At worship yesterday, we finished off our advent series looking at the first five verses of John’s Gospel. It’s been a great few weeks as we considered the One who came into the world to rescue it. If you missed any of the sermons, you can find them on our sermon page or as videos on our Youtube channel.
As promised yesterday, here is an overview of darkness and its attempt to overcome the light in the life and work of Jesus. Also, if you are viewing this on the church website, each of the scripture references is a clickable link which will show you the text for each reference.
- (Jn 1:9) Jesus, the true light, steps into the world, into darkness.
- (Jn 3:19-20) People love the darkness rather than the light.
- (Jn 5:18) The Jews were seeking to kill the light.
- (Jn 6:17) The disciples are in the dark until Jesus comes to them.
- (Jn 8:12, 19) The darkness doesn’t know the Father because it has not comprehended the light and in response, they again try to kill the light.
- (Jn 10:31) In response to Jesus’ teaching that he is one with the Father, they try to kill him again.
- (Jn 1:9-10) Those who walk in darkness will stumble
- (Jn 11:49-53) Even those in the highest levels of religious leadership are in the darkness as they plot to kill the light.
- (Jn 12:7) Jesus knows that he is going to the darkness as he tells Judas that he is being prepared for burial.
- (Jn 12:35-36) The darkness can overtake us if we are not ‘sons of light’.
- (Jn 13:30) Stepping into darkness, Judas goes to commit his act of betrayal against the light.
- (Jn 19:30) Jesus dies.
- (20:1-18) Jesus lives
Notices
Be sure to join us on Wednesday night at 7pm for our Christmas Eve Carols service. We’ll sing together and hear from God’s word. Consider bringing friends and family as well to hear about Life Explored.
We’ll also be gathering for a very short service on Christmas Day at 11am to greet one another again and to celebrate the joy of the Incarnation of Jesus.
As mentioned last week, please consider bringing someone along to Life Explored. It starts on 4 January at 7pm and will run for seven weeks. It’s a great opportunity to explore life’s big questions at the start of the year and to see how all of our longings and hopes are actually pointing us to Jesus. If you’re planning on coming and bringing someone with you, please let Pastor Dan know via email so that we can be praying for you and for them.
If you’d like to see our teaching plans for 2026, you can also view these on the church website here.