Dec 7 Divine Service
- NAC News
- Dec 3
- 2 min read
District Apostle Schnabel - Spring congregation
And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.
John 3:19-21
Where are we in the Bible?
Drawing on the opening words of Genesis, the prologue (John 1:1-18) to the Gospel of John introduces Jesus, the Messiah and only Son of the Father, as the incarnation of the Word that was with God before all things and through which all things came into being. Three assertions characterize the Word: the Word was with God, became flesh, and is now ever with God. The prologue introduces many of the major themes and imagery of the Gospel. It includes the coming of the light into darkness, the rejection of the light, the call to believe, and Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and Son of the Father in whom there is life.
In Scripture, light is an image for God and for entities that come from or belong to God; light thus refers to (1) that which brings salvation; (2) blessedness, or the heavenly or divine realms; (3) life, when contrasted with the darkness of death; and (4) the path of right conduct. Darkness is the realm of terror, gloom, death, and lack of knowledge of God. Because light dispels darkness, or illumines a path in the darkness, it is linked with joy, life, understanding, and ultimately life with God. Shining in the darkness and shedding light on all, this light makes it possible for all to see, while simultaneously exposing or convicting those who do not come to the light.
What are the key themes based on the Bible verse, its context, and the DSG?
1. A conversation at night
2. Choosing the darkness
3. Stepping into the light
Foundational readings: John 1:1-18, 3:1-21 | Catechism 3.4.2
December sermon theme connection article click here to read
View the service online at NAC USA YouTube
Comments