The Bright Morning Star (Revelation 22:16-21)

Let's stand for the reading of God's holy word.

We're going to be in the Book of Revelation as we have been

preaching through the on2 Fonz, these seven prayers that make up

the Christmas Anthem. O, Come Emmanuel, we've come to

the one where we even early in our service saying O Come Thou

Dayspring from on high and cheer Us by thy drawing nigh.

Disperse, the gloomy clouds of night and deaths, Dark Shadows

put to flight. Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel shall

come to thee. O Israel.

This is the sixth in the series. Next Sunday, will be the final

as we look at these Atlanta Fonz and to understand where it comes

from work. Begin going to begin in the Book

of Revelation. Invite you to turn there in your

bulletin, but also use the blue Pew Bible.

If you did not bring your own, because we're going to move

through a few It's of the scriptures today.

I'll begin at revelation 22. These are the last verses of the

Bible recorded in the Book of Revelation.

Jesus speaks, I Jesus have sent my angel to testify to you about

these things. For the churches, I am the root

and the descendant of David, the Bright Morning, Star, the

spirit, and the bride, say come, and let the one who hears say

come and let the one who Who is thirsty, come let the one who

desires, take the Water of Life without price.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this

book. If anyone adds to them, God will

add to him. The plagues described in this

book. And if anyone takes away from

the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his

share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are

described in this book. He Who testifies to these things

says, surely I I am coming soon. Amen.

Come Lord, Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus, be

with all, amen. This is the word of the Lord.

Thanks. Be to God, please be seated.

How many of you slept more than 8 hours last night?

Raise your hands. How many of you less than 4?

Raise your hands. Somewhere in between most the

longest day of the year for most children.

It's Christmas Eve. The longest day from my parents

was Christmas Day because I never slept on Christmas Eve.

I've told you that before, I couldn't miss soon as the light

went out from underneath the door.

I waited a little longer, one of five children the middle child,

I then moved to the tree and I began playing with all that was

there. Until my dad would come and

discipline me and send me back to my bed and I still wouldn't

sleep. I waited and waited and waited.

Waited. Now I'm a parent, five children,

two son-in-law's a granddaughter, the two married

ladies are not with us this Christmas for the first time.

That's a New Journey, a new experience there with their

extended families. So it's just the three of our

youngest children. We woke them up this morning.

So those who are weary and tired, it will come.

There'll be a time that will come.

It's good to be with you today. Children, I know for many of

you, you are thinking Church on Christmas.

This one happened, very many times in your life and it's a

sweet gift that you're here. Church worship on Christmas, not

an interruption. But a privilege to be together

as the body of Christ to do. The very thing that we have been

created to do. It is a gift, a gift, the gift

that continues to give as we think and meditate upon the

Indescribable gift of Jesus, our son.

I know that already most of you have torn into packages.

You've received things and you're grateful for what your

friends and family have provided for you.

I know when I think back on my own Christmas is I love those

morning's where we Would unwrap the things that our parents had

purchased for us, then or made for us that the joy of what have

been brought and put under the tree.

Some of the things. I also remember that I purchased

for others and I didn't do a lot of that when I was little, I

would buy something for each of my siblings and my mom and dad.

And I remember some of those in my favorite thing I ever got, my

father was a snake for Christmas.

Sometimes you give gifts that you know are going to benefit

you as well as the one who would receive it.

And in 1995, I gave my dad a snake.

Now, it's not the kind of snake, you're thinking of the one that

would freak everybody out on Christmas morning.

It was a new invention by Black & Decker, which would be calm

their greatest seller for a long season.

It was called the snake light. It was a flashlight that would

wrap around some apparatus and then shine light on the

carburetor or on a broken part of the refrigerator or the AC

unit. And the reason it was a great

gift is because if the snake wasn't in my father's hands, I

was the snake. I was the one like many of you

who had a father, who said here, hold the flashlight and you had

no idea. Whether that was going to take

five minutes or five hours, you had no idea how long you would

to hold the light. So your diet could do the work,

that's the gift. I gave my dad a 1995 He loved

it. We all loved it.

If you've never had that experience in because time has

passed the bed, but it was a great gift, a snake.

It Christmas. I want to talk about the other

snake at Christmas for a bit. You may be thinking, why would

you bring up Satan on Christmas day?

Well, how can you really understand this Indescribable

gift if you don't really understand the story?

Not just the back story, but the story that's happening.

Now that even now, this powerful Enemy Satan were told in the

word of God, the Revelation that he roams around looking for

someone to devour, he and he's crafty.

One of the ways he seeks to devour people is by making

Christmas. Nothing more than sentiment.

Nothing more than just this one, wonderful warm feeling.

But it's not listen to what you lifted your voice just a few

minutes ago and said in song go to page 4 in your bulletin

listen to verse 1 of God Rest. Ye Merry Gentlemen, God Rest.

Rest, Ye Merry Gentlemen. Let nothing you dismay remember

Christ. Our Savior was born on Christmas

day. Now imagine the songwriter

thinking of the words that he would put two pin to paper next

born on Christmas day to save us all from Satan's power, all of

this. Exist because of the evil that

he brought into this world. All of this exists because the

war was waged and it's not dualism, it's not Star Wars,

it's not, maybe the dark will win.

Maybe the light will win, but the dark is real.

And Christ came as the light to conquer the darkness.

We sang to save us all from Satan's power when we were gone

astray. All of us, the word of God tells

us like sheep. Have gone astray.

In each of us, has turned to his own way and the lord has laid on

him. That's Jesus.

The iniquity of us. All later, in verse 3.

It says fear, not then said the angel, let nothing you.

Affright this day is born, a savior of a pure virgin, bright

to free, all those who trust in him from Satan's power and might

If you're new to our church, we believe every word of this

Revelation and it speaks of this enemy who roams around like a

roaring lion. It tells us how we are to engage

and resist him but the story from the beginning of the Bible

to the end is about to this child promised name Jesus.

Who is Victorious over him? But this side of Heaven, it's

not nights filled with anticipation that often keep us

up children your parents. And as you get older you'll see.

There's something we heard earlier called gloomy nights

nights. Were we stay awake?

Not because we're anticipating something so joyful, and

beautiful and exciting but we're anticipating things that are

hard and dark. Doctors reports relationships

that are broken. We feel the effect of this dying

and dark world and that's where we come.

And why we come to find hope? Now, the reason I'm starting

here is because in the Book of Revelation Jesus is describing

himself as the Bright Morning Star.

Go back with me now to Revelation 22:16 verse 16.

Revelation 22:16

It says, I Jesus. And so Jesus, this is being

recorded by John the Apostle. I Jesus have sent my angel to

testify to you about these things for the churches.

I am the root and descendant of David.

That's also one of the ont fauns and that was preached a couple

of weeks ago, then he says I am the root and the descendant of

David, the Bright Morning Star. So the very last book in the

Bible speaks of Jesus being the Bright Morning Star.

It fulfills. What was said about him in

John's gospel, which we rehearsed earlier, he is the

light, the light of the world, the darkness has not overcome

it, but this phrase is very interesting, the Bright Morning

Star. It's the idea of like Venus that

star, that comes up still seen in the dark before the sun

itself Rises. But this isn't the only place

that occurs it actually occurs in the oldest book in the Bible.

So glad grab the blue. Bloop you Bible in front of you

and turn to the Book of Job. Go to chapter 38.

Jobs horrific account. Near the end has him in an

encounter with God, where the Lord is speaking to job.

If you ever struggle with anxiety, and I'm sure like me,

you do, when you can have your mind reminded of how great God

is of how in control God is, it can bring Great Piece to you.

And this is an interesting part of the Bible that can actually

do that when you. And I remember who he is, I'm

going to begin, reading at verse one in Job 38.

Eight and I'm going to show you where this idea of this bright

star comes. So Job. 38 verse 1, then the

Job 38:1

Lord answered job out of the world went and said, so now this

is what job heard as God spoke. Who is this that darkens counsel

by words without knowledge? That's pretty strong dress for

Action. God says to job dress for

Action. Like a man.

I will question you and you make it known to me.

Now, listen to God's questions to job.

Where were you, when I laid the foundation of the Earth, tell me

if you have understanding who determined its measurements,

surely, you know, or who stretched the line upon it on

what words, basis sunk our, who laid its Cornerstone.

When the, you see it? When the morning Stars sang

together and all the sons of God shouted for Joy, the morning,

Stars are the angels angels from the realm of Glory.

We were singing about it just a minute ago.

That's what's so great about these Christmas carols.

So often we just sing them and move on.

They are taking us into layer after layer of the gospel, and

all these rich rich lyrics. So, the Angels were the morning

Stars. They sang together and all the

sons of God shouted for Joy. This is amazing.

One of those mornings Stars was Satan.

In fact, Satan was one of the brightest of the morning Stars.

A high ranking Angel before his fall.

His primary job was to take the praise that was coming and the

center ascended up to God. The father in his fall, he

wanted that which he did not deserve that which was only for

god. Father son, Holy Spirit, the

Trinity only for them M, how do we know go with me to the book

of Isaiah where we get so many of the prophecies that come

about? Jesus and listen to what has

spoken of the fall of one? Who is evil.

Isaiah, 14 verse 12. I hope you're there with me,

Isaiah 14:12

it's pretty amazing. The word of God says this how

you were fallen from Heaven, o Day star, son of dawn.

The same name. The same name given to Satan,

that's given to the son. But the difference is the son.

Our Savior constantly send by this one who had the same name

constantly tempted by him, not just in the wilderness, but

throughout his life suffering in those Temptations, Hebrews 2

says because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able

to help those who are being tempted.

So, whatever you were tempted with self-righteousness, pride

lust, greed, anger, Gluttony you name it, he was tempted in the

same ways, sexual sin. Lying all of it.

Christ was tempted but he never fell.

This Angel, the Daystar, the son of dawn.

Isaiah goes on how you are cut down to the ground, you who laid

the nation's low, you said, in your heart, I will Ascend to

Heaven above the stars of God and I will set my Throne on

high. I will sit on the Mount of

assembly in the far, reaches of the north, I will Ascend above

the heights of the clouds. I will make myself like the most

high, but you are brought down to sheol to the far reaches of

the pit. What we seeing at Christmas and

all throughout the year. Really matters these layers of

the Gospel from the beginning of Genesis to the end.

Let me show you another way. When G's go back to revelation,

22, when Jesus is speaking in verse 16 it says I Jesus have

sent my angel to testify to you about these things.

For the churches, I am the root and the descendant of David, the

Bright Morning Star. We have in here recorded the

last words recorded in scripture of Jesus.

It's not necessarily the last things Jesus spoke, but it is

the last Worded words we have. What is it?

That Jesus said, Look with me at verse 20.

He who testifies to these things says surely I am coming soon.

Amen. How does this give us hope?

God's time and God's economy is not the same as ours.

What seems like soon to us clearly is not soon to him.

God knows the father knows when he is going to send his son

again to this earth and he's going to what gives us hope is

his return. What gives us hope is that he

has promised to return. He is going to come for his

bride, he is the bridegroom. What gives us hope is these

words that he spoke recorded in the last book of the Bible?

He who testifies to these things.

It says surely I am coming soon. Amen, and he is well in the

service singing Joy to the World.

It's actually a second Advent him.

It's really pointed to. The second coming of Christ.

He's going to come for us. He promises. but when the gloomy

night is more than tonight, when the gloomy night, moves into his

season, and that season stays with you, when your soul fills

the darkness, when you find yourself and despair, when you

find yourself living in dread, when your soul was in

depression, when your body is aching when relationships are

not going well, where you seem to find yourself in conflict

with almost everyone, When your body, or the body of a, loved

one is giving out these. Create the gloomy nights.

And what gives us hope is this promise of his return.

But there's another thing that gives us hope in that is his

Revelation. And when I say his Revelation, I

simply mean this from beginning to end, he has spoken to us in

his word. This revelation we have seen

what John recorded as his last words.

Surely, I am coming soon. Well, what were his last

commands? Look with me at Verse 18.

Jesus speaks these words, I warned everyone who hears these

words of the prophecy of this book.

If anyone adds to them, God will add to him.

The plagues described in this book.

And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this

prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life.

And in this the holy city which are described in this book.

What is Jesus Christ? Final recorded words in the

final book of the Bible. Surely.

I am coming soon. Secondly, do not add to this

book and do not take anything from this book.

And we are tempted to do it all the time.

Why? Because the serpent in the very

first book of the Bible, asking the very first question in the

Bible comes attacking the revealed word of God.

The serpent says to Eve, did God really say?

And he does the same thing to this day.

Did God really say not to add anything to this book friends,

we add things all the time, we add our own self-righteousness,

we create rules like the Pharisees did that cause us to

think of ourselves better than we should.

I could be wrong, but I would imagine there's some even this

morning who sinfully, of thought me my family were better than

others. Or our church is better than

other churches. Because we had church on Sunday,

the day after Christmas Eve. When we were just here, if

that's in your mind and self-righteous, if it's in your

mind, you're adding two things that you think would cause God

to see you better because of your own actions.

Yes, he is pleased that we are together but just because you're

here doesn't mean he suddenly sees you better and says now I I

will accept you. That's called

self-righteousness, that's pharisaism.

And the Pharisees were the ones who added to the scriptures all

the time. Do not add to the Gospel of

Jesus Christ. Do not add to the scriptures.

Do not add to the good news of the Gospel, with anything that

you yourself are bringing as if it makes a difference in how God

sees you, we are seen as Justified because of what Christ

did. We are seen as Justified because

of what Christ is doing, even now in our lives, don't add to

it, don't add to it. But also don't take from it.

Did God really say? This is the way.

That pleases me. In all aspects of life that God

spoke to he's given us this truth.

And whatever he says in regards to the way he Wills for things

to be, we are to tear no Pages out when we read the book of

Romans chapter 1, and we see the way in which the world has

Romans 1 · chapter mention

fallen certainly even before now, Some think it's too harsh.

Some think it's too judgmental, something, it's not right to

stand up for things that create such societal.

Evil. Don't judge another person.

God's word. Is not to be deleted.

And the cost of not deleting it. Is great.

It will be great. But we can't take pages and tear

them out because it doesn't fit in the world that we live.

Paul says, do not conform any longer to the pattern of the

world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

That's this and his Spirit then you will be able to test and

approve. What God's will is his good

pleasing and perfect will What's the last verse in the Bible?

It really summarizes why we can't add to or take away from

the word of God. The Revelation Jesus says surely

I'm coming soon, his return gives us hope he gives us his

Revelation, we're not to delete it or add to it.

And then he says this the grace of the Lord Jesus, be with all,

let me unpack this as I close. earlier in the service, Paul

gave us the words of comfort and Assurance from Ephesians 2

Ephesians 2 describes the war were in with Satan.

This is what it says. I just want you to listen.

Don't turn there, just listen. This is about all people and you

were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you.

Once walked following the course of this world, following the

prince of the power of the air that is now at work among the

sons of Disobedience, among whom we all once lived in the

passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and

the mind. And we're by Nature children of

Wrath, like the rest of mankind, all of us.

Long to Satan. All of us were flooded by this

one. Who's the prince of the power of

the air? Now, listen to the Revelation

but God, but God being rich in Mercy because of the great love

which he had for us, made us alive together in Christ.

And this is not from yourself. It's Christmas Day.

Listen, this is not from yourself.

It is the gift of God not by works.

Don't add to it. It is the gift of God.

The gift of God, the grace of God is the gift of God so that

no man can boast. I gave my dad a snake.

For Christmas. About six years later.

He had an infection that 808, the ate away, the mitral valve

of his heart. I had no idea where my father

stood with the Lord, they couldn't figure out what the

infection was. He was in the hospital.

I think right under not right under 40 days around 38 days,

they finally found the infection.

They killed the infection and then they did the surgery on his

heart and he survived and lived many number of years longer.

But why was in the hospital not knowing if he would survive God,

used me his son with his Revelation, his light.

And I took this light and the power of the spirit.

And I didn't take one thing out of it.

And I didn't take one thing and add to it.

My dad had grown up in a religious tradition where they

added many things to the scriptures.

He rebelled against that in such a way, where he was now,

deleting things from the scriptures, saying things like,

it doesn't really matter as long as you just believe in

something. That's deleting things from

scriptures at other times, he would say, well, I haven't been

good enough. You're right Dad, you haven't

and you never will. Be nobody will be only one, ever

was its Christ in that moment in that hospital room.

My father prayed to receive Christ.

This was a great day, a great day down the hall from my

father, was my uncle. I've told you about my uncle

Carol, especially at Thanksgiving.

Uncle Carol was in the hospital for a heart condition.

It was not his heart being destroyed by a bacteria, but by

bad living really bad. Living alcohol.

Lots of unhealthy food just destruction to his body, the

very same day. I walked out of my dad's

hospital room having trade with him, the sinner's prayer, I

turned and saw my uncle standing in the hallway.

He said, Mark, come here I want to talk to you.

I went in to talk to him. It was Good Friday, by the way.

He said, on his bed and said they say they can't help me.

My heart's too far gone, would you pray with me?

Cuz I don't know what will happen.

If I die. Uncle Carol.

Do you want to know what it would mean to live forever with

Christ? Yes.

I know you're the preacher in the family.

I was still in college. By the way.

Tell me. And I did I held up the same

light. The same Revelation talked about

the same Christ who had come the same Christ who promised to

return the same Christ that we would live with forever.

If we simply received him and there in that hospital room just

Doors Down from my father. He to prayed the sinner's

prayer, it was Good Friday. He went home on Saturday, they

found him dead on Easter morning.

Hallelujah. He's in the presence.

Of the man. Who is God, Jesus?

For most of his life that enemy saw it to keep him from ever

receiving the truth. God has you here today?

You have heard the truth, some of you have already received it.

Some of you may think you've received some of, you know, you

haven't, I don't know where you are.

But I know that you're here and the Julie for which we who are

in Christ, seen is a joy that comes from the constant reminder

that like you we didn't deserve it like you, we can't earn it.

Mike you if you open this gift and receive it, we have not

adding to it, not deleting from it.

And so we have a joy and a hope that is in this day spring, this

Bright Morning Star, which This Side of Heaven, we need him

constantly to remind us of his promise return and remind us.

Of his Revelation and he does. He does, he gives us everything

we need. Merry Christmas friends, Merry

Christmas, Merry Christmas, Jesus before we stand and lift

our voices and song. If there are any who are here, I

pray. This would be the moment for

them. Like my uncle Carol, like my

father and Lord, we hold up and have held up the light to them

that they may see that you have overcome the darkness that they

would receive you. Even now friend, if that is, you

simply pray for Christ to forgive, you, ask him.

To be your lord receive his salvation right now.

And father for those who know you are ready?

I pray that they would not have missed the point.

Where they have thought this message was just for those who

are lost. For if that's our attitude,

Lord, that's a sign that we are living disconnected from the

reality of who you are even now. So whatever.

Gloomy night we have been in will be in or in right now

whether that is a night or a season.

I pray that you would overwhelm all of us with the good news of

Christ. His promise return.

His Revelation given even this day in his word.

Father, we need you. Thank you for giving us your son

and thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit who is in us.

Even now we pray in Jesus name, amen.