The Light of Bethlehem Shines On
The Light of Bethlehem Shines On
Topic: The Glory of God is our Light
Lights are a symbol of hope.
A person lost in a dark cave turns a corner and is relieved to see a ray of sunlight breaking through a crack.
A person adrift on a life raft in the middle of the ocean at night is excited when he's able to say, "I see the light of a ship on the horizon."
A ship looks for a lighthouse to warn of Danger Ahead
Seeing the light at the end of water slide after exhausting myself, meant the end of a bad situation was about to end.
People in darkness are delighted to see a light. It's a symbol of hope.
In John 12:46 Jesus said, "I have come into the world as a light so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness."
THE WORLD IN WHICH WE LIVE IS ENGULFED IN SPIRITUAL DARKNESS, AND PEOPLE ARE GROPING TO FIND A WAY OUT.
How this applies to mankind Today
Christmas is far more than a season of celebration; it is the divine moment when the eternal Light of God broke through the thick darkness that covered humanity.
From the beginning, man lived under the weight of sin, confusion, and spiritual blindness, but Jesus came as the Light to illuminate every dark path.
The birth of Jesus announces that darkness does not have the final say.
The night skies of Bethlehem opened to heavenly glory, showing that God has stepped into human history to shine His unfailing light into the deepest troubles of mankind.
HIS COMING WAS GOD’S ANSWER TO THE SUFFERING OF THE WORLD.
1. Jesus is the light that dispels darkness
2. Christ brings light to the broken and hopeless
3. Christmas light reveals God’s love and presence
4. The light of Christ gives us a new life and a future
The Birth of Jesus Christ
Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Luke 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
Luke 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
Luke 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
The Shepherds and the Angels
Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
THE LIGHT FROM GOD LED THE WISE MEN. IT SHOULD LEAD US ALSO.
Walking in the Light
We have been called to walk in the light of Christ, illuminating the path for ourselves and others.
This sets us apart as believers and allows us to reflect God’s love.
When we choose to walk in the light, we shed the darkness of sin and confusion from our lives.
Light brings clarity, hope, and guidance, reminding us that we are not alone on this journey.
We have been called to walk in the light of Christ, illuminating the path for ourselves and others.
This sets us apart as believers and allows us to reflect God’s love.
When we choose to walk in the light, we shed the darkness of sin and confusion from our lives.
Light brings clarity, hope, and guidance, reminding us that we are not alone on this journey.
As we embrace this light, we inspire others to seek it for themselves.
Overcoming Darkness
The reality of our lives is that darkness can often surround us, but we are reminded that God’s light can overcome any dark situation.
When we feel overwhelmed, it’s essential to remember that the light of God shines strongest in dark times.
1. In the Darkness of Despair, There Is the Light of Hope – Isaiah 9:2-7
2. In the Darkness of Suffering, There Is the Light of Life – John 1:1-13
3. In the Darkness of Oppression, There Is the Light of Salvation – Luke 2:1-5
4. In the Darkness of Fear, There Is the Light of Joy - Luke 2:6-11
5. In the Darkness of Anxiety, There Is the Light of Peace - Luke 2:12-17
6. In the Darkness of Uncertainty, There Is the Light of Wonder - Luke 2:17-20
7. In the Darkness of Suspicion, There Is the Light of Devotion - Matthew 2:1-12
8. In the Darkness of Ignorance, There Is The Light of Truth and Correction.
9. In the Darkness of Emptiness, There is Purpose.
Final Thoughts
Imagine a world of pitch-black darkness.
THE SAME LIGHT THAT ENTERED OUR WORLD OVER 2,000 YEARS AGO CONTINUES TO SHINE THROUGH US
John 8:12
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” – John 8:12
2 Corinthians 4:6
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
As we reflect on God’s call to shine His light, it’s clear that our journey is filled with purpose.
Walking in the light enables us to lift one another up and share in the joy that comes with living a Christ-centered life.
By reflecting God’s glory, we can lead others to Him and inspire hope in their hearts.
Let Your Light Shine
There are few images in this world quite as universally striking as light cutting through darkness.
What good is light that is not shining?
1. What good are burned out old light bulbs? They are worthless; we throw them away because they no longer fulfill their function.
2. Light that fulfills its purpose must shine.
3. If our light shines only in this building, we are not fulfilling our purpose.
4. If our light shines only to our family, we are not fulfilling our purpose.
This world is in darkness and God wants you to be one of the lights to overcome the Darkness.
