A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
Tuesday,
December 21,
2021
Christmas lights at the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, MO
"Christ, the Light of
the World"
Message
summary: This season as we celebrate the glorious
birth of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, may we be drawn to
light rather than darkness.
Listen
to this message on your audio player.
“In Him was life, and that life was the light of men” (John 1:4). “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19).
The
other night we drove through Hershey PA which is about
15 miles from our home. Hershey is often referred to
as Chocolate Town USA due to it being the home of the
Hershey Chocolate Company. It is a company town in
every way with the street lamps made to look like the
iconic Hersey Kisses. Hershey, during the
Christmas season is all lit up, especially the park.
We drove by Hotel Hershey that sits up high on a hill
and as we drove back down the hill we had a beautiful
view of the park all brightly lit. We took a
photo but it just didn't do the dazzling scene
justice, but I found this one on a church Facebook
page and I think it was taken from the same location!
I suppose you have lighted displays during
this season wherever you live. I grew up in the Kansas
City Missouri area. One of my childhood memories
includes the holiday tradition of my family piling in
the car and driving around looking at Christmas
lights. We drove by the rich people's houses in
Leawood Kansas and then into the city. One place we
would always visit was the Country Club Plaza, that
had the most elaborate lights in the Kansas City area,
possibly in the entire country as seen in our lead
photo. A local tradition for more than 90 years, Plaza
Lights is a 15-block holiday spectacle featuring
thousands of glimmering, jewel-colored lights that
accentuate every dome, tower and window of the
Spanish-inspired shopping district.
Light has long been a symbolic theme of the
Christmas season based upon various Biblical texts.
Today’s text, referring to the incarnation of Jesus
Christ, states that, "Light has come into the
world".
A battle between light and darkness has long been raging and continues to do so even more furiously it seems.
A battle between light and darkness has long been raging and continues to do so even more furiously it seems.
The Bible fundamentally teaches that:
By contrast the secular humanist worldview that dominates in the west fundamentally asserts that:
We see this ancient battle between these two opposing worldviews rising to a fevered pitch. Our world is in desperate need of true heaven-sent revival! The second daily verse is so powerful and illuminating. "Light has come into the world." The Greek has the definite article “the” before light and I believe this is significant. In the Gospel and Epistles of John "the light" is Jesus Christ (see John 1:4-9; 8:12: 9:5; 12:46; 1 John 1:5). In Christ’s incarnation indeed the light came into the world.
But the verse continues with this easily observable truth, "But men loved the darkness instead of the light". Again we have the definite article in the Greek prior to both light and darkness. This is a matter of fact statement that explains much about human nature and conditions in our fallen world. Because we are created with a free will many have chosen to walk in darkness. Some are raised in a world of darkness and have never been exposed to the light.
But tragically, some are raised in the light of God’s Word and yet choose to wander into darkness. In doing so their vision adjusts to their darkened surroundings; attitudes are formed and patterns established within that setting. They grow into a comfortable relationship with the darkness. It’s home to them; they indeed “love the darkness” the Bible says. Perhaps that’s because expectations are lowered and that which is done in secret is more easily obscured. People in darkness do that which comes natural to the flesh, rather than that which comes from the Spirit of God.
We who live in the glorious light of Jesus Christ marvel that anyone would choose to be a companion of darkness but they do “because their deeds were [are] evil.” The text continues, “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed” (John 3:20). If they come into the light they must deal with their evil deeds. They must confess and repent as have all true children of God.
This season as we celebrate the glorious birth of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, may we be drawn to light rather than darkness. Let us not keep our sin “under wrap” hidden in darkness, but expose it by confessing it to Jesus. May we be among those who have believed the truth concerning Jesus Christ, “But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God” (John 3:21).
1) The Almighty God is the Creator, Ruler,
Redeemer and Judge over the entire universe.
2) He has revealed His will for man through His Word.
3) He has established non-arbitrary laws governing the conduct of His creation.
2) He has revealed His will for man through His Word.
3) He has established non-arbitrary laws governing the conduct of His creation.
By contrast the secular humanist worldview that dominates in the west fundamentally asserts that:
1) God is merely a religious figment or
whatever one wants to believe, if anything.
2) The Bible is, at best, just a collection of good stories (sometimes handy to make political points), but certainly not the rule of authority in our lives.
3) The rule of the Bible and its laws are merely arbitrary and subjective, requiring ongoing revision by the whims of man.
2) The Bible is, at best, just a collection of good stories (sometimes handy to make political points), but certainly not the rule of authority in our lives.
3) The rule of the Bible and its laws are merely arbitrary and subjective, requiring ongoing revision by the whims of man.
We see this ancient battle between these two opposing worldviews rising to a fevered pitch. Our world is in desperate need of true heaven-sent revival! The second daily verse is so powerful and illuminating. "Light has come into the world." The Greek has the definite article “the” before light and I believe this is significant. In the Gospel and Epistles of John "the light" is Jesus Christ (see John 1:4-9; 8:12: 9:5; 12:46; 1 John 1:5). In Christ’s incarnation indeed the light came into the world.
But the verse continues with this easily observable truth, "But men loved the darkness instead of the light". Again we have the definite article in the Greek prior to both light and darkness. This is a matter of fact statement that explains much about human nature and conditions in our fallen world. Because we are created with a free will many have chosen to walk in darkness. Some are raised in a world of darkness and have never been exposed to the light.
But tragically, some are raised in the light of God’s Word and yet choose to wander into darkness. In doing so their vision adjusts to their darkened surroundings; attitudes are formed and patterns established within that setting. They grow into a comfortable relationship with the darkness. It’s home to them; they indeed “love the darkness” the Bible says. Perhaps that’s because expectations are lowered and that which is done in secret is more easily obscured. People in darkness do that which comes natural to the flesh, rather than that which comes from the Spirit of God.
We who live in the glorious light of Jesus Christ marvel that anyone would choose to be a companion of darkness but they do “because their deeds were [are] evil.” The text continues, “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed” (John 3:20). If they come into the light they must deal with their evil deeds. They must confess and repent as have all true children of God.
This season as we celebrate the glorious birth of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, may we be drawn to light rather than darkness. Let us not keep our sin “under wrap” hidden in darkness, but expose it by confessing it to Jesus. May we be among those who have believed the truth concerning Jesus Christ, “But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God” (John 3:21).
Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13)
Stephen
& Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Jesus, as I live by the truth of Your
radiant light I am reminded again of the spiritual
transformation that took place when my sins were
exposed and You replaced my human nature with Your
divine nature. Now my roots grow deep into the light
of Your Gospel causing me to draw up nourishment
from You so that I grow in faith, becoming strong
and vigorous in this glorious new life. Thank You
for canceling my sin debt when You were nailed to
the cross on my behalf. I’m forever grateful that
You came to seek me out and save me when I was lost
in sin. I am so glad to be walking in the light of
Your truth. Shine, Jesus, shine through me. Amen.Christmas greeting to
our readers:
We express our greatest
appreciation and love to you, our faithful daily
encouragement readers. We have met or heard from
so many fine readers from all walks of life and
from all regions of the world and we are better
for it in our spiritual walk and our social
life. We always enjoy your feedback and your
stimulating comments that affirm or challenge us
to think further on a subject matter. We're even
glad for those of you who take the time to let
us know a link is broken or a date is wrong,
etc.
We are praying for those whose Christmas season may be difficult this year due to a heartache you are experiencing, and for those who suffer from a significant loss in your life. May our faithful Lord meet you and bring a deep settled peace in your heart as you reflect upon Him as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace.
We are praying for those whose Christmas season may be difficult this year due to a heartache you are experiencing, and for those who suffer from a significant loss in your life. May our faithful Lord meet you and bring a deep settled peace in your heart as you reflect upon Him as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace.
Special
Year-end
Financial
Appeal
We
want to thank
all who have
financially
supported our
ministry this
past year (and
some for many
years!). We
realize there
are many fine
ministries and
causes
requesting
support at
this time but
if you would
like to make a
donation to
our ministry
see here for
more
information. Like
many
ministries, we
typically see
a spike in
giving at the
end of the
year for which
we are most
thankful.
Our ministry labor is comprised of approximately half our time to Daily Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to companies from which we receive compensation. Each of these ministries essentially is the same as a part-time job (20+ hours weekly) for each of us. Our goal for many years is that each would provide half of our ministry expenses and income.
To
donate
directly
online
click here.
This will open
to a page that
designates the
offering to: STEPHEN
& BROOKSYNE WEBER -
700001-237376 SERVING IN SPECIALIZED
CHAPLAINCY
Our ministry labor is comprised of approximately half our time to Daily Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to companies from which we receive compensation. Each of these ministries essentially is the same as a part-time job (20+ hours weekly) for each of us. Our goal for many years is that each would provide half of our ministry expenses and income.
To
donate
directly
online
click here.
This will open
to a page that
designates the
offering to: STEPHEN
& BROOKSYNE WEBER -
700001-237376 SERVING IN SPECIALIZED
CHAPLAINCY
Please Note: If
you desire you can donate directly through
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to a page that
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Weber".
We
keep this option available due to the
familiarity, convenience, international
supporters, and for those who may not need an
official receipt. You can also set up for
recurring donations. You also can use PayPal on this
link. Stephen & Brooksyne
Today's
Suggested
Music and Supplemental Resources
Here's a short quiz concerning the theme of light in Christmas carols. See if you can identify the carol by the phrase.
1) Son of God, love's pure light
2) Yonder shines the infant light:
3) And to the earth it gave great light,
4) Light and life to all He brings,
5) But high from God's heaven a star's light did fall,
6) The everlasting Light;
7) Guide us to thy perfect light.
"Emmanuel
(Hallowed Manger Ground)" Video Shadow
Mountain Community Church
Last
week at a meeting I met a man (can't recall his
name!) who works with an interesting
ministry. Redeem
TV is a donor-supported, ad-free,
streaming service with no fees. Our goal is to
provide edifying and redemptive visual media
content for all ages. We offer an ever-growing
library of over 1,500 quality dramas,
documentaries, animated features, children’s
favorites, episodic series, Bible studies and
more, with new titles added every week. Redeem
TV is the latest effort of Vision Video, which
has been distributing and producing Christian
media content for many decades. I was blessed by
a short movie called "The Ride" that has a
powerful message of grace.
"Light"
in Christmas carols
Here's a short quiz concerning the theme of light in Christmas carols. See if you can identify the carol by the phrase.
1) Son of God, love's pure light
2) Yonder shines the infant light:
3) And to the earth it gave great light,
4) Light and life to all He brings,
5) But high from God's heaven a star's light did fall,
6) The everlasting Light;
7) Guide us to thy perfect light.
We'll
share the answers tomorrow!
Resources for Christmas Celebrations
(We
will leave these resources posted below
our daily messages through Christmas)
Each
year
we share several online resources that
we have used over the years. Perhaps
they may be a blessing to you, your
family or church during this Christmas
season.
"In Remembrance of Me" pdf This is a passion-filled Scripture reading for two adults. Brooksyne and I have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services over the years. We suggest, if possible, a musical background as the message is read. It is also a great lead-in to a Communion service. It should be thoroughly practiced and read with great feeling. Here's a great Communion Hymn for Christmas (Video)
"When Christ Was Born" pdf This is an adaptation to the tune of "How Great Thou Art". It's a great song to sing as a congregation since most are familiar with and love the tune.
Responsive Christmas Scripture readings for church or family:
John 1:1-18 pdf
"O Come Let Us Adore Him" pdf
My First Christmas In Heaven This is a blessed reminder for all who lost a loved one this year.
Christmas Knowledge Test
We have also posted two Christmas carol quizzes here (scroll down).
"In Remembrance of Me" pdf This is a passion-filled Scripture reading for two adults. Brooksyne and I have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services over the years. We suggest, if possible, a musical background as the message is read. It is also a great lead-in to a Communion service. It should be thoroughly practiced and read with great feeling. Here's a great Communion Hymn for Christmas (Video)
"When Christ Was Born" pdf This is an adaptation to the tune of "How Great Thou Art". It's a great song to sing as a congregation since most are familiar with and love the tune.
Responsive Christmas Scripture readings for church or family:
John 1:1-18 pdf
"O Come Let Us Adore Him" pdf
My First Christmas In Heaven This is a blessed reminder for all who lost a loved one this year.
Christmas Knowledge Test
We have also posted two Christmas carol quizzes here (scroll down).
Finally
today:
Early
yesterday morning we had breakfast
with a group of men from Smucker Home
Improvement and Laser. Heading back on
Strasburg Pike we saw this Amish man
out early in the 25 degree weather
spreading manure. Stephen waved and
got a friendly wave back. If you're
complaining about your job would you
want to switch with this man?
Send
a message to Stephen
& Brooksyne
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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Brooksyne Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA