THE FAMILY, THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH

 

Introduction

May our Heavenly Father lead us as we step into this New Year, inspire us anytime we come together to reflect on His Word here on 'Sermonette', and let the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, light up our path through it all. May your heart and mind be open to the truth with a renewed spirit. May Christ shine brightly in your life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Happy New Year! This is a time of new beginnings, fresh resolutions, and renewed hope. As we stand on the threshold of 2025, our theme for reflection is “Christ the Light of the World.” In the midst of uncertainty, Jesus shines as the eternal light, offering guidance, hope, and redemption.

Our focal scriptures for today's sermonette are; Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, and John 1:1-9, 18. 

"Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me." AMEN!

(Psalms 119:18-19)

Today's Sermonette brings this story to mind: On a cold and stormy night, a traveler found himself lost in a dense forest. The darkness was so overwhelming that even the path beneath his feet seemed to vanish. Just as despair began to set in, he spotted a faint light in the distance. With each cautious step, the light grew brighter, leading him to a safe and warm cabin where he found rest and hope. In many ways, this story mirrors our lives. We often wander in the darkness of doubt, fear, and confusion especially as we step into a New Year. But Christ, the Light of the World, shines brightly, guiding us to safety and renewing our hope. Today, we will explore how His light transforms our lives and leads us into a New Year with faith and purpose.

Christ the Light of Redemption

Most of Jeremiah's life was spent ministering to a people whose doom was obvious. His words were darkness and rejection with warning. The city founded by David, and the temple built by his son Solomon, were destroyed, and most of Judah's citizens died in the siege.

The Jews were exiled to Babylon. Distant from the Promised Land, they suddenly rose to the awareness of the depth of their sins against God, they had lived in material comfort but were spiritually dead. They asked themselves, has God really abandoned His people? Has He rejected them because of their unfaithfulness?

Here comes Jeremiah speaking of restoration and joy for God’s people. The promise of return from exile is a reminder that God never abandons His children. In Jeremiah 31:9, we read, “With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back.” This portrays God as a loving Shepherd who leads His people into safety and peace.

Many Christians, when troubles come and sins are remembered, we turn to ask the same question. Are my sins so heavy that God no longer accepts me? Am I abandoned by the Lord?

The answer of Jeremiah to the people of Judah comforts us too. God had Jeremiah announce His plan to make a New Covenant with the people of Israel. A New Covenant that would lift Israel - and you and me - to a new and vital relationship with our God.

In Christ, this redemption is fulfilled. The light of His presence leads us out of darkness—out of sin and despair—into the joy and abundance of life in Him. As we enter this year, let us remember that Christ’s light redeems and restores, offering hope even in the most challenging circumstances.

Just as the moon reflects the sun’s light, we are called to reflect the light of Christ in our lives. Let your words and actions shine with kindness, compassion, and truth. Let the reflective light of Christ in you draw the lost souls to the saving arms of God just as the lost man found comfort in the leading light.

Christ the Light of Blessing

Spiritual and Heavenly blessings are the best blessings; with which we cannot be miserable. This blessing is from the choice of Christ, before the foundation of the world, that we should be made holy by separation from sin, being set apart to God, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, in consequence of our election in Christ.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is a hymn of praise, declaring the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. Ephesians 1:3, We are reminded that we are blessed in Jesus Christ "...with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." Through Christ, we are chosen, redeemed, and sealed with the Holy Spirit.

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will."

(Ephesians 1:4-5)

Jesus Christ is the Light that reveals our true identity as God’s beloved children. He illuminates the path of purpose and destiny, reminding us that we are part of His divine plan. "He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ." (Ephesians 1:8-9) 

As we embark on this New Year, let us live in gratitude for these blessings, walking confidently in the light of His grace and favour without fear of intimidation and rejection.

This year and beyond, in moments of doubt or difficulty, turn to Christ’s light through prayer and the Word. Allow His truth to illuminate your path. Amen!

Christ the Light of God's Revelation

John’s prologue introduces Jesus as the Word and the Light of the World. In John 1:5, we read, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” Jesus is the eternal Word, the true light who gives life and reveals the heart of the Father.

"No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known." (John 1:18) 

Through Jesus, we see and know God. His light dispels confusion and reveals truth, offering clarity and direction. As we face the uncertainties of a New Year, we can trust in the unchanging light of Christ. His light guides our decisions, strengthens our faith, and deepens our understanding of God’s love.

The light of Christ is not meant to be hidden. Share the hope of the Gospel with those around you, bringing light to their lives.

Conclusion

As we journey through 2025, let us embrace Christ as the Light of the World. In His light, we find redemption, blessing, and revelation. The Psalmist says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Beloved, I find the action statement in verse 106 of Psalm 199, 

"I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws." 

Let this truth inspire and guide us to take a solemn oath to walk in the Light of Christ who illuminates the righteous path throughout the year, enabling us to live as beacons of His love and grace.

Shalom aleikhem...