During the season of Advent, God met us in our fears and uncertainty. On this holy night,  we remember God’s presence in the dark: creating, listening, speaking, and hallowing our lives. Christ comes into that darkness as Emmanuel, God-with-us, to serve and to save.

Pastor Ben Masters preached "Joyful is the Dark" at Hector Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve).

Scripture readings: 

• Genesis 1:1-5, 14-1 (God creates night and day)
• Psalms 130 & 131 (Crying for redemption in the dark night of the soul)
• Joel 2:1-13 (The dark day of the Lord approaches)
• Isaiah 9:2-7 (God’s light shines on people overshadowed with oppression)
• Matthew 1:18-24 (An angel speaks to Joseph in a dream)
• Luke 2:1-7 (The Creator is born in Bethlehem)
• Luke 2:8-20 (Angels light up the night sky)
• Matthew 2:1-12 (A star guides the way for seekers)
• Philippians 2:1-11 (Christ emptied himself in service)                  

Download the transcript.