Lightpost Pt.1
As we approach the Christmas season, I invite you to envision a quintessential Christmas scene. Picture a cozy cabin, nestled under a blanket of snow, with a warm fire crackling inside. The house is outlined with twinkling lights, reflecting off the snow-laden roof, while the Christmas tree, visible through the window, adds a festive touch.
In this scene, a light post stands out, shining brightly, illuminating the yard and sidewalk. It's not just a source of light; it represents something much deeper, especially during Christmas. The light posts, lining the village streets leading to the church and town square, remind us of the symbolic nature of light as a source of life. Our eyes are naturally attracted to light, and our bodies rely on sunlight. During Christmas, our world is flooded with light, both literal and metaphorical.
Christmas is a time of Advent, a period when Christians celebrate the birth of God into time and space, becoming one of us through Jesus Christ. He is the Messiah, the Christ, the Light of the world, born into a lost, broken, and dark world. This season is God's invitation to the entire world to experience the transformative light – the Light of God, the Light of the World, Jesus.
The Gospel of John (1:5, 9-14) beautifully articulates this, stating that the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. This Light, Jesus, came into the world He created, and though not everyone recognized Him, those who believed in Him were given the right to become children of God.
As believers, we see our Savior as this Light. God came to do what we couldn't do for ourselves, offering us a source of life and spiritual salvation. We are called to seek this spiritual light in a world often shrouded in darkness, to be expectant and alert to encountering God Himself.
While we are not anticipating the birth of Jesus, which happened over 2000 years ago, we do anticipate God working in our lives, with each believer being an embodiment of Christ, the light of the world, in our existing surroundings. Our world may be bathed in artificial light, but many are still enveloped in spiritual darkness.
The Christian message may not always make sense to those who have chosen other sources of light – other religions, ideologies, self-help strategies, or financial sources. Yet, nothing compares to the light of Jesus. He chose carefully the time and place to declare Himself as the light of the world, notably during the Festival of Tabernacles, a celebration of Israel's return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple.
This festival involved the illumination of the temple with golden oil-fed lamps, so bright that they illuminated much of the city. It was a reminder of the pillar of fire that guided the Israelites through the wilderness. Against this backdrop of light and celebration, Jesus announced that He is the source of salvation (John 8:12).
Jesus's proclamation was a challenge to exchange one form of light for another, to seek a different, true light. He knew that our world is filled with competing light sources, but He is the spiritual light that brings life and salvation.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that the message of Christmas is about the Infinite God becoming an infant, the Giver of Life becoming a gift. Through His birth, He shines light on God’s boundless grace, love, and hope.
This Christmas, let us encounter the Light. When you see a light post or a candle, may it remind you of the Savior. May the light of Christ illuminate your life, live in your soul, and shine forth so others may see.
Let us celebrate and embrace the Light, seeking, believing, receiving, walking in, and celebrating the Light that is Jesus Christ.
In this scene, a light post stands out, shining brightly, illuminating the yard and sidewalk. It's not just a source of light; it represents something much deeper, especially during Christmas. The light posts, lining the village streets leading to the church and town square, remind us of the symbolic nature of light as a source of life. Our eyes are naturally attracted to light, and our bodies rely on sunlight. During Christmas, our world is flooded with light, both literal and metaphorical.
Christmas is a time of Advent, a period when Christians celebrate the birth of God into time and space, becoming one of us through Jesus Christ. He is the Messiah, the Christ, the Light of the world, born into a lost, broken, and dark world. This season is God's invitation to the entire world to experience the transformative light – the Light of God, the Light of the World, Jesus.
The Gospel of John (1:5, 9-14) beautifully articulates this, stating that the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. This Light, Jesus, came into the world He created, and though not everyone recognized Him, those who believed in Him were given the right to become children of God.
As believers, we see our Savior as this Light. God came to do what we couldn't do for ourselves, offering us a source of life and spiritual salvation. We are called to seek this spiritual light in a world often shrouded in darkness, to be expectant and alert to encountering God Himself.
While we are not anticipating the birth of Jesus, which happened over 2000 years ago, we do anticipate God working in our lives, with each believer being an embodiment of Christ, the light of the world, in our existing surroundings. Our world may be bathed in artificial light, but many are still enveloped in spiritual darkness.
The Christian message may not always make sense to those who have chosen other sources of light – other religions, ideologies, self-help strategies, or financial sources. Yet, nothing compares to the light of Jesus. He chose carefully the time and place to declare Himself as the light of the world, notably during the Festival of Tabernacles, a celebration of Israel's return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple.
This festival involved the illumination of the temple with golden oil-fed lamps, so bright that they illuminated much of the city. It was a reminder of the pillar of fire that guided the Israelites through the wilderness. Against this backdrop of light and celebration, Jesus announced that He is the source of salvation (John 8:12).
Jesus's proclamation was a challenge to exchange one form of light for another, to seek a different, true light. He knew that our world is filled with competing light sources, but He is the spiritual light that brings life and salvation.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that the message of Christmas is about the Infinite God becoming an infant, the Giver of Life becoming a gift. Through His birth, He shines light on God’s boundless grace, love, and hope.
This Christmas, let us encounter the Light. When you see a light post or a candle, may it remind you of the Savior. May the light of Christ illuminate your life, live in your soul, and shine forth so others may see.
Let us celebrate and embrace the Light, seeking, believing, receiving, walking in, and celebrating the Light that is Jesus Christ.
Posted in Sermon Outline
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