Sermon: The True Gifts of Christmas: Light

“The True Gifts of Christmas: Light” Selected passages December 18, 2022 Pastor Tony Felich  Sermon Application [file]   ----more---- John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”      Christ is the Light in the darkness that reveals the Truth.      •      The world is dark and our minds are darkened      Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.      John 3:19b … and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.      2 Corinthians 4:4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.      Romans 1:2 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.      •      Through Christ we can see and understand the Truth      John 12:46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.      2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.     Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.       •      Through Christ we can make the Truth known to others       Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.      Philippians 2:14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, [15] that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, [16] holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.