Christmas Eve: Arise, shine, for your light has come! Pastor Bruce Plummer 12-24-2011

The theme of this service is “Arise, shine, for your light has come!” from Isaiah chapter 60.  The amazing truth of Christmas is that God Himself came to earth to be like one of us, to be with us, and yet to remain God.  That Light broke into the darkness of the world more than 2,000 years ago, but still shines afresh in the lives of people today.  

Christmas Eve 2011 

Combining Isaiah 60.1-3 with John 1.1-5

First video, “Unlikely Situations”

Second video, “Heaven’s light shines” 

Arise, shine, for your Light has come. 

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men

Mankind’s sin has plunged the world into darkness. 

A spiritual darkness that has affected every aspect of life.

Broken individuals.  Crimes.  Self destructive behaviors.  Personal blindness.  Personal pain.  Broken families.  Divorce, abuse, poverty, trauma.  Broken nations.  Wars, economic and environmental disasters, famine, dictatorships and rebellions. 

The light does shine in the darkness, but the darkness won’t receive it. 

But the Light is a “Who.”  Jesus was born, God incarnate, the Word become flesh.  But the fact of the matter is that He personally is the Life, the Light of the world.  The fountain of light, the only one, is the Lord Jesus Himself. 

John 1.12 and 13; As many as received Him… 

How has the Light changed the darkness in people? 

Three stories of a changed life.

Ben Bahr

Monica Slater

Ron Michalko 

You need to receive the Fountain of Life and Light.  He’s the only one.  Not the light of reason, not the light of understanding, but the Light of Life.  The One that can change your past, present and future. 

Light of the World, Jesus Christ, I receive You.  Break the power of sin and darkness in me.  Forgive my sin.  Take up residence in me.  I’m Yours. 

Third Video, Shine His Light Christmas version 

May the Light continue to shine in the darkness!  If you have the Light in your life, pass it to everyone you know.  If you’re in darkness in some way, let us pray that the Light shines for/in you.