1. Candle of the prophets - HOPE


Matthew 1:22-23 NLT: 22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet: 23 "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'"

• Hope is a positive expectation for the future.
  • Hope is a longing and waiting for an expected event.
  • Hopelessness is the expectation that things will get worse or stay the same.
• The reason for hope is:
  • God's faithfulness through the ages
  • God's promises - All of His promises have proven true.
  • God's prophecies - Over 580 messianic prophecies came to pass.
• Hope can light your life. If you've lost hope, it's because:
  • You've lost sight of God's FAITHFULNESS.
  • You've lost sight of God's PROMISES.
  • You've lost sight of God's PROPHECIES.

2. The candle of Bethlehem - FAITH


Matthew 1:24-25 NLT: 24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

• First is the REVEAL.
  • Faith begins when you receive a word from God. Without a word from God, you have nothing to attach your faith to. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17 NKJV).
  • The reveal is when God pulls back the curtain of heaven and let's you see what is going to happen.
• Second comes the RESPONSE. Luke 1:38 NLT: Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." And then the angel left her.
• Finally comes the REWARD. 
Matthew 2:1 NLT: Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod.

3. The candle of the shepherds - JOY


Luke 2:10 NLT: But the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people."

• Joy is a trademark of Christianity.
• You have joy because:
  • Your past is erased.
  • Your present is handled.
  • Your future is decided.
• You can make the CHOICE to have joy!
  • I will praise God.
  • I will smile and laugh more.

4. The candle of the angels - PEACE


Luke 2:14 NLT: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.

• Peace with God - The tension sinners feel between them and God is not made up. It is a real separation. Jesus removed the veil of separation on the cross.
• Peace with myself - The inner voice of many believers is creating turmoil in their lives. Embrace the Prince of Peace today and allow Jesus to bring peace to your mind, will, and emotions.
• Peace with others - Christmas presents us lots of opportunities to check our peace with others. This Christmas be intentional about creating and maintaining peace with family, friends, and coworkers. Not everything you think or feel needs to be voiced!