Sermon for the Last Sunday Before Christmas: “The Light Has Come”

Greetings to all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we stand on the threshold of Christmas, we are reminded of the incredible joy, peace, and hope that this season brings. The last Sunday before Christmas is a time to prepare our hearts, to realign our focus, and to celebrate the fulfillment of God’s promises. Today, our theme is: “The Light Has Come.”

Our main scripture is John 1:9: “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” This verse is not just a declaration of Christ’s birth; it is a proclamation of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

1. The Promise of the Light

From the very beginning, God’s promise of light was woven into the fabric of His Word. In Genesis 1:3, God’s first recorded words are, “Let there be light.” This light pierced the darkness of a formless void, symbolizing God’s authority over chaos. Similarly, the prophecy in Isaiah 9:2 tells us, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

The Israelites longed for this light during centuries of oppression and exile. They were waiting for the Messiah, the one who would bring salvation. This promise was not forgotten but fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As we prepare for Christmas, let us reflect on the promises of God that we have seen fulfilled in our own lives. Just as He kept His promise to send the Light, He is faithful to fulfill His promises to us.

2. The Arrival of the Light

The birth of Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise. John 1:14 declares, “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.”

The world into which Jesus was born was filled with darkness—political oppression, spiritual dryness, and personal despair. Yet, in that darkness, the Light of the world entered humbly, born in a manger in Bethlehem. The shepherds, representing the lowly, and the wise men, representing the learned, all came to worship Him. This signifies that Christ’s light is for everyone.

This Christmas, as we light candles and string lights on our trees, let us remember that these are symbols of Jesus’ light. His arrival changed the course of history and brought hope to all mankind. Have you welcomed this Light into your life?

3. The Purpose of the Light

Jesus did not come to be a distant Savior. He came to transform lives and dispel darkness. John 8:12 says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” This light illuminates the path to God, exposes sin, and offers redemption.

Consider the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8. The religious leaders wanted to stone her, but Jesus’ light revealed their own sinfulness. He then offered the woman grace, telling her to “go and sin no more.” The light of Christ reveals truth but also brings healing and restoration.

As we prepare for Christmas, let us reflect on how Christ’s light is working in our lives. Are there areas of darkness—sin, doubt, fear—that need His light? Let us surrender them to Him.

4. Living in the Light

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are called to live as children of the light. Ephesians 5:8-9 reminds us, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth).”

Living in the light means:

  • Walking in Righteousness: This Christmas season, let us strive to live in a way that reflects Christ’s character. Let our actions and words point others to Him.
  • Spreading the Light: Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Just as the shepherds shared the good news of Jesus’ birth, we are called to share His love and hope with those around us.
  • Standing Firm in Faith: The light of Christ gives us the strength to stand firm, even in challenging times. This year may have brought trials, but His light continues to guide us.

5. The Hope of the Light

As we celebrate Christmas, we also look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan. Revelation 22:5 describes the new heaven and new earth, where “there will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.”

This is the hope we cling to—a future where there is no more pain, suffering, or darkness. Christ’s first coming brought salvation; His second coming will bring restoration. Let this hope fill our hearts as we prepare to celebrate His birth.

Conclusion

This last Sunday before Christmas, let us take time to reflect on the light of Christ. He is the fulfillment of God’s promises, the source of our salvation, and the hope of our future. As we gather with loved ones, exchange gifts, and sing carols, let us remember the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending the Light into our darkness, for fulfilling Your promises, and for offering us hope and salvation. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, help us to live as children of the light. May our lives reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Go forth this week, carrying the light of Christ into a world that desperately needs it. Merry Christmas!

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