“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

Scripture: ‭‭‭‭Matthew 1:18-21

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.””

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God is love and we must let his love shine brightly through us!

Love Revealed

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

-Matthew 1:20

Love Demonstrated

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus...

-Matthew 1:21a

Love Saves

He will save his people from their sins.

-Matthew 1:21b

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

-‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let LOVE shine brighter than your Christmas tree this season!

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Introduction: Joy to the World!

Joy's Source...

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.

-Luke 2:10

Joy's Sound...

a. Shout

“Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!

-Psalm 100:1 NKJV

b. Praise

Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭2 NKJV‬‬

c. Laughter & Happiness

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

-Proverbs 17:22 NASB

d. Celebration of Salvation

With joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”

-Isaiah 12:3 NIV

Joy is contagious! Light your world with joy!

Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

Scripture: ‭‭‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

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Introduction: We can have peace when it seems like our world is falling to pieces.

The Promise of Peace

“Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end."

-‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Proclamation of Peace

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rest.""

-Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Provision of Peace

““The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

a. Believe

b. Receive

c. Retrieve

Conclusion: Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.

- Colossians 3:15 NIV