THE LIGHT OF JOY

THE LIGHT OF JOY
PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS – 2024
Vernon Zook December 22, 2024

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah – the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David…The shepherds went back to their flocks,
glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. -Luke 2:8-11,20 (NLT)

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest… -Isaiah 9:1-3a (NIV)

You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. -1 Peter 1:8 (NLT)

Darkness leads to fear, but light brings joy!

The light of Jesus brings us joy by…

1. … Exposing what the .

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God…The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. -John 1:1-2,4-5 (NLT)

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light… -Isaiah 9:2

2. … Showing me .

There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light. -John 11:9-10 (NLT)

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” -John 8:12 (NLT)

When you are confident in where you are going, you can go there with great joy!

3. … Bringing to my confusion.

Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” -John 12:35-36 (NLT)

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 the glory of God in the face of Christ. -2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! -Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. -Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)