Dec 14, 2025

Pastor Marco Ambriz

Introduction

The sermon series is titled "Light in the Darkness," and focuses on how the light of Christ brings joy, peace, and hope.

We will reflect on the significance of light, joy, hope, and peace in the context of Advent and creation.

John 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

God is the source of life and light, present since the beginning of creation.

With the coming of Christ, God’s presence becomes tangible in the flesh, bringing life and light to humanity.

Pastor Marco loves stargazing and recounts a family trip to the Window Arch at Arches National Park twice, once during the day and once at night. He experiences a profound sense of joy and awe while stargazing.

His experience of joy parallels the biblical description of God finding joy in creation, particularly in the act of bringing light into existence.

Joy is an extra, a delight that transcends basic survival needs.

God finds joy in creating and experiencing the world, going beyond basic needs to share that joy.

We can connect with God’s joy by experiencing moments of pure enjoyment in their own lives.

The Ring Nebula, 2500 light years away, showcases the vastness of creation and the passage of time.

The Max0416 galaxy cluster, also known as the Christmas tree cluster, emphasizes the vastness of the universe with each “light” representing a galaxy containing at least 100 billion stars.

Angel's Announcement

Angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds in the fields, bringing joy and good news.

The announcement was a multi-sensory experience involving light, sound, and the visitation of an angel. The announcement shows that life is not just about survival but also about experiencing joy and something greater.

The good news of Jesus brings a deep joy that surpasses material possessions and fulfills the human heart.

Ephesians 1:17–18

17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18 so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints,

Peter’s encouragement to a persecuted church to experience joy despite fear and hardship, highlighting their love and belief in Jesus, even though they did not see him.

Life’s distractions can cause believers to forget the joy they once had in knowing Jesus. Remember and revisit the joy of knowing Christ. 

Be open to experiencing joy, even amidst life’s challenges and pain. Joy can coexist with sorrow, grief, and difficult circumstances. Be a light in dark places, sharing the joy of Christ received.