Have You Seen The Light Of Christmas?

The King's Church International Audio Podcast

Christmas is a very special time when our church family in the UK and in SA joins with millions who are celebrating the light of Jesus. But have you seen the light of Christmas?

Bright lights are associated with Christmas because it was a radiant bright light that startled the shepherds when the angel announced the birth of Jesus to them. And it was also a bright star that rose to lead the wise men to the stable where Jesus was born in Bethlehem so they could worship Him. And today it is the great hope of the Christmas message that can light up our world that is dark in so many ways.

This Christmas is an opportunity for us to understand how Jesus can light up our world which is so often dark and gloomy. The prophet Isaiah put it like this in Isaiah 9:2: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” We can see why this verse is so relevant to us all today:

1. People need the light of the Lord (Isaiah 9:2; John 3:19; Ephesians 4:18)

2. People can have the light of hope (Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 61:1; John 8:12)

3. People can experience the light of Jesus (Isaiah 9:2; Ephesians 5:8; Acts 9:3-4)

Apply

1. People need the light of the Lord. It says here that people are walking in darkness, “living in the land of deep darkness” (Isaiah 9:2). The Jewish people had known many dark times in their history, especially when their nation was destroyed by the Babylonians. They were scared alone and without hope for the future. We can see many similarities in our world today. This Christmas is the time to see the light because our world is not only economically and politically gloomy but there is also widespread moral and spiritual darkness. We see this around the world with the war in Ukraine, with the rise of anti-semitism against the Jewish people, the persecution of Christians, and so much instability focused on the Middle East. But there can be darkness at a more personal level. It can be in us, in our minds and hearts. Many people are depressed. Life and circumstances seem dark because what they have experienced has been dark. Depression is growing rapidly in the UK. Reports last year show that 1 in 6 adults feel chronic loneliness, anxiety, stress and even suicidal thoughts. These statistics rank highest in young people. In the workplace health report, 61% of 16–24-year-olds in employment admit to feeling depressed. Darkness can also come in the form of sin with so many people bound by habits, addictions, and powers beyond their control (John 3:19). The Apostle Paul explains how people are living when they are separate from God (Ephesians 4:18). For darkness to be removed in the world it must be removed in our heart, so we do not walk in darkness but walk in the light.

2. People can have the light of hope. Isaiah 9:2 says “a light has dawned.” 2000 years ago a light came into the world. That light was Jesus! This is the good news, that God didn’t leave us in darkness but sent His son Jesus to break the power of darkness and to destroy the works of the enemy (Isaiah 61:1). Nobody has the power to bring the light into our homes, our lives, and our thinking like Jesus (John 8:12). He came into this world to show the heart of God, to take away sin, and He shared how if anyone turns to Him and repents, they can be set free from all the works of the enemy. Whether people want to recognise it or not, the only hope to remove darkness in the world is Jesus. When people turn away from God all darkness descends into the world. Whatever darkness the world may be in, no matter how many dark and gloomy circumstances you may be facing, Jesus can light up your life. For He is the saviour of all. This is why the angels announced to the shepherds the good news that “A saviour has been born to you”.

3. People can experience the light of Jesus. Isaiah 9:2 says “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light”. When people experience Christ personally it's like a bright light has come on (Ephesians 5:8). Devout Jewish religious leader Saul was not expecting what happened to him when he was involved in violently persecuting Christians. He was on his way to Damascus when his whole life changed (Acts 9:3-4). At that moment he realised that Jesus was real and alive. From then on instead of being the greatest opponent of Christianity, he became the apostle Paul, one of its greatest promoters. His life completely turned around for good. And today you too can experience the light of God.

This Christmas is a new day to sing ‘Joy to the world’ because the Lord has come. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. You can be delivered from every dark and evil power holding you captive. You can be set free from depression. You can be rescued out of the land of deep darkness. At the cross, Jesus came to rescue you from everything that can ruin our lives. He came to forgive and to set you free. Have you been walking in deep darkness: negative thoughts, worry, loneliness, addiction, grief? Have you been searching for life in the wrong and dark places? This Christmas is your opportunity to step out of the darkness into the wonderful light of Jesus.