John 1:9-13 - Pastor Brett Landry | December 15, 2024

In this third Sunday of Advent, we explore three powerful truths about Christmas: it shines light in the darkness, demands a response, and welcomes us home.

Christmas shines light in the dark. Jesus, the true Light, came into the world to reveal what’s real, overcoming the darkness of false cultural narratives like secularism, individualism, postmodernism, and chaos. The light of Christ exposes these false ways of thinking and reminds us that the darkness cannot overcome the true Light.

Christmas demands a response. The coming of the true Light in Jesus calls for a decision. As John 1:9-13 reveals, some failed to recognize Jesus, and others rejected Him. The good news of Christmas is that peace with God is not something we can achieve, but something we must receive. The gospel demands a response—will we embrace the salvation offered through Jesus or remain in darkness?

Christmas welcomes us home. For all who receive Jesus and believe in His name, God gives the right to become His children. This is not something we can achieve, but a grace-filled gift, a new birth from God. Christmas is about being welcomed into God’s eternal family, not based on our own effort, but through grace and faith in Christ.

This Advent, as we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, we are invited to receive the Light, respond in faith, and find our true home in God’s family. Christmas is a message of grace, light, and eternal belonging in Christ.