Sermon Notes

A LIGHT HAS DAWNED

John 1:1–9 NLT

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 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. God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.

The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

THE WORLD IS DARK

Isaiah 9:2 NIV

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

“The world is a dark place, and we will never find our way unless Jesus becomes our Light.”

- Tim Keller

THE LIGHT CAME TO US

John 1:14 NIV

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

God didn’t shout His way into the world. He slipped in quietly, humbly, vulnerably.

Why?

Because God wasn’t coming to crush us — He was coming to rescue us.

CHRISTMAS DEMANDS A RESPONSE

Christmas isn’t sentimental — it’s confrontational.

And that brings us to the three invitations of the Christmas story:

1. RECEIVE THE GIFT WITH HUMILITY

John 1:16 NIV

Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.

2. WALK IN THE LIGHT WITH SURRENDER

John 1:5 NLT

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

Will you surrender your darkness to His light?

3. SHARE THE LIGHT WITH GENEROSITY

Generosity is not something we do — it’s something we become.

Isaiah 9:2 NIV

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

Response:

1. For those who need light:“Jesus, be my Light. I surrender my darkness.”

2. For those giving toward Legacy:“Jesus, use my gift to shine Your Light into the world.”

3. For our church:“Jesus, help us walk in the Light as You are in the Light.”