2016 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Introduction- Part 1: Today the Christ Candle already burning represents the promise to the remnant. These 4 candles also already burning represent the celebration of the First Advent (the awaited arrival) of our King and His kingdom. To recap the last four weeks the first Sunday of Advent we saw that – “Jesus is already Christ is the King”; The second Sunday of Advent showed us– “Jesus is already King of the Jews” though they rejected Him; The third Sunday of Advent described to us what– “Yours is the Kingdom looks like already and it is here”; The fourth Sunday of Advent showed us that– “Jesus is already the Prince of Peace” and his peace is beyond all understanding. Let these candles remind us that we ought to be living holy and godly lives as we expect His return at the last trumpet, in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye to take us to the place he has prepared. This is the Second Advent. We have this promise from Jesus. John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
Song:
My Soul Magnifies The Lord Chris Tomlin Glory In The Highest
Part 2: There is more light and power available to all who believe but as it stands now the light has dimmed as God has turned His face from shining on us. We see this in Lamentations 5:1 “Remember, Lord, what has happened to us; look, and see our disgrace. 2 Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our homes to foreigners. 7 Our ancestors sinned and are no more, and we bear their punishment. 15 Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning. 16 The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned! 17 Because of this our hearts are faint, because of these things our eyes grow dim 18 for Mount Zion, which lies desolate, with jackals prowling over it. 19 You, Lord, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation. 20 Why do you always forget us? Why do you forsake us so long? 21 Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old 22 unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure.” But there is good news for the remnant even though we are like the days of young Samuel. 1 Samuel 3:2 “ When he ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out.” This does not mean the light is weak, it just means that we are not obeying the word of the Lord as we should and have had the power removed from us. But just like anytime we turn from our ways to the Lord there is great hope, which is the hope of the gospel. 2 Corinthians 3:16 “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” We know God will keep his promise to those who turn back to Him. 1 Samuel 2:35 “I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his priestly house, and they will minister before my anointed one always.”
I heard this week a person of great standing, and wealth and lifetime security say “now, we are feeling what not having hope feels like," Really? Try living in a war-torn country, or in a country with severe dictatorship. This person has no idea of hopelessness but having said that the countries we live in here have more than most other countries put together yet hopelessness, anxiety and depression, sickness prevail. But the good news of the gospel that is repent for the Kingdom is near, would give hope to all countries, race no matter rich or poor, war or freedom, healthy or sick is here. We are to be light in darkness. We know that even though Webster’s word of the year to describe 2016 was “surreal” meaning resembling a dream. People ask can this be really happening? Why yes it can because Jesus said in Mark 13:5 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. 9 You must be on your guard.” Remember we are at war with the prince of this world and only hope in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit can give you courage and fearlessness. In spite of these events that are happening now, the gospel gives us great hope. John 14:18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” Luke 2:10 “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Ezra 9:8 “But now, for a brief moment, the Lord our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage.” Romans 11:5 “So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.” Jeremiah 33:17 “For this is what the Lord says: ‘David will never fail to have a man to sit on the throne of Israel.” “Give thanks to the Lord Almighty, for the Lord is good; His love endures forever.” Ephesians 1:3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Song:
Light Of The World Chris Tomlin Glory In The Highest:
Lighting all the Candles:
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2 tells us “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” John 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 2 Samuel 22:29 “You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.” John 1:9 "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life
Songs:
Adore (Live) Chris Tomlin Adore
Silent Night (feat. Kristyn Getty) Chris Tomlin Adore
Recap Advent: “Already” Sadly most people feel there is no peace, hope or joy in this world and live in fear constantly and in darkness and captivity but as Christians we know different. All these lights represent our Saviour who is King of kings and He reigns on David’s throne. These lights represent the power that we have to face the darkness. Jesus said to Paul, Acts 26:18 “I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” God has given His promise to David so that even if the light has dimmed we have great hope once again that the darkness will be pushed back.Revelation 11:15 “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.” 16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.” We are victorious strong and courageous. 1 Corinthians 15:55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” satan is finished. John 12:31 “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.” There is power available to drive out darkness though we cannot drive satan out unless we have the power Jesus intended for us to have. John 16:11 “the prince of this world now stands condemned.” The only way to be victorious is to declare with the apostle the kingdom of God. Paul Acts 28:31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
Scripture: Luke 2:13 “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:28 “Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
Songs:
-A King is Born - Ron Kenoly Christmas Carols of the Young Messiah
-Joy to the World Steve Green Christmas Carols of the Young Messiah
-Angel Medley Wayne Watson Christmas Carols of the Young Messiah
-Hallelujah Ron Kenoly [Hallelujah To The King Of Kings/Hallelujah Chorus] Majesty
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:8-36
Song:
He Shall Reign Forevermore Chris Tomlin Adore
Scripture: Revelation 11:15 “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.” 16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.”
The Apostles Creed
“I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.”
(* catholic defined - When it entered the English language in the sixteenth century, catholic simply meant "general" or "common." Applied to the Western Church, it essentially meant "the Church universal," or the whole body of Christian believers, as opposed to separate congregations.)
Song: A King Like This (Live) Chris Tomlin Adore
Closing Scripture: Revelation 19:6 “Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!”
