Sermon Notes, November 27, 2011

Pastor C.M. Pruitt

The message on the first Sunday of Advent was titled “The Light of Christmas.”  Light is mentioned throughout the Bible.  In fact, God’s first command was “Let there be light” when He spoke everything into existence during the Creation.  Jesus said, “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer wander in darkness.” (John 12:46).  We live in a dark world.  We fear darkness: it’s what we don’t know that scares us.  Light dispels darkness: God’s light has that effect on us.

Everyone has dark days, when we don’t want to face the world.  Dark days of disappointment.  There are lots of things to be disappointed about today: loss of a job, or a home, or a marriage, or a loved one.  Mary, too, experienced disappointment: instead of delivering her baby at home, surrounded by family, she gave birth to Jesus alone, in a strange place.  Job said,   “I hoped for happiness and light, but trouble and darkness came instead.” (Job 30:26) 

Dark days of distress.  The psalmist says, “I have cried desperately for help, but still it does not come.” (Psalm 22:1)  We are stretched to the limit, financially, physically or relationally.  Mary was distressed, having to ride on a donkey and walk 80 miles from her home in Nazareth to Bethlehem “being great with child.”

Dark days of doubt.  “The one who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.” (John 12:35)  There are times when we can’t see what’s ahead, but God has promised that His Word is like a flashlight, guiding us on the path. (Psalm 119:105)

Dark days of depression.  Life presses in and we’re so blue we don’t know what to do.  “The thought of my pain…is bitter poison.  I think of it constantly, and my spirit is depressed.” (Lamentations 3:19-20)  Does anyone really care? “Lover, friend, acquaintance—all are gone.  There is only darkness everywhere.” (Psalm 88:18).  Every one of us is heading into a problem, is in the middle of a problem, or has just come out of a problem.  Where do you turn?  What’s the antidote?

God cares about you.  He lights a light and pushes back the darkness.  “You, Lord, are my light; you dispel my darkness!”(1 Samuel 22:29)

How can Jesus dispel my darkness?  He will encourage me when I’m disappointed.  Jesus is with us—we’re not alone.  “The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; he sees those who have lost all hope.” (Psalm 34:18)  His name is Emmanuel—God with us.  He has plans for you.  “The plans I have for you, says the Lord, are plans to prosper you, not to harm you…to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

He will strengthen me when I’m distressed.  It’s easy for us to diminish ourselves, but He says. “You can do it!”  Philippians 4:13 says “I have the strength for all things in Christ who empowers me—I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses inner strength in me.”  Trust God to work on the issues that distress us.

He will guide me when I’m doubtful.  When I don’t know where to go, he will guide my feet.  “Jesus said, I am the Light of the world.  So if you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path.” (John 8:12)

He will lift me up when I’m depressed.  Embrace the  struggle: it is to strengthen us.  “It is possible for light to turn the thing it shines upon into light also!” (Ephesians 5:23)  “The light produces in people all that is good and right and true.” (Ephesians 5:9)  …the darkness in our lives disappears and the new light of life in Christ shines in.” (1 John 2:8)  The Christmas star—others saw it, but the wise men followed it.  God sent His son in the darkest time of the year.  He is interested in us.  He wants a relationship with us.

Coming Events

December 9—Hope Family “Christmas Party at 7:00 p.m. The theme this year is “Awesome Appetizers.”  In addition to enjoying finger foods, we will have our traditional gift exchange: bring a gift and draw a number.  When it’s your turn, you may choose a gift under the tree or take one somebody else has chosen.  The third person who possesses the gift gets to keep it.  Contact Carolyn Graham at 540-4838 or mcbgraham@gmail.com to volunteer to help or for more information.

                                                            Holiday Schedule

December 24—Christmas Eve Service at 10 a.m.

December 25—NO SERVICE on Christmas Day.  Enjoy time with your family.

January 1—NO SERVICE on New Year’s Day.  Church volunteers  deserve a break, and to recover from 2011.

January 8, 2012—will be our first service of 2012.  Invite a friend and come join us!

                                                                                              

Prayer Requests

• Pray for our church board, the Pruitts and District Superintendent Phil Fuller as they lead us through this time.
• Pray for all to draw closer to Jesus and that hearts will be touched and healed.
• Praise the Lord for His miraculous touch on Bruce Shumway, who had a stroke last Wednesday.  He came home from the hospital at UVA on Saturday night!
• Pray for the sick and hurting in the congregation.
• Sue Davis (scleroderma)
• Gay Hopkins (fibromyalgia)
• Frank Graham (back problems)
• Ross Shackelford

• Pray for those suffering financial problems or hunting for jobs
• Pray for the salvation of our children, youth, and loved ones
• Pray for the local homeless shelters and food closets that are struggling financially.
• Pray for missionaries serving around the globe.
• Pray for our military (especially Richard Mc Pherson in Afghanistan)
• Pray for our nation and its leaders