Jesus Christ, light of the world

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riends, we are living in a time where darkness continues to grow darker and darker around our nation and the world in many and varied forms. In Is. 60:1-2 the prophet prophesied about what was happening in Israel at the time it was spoken. 
But folks, I believe that God wants us to recognize the darkness we are living in today as well. The prophet said this: “1. Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 2. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.” (ESV)
The question is “what is the light that was to come?” The answer to that question is found in Is. 9:2 and 6 which says this: “2. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 6. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (ESV)
Then, in the New Testament this is confirmed in Jn. 1:1-5. “1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2. He was in the beginning with God. 3. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has now overcome it.” (ESV)
Friends, the darkness that Jesus came into the world to overcome is the darkness caused by sin. If our nation needs anything right now, it is another Great Awakening where God will get ahold of the hearts of men and women. Because when a person opens their heart and receives Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, the light of Christ overcomes the darkness, first of the person and then the nation is also touched. Darkness never overcomes light. Light always overcomes darkness. 
I pray that this Christmas you will receive Jesus, the light of the world, a baby born in a manger, and be saved.