December 9-10, 2006, Luke 2:8-12, Selected

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
A Gift that Keeps on Giving!

*** Luke 2:8-12 "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. [9] An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. [10] But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. [11] Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. [12] This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." [New International Version]

*** Isaiah 9:2, 6 "Before those people lived in darkness, but now they have seen a great light. They lived in a dark land, but a light has shined on them. [6] A child has been born to us; God has given a son to us. He will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace." [New Century Version]

*** Luke 1:78-79 "God's love and kindness will shine upon us like the sun that rises in the sky. On us who live in the dark shadow of death this light will shine to guide us into a life of peace." [Contemporary English Version]

1. EVERYONE HAS DARK DAYS!

A. DARK DAYS OF DISAPPOINTMENT!
*** Job 30:26 "So I looked for good, but evil came instead. I waited for the light, but darkness fell." [New Living Translation]

B. DARK DAYS OF DISTRESS!
*** Psalm 55:17 "Morning, noon, and night I plead aloud in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice." [NLT]

STRESSED OUT:
-FINANCIALLY!
-PHYSICALLY!
-RELATIONALLY!

C. DARK DAYS OF DOUBT!
*** Deut. 28:66 "Your lives will hang in doubt. You will live night and day in fear, with no reason to believe that you will see the morning light." [NLT]

D. DARK DAYS OF DEPRESSION!
*** Lament. 3:19-20 "Just thinking of my troubles and my lonely wandering makes me miserable. That's all I ever think about, and I am depressed." [CEV]

EVERYONE IS:
HEADING IN...IN THE MIDDLE OF...HEADING OUT OF DARK DAYS RIGHT NOW!

*** John 1:9 "The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world." [NIV]

2. JESUS CAN DISPEL OUR DARK DAYS!

A. HE CAN ENCOURAGE ME IN DISAPPOINTMENT!
*** Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope." [Contemporary English Version]
*** Luke 2:10 "The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." [NIV]

IMMANUEL = GOD WITH US!

*** Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." [NIV]

B. HE CAN STRENGTHEN ME IN MY DISTRESS!
*** Phil. 4:13 "I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." [NLT]

YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO LIFE ALONE! YOU HAVE POWER-ASSIST!

*** John 16:33 "I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." [The Message]

IF HE CAN OVERCOME THE TOMB HE CAN OVERCOME MY TROUBLES!

HOW?
- SOMETIMES THROUGH THE WORD!
- SOMETIMES THROUGH WORSHIP!
- SOMETIMES THROUGH WORSHIPERS!

C. HE CAN GUIDE ME IN MY DOUBT!
*** Luke 2:10 "The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid." [NIV]

I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE –
BUT I KNOW WHO DOES!

*** Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track." [Msg]

D. HE CAN TRANSFORM ME IN MY DEPRESSION!
*** Luke 2:10-12 "The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger." [Msg]

I HAVE HOPE AND PURPOSE FOR LIVING!

*** John 10:10b "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."