A Light in the Shadows

Preparing for Worship

John 8:12 (NKJV)

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Prayer

Almighty God, the Light of the world, we magnify Your glory with praises. Righteousness and truth come from You. Darkness flees from Your holy presence. We thank You for the gift of salvation. Our blessed hope is in the Lord Jesus, our Savior and coming King. All glory and honor to You and to Jesus forevermore. Amen.

Worship through Songs

R-56 THE FIRST CHRISTMAS 第一個聖誕節

Luke 2:1, 4-14 (NKJV)

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Sermon

Song of Response

Worship through Prayer

1. There is no hope apart from You, O God. The world and all that is in it are dead and without hope. Let me not be deceived to think that I can find the life I want apart from Jesus Christ. Quash any false hope that I still cling onto and believe, so that I may take hold of the true hope I have in Christ.

2. Praise to You, Heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ in whom my great Hope is found. A blessed life both here and beyond till eternity is what I have in Christ. I will rejoice in this truth. Help me live in this way and experience the marvelous power that comes from the blessed hope I have in Christ.

3. "Dead" is the state of being of every human on earth. Cut off from the Creator who gives life because of human rebellion, there is no hope for anyone. Praise be to God, our Father, for the gift of the Savior who came to save all those who would believe in Him. May people know and believe that Jesus Christ is the only hope for all mankind. 

Worship through Giving