Christmas Advent 2024: Candlelight Sunday

Christmas Advent 2024: Eyes That See Salvation

December 22nd, 2024/Casey Middle School

Pray:

Story: The Weight Of Waiting

How many of you love waiting? Anyone? I didn’t think so. We live in a culture that hates waiting. Amazon Prime says, "Two days is too long." Fast food drive-thrus are now slower than they were 20 years ago, and we’re ready to riot.

But some waits are different. There’s the kind of waiting that’s laced with hope—waiting for a baby to be born, for wedding bells to ring, or for Christmas morning to finally arrive.

In Luke 2, we meet a man named Simeon who had been waiting—not for a package or a promotion, but for a promise: the Messiah, the Consolation of Israel. What happens when waiting ends? Joy. Fulfillment. But even more—revelation.

Big Idea: “Eyes that see Jesus see salvation. And when we see salvation, we see light for the world and hope for every heart.”

Title: Eyes That See Salvation

Main Points:

1. A Promise Fulfilled

   1. “At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there.”

   2. Background: In Luke 2, Mary and Joseph bring baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem. Why? They are fulfilling two distinct Old Testament laws: the purification of the mother and the dedication of the firstborn son.

      1. The Purification of the Mother (Leviticus 12:1-8)
      2. The Dedication of the Firstborn (Exodus 13:1-2)

      3. For Mary and Joseph, their visit to the temple was more than a routine act of religious obedience. They were faithfully fulfilling God’s law, unaware that this simple act would lead to an encounter that would confirm Jesus’ identity as the Messiah.

         3. Simeon represents Israel’s faithful remnant—those holding fast to the promises of God, even in silence and waiting. The “waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel” was the long-anticipated comfort and redemption promised by God through the prophets (Isaiah 40:1).
         4. The Holy Spirit orchestrated this divine encounter, highlighting that God’s promises always unfold in His perfect timing.
         5. Illustration: Have you ever felt like God was silent? Maybe you’ve prayed, waited, and wondered, “Did I miss it?” We don’t know how long Simeon waited, but it may have been years. Can you imagine what it was like to wake up every day thinking, “Maybe today”?

      4. Then one day, the Spirit nudges him. “Simeon, go to the temple.” And there, in the arms of a young mother, he doesn’t just see a baby—he sees salvation.

         6. God keeps His promises, even when it feels like He’s silent. Keep listening… Simeon remembered what the Holy Spirit spoke, and aren’t you glad he didn’t miss it.
         7. Question: What are you waiting on God for?
         8. Answer: If Simeon’s story teaches us anything, it’s that waiting on God is never wasted. When God shows up, He brings more than enough… more than we asked for—He brings Himself.

2. Salvation Revealed

   1. “Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,
   2. ‘Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
   3. as you have promised.
   4. I have seen your salvation,
   5. which you have prepared for all people.
   6. He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
   7. and he is the glory of your people Israel!’” (Luke 2:28-32)
   8. Simeon’s song is a declaration of fulfillment: God’s salvation has arrived, not just for Israel but for all people.
   9. Jesus is “a light to reveal God to the nations,” fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 49:6 that the Messiah would bring light to the Gentiles.
   10. Salvation isn’t a concept, it’s not a good feeling, it’s not an act of will—it’s a person: and His name is Jesus.
   11. Illust: Have you ever had that moment when something finally clicked? Maybe you’re putting together IKEA furniture, and after hours of frustration, you realize the instructions were upside down. (Classic!) That moment of clarity is a fraction of what Simeon felt. When he saw Jesus, it wasn’t just “a baby.” It was the baby!!! The one who would redeem the world.
   12. Salvation isn’t something we achieve; it’s someone we receive.
   13. Question: What does it mean to “see” salvation?
   14. Answer: To see salvation is to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises, the Light of the world, and the hope for every heart.

3. Light For The Nations

   1. “Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, ‘This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.’” (Luke 2:33-35)
   2. Jesus’ mission is one of light and truth, but not everyone will welcome it. His coming will reveal hearts and demand a response.
   3. Simeon’s words to Mary foreshadow the cross—where salvation will be secured, and her heart will be pierced with sorrow.
   4. Jesus is not just light for the nations; He’s the light that divides, challenges, and transforms.
   5. Illust: Have you ever stepped into a brightly lit room after being in the dark? It’s uncomfortable at first. That’s what Jesus does—His light exposes and heals, but it can be hard to face at first.
   6. The light of Jesus reveals who we are—and who we’re meant to be.

   7. “The light of Jesus doesn’t just comfort—it confronts.”

      1. “How can I come to Jesus now? Everyone knows what I’ve said about this Christianity thing…I’ll look like a fraud!”
      2. “How can I come to Jesus now? I’m a mess! I’ve screwed up more times than I can recall, I can’t be what He wants.”
      3. “How can I come to Jesus now? I still have so many questions. I’ve always thought I would have all the answers before making this decision”
      4. You can come to Him just as you are! Broken, ashamed, curious, and a complete mess… He wants you just the way you are. Let Him do the work to save you and transform your life. Stop trying to do that on your own!
         8. Question: How do we respond to the light of Jesus?
         9. Answer: We can either embrace it, letting it transform us, or resist it, holding onto the darkness. There’s a gift ready for you today. Let this be the Christmas that you receive the most precious gift of all.

Closing: The Power Of Light

Have you ever held a candle in a dark room? It’s amazing how one small flame changes everything. That’s Jesus. He doesn’t just shine for us—He shines through us.

As Simeon held Jesus, he saw the light that would change the world. And now, that light has been entrusted to us.

Poem: The Light Has Come

In a quiet town, on a winter’s night,
The world lay still beneath heaven’s light.
No banners unfurled, no royal decree,
Just a child in a manger for all to see.

The shepherds came with their hearts full of fear,
Then hope sang out: “The Savior is near.”
The stars above seemed to whisper His name,
As earth and heaven rejoiced in His flame.

O light eternal, so steady, so true,
You chase the darkness and make all things new.
Tonight, we gather, this flame in our hand,
A symbol of peace for a weary land.

Candle Lighting Transition:

1. For the unbeliever: Let this candle symbolize your decision to embrace the Light of the world.
2. For the believer: Let this candle remind you that you carry His light wherever you go.

------Songs------

Invitation:

If you want to make a decision to follow Jesus. Then join me and everyone else in the building as we pray out loud together. It’s not the prayer that saves you, but your faith, making Jesus Lord of your life. If you have faith in Jesus, then let’s join together as we pray…

Prayer of Salvation:

Jesus, I acknowledge that I need you

I confess that I have sinned against you

I believe that God raised you from the dead

And right now, by faith, I say “Jesus is Lord”

Thank you for forgiving me

By your grace I am saved

And by your power I am set free

Conclusion:

If you prayed that prayer for the first time, let me share something Jesus said in Matthew 10:32: “Therefore, everyone who will acknowledge me before others, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.” So, I’m going to ask: if you prayed that prayer for the first time, would you lift your hand and let us know? This is a moment to celebrate, not just here, but in heaven.

Here’s what’s happening right now:

1. God Welcomes You as His Child
2. The Angels Are Rejoicing
3. The Church Is Here for You

Would you let us know about your decision? Come talk to us after the service or fill out a connect card so we can celebrate with you and help you with your next steps. You’re part of a family now, and we want to help you grow in this incredible new life you’ve found in Jesus.

Communion: Eyes That See Salvation

After having lit our candles, we come to the table of communion, a reminder that the Light of the world was broken for us. This table is for everyone who has put their faith in Jesus.

“He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ After supper he took another cup of wine and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.’” - Luke 22:19-20 (NLT)

As we take communion, let us remember that Jesus didn’t just come to shine; He came to save.