Comfort and Joy II // Hope in the Darkness
A message by Rev. Dr. Mark Jordan, Pastor
Remember: Advent
– Time of preparation like getting ready for an important
guest
– Focus on peace, hope, joy, and love.
Hope in the Bible
– Means confidence, security, and carefree
– No doubt in this understanding
Lighting the Wreath
– 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV) | Praise be to the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new
birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus
Christ from the dead…
Darkness in the World
– Isaiah 9:2 (NLT) | The people who walk in darkness will
see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep
darkness, a light will shine.
The Light of the World
– John 8:12 (NLT) | Jesus 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.”
Jesus Shares His Light
– Matthew 5:14&16 (NLT) | “You are the light of the world—
like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.… In the same
way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that
everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
We SHINE for Jesus by serving others!
Reflection Questions
- How did Pastor Mark help us look at the meaning of hope
as part of Advent? How does this differ from ways we tend
to view hope culturally? - What was the condition through which the people were
going through life as we explore in the prophecy from
Isaiah 9? - What, or who, was God’s solution?
- What does God share with us so we can help Jesus on His
rescue mission for humanity? - What can you do, or for whom, to help shine the light of
God in Christ this Christmas?