A Light in the Darkness
On Sunday, Pastor Jake continued in our series, “Every Longing Fulfilled,” as we turned our hearts to one of the deepest longings we carry: healing. Our world feels like Svalbard in polar night—beautiful, but overshadowed by darkness. Scripture names that ache and answers it in Isaiah 9:2: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” In the hush of the extinguished lamps at the Feast of Booths, Jesus stood and said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world.” He isn’t merely commentary on the darkness; He is the Light that drives it back, bringing life—zoe—fullness, wholeness, and restoration.
Key Takeaways
– Jesus, the Light, dispels darkness
He steps into real history and real pain, not as a symbol but as the self-revealed I AM who overcomes the gloom. When He speaks, darkness loses its claim and hope gains substance. His light is not fragile—it restores what sin has unraveled and reorders what chaos has distorted.
– Invite Him into spiritual darkness
Information about God cannot substitute for communion with God. Believing is the door through which His life enters, and He is ready to meet you in the exact place you are. Don’t wait for better conditions; ask Him now, and receive the life only He can give.
– Renew your mind with Scripture
The fall didn’t just wound our hearts; it fogged our perception. God’s Word functions as light, cutting through lies and retraining our mental reflexes toward truth. As Scripture saturates our thoughts, condemnation gives way to sonship, and self-reliance yields to Spirit-empowered dependence.
– Ask boldly for physical healing
Jesus’ atonement is the wellspring of all healing, and He still moves in bodies as well as souls. Not every prayer results in instant wholeness, yet our assignment is clear: call the elders, be anointed, and keep asking in faith. Persistent petition is not presumption; it’s obedience to a faithful God.
– Extend the table of grace
Light is meant to spread, not be stored. Make room in your rhythms, your row, and your relationships so others can encounter Jesus. A simple invitation can be the doorway to someone’s first steps out of darkness.
Reflection Questions
- Read John 8:12. What stands out about Jesus’ claim “I am the light of the world,” and what immediate promise does he attach to that claim?
- Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” How does John 8:12 speak into Isaiah’s promise about a coming light?
- Jesus’ light is available the moment someone invites him in. Will you personally invite Jesus into any spiritual darkness you are living with this week? If so, what simple words will you use to invite him now?
- The mind is renewed by Scripture. Identify one lie you often believe about yourself. What specific Bible verse will you memorize and mediate on this week to replace that lie?
- Corporate worship and prayer create space for God’s presence. What posture (silence, going forward to pray, staying after for a prayer team) will you commit to the next time the church gathers so you make room for the Holy Spirit?
- Testimony encourages others. If Jesus has moved in your life, whom will you share that story with this week to extend the table and invite someone into the light? How will you share it?
Watch the Message
Worship Songs from Dec 14
- “I See The Lord”
- “O Come All Ye Faithful” (His Name Shall Be)
- “Hope Has A Name”
- “A Christmas Alleluia”
- “I Speak Jesus” (after the message)
Listen to the songs we play on Sundays by clicking the image below to access our Spotify playlist!
