walk in darkness, you don’t know where you’re going.
4- Because of the Light, we are called to reflect this light from our hearts and proclaim the gospel.
2 Corinthians 4:6
Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.
5- Because of the Light you will not pursue barren things, but you will pursue life giving things.
Ephesians 5:14
Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.
Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light!
So, watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!
6- Because of the Light we have a greater hope and future.
Revelation 21:23
The main street of the City was pure gold, translucent as glass. But there was no sign of a Temple, for the Lord God—the Sovereign-Strong—and the Lamb are the Temple. The City doesn’t need sun or moon for light. God’s Glory is its light, the Lamb its lamp! The nations will walk in its light and earth’s kings bring in their splendor. Its gates will never be shut by day, and there won’t be any night. They’ll bring the glory and honor of the nations into the City. Nothing dirty or defiled will get into the City, and no one who defiles or deceives. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will get in.
Pray
Pronounce a Blessing
Ephesians 1:3-6
The Message
The God of Glory
3-6 How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.