Christmas Eve 2025

Drawing from Luke 2 and John 1, we're reminded that Christmas isn't merely about a baby born in Bethlehem—it's about the eternal Light of the World breaking into our darkest moments. The sermon powerfully connects the physical darkness of Seattle winters with the spiritual, emotional, and relational darkness we all experience: depression, loneliness, broken relationships, addiction, shame, and fear. What makes this message so compelling is its unflinching honesty about how dark things really are, coupled with the even greater truth that Jesus is the Light that cannot be extinguished. Isaiah's prophecy of the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace isn't just ancient poetry—it's God's answer to our specific needs today. The shepherds in the Christmas story weren't respected religious leaders; they were outcasts, yet they were the first to receive the good news. This reminds us that no matter how dark our lives feel, no matter what we've done or where we've been, Jesus comes near. The most liberating truth? Salvation is received, not achieved. We cannot save ourselves through New Year's resolutions or self-improvement projects. We can only open our hands and receive the gift of Light that has already come down to us.