Advent: He Has Come – Part 5 [Notes]

The word “Advent” is used to describe the season leading up to Christmas. It’s a time where we remember Christ’s first coming and grow our expectation of His second; it’s a time of great hope and promise… But often, we are distracted and consumed during this busy season, and we barely experience the wonder of it as we rush through. This Christmas season, we’ll intentionally slow down as we walk through Advent with hope, faith, joy and peace, preparing our hearts for the celebration of our newborn King.

Journey with us through our series “Advent: He Has Come,” and together, we’ll anticipate, rather than dread, this ever-busy season.

Today's Takeaway // Jesus came to bring light to our lives.

All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.¹
– John 1:3-5 (HCSB)
_{¹ The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (Jn 1:3–5). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.}

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness.^e2
– Isaiah 9:2 (HCSB)
_{^e 9:2 Lk 1:79
² The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (Is 9:2). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.}

Now this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light,^j and there is absolutely no darkness in Him.
– 1 John 1:5 (HCSB)
_{^j 1:5 Ps 27:1; 36:9; Jn 12:46; 1Tm 6:16}

Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the Dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
– Luke 1:78-79 (HCSB)

I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me would not remain in darkness.³
– John 12:46 (HCSB)
_{³ The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (Jn 12:46). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.}

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
– Genesis 1:1-3 (HCSB)

The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the•world did not recognize Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him,He gave them the right to be^z children of God, to those who believe in His name.
– John 1:9-12 (HCSB)
_{^• The organized Satanic system that is opposed to God and hostile to Jesus and His followers; it also refers to the non-Christian culture including governments, educational systems, and businesses.
^z 1:12 Or become}

If we say, “We have fellowship with Him,” yet we•walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth.
– 1 John 1:6 (HCSB)
_{• A term often used in a figurative way to mean “way of life” or “behavior”}

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear?The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom should I be afraid?
– Psalm 27:1 (HCSB)

O Come O Come Emmanuel // Joy to the World // Behold // O Holy Night // Face of God // Noel (He is Born) // Silent Night

Journey with us through Advent and anticipate, rather than dread, this busy season. Christmas comes each year with great hope and promise... But often, we are distracted and consumed by commitments, pressure and mixed emotions, and we barely experience the wonder of it as we rush through. It's in the slowing down, contemplation and reflection that we find our answer — it’s in the waiting season of Advent that we prepare our hearts with hope, faith, joy and peace for December 25 and the celebration of our newborn King.

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