Message Notes

Series Intro: This advent, we’re getting ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth through a celebration of Christmas Lights—the ways that Scripture reveals Jesus brings light to our world as the Light of Creation, Light in the Darkness, Light for the Nations, Light of Praise, and Light of All Humanity.

• As Elf shows us, there’s something fitting about singing at Christmas.

The Story and Song of Zechariah

• “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1.68-79 NIV)
• Zechariah sings because the Son is coming to bring light to the darkness.

Big Idea: Singing is part of the proper response to light.

• This is why we sing in church, sing in heaven, and sing during Christmas!
• The light of the Son makes singing possible.

Apply

• Do you best to sing in moments of darkness
• Sing Christmas songs

Suggested Resources

• A Time for Wonder (Advent Devotional)
• Advent, Tish Harrison Warren (The Fullness of Time Series)
• Christmas, Emily Hunter McGowin (The Fullness of Time Series)
• Advent Word Studies, The Bible Project (videos)
• Living the Christian Year, Bobby Gross (book)
• Arise Christmas Songs (Spotify Playlist)

For Reflection

• How does today’s message resonate with you?
• What questions does this message raise for you?
• What actions does this message encourage you to take?
• How can you dig deeper into today’s message?

Take Your Next Steps

Remember: Jesus loves you right where you are, but He loves you too much to leave you there.

• Want to talk to someone about giving your allegiance to Jesus? Let us know.
• Looking for a deeper connection to others? Learn more about our groups.
• Looking for resources and tools to help you grow your faith? Sign up for AriseU.