WEBVTT 00:00:00.820 --> 00:00:06.879 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, where we are encouraging, equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:07.360 --> 00:00:12.359 ! I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and you're listening to our Christmas Eve service from 2025. 00:00:13.220 --> 00:00:14.980 ! Tonight is a special night. 00:00:15.419 --> 00:00:20.920 We've just completed our four-week Advent series where we explored hope, peace, joy, and love. 00:00:21.339 --> 00:00:27.480 And now on Christmas Eve, we are gathering to celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. 00:00:27.480 --> 00:00:35.740 In this service, we're going to focus on one simple but profound truth, that Jesus Christ is a light that shines in the darkness. 00:00:36.500 --> 00:00:41.179 This is the light that brings hope, peace, joy, and love. 00:00:41.740 --> 00:00:44.359 This is the light that transforms our lives. 00:00:45.019 --> 00:00:50.280 If you think about it, just how there was in the beginning, in Genesis, God said, 00:00:50.460 --> 00:00:54.840 Let there be light, and the light arrived in the dark and brokenness of the world. 00:00:54.840 --> 00:01:01.340 And we think about Christmas, we think about Bethlehem, where the light arrived in humble beginnings. 00:01:02.200 --> 00:01:10.540 Tonight, we'll explore what it means that Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. 00:01:11.080 --> 00:01:16.500 So whether you're listening on Christmas Eve or another time, I invite for you to find a quiet place. 00:01:17.000 --> 00:01:21.780 Maybe light a candle of your own, and let the light of Christ meet you where you are. 00:01:21.780 --> 00:01:25.739 Here is the sermon, The Light of the World Has Come. 00:01:27.420 --> 00:01:37.159 You know, tonight we have heard the wonderful story, these verses that help us remember the Christmas story. 00:01:37.159 --> 00:01:49.799 And I want us to think about this idea and this concept and this truth about the light of God, the light of Christ. 00:01:50.700 --> 00:01:53.219 A light that shines in the darkness. 00:01:53.939 --> 00:01:56.060 A light that penetrates through. 00:01:57.259 --> 00:02:00.060 A light that brings forth salvation. 00:02:01.039 --> 00:02:04.840 A light that brings forth peace and hope. 00:02:04.840 --> 00:02:11.439 We think of light and how important it is in our everyday living. 00:02:12.980 --> 00:02:19.620 We turn on a switch and instantaneously a light will shine, lighting up a room. 00:02:19.879 --> 00:02:24.819 Especially if you're going into a basement or if you're going into any sort of dark room. 00:02:24.819 --> 00:02:28.500 We see that within our physical understanding. 00:02:29.219 --> 00:02:37.900 But when we think in times such as this, we have to think about the light that has come that gives us hope. 00:02:39.159 --> 00:02:42.079 Something that is much more powerful. 00:02:42.639 --> 00:02:45.240 Something that is much more joyful. 00:02:45.240 --> 00:02:48.400 And something that gives glory to God. 00:02:48.400 --> 00:02:54.719 A light that paves the way for all of humankind. 00:02:55.379 --> 00:02:58.240 And transforms how we live today. 00:02:58.240 --> 00:03:00.620 And we think about it. 00:03:01.420 --> 00:03:04.620 The scripture being read and us singing these songs. 00:03:04.719 --> 00:03:06.460 These Christmas songs. 00:03:06.939 --> 00:03:13.040 It's always a wonderful time to just think of these lyrics and just to all join in together. 00:03:13.640 --> 00:03:15.060 As the church body. 00:03:15.100 --> 00:03:16.860 As the body of Christ. 00:03:16.860 --> 00:03:20.040 And we think of these scripture readings. 00:03:20.500 --> 00:03:25.200 How Isaiah was talking about the promise for light. 00:03:25.720 --> 00:03:28.820 For people that were walking in darkness. 00:03:29.820 --> 00:03:36.060 And I can't help but think how many of us may have walked in darkness before. 00:03:36.580 --> 00:03:39.720 And how many of us need direction. 00:03:40.400 --> 00:03:41.720 We need comfort. 00:03:42.160 --> 00:03:44.480 And we need that light within our life. 00:03:44.479 --> 00:03:48.899 We also think how in the gospel account. 00:03:49.060 --> 00:03:50.060 In the gospel of Luke. 00:03:50.199 --> 00:03:53.159 It tells us that light has arrived. 00:03:54.379 --> 00:03:57.599 A significant light in humble beginnings. 00:03:58.679 --> 00:04:01.199 We think how the angels proclaimed. 00:04:01.419 --> 00:04:02.839 And the shepherds received it. 00:04:02.899 --> 00:04:04.839 And there was worship that followed. 00:04:05.739 --> 00:04:08.199 Something of such great significance. 00:04:09.299 --> 00:04:11.219 Something of such great power. 00:04:11.719 --> 00:04:12.819 And great glory. 00:04:12.819 --> 00:04:15.519 For God's grace. 00:04:15.780 --> 00:04:17.579 We celebrate God's grace. 00:04:18.279 --> 00:04:18.920 Appearing. 00:04:19.439 --> 00:04:20.560 Into the world. 00:04:21.420 --> 00:04:23.519 We think so much about how. 00:04:23.920 --> 00:04:27.240 God has a plan for each and every one of us. 00:04:28.219 --> 00:04:30.240 And God has a plan for us to come. 00:04:30.719 --> 00:04:31.500 To this light. 00:04:32.339 --> 00:04:34.019 And how important it is. 00:04:34.459 --> 00:04:36.100 For us to understand this. 00:04:36.100 --> 00:04:38.860 And as we think of tonight. 00:04:39.280 --> 00:04:40.720 I want us to think. 00:04:41.520 --> 00:04:44.060 Not the question of whether the light has. 00:04:44.480 --> 00:04:45.580 Not only come. 00:04:45.720 --> 00:04:46.960 Because that's what we celebrate. 00:04:47.840 --> 00:04:49.960 But what does this light mean. 00:04:50.320 --> 00:04:51.220 For you. 00:04:51.980 --> 00:04:52.460 Today. 00:04:53.020 --> 00:04:54.920 In your current situation. 00:04:55.620 --> 00:04:56.439 And circumstance. 00:04:56.439 --> 00:04:59.139 We think of the holidays. 00:04:59.139 --> 00:05:00.139 We think of Christmas. 00:05:01.019 --> 00:05:03.060 We think of the Advent season. 00:05:03.759 --> 00:05:05.980 And all of these things that happen. 00:05:06.219 --> 00:05:07.639 And some of us. 00:05:08.199 --> 00:05:09.240 We're excited. 00:05:09.819 --> 00:05:10.899 I hope for all of us. 00:05:11.019 --> 00:05:12.459 We have a sense of excitement. 00:05:13.220 --> 00:05:14.399 Children being ready. 00:05:14.399 --> 00:05:15.699 To go to sleep. 00:05:15.920 --> 00:05:17.579 And to open presents. 00:05:17.899 --> 00:05:18.860 From mom and dad. 00:05:18.980 --> 00:05:19.659 And from Santa. 00:05:20.439 --> 00:05:21.339 For some of us. 00:05:21.860 --> 00:05:23.779 It's just having rest. 00:05:23.779 --> 00:05:25.719 For others. 00:05:26.059 --> 00:05:27.639 It might actually be. 00:05:28.000 --> 00:05:29.099 Another day. 00:05:29.939 --> 00:05:31.939 And that may be very unfortunate. 00:05:31.939 --> 00:05:32.899 For some of us. 00:05:32.979 --> 00:05:34.099 But in any case. 00:05:34.559 --> 00:05:35.459 Let us think. 00:05:36.159 --> 00:05:37.079 Of the light. 00:05:37.179 --> 00:05:38.279 That comes from the Lord. 00:05:39.479 --> 00:05:41.099 And how comforting. 00:05:42.059 --> 00:05:42.439 Guiding. 00:05:43.519 --> 00:05:44.439 And how unique. 00:05:44.659 --> 00:05:45.619 That light is. 00:05:47.539 --> 00:05:49.179 Let us think then. 00:05:50.099 --> 00:05:50.639 Light. 00:05:50.819 --> 00:05:51.719 Will pierce. 00:05:51.719 --> 00:05:52.259 Through. 00:05:52.959 --> 00:05:53.579 The darkness. 00:05:53.779 --> 00:05:55.559 As I mentioned. 00:05:55.799 --> 00:05:56.339 In the beginning. 00:05:56.619 --> 00:05:57.259 Of this. 00:05:57.859 --> 00:05:58.799 Our time here. 00:05:59.859 --> 00:06:00.699 To think. 00:06:00.839 --> 00:06:01.699 From the very beginning. 00:06:02.659 --> 00:06:03.619 The earth. 00:06:03.679 --> 00:06:04.859 Being without form. 00:06:04.939 --> 00:06:06.059 In the Genesis account. 00:06:06.259 --> 00:06:06.459 Right. 00:06:07.279 --> 00:06:08.019 That the earth. 00:06:08.099 --> 00:06:09.079 Was formless. 00:06:09.259 --> 00:06:09.399 And. 00:06:10.139 --> 00:06:10.939 With void. 00:06:11.559 --> 00:06:12.879 And there was darkness. 00:06:12.879 --> 00:06:14.000 Over the waters. 00:06:14.139 --> 00:06:14.799 And the light. 00:06:15.099 --> 00:06:16.139 God speaking. 00:06:16.339 --> 00:06:17.439 Let there be light. 00:06:18.000 --> 00:06:19.059 And there was light. 00:06:20.259 --> 00:06:21.159 And I think. 00:06:21.159 --> 00:06:21.699 For a moment. 00:06:22.119 --> 00:06:23.719 That is God's light. 00:06:23.779 --> 00:06:24.719 Not the light. 00:06:24.719 --> 00:06:25.339 Of the sun. 00:06:25.339 --> 00:06:26.500 As it goes on. 00:06:26.500 --> 00:06:27.319 In later verses. 00:06:28.459 --> 00:06:29.299 But God. 00:06:29.379 --> 00:06:30.399 Providing a light. 00:06:30.399 --> 00:06:31.219 For the world. 00:06:31.839 --> 00:06:32.479 And that little. 00:06:33.119 --> 00:06:33.719 First. 00:06:34.859 --> 00:06:35.319 One. 00:06:35.459 --> 00:06:35.579 Two. 00:06:35.739 --> 00:06:36.259 Three verses. 00:06:36.259 --> 00:06:36.879 Of Genesis. 00:06:36.879 --> 00:06:37.819 gives us. 00:06:37.819 --> 00:06:38.439 An account. 00:06:38.439 --> 00:06:40.079 Of what we celebrate. 00:06:40.079 --> 00:06:40.600 Here. 00:06:41.259 --> 00:06:41.620 Tonight. 00:06:42.699 --> 00:06:43.839 God providing. 00:06:43.839 --> 00:06:44.540 A way. 00:06:44.540 --> 00:06:45.459 For us. 00:06:45.959 --> 00:06:46.600 A light. 00:06:46.600 --> 00:06:47.459 That shines. 00:06:47.459 --> 00:06:48.420 Into the darkness. 00:06:48.420 --> 00:06:49.680 And what does that mean? 00:06:49.680 --> 00:06:50.040 Then. 00:06:51.540 --> 00:06:52.620 Providing hope. 00:06:53.159 --> 00:06:54.560 For those that are broken. 00:06:55.560 --> 00:06:56.779 Providing comfort. 00:06:57.159 --> 00:06:58.839 For those that are in need. 00:06:59.500 --> 00:07:00.719 Providing direction. 00:07:01.360 --> 00:07:02.199 For many of us. 00:07:02.259 --> 00:07:02.740 Who need it. 00:07:03.600 --> 00:07:04.920 Providing consistency. 00:07:04.920 --> 00:07:06.540 And also. 00:07:06.540 --> 00:07:07.379 Let's not forget. 00:07:07.379 --> 00:07:08.020 The imagery. 00:07:08.020 --> 00:07:08.660 Of how. 00:07:08.780 --> 00:07:09.699 When there's light. 00:07:09.860 --> 00:07:11.379 Where does the darkness go? 00:07:12.180 --> 00:07:13.120 Where does it go? 00:07:13.860 --> 00:07:14.900 It disappears. 00:07:15.020 --> 00:07:15.220 Right? 00:07:15.300 --> 00:07:15.540 I mean. 00:07:15.600 --> 00:07:15.939 Granted. 00:07:15.939 --> 00:07:16.740 You got shadows. 00:07:16.740 --> 00:07:17.319 And stuff. 00:07:18.040 --> 00:07:18.740 But when we're thinking. 00:07:18.740 --> 00:07:20.540 Of the light of Christ. 00:07:21.080 --> 00:07:22.020 The darkness. 00:07:22.480 --> 00:07:23.259 Will flee. 00:07:24.259 --> 00:07:25.319 And how powerful. 00:07:25.319 --> 00:07:25.939 That is. 00:07:25.939 --> 00:07:28.360 The next time. 00:07:28.360 --> 00:07:29.399 You turn on a light. 00:07:29.500 --> 00:07:30.160 The next time. 00:07:30.240 --> 00:07:31.139 You light a candle. 00:07:31.420 --> 00:07:32.100 The next time. 00:07:32.180 --> 00:07:32.540 You think. 00:07:32.560 --> 00:07:33.300 Of the light. 00:07:33.300 --> 00:07:33.899 Of Christ. 00:07:34.199 --> 00:07:35.199 Think for a moment. 00:07:35.680 --> 00:07:36.420 That darkness. 00:07:36.620 --> 00:07:37.560 Will disappear. 00:07:37.560 --> 00:07:38.220 It will. 00:07:38.680 --> 00:07:39.819 Be pierced. 00:07:40.120 --> 00:07:41.000 It will pierce. 00:07:41.000 --> 00:07:41.579 The darkness. 00:07:42.480 --> 00:07:43.300 And we think. 00:07:43.300 --> 00:07:43.639 Of how. 00:07:43.800 --> 00:07:44.459 For many of us. 00:07:44.459 --> 00:07:45.300 There's darkness. 00:07:45.300 --> 00:07:46.199 There's fear. 00:07:46.379 --> 00:07:46.699 And there's. 00:07:46.980 --> 00:07:47.879 People who are. 00:07:48.040 --> 00:07:48.459 Afraid. 00:07:48.579 --> 00:07:49.500 And we have to think. 00:07:49.500 --> 00:07:50.079 For a moment. 00:07:50.079 --> 00:07:50.920 That Jesus. 00:07:50.920 --> 00:07:51.759 Was born. 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:53.300 Into this darkness. 00:07:53.300 --> 00:07:53.480 Darkness. 00:07:54.379 --> 00:07:55.259 And God. 00:07:55.520 --> 00:07:56.300 Meets us. 00:07:56.379 --> 00:07:56.560 Right. 00:07:56.620 --> 00:07:57.100 The word. 00:07:57.199 --> 00:07:57.699 That became. 00:07:57.960 --> 00:07:58.300 Flesh. 00:07:59.879 --> 00:08:01.000 Is there darkness. 00:08:01.280 --> 00:08:02.180 In your life. 00:08:02.900 --> 00:08:03.920 That you need. 00:08:03.960 --> 00:08:04.759 The light of Christ. 00:08:04.819 --> 00:08:05.360 To shine in. 00:08:05.420 --> 00:08:05.699 I know. 00:08:05.780 --> 00:08:06.580 I certainly do. 00:08:07.120 --> 00:08:07.879 And I think. 00:08:07.960 --> 00:08:08.660 For many of us. 00:08:08.660 --> 00:08:09.220 We need. 00:08:09.300 --> 00:08:10.180 The light of Christ. 00:08:11.600 --> 00:08:12.600 And of course. 00:08:12.960 --> 00:08:13.759 When we think. 00:08:13.759 --> 00:08:14.379 Of the light. 00:08:14.420 --> 00:08:14.860 As well. 00:08:14.860 --> 00:08:15.360 We think. 00:08:15.360 --> 00:08:16.120 Of these names. 00:08:16.120 --> 00:08:16.660 That came. 00:08:16.660 --> 00:08:17.680 From our scripture. 00:08:17.819 --> 00:08:18.340 Readings. 00:08:19.740 --> 00:08:20.620 The wonderful. 00:08:20.900 --> 00:08:21.379 Counselor. 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:22.720 The mighty. 00:08:22.840 --> 00:08:23.199 God. 00:08:23.900 --> 00:08:24.780 The everlasting. 00:08:25.060 --> 00:08:25.379 Father. 00:08:26.100 --> 00:08:26.800 And the prince. 00:08:26.900 --> 00:08:27.480 Of peace. 00:08:28.460 --> 00:08:29.180 And we think. 00:08:29.180 --> 00:08:30.160 Of how that light. 00:08:30.160 --> 00:08:31.259 Should be received. 00:08:31.259 --> 00:08:31.960 By us. 00:08:32.639 --> 00:08:33.960 Let us not be afraid. 00:08:33.960 --> 00:08:34.539 Of the light. 00:08:34.639 --> 00:08:34.879 I mean. 00:08:35.000 --> 00:08:36.360 If we're in a dark room. 00:08:36.360 --> 00:08:37.120 And a big. 00:08:37.220 --> 00:08:37.899 Bright light. 00:08:37.899 --> 00:08:38.480 Goes in. 00:08:39.340 --> 00:08:40.080 It may. 00:08:40.180 --> 00:08:40.919 Shock us. 00:08:41.019 --> 00:08:41.519 For a moment. 00:08:41.519 --> 00:08:42.120 I admit. 00:08:43.039 --> 00:08:43.980 But certainly. 00:08:44.320 --> 00:08:45.419 This is the kind. 00:08:45.419 --> 00:08:45.879 Of light. 00:08:46.419 --> 00:08:47.039 We should not. 00:08:47.120 --> 00:08:47.820 Be afraid of. 00:08:48.860 --> 00:08:49.519 And so. 00:08:49.639 --> 00:08:49.960 I want you. 00:08:50.000 --> 00:08:50.299 To think. 00:08:50.399 --> 00:08:50.879 For a moment. 00:08:52.100 --> 00:08:52.940 Out of those. 00:08:52.940 --> 00:08:53.420 Names. 00:08:54.220 --> 00:08:54.800 The wonderful. 00:08:54.980 --> 00:08:55.540 Counselor. 00:08:56.220 --> 00:08:56.680 The mighty. 00:08:56.800 --> 00:08:57.100 God. 00:08:57.100 --> 00:08:57.720 Maybe you. 00:08:57.840 --> 00:08:58.400 Identify. 00:08:58.400 --> 00:08:59.180 With one of those. 00:08:59.180 --> 00:08:59.620 Names. 00:09:01.200 --> 00:09:02.380 For many of us. 00:09:02.380 --> 00:09:03.380 I always like. 00:09:03.380 --> 00:09:03.780 The name. 00:09:03.860 --> 00:09:04.220 Wonderful. 00:09:04.220 --> 00:09:04.820 Counselor. 00:09:04.820 --> 00:09:05.220 I don't know. 00:09:05.280 --> 00:09:05.900 That's for me. 00:09:05.960 --> 00:09:06.380 Personally. 00:09:06.379 --> 00:09:06.879 You might. 00:09:06.879 --> 00:09:06.879 00:09:06.879 --> 00:09:06.879 00:09:06.879 --> 00:09:07.480 Identify. 00:09:07.480 --> 00:09:07.840 More. 00:09:07.840 --> 00:09:08.559 With mighty. 00:09:08.559 --> 00:09:08.960 God. 00:09:08.960 --> 00:09:09.700 Or everlasting. 00:09:09.700 --> 00:09:10.220 Father. 00:09:10.220 --> 00:09:10.840 Or prince. 00:09:10.840 --> 00:09:11.519 Of peace. 00:09:12.519 --> 00:09:13.700 And we also. 00:09:13.700 --> 00:09:14.399 Have to think. 00:09:14.580 --> 00:09:15.139 That light. 00:09:15.220 --> 00:09:16.179 Will change. 00:09:16.340 --> 00:09:17.759 It will illuminate. 00:09:17.759 --> 00:09:18.519 An area. 00:09:18.799 --> 00:09:19.779 It changes. 00:09:19.779 --> 00:09:20.419 Not only. 00:09:20.419 --> 00:09:20.980 The room. 00:09:21.220 --> 00:09:22.059 It changes. 00:09:22.059 --> 00:09:22.700 The world. 00:09:22.700 --> 00:09:23.460 And it changes. 00:09:23.460 --> 00:09:24.820 Our very life. 00:09:25.820 --> 00:09:26.860 We think. 00:09:26.919 --> 00:09:27.759 Of God. 00:09:28.019 --> 00:09:28.580 Providing. 00:09:28.700 --> 00:09:29.100 Away. 00:09:29.279 --> 00:09:29.600 God. 00:09:29.700 --> 00:09:30.000 Giving. 00:09:30.159 --> 00:09:30.879 His grace. 00:09:30.879 --> 00:09:32.860 A light. 00:09:33.000 --> 00:09:33.600 That shines. 00:09:33.600 --> 00:09:33.939 Through. 00:09:34.059 --> 00:09:34.679 To all. 00:09:34.740 --> 00:09:35.159 Of us. 00:09:36.299 --> 00:09:37.299 And we think. 00:09:37.340 --> 00:09:37.939 Of the grace. 00:09:37.939 --> 00:09:38.519 Of God. 00:09:39.399 --> 00:09:40.539 That grace. 00:09:41.700 --> 00:09:42.580 Is being. 00:09:42.580 --> 00:09:42.919 Given. 00:09:43.460 --> 00:09:43.899 Because. 00:09:44.059 --> 00:09:44.720 Of that light. 00:09:46.460 --> 00:09:47.480 And I want you. 00:09:47.519 --> 00:09:47.939 To think. 00:09:48.439 --> 00:09:49.059 As God. 00:09:49.240 --> 00:09:49.659 Shines. 00:09:49.759 --> 00:09:50.220 The light. 00:09:50.960 --> 00:09:51.379 Providing. 00:09:51.460 --> 00:09:51.659 Us. 00:09:51.779 --> 00:09:52.080 Hope. 00:09:52.899 --> 00:09:53.259 Peace. 00:09:53.480 --> 00:09:53.840 Joy. 00:09:53.939 --> 00:09:54.519 And love. 00:09:55.379 --> 00:09:56.519 How will you. 00:09:56.860 --> 00:09:57.259 Respond. 00:09:57.899 --> 00:09:58.799 To the grace. 00:09:58.919 --> 00:09:59.399 That is given. 00:09:59.539 --> 00:09:59.840 To you. 00:10:00.879 --> 00:10:02.299 In all. 00:10:02.299 --> 00:10:03.000 Of these things. 00:10:03.000 --> 00:10:03.700 I want you. 00:10:03.759 --> 00:10:04.100 To think. 00:10:04.100 --> 00:10:04.379 About. 00:10:04.539 --> 00:10:05.360 How important. 00:10:05.519 --> 00:10:05.799 It is. 00:10:05.899 --> 00:10:06.340 For us. 00:10:07.139 --> 00:10:07.820 For us. 00:10:07.879 --> 00:10:08.299 To really. 00:10:08.419 --> 00:10:08.659 Think. 00:10:08.659 --> 00:10:09.100 Of how. 00:10:09.259 --> 00:10:09.620 Can we. 00:10:09.720 --> 00:10:10.360 Respond. 00:10:11.019 --> 00:10:11.500 To such. 00:10:11.559 --> 00:10:12.259 A powerful. 00:10:12.939 --> 00:10:13.820 And beautiful. 00:10:13.820 --> 00:10:14.259 Light. 00:10:14.919 --> 00:10:15.439 The light. 00:10:15.559 --> 00:10:15.960 That comes. 00:10:16.059 --> 00:10:16.500 From God. 00:10:17.360 --> 00:10:17.840 May we. 00:10:18.159 --> 00:10:18.600 Receive. 00:10:19.240 --> 00:10:19.799 The light. 00:10:20.360 --> 00:10:21.080 May we. 00:10:21.179 --> 00:10:21.439 Draw. 00:10:21.840 --> 00:10:22.080 Near. 00:10:22.259 --> 00:10:22.460 To. 00:10:23.000 --> 00:10:23.679 The presence. 00:10:23.860 --> 00:10:24.439 Of God. 00:10:25.419 --> 00:10:26.019 I don't know. 00:10:26.100 --> 00:10:26.559 About you. 00:10:26.679 --> 00:10:26.879 But. 00:10:27.759 --> 00:10:28.240 God's. 00:10:28.320 --> 00:10:28.799 Presence. 00:10:29.480 --> 00:10:29.919 Is where. 00:10:30.059 --> 00:10:30.620 I want to be. 00:10:30.620 --> 00:10:31.159 And I hope. 00:10:31.159 --> 00:10:32.200 That for all of you. 00:10:32.580 --> 00:10:33.399 That light. 00:10:33.679 --> 00:10:34.279 That sense. 00:10:34.279 --> 00:10:35.019 Of comfort. 00:10:35.980 --> 00:10:36.500 Knowing. 00:10:36.700 --> 00:10:37.019 That there's. 00:10:37.100 --> 00:10:37.899 No more darkness. 00:10:38.940 --> 00:10:39.720 That there's. 00:10:39.820 --> 00:10:40.200 Comfort. 00:10:40.379 --> 00:10:40.940 And healing. 00:10:41.240 --> 00:10:42.179 From that light. 00:10:43.000 --> 00:10:43.700 That you. 00:10:43.840 --> 00:10:44.340 Receive. 00:10:44.419 --> 00:10:44.860 The light. 00:10:45.039 --> 00:10:45.279 And you. 00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:45.500 Go. 00:10:45.720 --> 00:10:46.200 Towards. 00:10:46.539 --> 00:10:47.000 The light. 00:10:48.019 --> 00:10:48.879 That it will. 00:10:49.159 --> 00:10:49.580 Illuminate. 00:10:49.759 --> 00:10:50.460 In your mind. 00:10:50.539 --> 00:10:51.299 And in your heart. 00:10:51.440 --> 00:10:52.360 And cause you. 00:10:52.460 --> 00:10:53.179 To respond. 00:10:53.320 --> 00:10:53.799 To grow. 00:10:53.899 --> 00:10:54.240 Into it. 00:10:54.360 --> 00:10:54.960 And to be. 00:10:55.279 --> 00:10:55.759 Transformed. 00:10:55.879 --> 00:10:56.279 In it. 00:10:56.279 --> 00:10:57.720 And may you. 00:10:57.819 --> 00:10:58.100 Walk. 00:10:58.199 --> 00:10:58.939 In the light. 00:10:59.799 --> 00:11:00.439 The light. 00:11:00.500 --> 00:11:01.039 Of truth. 00:11:02.240 --> 00:11:02.579 You know. 00:11:02.659 --> 00:11:02.879 My. 00:11:03.819 --> 00:11:04.220 Mother. 00:11:05.120 --> 00:11:05.799 Would always. 00:11:06.199 --> 00:11:07.259 Ask me that question. 00:11:07.419 --> 00:11:07.740 She's. 00:11:08.620 --> 00:11:09.120 Would always. 00:11:09.199 --> 00:11:09.759 Be in prayer. 00:11:09.819 --> 00:11:10.259 And ask. 00:11:10.339 --> 00:11:11.139 Are you walking. 00:11:11.620 --> 00:11:12.279 In the light. 00:11:12.319 --> 00:11:12.860 Of truth. 00:11:13.399 --> 00:11:14.139 And I remember. 00:11:14.139 --> 00:11:14.600 Hearing that. 00:11:14.659 --> 00:11:15.120 As a kid. 00:11:15.179 --> 00:11:15.779 And I didn't always. 00:11:15.899 --> 00:11:16.339 Understand. 00:11:16.339 --> 00:11:17.100 Nor did I always. 00:11:17.100 --> 00:11:18.039 Like hearing that. 00:11:18.039 --> 00:11:20.019 But as I got older. 00:11:20.019 --> 00:11:20.719 I thought. 00:11:20.919 --> 00:11:22.199 There was some wisdom. 00:11:22.199 --> 00:11:22.620 In that. 00:11:23.419 --> 00:11:24.139 And certainly. 00:11:24.539 --> 00:11:25.500 We can think. 00:11:25.639 --> 00:11:26.459 For all of us. 00:11:26.919 --> 00:11:27.699 May we walk. 00:11:27.899 --> 00:11:28.719 In the light. 00:11:29.159 --> 00:11:29.879 Of truth. 00:11:30.199 --> 00:11:31.079 That comes. 00:11:31.519 --> 00:11:32.259 From our Lord. 00:11:32.319 --> 00:11:32.899 And our God. 00:11:33.539 --> 00:11:34.559 May we respond. 00:11:35.259 --> 00:11:35.819 Accordingly. 00:11:36.139 --> 00:11:37.659 And the powerful thing. 00:11:37.659 --> 00:11:38.699 That we can think of. 00:11:38.819 --> 00:11:39.120 Is that. 00:11:39.439 --> 00:11:39.839 No matter. 00:11:40.339 --> 00:11:41.240 Who you are. 00:11:42.099 --> 00:11:42.719 No matter. 00:11:42.899 --> 00:11:43.699 What it is. 00:11:43.740 --> 00:11:44.719 You have gone through. 00:11:44.799 --> 00:11:45.819 What you're going through. 00:11:45.939 --> 00:11:47.159 What you will go through. 00:11:47.159 --> 00:11:48.439 God calls you. 00:11:48.879 --> 00:11:49.839 To his light. 00:11:50.639 --> 00:11:51.500 He calls you. 00:11:51.579 --> 00:11:52.299 For transformation. 00:11:52.799 --> 00:11:53.559 He calls you. 00:11:53.559 --> 00:11:55.219 Into his very presence. 00:11:56.299 --> 00:11:57.799 Not to be in darkness. 00:11:58.759 --> 00:12:00.339 You don't have to raise your hand. 00:12:00.399 --> 00:12:00.959 But I know. 00:12:01.079 --> 00:12:01.659 Of a time. 00:12:01.740 --> 00:12:02.959 When I was in darkness. 00:12:03.279 --> 00:12:03.959 And I know. 00:12:03.959 --> 00:12:04.919 For many of us. 00:12:04.919 --> 00:12:06.299 We can think of times. 00:12:06.299 --> 00:12:07.100 Where we have been. 00:12:07.360 --> 00:12:07.939 In darkness. 00:12:08.959 --> 00:12:10.319 God calls us. 00:12:10.939 --> 00:12:12.139 To be in his presence. 00:12:12.600 --> 00:12:13.740 To be in the light. 00:12:13.799 --> 00:12:14.439 Of truth. 00:12:14.539 --> 00:12:15.439 The light of love. 00:12:15.779 --> 00:12:17.139 To receive his grace. 00:12:17.159 --> 00:12:19.439 And this sense. 00:12:19.439 --> 00:12:20.899 Of being illuminated. 00:12:22.319 --> 00:12:23.740 This sense of safety. 00:12:23.860 --> 00:12:24.480 And security. 00:12:24.639 --> 00:12:24.839 I mean. 00:12:24.980 --> 00:12:25.879 How many of you. 00:12:26.039 --> 00:12:26.699 Have ever seen. 00:12:27.659 --> 00:12:28.179 Videos. 00:12:28.179 --> 00:12:29.100 Of people. 00:12:29.100 --> 00:12:29.519 Who are. 00:12:29.939 --> 00:12:31.079 Crawling through caves. 00:12:31.079 --> 00:12:32.059 And they get lost. 00:12:32.059 --> 00:12:32.419 And they. 00:12:32.819 --> 00:12:34.219 Finally see the light. 00:12:34.759 --> 00:12:36.139 That's piercing through. 00:12:36.259 --> 00:12:36.679 And they know. 00:12:36.779 --> 00:12:37.579 Where they need to go. 00:12:38.899 --> 00:12:40.439 And I want us to think about. 00:12:40.579 --> 00:12:41.860 Such kind of imagery. 00:12:43.019 --> 00:12:44.079 That that light. 00:12:44.080 --> 00:12:45.780 That light. 00:12:45.780 --> 00:12:46.639 And that light. 00:12:46.639 --> 00:12:46.800 That light. 00:12:46.800 --> 00:12:46.800 00:12:46.800 --> 00:12:46.800 00:12:46.800 --> 00:12:47.879 That light gives us comfort. 00:12:48.660 --> 00:12:49.879 And we can think. 00:12:50.139 --> 00:12:50.879 Of where we are. 00:12:50.879 --> 00:12:51.940 In our own life. 00:12:52.160 --> 00:12:53.520 To draw near to God. 00:12:53.580 --> 00:12:54.520 Because he's calling. 00:12:54.720 --> 00:12:55.500 For all of us. 00:12:56.100 --> 00:12:57.340 To respond to him. 00:12:58.280 --> 00:12:59.080 And I hope. 00:12:59.280 --> 00:13:00.180 That for all of you. 00:13:00.740 --> 00:13:01.759 We can all. 00:13:01.960 --> 00:13:02.480 Think of. 00:13:02.759 --> 00:13:03.800 Where we are at. 00:13:03.900 --> 00:13:04.360 You know. 00:13:04.360 --> 00:13:05.020 Where you're at. 00:13:05.120 --> 00:13:05.940 In your own journey. 00:13:06.660 --> 00:13:07.500 May you respond. 00:13:07.660 --> 00:13:08.180 Accordingly. 00:13:08.179 --> 00:13:15.819 I want you to think, let Christ meet you where you are at in your current state. 00:13:16.299 --> 00:13:17.639 Are you in darkness? 00:13:18.439 --> 00:13:21.539 Have you turned from the darkness and you're seeing the light? 00:13:22.399 --> 00:13:24.079 Are you giving him attention? 00:13:25.139 --> 00:13:27.899 Are you ready to go towards the light? 00:13:29.819 --> 00:13:33.079 And are you ready to walk in that light? 00:13:33.080 --> 00:13:48.259 And as we have lightened up these candles, I want us to think of how powerful even but one light can be in a room. 00:13:49.900 --> 00:13:51.300 Think of the flame. 00:13:52.259 --> 00:13:53.240 Think of the fire. 00:13:54.560 --> 00:13:57.540 Think of the light that is illuminated from that. 00:13:58.400 --> 00:14:01.180 And think of the flame that burns within our hearts. 00:14:01.179 --> 00:14:12.899 I want us to think of all of this and we're going to have our ushers come around and we're going to light our candles together. 00:14:12.899 --> 00:14:30.019 It's a time for us to not only sing Silent Night, but also a time for us to think for a moment of how important the light of Christ is. 00:14:30.019 --> 00:14:37.179 And now how that light should be in our minds and in our hearts. 00:14:38.000 --> 00:14:40.019 May it be ignited within us. 00:14:40.379 --> 00:14:43.899 May it transform us, lead and guide us. 00:14:43.939 --> 00:14:48.600 I'm going to go ahead and pray and we'll go ahead and light those candles. 00:14:48.919 --> 00:14:57.779 Father God, we thank you for this time, this chance and this opportunity for us to go over the light of Christ. 00:14:57.779 --> 00:15:04.419 Your grace is so powerful. 00:15:05.100 --> 00:15:11.100 Much as your love and your joy, your truth, all of these things. 00:15:11.100 --> 00:15:21.500 And I just pray for every single person who is here in this room and every single person who is online, that they may receive the light. 00:15:21.620 --> 00:15:23.300 They may respond to it. 00:15:24.300 --> 00:15:35.060 And as they hold their candle, may they know that they are not alone and that you have provided safety and security because of your love and your grace for us. 00:15:35.059 --> 00:15:42.719 As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, him having humble beginnings. 00:15:43.879 --> 00:15:47.819 May we think of how you love each and every one of us. 00:15:48.279 --> 00:15:53.039 And you call for us to enter in your presence and to become more like you. 00:15:54.379 --> 00:15:55.159 We love you. 00:15:55.579 --> 00:15:56.599 We praise you. 00:15:56.739 --> 00:15:57.699 We glorify you. 00:15:57.700 --> 00:15:59.080 And we honor you. 00:15:59.780 --> 00:16:02.580 It is in the name of Jesus that we pray. 00:16:03.280 --> 00:16:05.160 And we all say together, amen, church. 00:16:05.420 --> 00:16:05.740 Amen. 00:16:09.860 --> 00:16:12.780 Thank you for joining us for this Christmas Eve service. 00:16:13.340 --> 00:16:18.440 I really hope that as you listened, you can picture that room being filled with candlelights. 00:16:18.440 --> 00:16:28.320 We praise each small flame as a reminder to remind us that the light of Christ shines in the darkness, in the world, and in our own very lives. 00:16:29.040 --> 00:16:33.580 You know, my mother used to ask me, are you walking in the light of truth? 00:16:34.200 --> 00:16:37.300 When I used to hear that, I really didn't like hearing that. 00:16:37.680 --> 00:16:39.480 I didn't fully understand what it meant. 00:16:39.920 --> 00:16:43.740 But as I got older, I began to understand the wisdom in that question. 00:16:43.740 --> 00:16:50.519 The light of Christ is the light of truth, and it calls for us to be transformed in his name. 00:16:51.399 --> 00:16:54.580 Tonight, wherever you are, I want you to know this. 00:16:55.080 --> 00:16:56.379 You are not alone. 00:16:57.019 --> 00:17:03.779 God has provided safety and security in his salvation because of his love and his grace. 00:17:04.339 --> 00:17:05.500 The light has come. 00:17:06.160 --> 00:17:10.240 Jesus Christ was born in humble beginnings to bring light to all of us. 00:17:10.240 --> 00:17:14.079 So let me ask you, ask yourself this question. 00:17:14.779 --> 00:17:17.720 Where are you at in your own spiritual journey? 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:19.200 Are you in darkness? 00:17:19.759 --> 00:17:21.140 Have you turned from the darkness? 00:17:21.779 --> 00:17:23.400 Are you looking for the light? 00:17:23.779 --> 00:17:24.960 The light is there. 00:17:25.620 --> 00:17:28.319 Go towards it, and may you walk in the light. 00:17:29.059 --> 00:17:31.920 May the light of Christ illuminate your mind and your heart. 00:17:32.460 --> 00:17:33.620 May it transform you. 00:17:34.039 --> 00:17:35.500 May it lead you and guide you. 00:17:35.500 --> 00:17:40.180 And may you receive the light and draw near to the presence of God. 00:17:40.880 --> 00:17:45.859 From all of us here at Ontario Community Church, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas. 00:17:46.519 --> 00:17:49.160 May the light of Christ shine brightly in your life. 00:17:49.640 --> 00:17:52.480 God bless you, and thank you for joining us. 00:17:53.039 --> 00:17:53.339 Bye-bye. 00:17:53.339 --> 00:18:23.319 May the light of Christ. 00:18:23.339 --> 00:18:53.319 May the light of Christ. 00:18:53.339 --> 00:19:23.319 May the light of Christ. 00:19:23.339 --> 00:19:25.740 May the light of Christ. 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:25.740