Light in the Darkness Series

12/24/2023 | We Have Seen the Light

Speaker: Dr. David Goebel

P.M Christmas Eve Service

The Shepherds saw the light of the angelic hosts announcing the birth of the Messiah. Their first reaction was one of fear—ours would be too. But when God shines the light of His love in our lives it’s always for our blessing and benefit.

Luke 2:8-20 (ESV)

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

12/17/2023 | Cosmic Light

Speaker: Dr. David Goebel

God’s divine hand is directing the course of human history toward the end that He has established. As that history unfolds, His light is spreading to the far reaches of the globe bringing hope, peace, and joy through Jesus the Messiah and those who follow Him.

Isaiah 9:1-7 (ESV)

But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

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.
3 You have multiplied the nation;
    you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
    as with joy at the harvest,
    as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
4 For the yoke of his burden,
    and the staff for his shoulder,
    the rod of his oppressor,
    you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
    and every garment rolled in blood
    will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

12/10/2023 | Lighting the Way

Speaker: Dr. David Goebel

In a world full of competing ideologies and value systems, we can easily find ourselves confused and lost. The Psalmist reminds us that the Word of God illuminates the steps of our lives. It is the one true source we can count on to guide us into truth.

Psalm 119:103-105 (ESV)

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

12/03/2023 | The Light of God’s Presence

Speaker: Dan Wonneberger

As we begin our Advent season meditating the way Scripture uses Light, we start with Jesus. His light shines in creation, illuminates the holy city, and glints through whenever His people follow Him. The light of Christ shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it.

John 1:1-5 (ESV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.