Advent

THE LIGHT OF JOY

DECEMBER 17, 2023

Main Scripture: John 1:1-14

Additional Scriptures: Isaiah 9:2, Ephesians 5:8, 6:12, Matthew 5:3-10, 14-15

POINTS:

• Joy: Confidently living in the knowledge of God's truth, because you are connected to that truth through repentance.

• 2 fundamental requirements of the human soul: the need to matter and the need to belong.

• Idols are illegitimate methods that we use to meet our legitimate need to matter and belong.

• Satan tries to trap us with the things that glitter.

• The treadmill trap: running as hard as you can after the things that glitter.

• The poverty mentality: constantly seeing your life in lack. You try to meet your need to matter and belong through self-pity.

• Light always wins! Our darkness will never overcome the Light of Christ!

• Jesus meets our legitimate need to matter and belongs in Christmas by showing us that we are more loved than we dare imagine and we belong to a royal family.

• Advent reminds us of Whose we are, who we are, and what we were made to do.

• Jesus Christ is the Light that changes the atmosphere from one of deep darkness to one that is joyful and triumphant.