Christmas Through John’s Eyes
The True Light’s Coming Brought out Tragic and Tremendous Responses
December 20, 2009
John 1:6–13
It happens in a year – One year brings tragedy, disappointments, but also happiness and tremendous things to most lives. If you were to look at your life today, would you describe it as tragic, tremendous, ordinary, or a mixture?
At Christmas, the tragedies and triumphs of this past year can creep into our celebrations. There may be reminders of each through this season. But Christians can celebrate something tremendous in their lives even if they’ve had a tragic year. That tremendous event happened with the coming of the true light into the world 2000 years ago. His coming brought out tragic and tremendous responses! Today we’re going to look at what happened when He came. We will look at how people responded. Then we will ponder what the true light’s coming has brought out in our lives. By the end of our time together my hope is some of you will see how your response to Jesus is currently tragic. But you will also see how it can turn into a tremendous response. If you’ve already responded to Jesus, my hope is you will see afresh the tremendous gift you’ve received and then the need to use this gift.
Light Triumphs over Darkness
November 29, 2009
John 1:1–5
perhaps the biggest stressor or pressure at Christmas is the expectation of happiness. You’re supposed to be happy; joyful and celebrating all the wonderful things. But what if you’re not? What if things haven’t gone well this year? If you’ve lost a loved one, Christmas can magnify that pain. They’re not around for this year’s celebrations
Well the problems of this world and the challenges in our lives are real. But darkness will not win. In fact God through His Word brings us this message today: Jesus’ light triumphs over darkness. Jesus’ light has won, is winning and will win completely over the darkness. Today we are going to explore reasons why this claim is true and the difference it makes for our lives today; this week and this Christmas season. So here’s the key statement: Since Jesus’ light triumphs over darkness, we must constantly find it and shine it.