1. Christmas Celebration of Immanuel God is with us
Why is it so important?

2. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2,6,7

3. Christmas Celebration of Immanuel God is with us
This is so important because of the Darkness of which there are many types

4. Darkness When faced with Darkness, in the lives of others
Let us proceed with
Kindness, Consideration and Care
When faced with Darkness, in our lives & the lives of others let us discern God’s presence with us

5. Types of Darkness
Darkness of Chaos: Genesis 1
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6. Genesis 1
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

7. Types of darkness Darkness of Chaos: Genesis 1
Darkness caused by religion: Genesis 22
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8. 1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham”
“Here I am,” he replied. 2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”
9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham 10reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies,18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed,  because you have obeyed me.”

9. Darkness Darkness of Chaos Darkness caused by religion
Darkness of poverty and oppression: Exodus 3
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10. Now Moses led the flock that he was tending to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. When the LORD saw that Moses had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."
"Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt."
Exodus 3

11. Darkness Darkness of Chaos Darkness caused by religion
Darkness of poverty and oppression
Darkness of bereavement: Joshua 1,5
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12. 1:6 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them. 5 As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous.
5:13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”
14 “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell face down to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”
15 The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

13. Darkness Darkness of Chaos Darkness caused by religion
Darkness of poverty and oppression
Darkness of bereavement
Darkness of not belonging: Isaiah 9
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14. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and for ever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

15. Comfort, comfort my people, says your God
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins.

16. Our Gathered worship has ended, our Worship & Service continue
From Amen to Action
May you know the blessing of finding God’s light in the darkness of shining God’s light in the darkness Today and every day, for ever. Amen? Amen
Our Gathered worship has ended, our Worship & Service continue