This is Part 4 of Pastor Chuck Bernal’s 2015 Christmas message series titled, “The GHOSTs Of Christmas Past”. “GHOSTs” is an acronym for: GUILT, HOPELESSNESS, OFFENSE, SORROWS, THREATS. This message discussed the differences between JOY and HAPPINESS and how we can have real JOY because of Christmas - even when we face problems in life. The main point of the message is contained in this statement: JOY IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF PROBLEMS AND PAIN BUT THE PRESENCE OF GOD’S PEACE AND POWER IN OUR LIVES! This message was delivered on Sunday, December 20, 2015.

1. Series – The GHOSTs of Christmas Past – Pastor Chuck Bernal
Ghost 4: SORROWS - Sunday, December 20, 2015
THE COLORS OF CHRISTMAS: RED, GREEN & BLUE
There are times when Christmas doesn’t go according to plan. There are times when you
know what the script ought to be but somebody or something changes the lines on us.
There are times when Christmas doesn’t seem as cheerful and upbeat as we had hoped it
would be: a loved one dies, family or friends move away, we struggle with divorce, we lose
our jobs, we may face cancer or some other overwhelming disease. What had promised to
be a Christmas filled with fun and pleasure suddenly becomes a “Blue Christmas”.
Sometimes at Christmas we are filled with _____________________________
Sometimes at Christmas we are filled with _____________________________
Sometimes at Christmas we are filled with _____________________________
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the
falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the
thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke
2:34-35 – NIV)
CHRISTMAS CHANGES EVERYTHING!
Simeon was there and took the child in his arms, praising God. “Lord,” he said, “now I can die
content! For I have seen him as you promised me I would. I have seen the Savior you have given
to the world. He is the Light that will shine upon the nations, and he will be the glory of your
people Israel!” (Luke 2:28-32 – LB)
Where there is sorrow,the Christof Christmas bringus __________________
Where there is anxiety, the Christ of Christmas bring us _________________
Where there is disappointment, the Christ of Christmas bring us __________
An angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord was shining around them, and
they became very frightened. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good
news that will be a great joy to all the people. Today your Savior was born in the town of David.
He is Christ, the Lord. (Luke 2:9-11 – NCV)

2. Christmas is ____________ ___________ that brings ________________ ___________
JOY IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF PROBLEMS AND PAIN
BUT THE PRESENCE OF GOD’S PEACE AND POWER IN OUR LIVES!
CHRISTMAS EXCHANGES EVERYTHING!
The Spirit of the Lord is on me. The Lord has appointed me for a special purpose. He has
anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to repair broken hearts, to declare
to those who are held captive and bound in prison, “Be free from your imprisonment!” He has
sent me to announce the season of God’s favor . . . For those who mourn it will be a time
of comfort . . . For those who grieve, God has sent me to give them a beautiful crown in
exchange for ashes, To anoint them with gladness instead of sorrow, to wrap them in victory,
joy, and praise instead of depression and sadness. People will call them magnificent, like great
towering trees standing for what is right. They stand to the glory of the Eternal who planted
them. (Isaiah 61:1-6 – Voice)
Becauseof Christmas, brokenhope is __________________
BecauseofChristmas, broken hearts are _______________
Becauseof Christmas, brokenlives are _________________
BecauseofChristmas, broken dreams are _________________
When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the
synagogue and stood up to read the Scriptures. The book of Isaiah the prophet was handed to
him, and he opened it to the place where it says: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has
appointed me to preach Good News to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted and
to announce that captives shall be released and the blind shall see, that the downtrodden shall
be freed from their oppressors, and that God is ready to give blessings to all who come to
him.” He closed the book and sat down, while everyone in the synagogue gazed at him
intently. Then he added,“These Scriptures came true today!” (Luke 4:16-21 – Voice)
Because of Christmas, the good news & great joy God promised can be ours
____________________________________!
Sometimes at Christmas we are filled with sorrows
Sometimes at Christmas we are filled with anxiety
Sometimes at Christmas we are filled with disappointment

3. Where there is sorrow,the Christof Christmas bringus joy
Where there is anxiety, the Christ of Christmas bring us peace
Where there is disappointment, the Christ of Christmas bring us hope
Christmas is good news that brings great joy
Becauseof Christmas, brokenhope is renewed
BecauseofChristmas, broken hearts are repaired
Becauseof Christmas, brokenlives are restored
BecauseofChristmas, broken dreams are rekindled
Because of Christmas, the good news & great joy God promised can be ours
TODAY!