WEBVTT

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 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama.

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 Our passion is to experience and express grace.

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 Join us.

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 Kids, I'd love for you to come join me on the stairs again this morning as we talk about

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 Christmas.

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 We've got a few more chances to do that up there.

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 You all right?

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 We have been talking through December about lots of things to be excited about, about

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 Christmas, haven't we?

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 We talked about lights and songs and food, and I think we're running out of things for

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 kids to be excited about.

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 Can you all think about anything else to be excited about for Christmas?

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 Oh, presents.

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 I forgot about it.

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 Maybe we'll have to talk about those on Christmas Eve, okay?

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 So we'll talk about presents on Christmas Eve, but we're going to talk about something else

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 this morning, okay?

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 Who do you like to be with at Christmas?

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 Can you think of it?

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 Yeah?

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 You sometimes have a lot of family that you might not get to see at other times that you

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 get to see around Christmas, or special friends, right?

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 That are part...

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 Do you have somebody, Bennett?

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 Yeah, some more people of your family are going to come.

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 Some of mine are coming.

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 Yeah, Millie?

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 My friends and my family.

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 Yeah, you're going to have friends and family for Christmas, aren't you?

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 And so we get to see lots of special people a lot of times, and I want you to know something.

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 When you think about the people that you like to celebrate with at Christmas, did you know

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 that a big part of Christmas for God was having you be a part of His family?

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 Did you know that?

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 That God wanted you to be in His family?

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 Did you know that's what the Bible says?

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 That's why the Bible says God sent Jesus to be born so that we could be in His family,

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 that we could be His sons and His daughters.

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 Isn't that amazing?

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 Now, I want you to think about something.

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 If you're a son and daughter, that means God is your...

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 Father.

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 Father.

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 Good thinking.

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 It took a minute for some of you, didn't it?

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 If God is your father...

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 I want to tell you something that I used to do with my girls.

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 I used to have three little girls.

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 They're not as little as they used to be.

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 But I used...

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 One of the things I used to do with them was I used to sit them on my lap and say to them,

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 Daddy loves you so much.

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 Okay?

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 Maybe you've had a mom or dad say that to you.

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 And we'd talk about why I love them so much.

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 And they were just really little.

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 Did I love them because they always made straight A's?

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 No.

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 No.

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 They hadn't even gone to school yet.

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 Did I love them because they always obeyed every time, everything I asked them to do?

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 Is that why I love them?

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 No.

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 No.

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 Sometimes they didn't obey.

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 Maybe you sometimes have not obeyed.

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 And you know what I would say?

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 Why do I love them?

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 And I would say, because you're my girl.

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 You're my girl.

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 Daddy loves you so much.

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 So listen, when God adopts you into His family, when He becomes your father, that means that

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 He always loves you no matter what.

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 Because no matter what happens, you're His, aren't you?

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 You're His child.

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 Even when you mess up, even when you're sad, no matter what you do, Jesus is born at Christmas

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 so that you can be in God's family and have a father who loves you perfectly all the time.

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 Isn't that awesome?

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 What a gift that is that we have God as a perfect father for us.

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 Let me pray and then I'll let you go back.

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 God, we are really thankful that You're our father.

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 We're thankful that You love us.

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 We're thankful that You sent Your son to be born at Christmas, to live and to die for us

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 so that we could be adopted into Your family.

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 I pray that these kids would especially know Your love for them, that they would know that

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 You love them because they are Yours and that nothing can change that ever.

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 And we pray that that would give them a great reason to celebrate this Christmas as they

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 remember how much their father loves them.

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 In Jesus' name, amen.

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 All right, now some of y'all are going back here to kids' worship, okay?

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 You can go right back there and meet them.

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 And the rest of you can go sit back down and come back up here at the Christmas Eve service

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 because no matter what Mr. Jeremy says, you're all invited, okay?

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 And we'll talk again then.

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 When you start talking about family this time of year, you get some smiles and some uneasy

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 chuckles too, right?

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 Ah, family.

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 Maybe at this point my in-laws and or my parents should slip out the back while they have the chance.

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 So glad y'all are here.

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 I promise not to talk about you too much.

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 There are understandably a lot of emotions this time of year.

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 Anxiety over expectations.

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 Grief over those who are not with us.

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 Pressure of the big day and how could it all live up to what it's supposed to be?

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 We recognize this in our culture.

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 Many of our favorite holiday movies reference complex family dynamics.

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 Getting home for the holidays and can I make it?

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 Will I be there?

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 The difficult relationships that are being navigated.

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 Or even leaving a child home alone while you fly across the Atlantic for the holidays.

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 I hope none of you have ever done that.

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 But as many of you approach these times together, these difficult emotions, in the next couple days perhaps, maybe sometime this week,

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 I want to encourage you, especially if that's a heavy thing on your heart,

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 that it is right in the midst of those messy situations that God loves to show up.

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 That He loves to work in amazing ways.

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 That is part of the wonder of Christmas that you can remember and that you can rejoice in right now.

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 See, when Jesus was about to be born, there was family tension with Joseph and Mary, right?

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 There's some awkwardness.

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 And that's actually been the norm through His whole family tree.

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 Matthew lays out Jesus' family history for us all the way back to the beginning.

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 And the people He highlights include Judah and his brothers.

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 Remember the name of any of his brothers?

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 One of them was named Joseph.

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 And Judah and his brothers were selling their brother into slavery, his sibling rivalry on steroids.

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 Tamar.

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 Tamar's story is probably one of the most painfully abusive in the entire Bible.

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 Rahab.

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 And Ruth.

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 Rahab.

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 And Ruth.

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 Those are Gentile outsiders without the best reputations in the world.

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 Jesse, whose family tree was cut down to a stump at this point.

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 And what could come of them?

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 Until his youngest son, David.

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 David and the wife of Uriah.

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 Talk about awkward family dinner discussion that would always include adultery and murder.

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 All the way down, person after person, to Joseph and Mary and their tension.

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 And so here's this family tree.

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 Here's the history they bring in their family.

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 And God looks down and says, right there.

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 That is where I'm going to show up in the world.

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 All of these people, they're going to play key roles in my cosmic story of glory and grace.

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 As I come to redeem, that's exactly where I'm going to start.

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 It's with them.

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 So listen, if you feel tension in your family right now, maybe that's a great place to ask God,

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 to expect God to show up and to work.

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 He'll probably do it in ways that you don't expect, right?

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 He doesn't usually do it the way I think he might.

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 But God is so gracious that his family is beautifully broken and perfectly messy.

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 He picks this broken bunch for his family.

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 And he writes a history-shaping, world-changing story right in the midst of their mess.

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 He'll do it in yours.

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 Merry Christmas.

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 Whether it feels merry or not.

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 See, in case you've forgotten while you've been working on Christmas cards and presents

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 and schedules and relationships, Christmas is not about your messy family being perfect.

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 It's not.

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 It's about you and your messy family being included in God's perfectly messy family.

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 It's what he wants for you.

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 This is God's heart.

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 If you don't believe that this is what he thinks of Christmas, look at Galatians chapter 4.

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 In fact, please look at Galatians 4 even if you already believe me that this is God's heart.

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 See, part of the wonder here is how God works in this family.

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 In Galatians, Paul's been talking about our relationship with God.

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 How it comes not by successfully keeping God's law, but by surrendering to God's grace by faith.

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 God's law has been showing us how perfect he is, how desperately we need to be rescued.

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 And then Christmas.

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 Verse 4 of chapter 4.

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 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts crying,

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 Abba, Father.

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 So you are no longer a slave, but a son.

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 And if a son, then an heir through God.

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 Why Christmas?

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 Because God wanted orphans like you and me trapped under the weight of the law,

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 stuck in our sin, left out in our loneliness.

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 He wanted us adopted into His family.

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 God, in fact, sent His Son.

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 Can you believe this?

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 What a painful decision this must have been?

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 And He sent Him into an uncomfortable and distant situation to go buy us wandering children back into the family.

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 Boy, He must really love us.

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 He must really love you if He was going to take the one son that He had and send Him out so that He could have you back in His family.

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 See, adoption means that our relationship with God is based not upon us, but upon God.

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 Not upon our performance, but upon God's promises.

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 That is the first thing that's highlighted in our passage this morning.

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 Christmas adoption is about our having a permanent seat at the table.

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 I am talking family dinner in God's family.

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 You are in.

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 You have a seat at that table because of the mission Jesus was sent on at Christmas.

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 Pastor Sinclair Ferguson says it this way in his book on adoption.

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 Adoption is not a change in nature, but a change in status.

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 If we fail to see this truth, we will reject the power of our adoption.

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 Adoption is a declaration God makes about us.

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 It is irreversible, dependent entirely upon His gracious choice in which He says,

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 You are my son.

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 Today I have brought you into my family.

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 It's beautiful.

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 We can't reverse the legal transaction that God has made take place by being too messy.

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 We are His, period.

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 Jesus came to earth to bring us into the family, into a relationship with God,

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 where the way it works is that our best days don't commend us.

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 And at the same time, our worst days don't condemn us.

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 Did you catch that?

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 Your best day of moral performance when you're patting yourself on the back,

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 it doesn't make you an appealing signing in the transfer portal for God.

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 That's not how it works.

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 And at the same time, your worst day of failing and blowing it doesn't get you cut from the team.

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 It's not like that.

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 This is a family.

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 You've been adopted by God's grace.

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 You receive, Paul says, adoption as a son.

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 No more distance from God.

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 No more fear of being neglected.

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 No more doubt of His fatherly care.

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 You may know that it's often difficult for children who weren't well cared for in their early years

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 to feel secure in a new reality where they are well provided for to trust that that will continue.

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 Their parents will often find them stashing food under their bed or somewhere else

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 because they're not sure even though they've had a good meal,

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 they're used to not being able to trust that there will be food there when they're hungry again.

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 They don't know that they'll be seated at a table full of food like this again.

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 And new parents have to reiterate over and over,

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 you're our child.

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 We love you.

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 We won't quit providing for you and leave you on your own again.

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 We're here.

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 We're going to keep taking care of you.

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 Brothers and sisters,

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 how often does our Heavenly Father have to remind us of that incredible reality?

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 The good news of Jesus is not, as so many describe it today,

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 as a second chance.

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 A second chance to get it right.

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 So don't mess it up again.

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 Don't blow it.

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 That's not it.

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 It's not that,

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 oh, that bad sin you did,

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 it's forgiven,

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 but don't do another big one

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 because you don't know what will happen then.

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 That's not the good news of Jesus.

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 It is a new status.

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 Child of God.

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 Because Jesus left His seat at the table

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 and took our spot on the cross

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 where He paid for all of our sins

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 and He seated us in His seat,

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 if you will,

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 at the family dinner table forever.

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 We have a place.

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 Someone here this morning

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 needs to hear God say to you,

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 you are my child.

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 I love you.

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 I adopted you.

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 And I will keep loving you

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 because you are mine.

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 Don't worry.

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 Your Heavenly Father knows what you need.

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 Christmas shows it.

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 Jesus was born for this.

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 Jesus was born for you.

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 We will be born for you.

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 We will be born for you.

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 We will be born for you.

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 We will be born for you.

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 We will be born for you.

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 We will be born for you.

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 If we will receive them.

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 A second part of being in God's family

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 by His amazing grace

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 is in the next verse.

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 Because you are sons,

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 God has sent the Spirit of His Son

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 into our hearts crying,

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 Abba, Father.

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 Father.

00:17:32.939 --> 00:17:34.679
 God so wants you to know

00:17:34.679 --> 00:17:35.819
 that Christmas is about

00:17:35.819 --> 00:17:37.599
 your coming into His family

00:17:37.599 --> 00:17:40.179
 that He sends not only His Son

00:17:40.179 --> 00:17:41.459
 to rescue you,

00:17:41.579 --> 00:17:43.219
 but also His Spirit

00:17:43.219 --> 00:17:44.679
 to remind you

00:17:44.679 --> 00:17:45.979
 that He is here for you

00:17:45.979 --> 00:17:46.719
 right now.

00:17:47.259 --> 00:17:48.799
 He wants you to experience

00:17:48.799 --> 00:17:49.459
 what I call

00:17:49.459 --> 00:17:51.459
 fall-out-of-bed access

00:17:51.459 --> 00:17:52.839
 to your Father.

00:17:53.339 --> 00:17:54.699
 What in the world does that mean?

00:17:54.799 --> 00:17:55.639
 Here's what I mean.

00:17:56.859 --> 00:17:58.439
 It's been a while for me,

00:17:58.440 --> 00:17:59.860
 but I still remember

00:17:59.860 --> 00:18:01.220
 very vividly

00:18:01.220 --> 00:18:02.779
 things going bump

00:18:02.779 --> 00:18:04.120
 in the middle of the night.

00:18:04.759 --> 00:18:05.700
 You've probably,

00:18:05.980 --> 00:18:06.680
 if you're a parent,

00:18:06.820 --> 00:18:07.600
 heard before

00:18:07.600 --> 00:18:08.660
 the thud

00:18:08.660 --> 00:18:11.059
 waking you from sleep.

00:18:11.200 --> 00:18:11.680
 Usually,

00:18:12.140 --> 00:18:12.779
 in our house,

00:18:12.840 --> 00:18:13.200
 it would mean

00:18:13.200 --> 00:18:14.100
 that one of my girls

00:18:14.100 --> 00:18:16.059
 had fallen out of bed.

00:18:16.940 --> 00:18:18.759
 Very little would jolt me

00:18:18.759 --> 00:18:20.420
 out of bed so quickly.

00:18:20.660 --> 00:18:21.820
 If I was quick enough,

00:18:21.920 --> 00:18:23.120
 I could run across the hall

00:18:23.120 --> 00:18:23.960
 and get there to them

00:18:23.960 --> 00:18:24.759
 before they even realized

00:18:24.759 --> 00:18:25.519
 what was going on.

00:18:25.519 --> 00:18:28.400
 But that wasn't very often

00:18:28.400 --> 00:18:30.420
 because I was usually

00:18:30.420 --> 00:18:31.379
 pretty asleep

00:18:31.379 --> 00:18:32.500
 and pretty slow.

00:18:33.799 --> 00:18:35.259
 And so if I wasn't fast enough

00:18:35.259 --> 00:18:35.759
 to get there,

00:18:35.859 --> 00:18:36.359
 inevitably,

00:18:36.539 --> 00:18:37.359
 what would happen is

00:18:37.359 --> 00:18:38.579
 you hear thud,

00:18:39.039 --> 00:18:40.019
 pause, pause,

00:18:40.200 --> 00:18:41.519
 Daddy, Daddy!

00:18:44.759 --> 00:18:45.879
 One night I had

00:18:45.879 --> 00:18:47.139
 one of those

00:18:47.139 --> 00:18:48.599
 middle-of-the-night realizations.

00:18:48.839 --> 00:18:49.740
 I don't know if you've ever had

00:18:49.740 --> 00:18:51.279
 some of the best realizations

00:18:51.279 --> 00:18:52.019
 you'll ever have

00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:52.660
 when you wake up

00:18:52.660 --> 00:18:53.319
 in the middle of the night.

00:18:53.319 --> 00:18:55.839
 I realized that

00:18:55.839 --> 00:18:56.559
 when my girls

00:18:56.559 --> 00:18:57.960
 fall out of bed,

00:18:58.000 --> 00:18:58.980
 when they go bump,

00:18:59.960 --> 00:19:02.000
 not one of my daughters

00:19:02.000 --> 00:19:03.679
 ever stops to think

00:19:03.679 --> 00:19:05.700
 if this is a particularly

00:19:05.700 --> 00:19:07.619
 convenient time for me

00:19:07.619 --> 00:19:09.619
 for them to cry out.

00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:11.279
 Asleep as I was,

00:19:11.379 --> 00:19:12.619
 I don't think it

00:19:12.619 --> 00:19:13.460
 crossed their minds.

00:19:15.220 --> 00:19:16.119
 None of my daughters

00:19:16.119 --> 00:19:17.339
 either stopped to think

00:19:17.339 --> 00:19:17.980
 in that moment

00:19:17.980 --> 00:19:19.839
 whether she obeyed well

00:19:19.839 --> 00:19:21.339
 before going to sleep.

00:19:21.339 --> 00:19:23.500
 She didn't hit the ground

00:19:23.500 --> 00:19:23.779
 and think,

00:19:23.919 --> 00:19:24.179
 hmm,

00:19:24.259 --> 00:19:25.399
 did I eat my vegetables

00:19:25.399 --> 00:19:26.000
 at dinner?

00:19:27.159 --> 00:19:29.359
 I wonder if I obeyed Dad

00:19:29.359 --> 00:19:30.119
 the last thing

00:19:30.119 --> 00:19:31.519
 that he asked me to do.

00:19:31.579 --> 00:19:32.379
 Is that what happens

00:19:32.379 --> 00:19:33.019
 in the middle of the night

00:19:33.019 --> 00:19:33.519
 when you fall

00:19:33.519 --> 00:19:34.099
 and hit your head?

00:19:35.439 --> 00:19:35.799
 No.

00:19:37.799 --> 00:19:38.119
 Instinctively,

00:19:38.519 --> 00:19:40.039
 she cried out

00:19:40.039 --> 00:19:41.119
 for Daddy.

00:19:41.539 --> 00:19:42.039
 And she knew

00:19:42.039 --> 00:19:42.859
 I'd be there.

00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:44.799
 She knew I'd comfort her.

00:19:45.339 --> 00:19:46.240
 I just want to ask you,

00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:47.159
 have you cried out

00:19:47.159 --> 00:19:47.839
 like that lately?

00:19:48.220 --> 00:19:49.079
 Abba, Father,

00:19:49.079 --> 00:19:51.439
 in the midst of your life

00:19:51.439 --> 00:19:52.619
 when things go bump

00:19:52.619 --> 00:19:53.379
 in your life

00:19:53.379 --> 00:19:54.139
 because they still do

00:19:54.139 --> 00:19:54.699
 when you're big.

00:19:55.720 --> 00:19:56.799
 How do you respond?

00:19:57.740 --> 00:19:59.000
 What do you cry out?

00:19:59.359 --> 00:20:01.679
 To whom do you cry out?

00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:03.039
 You know,

00:20:03.119 --> 00:20:04.259
 a servant can come

00:20:04.259 --> 00:20:05.299
 during business hours

00:20:05.299 --> 00:20:06.759
 if he gets his report

00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:08.119
 all organized

00:20:08.119 --> 00:20:09.220
 and bring it

00:20:09.220 --> 00:20:10.279
 and talk to his boss,

00:20:10.339 --> 00:20:10.599
 right?

00:20:12.599 --> 00:20:14.119
 But a son can come

00:20:14.119 --> 00:20:15.419
 24-7,

00:20:15.919 --> 00:20:16.079
 disheveled,

00:20:16.079 --> 00:20:16.639
 disheveled,

00:20:16.899 --> 00:20:17.720
 half asleep

00:20:17.720 --> 00:20:19.099
 to his father

00:20:19.099 --> 00:20:20.039
 and know that

00:20:20.039 --> 00:20:21.339
 he will be loved.

00:20:21.539 --> 00:20:22.819
 You don't have to wait

00:20:22.819 --> 00:20:23.799
 until you've had

00:20:23.799 --> 00:20:24.539
 a good day

00:20:24.539 --> 00:20:25.480
 or a good night

00:20:25.480 --> 00:20:26.919
 of husbanding

00:20:26.919 --> 00:20:28.119
 or parenting

00:20:28.119 --> 00:20:29.579
 or childing

00:20:29.579 --> 00:20:30.799
 or whatever else.

00:20:31.639 --> 00:20:33.059
 You've disobeyed.

00:20:33.119 --> 00:20:33.919
 I know you have.

00:20:34.220 --> 00:20:35.220
 You've failed.

00:20:35.500 --> 00:20:36.500
 God's aware of that.

00:20:36.720 --> 00:20:37.960
 But you are still

00:20:37.960 --> 00:20:39.259
 his child

00:20:39.259 --> 00:20:40.059
 and you don't have

00:20:40.059 --> 00:20:40.799
 to count that

00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:42.220
 before you cry out to him.

00:20:43.500 --> 00:20:44.220
 If you've never

00:20:44.220 --> 00:20:45.700
 experienced a relationship

00:20:45.700 --> 00:20:46.339
 with God,

00:20:46.700 --> 00:20:47.980
 that's what it's like.

00:20:48.240 --> 00:20:49.000
 That's what I'm trying

00:20:49.000 --> 00:20:49.940
 to describe for you.

00:20:50.039 --> 00:20:51.880
 That's fall out of bed access

00:20:51.880 --> 00:20:53.980
 to personal,

00:20:54.660 --> 00:20:56.440
 intimate relationship

00:20:56.440 --> 00:20:57.220
 with God

00:20:57.220 --> 00:20:58.299
 who desires

00:20:58.299 --> 00:20:59.200
 for you to be

00:20:59.200 --> 00:21:00.140
 with him.

00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:01.000
 In fact,

00:21:01.079 --> 00:21:02.380
 it's why he says

00:21:02.380 --> 00:21:03.579
 he sent his son.

00:21:04.339 --> 00:21:05.720
 It's why he sends

00:21:05.720 --> 00:21:06.600
 his spirit

00:21:06.600 --> 00:21:07.940
 into our hearts

00:21:07.940 --> 00:21:09.200
 so that we can know

00:21:09.200 --> 00:21:10.160
 that we're free

00:21:10.160 --> 00:21:11.380
 to come anytime

00:21:11.380 --> 00:21:12.600
 and be received

00:21:12.600 --> 00:21:14.039
 with open arms.

00:21:15.140 --> 00:21:16.319
 Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones

00:21:16.319 --> 00:21:17.339
 described this

00:21:17.339 --> 00:21:19.200
 as instinctive

00:21:19.200 --> 00:21:20.500
 crying out

00:21:20.500 --> 00:21:21.700
 to Abba Father.

00:21:21.900 --> 00:21:22.259
 Anytime,

00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:23.440
 for anything,

00:21:23.539 --> 00:21:23.779
 he says,

00:21:23.900 --> 00:21:25.180
 it can become natural

00:21:25.180 --> 00:21:26.259
 for us.

00:21:26.600 --> 00:21:27.579
 Many of us feel like,

00:21:27.660 --> 00:21:28.140
 I don't know,

00:21:28.200 --> 00:21:28.759
 that's awkward.

00:21:28.860 --> 00:21:29.120
 I don't know

00:21:29.120 --> 00:21:29.920
 if I can come to God

00:21:29.920 --> 00:21:30.240
 like that.

00:21:30.400 --> 00:21:31.980
 It can become natural

00:21:31.980 --> 00:21:32.579
 for you

00:21:32.579 --> 00:21:33.740
 as you listen to him

00:21:33.740 --> 00:21:34.200
 and his word

00:21:34.200 --> 00:21:35.299
 and you talk to him

00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:36.120
 and you tell him

00:21:36.120 --> 00:21:36.839
 what's on your heart

00:21:36.839 --> 00:21:37.900
 and you spend time

00:21:37.900 --> 00:21:38.279
 like that.

00:21:38.420 --> 00:21:40.500
 It becomes normal.

00:21:40.640 --> 00:21:41.799
 I can talk to my Father.

00:21:41.799 --> 00:21:44.419
 He wants to hear from me.

00:21:45.440 --> 00:21:46.279
 Just think about this.

00:21:46.379 --> 00:21:46.680
 Jesus,

00:21:46.919 --> 00:21:48.399
 who taught us

00:21:48.399 --> 00:21:49.700
 to call his Father

00:21:49.700 --> 00:21:51.039
 our Father,

00:21:51.740 --> 00:21:52.359
 cried out,

00:21:52.460 --> 00:21:53.099
 Abba Father,

00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:55.240
 in his darkest hour

00:21:55.240 --> 00:21:56.819
 in the Garden of Gethsemane

00:21:56.819 --> 00:21:57.799
 when he was facing

00:21:57.799 --> 00:21:58.839
 the cross

00:21:58.839 --> 00:21:59.720
 and he knew

00:21:59.720 --> 00:22:00.359
 that he needed

00:22:00.359 --> 00:22:00.859
 the one

00:22:00.859 --> 00:22:01.799
 who would care

00:22:01.799 --> 00:22:03.399
 for him perfectly.

00:22:03.559 --> 00:22:03.879
 He said,

00:22:04.000 --> 00:22:05.299
 Abba Father.

00:22:05.960 --> 00:22:07.259
 And the same Father

00:22:07.259 --> 00:22:08.920
 who heard Jesus

00:22:08.920 --> 00:22:09.740
 that night

00:22:09.740 --> 00:22:12.220
 still hears you

00:22:12.220 --> 00:22:12.960
 today

00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:14.519
 when you cry to him.

00:22:16.099 --> 00:22:16.940
 Most fathers

00:22:16.940 --> 00:22:17.400
 are willing

00:22:17.400 --> 00:22:18.119
 to listen

00:22:18.119 --> 00:22:19.539
 to their children.

00:22:20.599 --> 00:22:20.940
 In fact,

00:22:21.019 --> 00:22:21.819
 they love to hear

00:22:21.819 --> 00:22:22.940
 what's on their hearts,

00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:23.559
 don't we dads?

00:22:25.960 --> 00:22:27.619
 This is the perfect

00:22:27.619 --> 00:22:28.500
 Father.

00:22:28.920 --> 00:22:30.519
 Not you or me.

00:22:31.400 --> 00:22:31.940
 Not the one

00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:32.500
 who sometimes

00:22:32.500 --> 00:22:33.140
 gets weary,

00:22:33.539 --> 00:22:34.660
 who loses his temper,

00:22:35.599 --> 00:22:36.579
 who gets impatient.

00:22:36.579 --> 00:22:37.339
 No.

00:22:38.059 --> 00:22:39.259
 The perfect Father.

00:22:39.399 --> 00:22:40.980
 He longs to hear.

00:22:41.759 --> 00:22:43.819
 He loves to love.

00:22:43.939 --> 00:22:46.279
 He lives to listen

00:22:46.279 --> 00:22:48.019
 to your cries.

00:22:48.740 --> 00:22:49.740
 Child of God,

00:22:50.720 --> 00:22:52.199
 by faith in Jesus,

00:22:52.359 --> 00:22:53.039
 you have come

00:22:53.039 --> 00:22:54.359
 into this family

00:22:54.359 --> 00:22:56.159
 where he is your Father.

00:22:56.460 --> 00:22:58.179
 You have a permanent seat

00:22:58.179 --> 00:22:58.960
 at the table.

00:22:59.740 --> 00:23:01.679
 You have fall-out-of-bed

00:23:01.679 --> 00:23:05.079
 access to the perfect Father

00:23:05.079 --> 00:23:06.319
 forever.

00:23:06.579 --> 00:23:07.559
 And,

00:23:07.679 --> 00:23:08.460
 one more thing

00:23:08.460 --> 00:23:10.279
 that you get

00:23:10.279 --> 00:23:11.319
 from your adoption here

00:23:11.319 --> 00:23:12.399
 in this passage.

00:23:12.519 --> 00:23:13.059
 Verse 7.

00:23:16.399 --> 00:23:17.359
 So you are no longer

00:23:17.359 --> 00:23:18.019
 a slave,

00:23:18.079 --> 00:23:18.740
 but a son.

00:23:20.199 --> 00:23:21.279
 And if a son,

00:23:22.220 --> 00:23:23.399
 then an heir

00:23:23.399 --> 00:23:24.859
 through God.

00:23:26.480 --> 00:23:27.299
 An heir.

00:23:28.679 --> 00:23:29.599
 An inheritance.

00:23:30.659 --> 00:23:30.799
 Now,

00:23:30.879 --> 00:23:32.639
 what will that mean?

00:23:32.819 --> 00:23:33.899
 What is an inheritance?

00:23:33.900 --> 00:23:34.500
 Well,

00:23:34.500 --> 00:23:35.900
 it's certainly not less

00:23:35.900 --> 00:23:38.060
 than eternal security.

00:23:38.420 --> 00:23:38.720
 Wow.

00:23:39.300 --> 00:23:40.019
 The Bible speaks

00:23:40.019 --> 00:23:40.780
 of an inheritance

00:23:40.780 --> 00:23:42.060
 that is kept in heaven

00:23:42.060 --> 00:23:42.700
 for us

00:23:42.700 --> 00:23:44.300
 so that we are children

00:23:44.300 --> 00:23:45.519
 provided for

00:23:45.519 --> 00:23:46.820
 even beyond this life.

00:23:46.880 --> 00:23:47.560
 No matter what you get

00:23:47.560 --> 00:23:48.040
 for Christmas,

00:23:48.420 --> 00:23:49.340
 you've got an inheritance

00:23:49.340 --> 00:23:50.160
 kept in heaven

00:23:50.160 --> 00:23:51.120
 for you.

00:23:51.759 --> 00:23:52.640
 It's not less than that.

00:23:53.140 --> 00:23:54.259
 It's certainly not less

00:23:54.259 --> 00:23:56.019
 than present provision.

00:23:56.519 --> 00:23:57.360
 The Bible speaks

00:23:57.360 --> 00:23:58.240
 of our Father

00:23:58.240 --> 00:23:58.780
 as a God

00:23:58.780 --> 00:23:59.740
 who owns the cattle

00:23:59.740 --> 00:24:01.160
 on a thousand hills

00:24:01.160 --> 00:24:02.759
 and provides generously

00:24:02.759 --> 00:24:03.640
 for His children

00:24:03.640 --> 00:24:04.580
 as He feeds

00:24:04.580 --> 00:24:05.860
 all of His creation.

00:24:06.160 --> 00:24:07.740
 He won't forget you.

00:24:08.660 --> 00:24:09.700
 It's not less than that.

00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:11.380
 But it's actually,

00:24:11.680 --> 00:24:12.500
 it's even better.

00:24:13.640 --> 00:24:13.840
 See,

00:24:13.900 --> 00:24:14.779
 when the Bible speaks

00:24:14.779 --> 00:24:16.400
 of us as God's heirs,

00:24:16.840 --> 00:24:18.640
 it highlights the reality

00:24:18.640 --> 00:24:20.320
 that we are co-heirs

00:24:20.320 --> 00:24:23.100
 with Jesus Himself.

00:24:23.360 --> 00:24:23.480
 Now,

00:24:23.519 --> 00:24:24.620
 that's something

00:24:24.620 --> 00:24:25.660
 to stop and think about

00:24:25.660 --> 00:24:26.140
 for a minute.

00:24:26.320 --> 00:24:27.259
 It's significant

00:24:27.259 --> 00:24:28.480
 for a number of reasons

00:24:28.480 --> 00:24:29.779
 we could ponder later.

00:24:29.779 --> 00:24:32.259
 But in this context,

00:24:32.359 --> 00:24:33.720
 it's especially significant

00:24:33.720 --> 00:24:35.099
 because in the Roman world

00:24:35.099 --> 00:24:36.200
 in which this passage

00:24:36.200 --> 00:24:36.799
 was written,

00:24:37.740 --> 00:24:39.519
 the most common purpose

00:24:39.519 --> 00:24:40.579
 of adoption,

00:24:41.000 --> 00:24:42.200
 of adopting someone

00:24:42.200 --> 00:24:42.960
 as a son,

00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:44.720
 was to have an heir

00:24:44.720 --> 00:24:46.680
 when you didn't have one.

00:24:47.680 --> 00:24:48.740
 You didn't have anybody

00:24:48.740 --> 00:24:50.240
 to carry on

00:24:50.240 --> 00:24:51.700
 the family name,

00:24:52.399 --> 00:24:53.619
 your legacy,

00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:56.160
 to give your property to.

00:24:56.160 --> 00:24:59.800
 But that's not something

00:24:59.800 --> 00:25:01.259
 our Heavenly Father needs,

00:25:01.320 --> 00:25:01.720
 is it?

00:25:02.980 --> 00:25:04.880
 Jesus is already there

00:25:04.880 --> 00:25:06.580
 as heir.

00:25:07.180 --> 00:25:07.779
 And by the way,

00:25:07.840 --> 00:25:08.920
 God's not going anywhere.

00:25:09.980 --> 00:25:10.860
 He doesn't need somebody

00:25:10.860 --> 00:25:12.200
 to carry on after Him.

00:25:14.160 --> 00:25:14.440
 Hmm.

00:25:16.140 --> 00:25:17.300
 What do we get?

00:25:17.800 --> 00:25:19.120
 Instead of that,

00:25:19.180 --> 00:25:21.060
 if that's not the primary thing,

00:25:21.279 --> 00:25:22.800
 we get what would come along

00:25:22.800 --> 00:25:24.480
 with all of those things.

00:25:24.480 --> 00:25:25.680
 The Roman father,

00:25:25.960 --> 00:25:26.680
 without an heir,

00:25:26.900 --> 00:25:27.980
 would adopt a son

00:25:27.980 --> 00:25:29.579
 that he could fully bring

00:25:29.579 --> 00:25:30.519
 into the family,

00:25:30.740 --> 00:25:30.980
 right?

00:25:31.120 --> 00:25:32.180
 That he could share

00:25:32.180 --> 00:25:34.099
 his heart and life with.

00:25:34.240 --> 00:25:35.440
 He wanted to pass on

00:25:35.440 --> 00:25:36.880
 his very person,

00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:37.519
 if you will,

00:25:37.579 --> 00:25:38.480
 in relationship

00:25:38.480 --> 00:25:39.559
 so that the things

00:25:39.559 --> 00:25:40.480
 that mattered to him

00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:41.420
 and who he was

00:25:41.420 --> 00:25:42.779
 would live on.

00:25:43.000 --> 00:25:44.200
 And then he would leave

00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:45.240
 a material inheritance

00:25:45.240 --> 00:25:46.660
 on top of that.

00:25:47.579 --> 00:25:48.460
 So what do we get?

00:25:48.460 --> 00:25:51.160
 We get the relationship.

00:25:52.039 --> 00:25:53.079
 The best part

00:25:53.079 --> 00:25:54.259
 of our inheritance

00:25:54.259 --> 00:25:56.579
 is God giving us Himself.

00:25:57.579 --> 00:25:58.779
 As we've just been learning

00:25:58.779 --> 00:26:01.299
 from Jesus in John 17 recently,

00:26:01.720 --> 00:26:03.360
 that God loves us

00:26:03.360 --> 00:26:06.700
 even as He loves Jesus Himself,

00:26:06.779 --> 00:26:08.480
 His perfect Son.

00:26:08.680 --> 00:26:10.039
 That's amazing, isn't it?

00:26:10.680 --> 00:26:12.039
 See, it's not merely

00:26:12.039 --> 00:26:13.539
 that He wants to give us stuff.

00:26:13.660 --> 00:26:14.319
 That's great.

00:26:14.319 --> 00:26:15.819
 He loves us so much

00:26:15.819 --> 00:26:16.879
 that He wants us to be

00:26:16.879 --> 00:26:18.359
 with Him

00:26:18.359 --> 00:26:21.279
 to see His glory.

00:26:22.960 --> 00:26:24.179
 With Him,

00:26:24.439 --> 00:26:25.700
 in His glory,

00:26:26.200 --> 00:26:27.779
 in relationship.

00:26:28.740 --> 00:26:29.379
 Unbelievable.

00:26:30.419 --> 00:26:31.939
 He wants that relationship

00:26:31.939 --> 00:26:32.559
 with you.

00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:34.960
 The more we ponder

00:26:34.960 --> 00:26:35.779
 that reality,

00:26:36.359 --> 00:26:37.539
 the more we realize

00:26:37.539 --> 00:26:39.319
 having God Himself,

00:26:39.679 --> 00:26:40.779
 that relationship

00:26:40.779 --> 00:26:41.319
 with access

00:26:42.059 --> 00:26:43.200
 and intimacy

00:26:43.200 --> 00:26:45.880
 is what we most need.

00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:47.120
 That's the thing

00:26:47.120 --> 00:26:49.080
 that meets our needs.

00:26:49.420 --> 00:26:49.960
 He is.

00:26:52.559 --> 00:26:54.080
 Most of you will have seen

00:26:54.080 --> 00:26:55.620
 some version of the story

00:26:55.620 --> 00:26:57.120
 of a red-headed orphan

00:26:57.120 --> 00:26:58.100
 named Annie

00:26:58.100 --> 00:27:01.039
 who is eventually adopted

00:27:01.039 --> 00:27:03.900
 by Daddy Warbucks,

00:27:04.360 --> 00:27:06.180
 a rich, older man

00:27:06.180 --> 00:27:08.059
 who comes to adore Annie

00:27:08.059 --> 00:27:09.559
 in the midst of looking

00:27:09.559 --> 00:27:11.160
 for other parents for her.

00:27:11.160 --> 00:27:13.440
 Annie has lived her life

00:27:13.440 --> 00:27:14.300
 in a squalid,

00:27:14.779 --> 00:27:16.300
 dirty orphanage.

00:27:16.860 --> 00:27:18.060
 She's gotten used

00:27:18.060 --> 00:27:19.080
 to dreaming

00:27:19.080 --> 00:27:20.340
 of rich parents

00:27:20.340 --> 00:27:21.460
 who will notice

00:27:21.460 --> 00:27:22.519
 her charm

00:27:22.519 --> 00:27:23.620
 and her wit

00:27:23.620 --> 00:27:25.279
 and they'll pick her

00:27:25.279 --> 00:27:26.420
 to adopt.

00:27:27.680 --> 00:27:28.440
 And so when she

00:27:28.440 --> 00:27:30.080
 goes into the Warbucks home,

00:27:30.160 --> 00:27:31.460
 she is blown away

00:27:31.460 --> 00:27:33.180
 by the lavish digs

00:27:33.180 --> 00:27:35.160
 of this awesome mansion.

00:27:36.160 --> 00:27:37.100
 But what Annie

00:27:37.100 --> 00:27:38.000
 really feels

00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:39.380
 is exhausted.

00:27:39.380 --> 00:27:41.120
 She has been exhausting

00:27:41.120 --> 00:27:43.080
 herself her whole life

00:27:43.080 --> 00:27:44.480
 trying to convince someone,

00:27:44.680 --> 00:27:45.120
 pick me,

00:27:45.340 --> 00:27:45.940
 pick me,

00:27:46.220 --> 00:27:46.500
 right?

00:27:46.880 --> 00:27:47.860
 She sneaks in the door

00:27:47.860 --> 00:27:48.940
 and shows her red hair.

00:27:49.340 --> 00:27:50.640
 She tries to charm people.

00:27:51.000 --> 00:27:52.000
 She is worn out

00:27:52.000 --> 00:27:54.000
 from not being picked.

00:27:54.560 --> 00:27:55.700
 And as the story develops,

00:27:55.800 --> 00:27:56.480
 she realizes

00:27:56.480 --> 00:27:57.480
 that she longs

00:27:57.480 --> 00:27:58.880
 for more than just wealth

00:27:58.880 --> 00:28:00.620
 and abundant provision

00:28:00.620 --> 00:28:02.580
 and lots of cool stuff.

00:28:02.579 --> 00:28:04.819
 she longs

00:28:04.819 --> 00:28:06.419
 to be loved,

00:28:07.480 --> 00:28:08.279
 to be able

00:28:08.279 --> 00:28:09.879
 to rest finally

00:28:09.879 --> 00:28:11.899
 because she's been picked

00:28:11.899 --> 00:28:13.740
 for keeps.

00:28:16.319 --> 00:28:17.419
 She's loved.

00:28:18.000 --> 00:28:20.319
 And when she gets that love

00:28:20.319 --> 00:28:22.460
 from Daddy Warbucks,

00:28:22.939 --> 00:28:24.339
 they start to sing,

00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:24.819
 don't they?

00:28:25.039 --> 00:28:26.500
 They famously sing

00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:27.419
 about tomorrow

00:28:27.420 --> 00:28:29.060
 and it's something

00:28:29.060 --> 00:28:30.100
 they look forward to

00:28:30.100 --> 00:28:31.420
 because she's got

00:28:31.420 --> 00:28:32.720
 this amazing inheritance

00:28:32.720 --> 00:28:33.960
 that has got

00:28:33.960 --> 00:28:34.920
 her future covered.

00:28:35.960 --> 00:28:37.060
 But they also sing

00:28:37.060 --> 00:28:37.980
 another slightly less

00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:39.080
 famous song

00:28:39.080 --> 00:28:39.820
 called

00:28:39.820 --> 00:28:41.279
 I Don't Need

00:28:41.279 --> 00:28:42.100
 Anything

00:28:42.100 --> 00:28:43.200
 But You

00:28:43.200 --> 00:28:45.360
 which gives us

00:28:45.360 --> 00:28:46.880
 a beautiful peek

00:28:46.880 --> 00:28:48.340
 into their relationship

00:28:48.340 --> 00:28:48.920
 together.

00:28:49.120 --> 00:28:49.779
 Annie sings,

00:28:50.080 --> 00:28:51.259
 I'm poor as a mouse.

00:28:52.320 --> 00:28:53.560
 And Warbucks responds,

00:28:53.920 --> 00:28:55.560
 I'm richer than Midas.

00:28:55.559 --> 00:28:57.619
 And together

00:28:57.619 --> 00:28:58.419
 they then sing,

00:28:58.759 --> 00:29:00.079
 But nothing on earth

00:29:00.079 --> 00:29:02.839
 could ever divide us.

00:29:03.399 --> 00:29:04.659
 And if tomorrow

00:29:04.659 --> 00:29:07.059
 I'm an apple seller too,

00:29:07.960 --> 00:29:09.940
 I don't need anything

00:29:09.940 --> 00:29:10.740
 but you.

00:29:11.359 --> 00:29:12.099
 Can you sing that with me?

00:29:12.599 --> 00:29:14.379
 I don't need anything

00:29:14.379 --> 00:29:15.440
 but you.

00:29:15.980 --> 00:29:17.299
 I sing that not because

00:29:17.299 --> 00:29:18.639
 any of you enjoy my singing,

00:29:19.220 --> 00:29:20.599
 but because I want you

00:29:20.599 --> 00:29:21.440
 to hear that tune

00:29:21.440 --> 00:29:21.940
 in your head

00:29:21.940 --> 00:29:22.799
 and I have been singing

00:29:22.799 --> 00:29:23.579
 it all week

00:29:23.579 --> 00:29:24.319
 and so help me,

00:29:24.359 --> 00:29:25.059
 you will be singing it

00:29:25.059 --> 00:29:25.599
 on Christmas

00:29:25.599 --> 00:29:26.960
 because you'll never

00:29:26.960 --> 00:29:27.779
 be able to get it

00:29:27.779 --> 00:29:28.240
 out of your head.

00:29:28.440 --> 00:29:29.599
 It's really catchy.

00:29:32.919 --> 00:29:33.899
 You may have been

00:29:33.899 --> 00:29:34.519
 overwhelmed

00:29:34.519 --> 00:29:36.259
 by God's incredible riches,

00:29:37.139 --> 00:29:39.259
 but have you realized

00:29:39.259 --> 00:29:40.359
 or remembered lately

00:29:40.359 --> 00:29:41.500
 that you don't need

00:29:41.500 --> 00:29:42.839
 anything but Him?

00:29:43.759 --> 00:29:45.299
 That your heavenly Father

00:29:45.299 --> 00:29:45.879
 Himself

00:29:45.879 --> 00:29:47.119
 is the one

00:29:47.119 --> 00:29:48.079
 that your soul

00:29:48.079 --> 00:29:49.179
 longs for?

00:29:49.559 --> 00:29:50.899
 Have you remembered that?

00:29:51.220 --> 00:29:51.980
 There's so many

00:29:51.980 --> 00:29:53.460
 other things to want.

00:29:53.460 --> 00:29:55.220
 that even if tomorrow

00:29:55.220 --> 00:29:56.920
 you're an apple seller,

00:29:57.059 --> 00:29:57.860
 I don't know what that is,

00:29:57.940 --> 00:29:58.680
 but it doesn't make

00:29:58.680 --> 00:29:59.240
 a lot of money,

00:30:00.600 --> 00:30:01.660
 you won't need

00:30:01.660 --> 00:30:02.840
 anything

00:30:02.840 --> 00:30:04.779
 but Him

00:30:04.779 --> 00:30:06.259
 and you'll have Him.

00:30:06.579 --> 00:30:07.860
 His is the love

00:30:07.860 --> 00:30:08.500
 that you need,

00:30:08.799 --> 00:30:10.519
 the purpose you desire,

00:30:10.840 --> 00:30:11.700
 the family

00:30:11.700 --> 00:30:13.420
 that you long for

00:30:13.420 --> 00:30:14.440
 and so Jesus

00:30:14.440 --> 00:30:15.579
 comes at Christmas

00:30:15.579 --> 00:30:16.680
 so that you can be

00:30:16.680 --> 00:30:17.360
 adopted

00:30:17.360 --> 00:30:19.400
 into that family

00:30:19.400 --> 00:30:20.720
 to have brothers

00:30:20.720 --> 00:30:21.960
 and sisters

00:30:21.960 --> 00:30:23.860
 and a perfect

00:30:23.860 --> 00:30:24.860
 Father

00:30:24.860 --> 00:30:26.420
 forever.

00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:29.580
 And I want you

00:30:29.580 --> 00:30:30.280
 to know something.

00:30:31.160 --> 00:30:32.180
 You don't have to

00:30:32.180 --> 00:30:32.980
 quit grieving

00:30:32.980 --> 00:30:34.140
 the pain

00:30:34.140 --> 00:30:35.200
 of the family

00:30:35.200 --> 00:30:36.120
 that you long

00:30:36.120 --> 00:30:37.100
 for here

00:30:37.100 --> 00:30:39.160
 or that you lack

00:30:39.160 --> 00:30:40.440
 here.

00:30:40.660 --> 00:30:41.320
 You don't have to

00:30:41.320 --> 00:30:42.340
 quit grieving

00:30:42.340 --> 00:30:43.340
 that to have

00:30:43.340 --> 00:30:44.140
 Him

00:30:44.140 --> 00:30:46.300
 because He comes

00:30:46.300 --> 00:30:47.480
 to comfort you

00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:48.620
 with the grace

00:30:48.620 --> 00:30:50.539
 of His adopting you

00:30:50.539 --> 00:30:51.819
 right in the midst

00:30:51.819 --> 00:30:52.539
 of where you are,

00:30:52.839 --> 00:30:54.400
 of His living with you

00:30:54.400 --> 00:30:55.579
 every moment

00:30:55.579 --> 00:30:56.700
 of every day

00:30:56.700 --> 00:30:58.680
 even in your grief

00:30:58.680 --> 00:31:00.079
 that you are

00:31:00.079 --> 00:31:01.420
 in His family

00:31:01.420 --> 00:31:02.740
 at His table

00:31:02.740 --> 00:31:03.920
 and that He's rushing

00:31:03.920 --> 00:31:04.799
 to your side

00:31:04.799 --> 00:31:05.680
 that He's the one

00:31:05.680 --> 00:31:06.140
 who will be

00:31:06.140 --> 00:31:07.420
 your sufficiency

00:31:07.420 --> 00:31:08.680
 forever.

00:31:09.420 --> 00:31:10.079
 So that's the part

00:31:10.079 --> 00:31:11.000
 of the wonder

00:31:11.000 --> 00:31:12.599
 of God's family.

00:31:13.000 --> 00:31:13.480
 It is perfect

00:31:13.480 --> 00:31:14.079
 perfect

00:31:14.079 --> 00:31:15.839
 because the

00:31:15.839 --> 00:31:17.279
 Father is perfect

00:31:17.279 --> 00:31:18.559
 but remember

00:31:18.559 --> 00:31:19.839
 His family

00:31:19.839 --> 00:31:21.360
 is perfectly

00:31:21.360 --> 00:31:22.599
 messy too.

00:31:22.700 --> 00:31:22.900
 You remember

00:31:22.900 --> 00:31:23.579
 where we started?

00:31:25.400 --> 00:31:25.960
 Don't think

00:31:25.960 --> 00:31:27.000
 to celebrate Christmas

00:31:27.000 --> 00:31:27.779
 with His family

00:31:27.779 --> 00:31:28.680
 you have to get

00:31:28.680 --> 00:31:29.900
 yours all sorted out

00:31:29.900 --> 00:31:30.660
 and cleaned up

00:31:30.660 --> 00:31:31.279
 first.

00:31:31.420 --> 00:31:32.160
 Get your Christmas

00:31:32.160 --> 00:31:32.900
 card picture

00:31:32.900 --> 00:31:34.019
 looking just the way

00:31:34.019 --> 00:31:35.039
 you dreamed it would be

00:31:35.039 --> 00:31:36.000
 and then I'll take

00:31:36.000 --> 00:31:36.599
 that with me

00:31:36.599 --> 00:31:37.539
 and I'll show up

00:31:37.539 --> 00:31:38.380
 at a manger

00:31:38.380 --> 00:31:39.220
 where these

00:31:39.220 --> 00:31:40.599
 newlywed couple

00:31:40.599 --> 00:31:41.339
 with assorted

00:31:41.339 --> 00:31:42.299
 family history

00:31:42.299 --> 00:31:43.480
 and lots of tension.

00:31:44.119 --> 00:31:44.399
 What?

00:31:44.619 --> 00:31:45.399
 No way!

00:31:45.879 --> 00:31:46.839
 That's not how you

00:31:46.839 --> 00:31:48.000
 have relationship

00:31:48.000 --> 00:31:48.659
 with Him.

00:31:49.159 --> 00:31:50.099
 Christmas with God's

00:31:50.099 --> 00:31:50.779
 family means

00:31:50.779 --> 00:31:51.339
 you show up

00:31:51.339 --> 00:31:52.099
 with the donkeys

00:31:52.099 --> 00:31:53.980
 and the black sheep

00:31:53.980 --> 00:31:55.980
 and the crazy uncles

00:31:55.980 --> 00:31:57.899
 and you marvel

00:31:57.899 --> 00:31:58.859
 you bow

00:31:58.859 --> 00:31:59.639
 at the manger

00:31:59.639 --> 00:32:00.460
 in wonder

00:32:00.460 --> 00:32:01.319
 that God

00:32:01.319 --> 00:32:02.180
 is showing up

00:32:02.180 --> 00:32:03.059
 right there

00:32:03.059 --> 00:32:04.180
 in the midst of you

00:32:04.180 --> 00:32:05.180
 and your messy

00:32:05.180 --> 00:32:05.980
 family

00:32:05.980 --> 00:32:07.500
 delighting in you

00:32:07.500 --> 00:32:09.000
 and singing over you

00:32:09.000 --> 00:32:09.619
 as His

00:32:09.619 --> 00:32:11.240
 very own family

00:32:11.240 --> 00:32:12.200
 the one He

00:32:12.200 --> 00:32:12.819
 picked

00:32:12.819 --> 00:32:13.779
 to be a part

00:32:13.779 --> 00:32:14.079
 of

00:32:14.079 --> 00:32:15.799
 your family.

00:32:17.140 --> 00:32:17.819
 Just think of

00:32:17.819 --> 00:32:18.599
 what all that means.

00:32:19.180 --> 00:32:19.779
 If the good news

00:32:19.779 --> 00:32:20.380
 of adoption

00:32:20.380 --> 00:32:21.440
 by God's grace

00:32:21.440 --> 00:32:21.960
 is true

00:32:21.960 --> 00:32:22.799
 at Christmas

00:32:22.799 --> 00:32:23.319
 in fact

00:32:23.319 --> 00:32:24.200
 if it's the reason

00:32:24.200 --> 00:32:25.220
 for Christmas

00:32:25.220 --> 00:32:26.299
 then you can become

00:32:26.299 --> 00:32:27.319
 a part of His family

00:32:27.319 --> 00:32:28.079
 right now

00:32:28.079 --> 00:32:29.099
 even if you don't

00:32:29.099 --> 00:32:29.920
 feel like you were

00:32:29.920 --> 00:32:30.819
 born into it

00:32:30.819 --> 00:32:31.720
 even if you don't

00:32:31.720 --> 00:32:32.579
 feel like you've

00:32:32.579 --> 00:32:33.519
 lived up to it

00:32:33.519 --> 00:32:34.700
 the good news

00:32:34.700 --> 00:32:35.019
 is this

00:32:35.019 --> 00:32:35.700
 you don't need

00:32:35.700 --> 00:32:36.200
 a resume

00:32:36.200 --> 00:32:37.380
 to come to Him

00:32:37.380 --> 00:32:38.620
 you need a Redeemer

00:32:38.619 --> 00:32:40.059
 and Jesus

00:32:40.059 --> 00:32:41.859
 is that Redeemer

00:32:41.859 --> 00:32:43.179
 it's why He came

00:32:43.179 --> 00:32:44.739
 to buy you

00:32:44.739 --> 00:32:45.539
 back

00:32:45.539 --> 00:32:46.699
 to welcome

00:32:46.699 --> 00:32:47.659
 you in

00:32:47.659 --> 00:32:49.019
 as you trust

00:32:49.019 --> 00:32:50.019
 in Him

00:32:50.019 --> 00:32:51.919
 welcome

00:32:51.919 --> 00:32:52.859
 to the family

00:32:52.859 --> 00:32:53.619
 gracious

00:32:53.619 --> 00:32:54.759
 adoption means

00:32:54.759 --> 00:32:55.659
 you can invite

00:32:55.659 --> 00:32:56.539
 other people

00:32:56.539 --> 00:32:57.500
 who are very

00:32:57.500 --> 00:32:58.419
 imperfect themselves

00:32:58.419 --> 00:32:59.059
 into this

00:32:59.059 --> 00:33:00.159
 perfectly messy

00:33:00.159 --> 00:33:00.639
 family

00:33:00.639 --> 00:33:01.619
 because we are

00:33:01.619 --> 00:33:02.539
 full of imperfect

00:33:02.539 --> 00:33:03.379
 people around here

00:33:03.379 --> 00:33:04.039
 in case you didn't

00:33:04.039 --> 00:33:04.299
 notice

00:33:04.299 --> 00:33:05.059
 some of them

00:33:05.059 --> 00:33:05.579
 stand up here

00:33:05.579 --> 00:33:06.000
 and talk

00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:06.779
 for a long time

00:33:06.779 --> 00:33:08.319
 we started this year

00:33:08.319 --> 00:33:09.579
 with me declaring

00:33:09.579 --> 00:33:10.519
 2024

00:33:10.519 --> 00:33:11.799
 two for one

00:33:11.799 --> 00:33:12.619
 orphan year

00:33:12.619 --> 00:33:13.839
 at Southwood

00:33:13.839 --> 00:33:15.339
 if God has adopted you

00:33:15.339 --> 00:33:16.480
 who else is coming

00:33:16.480 --> 00:33:17.119
 with you

00:33:17.119 --> 00:33:18.500
 into His family

00:33:18.500 --> 00:33:19.619
 you can invite

00:33:19.619 --> 00:33:20.139
 anyone

00:33:20.139 --> 00:33:20.740
 right

00:33:20.740 --> 00:33:22.720
 someone invited you

00:33:22.720 --> 00:33:24.079
 and you certainly

00:33:24.079 --> 00:33:25.000
 didn't look the part

00:33:25.000 --> 00:33:26.519
 when you were invited

00:33:26.519 --> 00:33:27.399
 you didn't have to

00:33:27.399 --> 00:33:28.319
 clean up first

00:33:28.319 --> 00:33:29.319
 nobody sent you

00:33:29.319 --> 00:33:30.220
 to get your act

00:33:30.220 --> 00:33:30.859
 together

00:33:30.859 --> 00:33:31.879
 who do you know

00:33:31.879 --> 00:33:32.720
 that is longing

00:33:32.720 --> 00:33:33.440
 for a father

00:33:33.440 --> 00:33:34.440
 like this

00:33:34.440 --> 00:33:37.799
 if God brought us

00:33:37.799 --> 00:33:38.240
 into this

00:33:38.240 --> 00:33:39.700
 perfectly messy

00:33:39.700 --> 00:33:40.180
 family

00:33:40.180 --> 00:33:40.900
 with these other

00:33:40.900 --> 00:33:42.920
 crazy people

00:33:42.920 --> 00:33:43.620
 we read about

00:33:43.620 --> 00:33:44.320
 who found

00:33:44.320 --> 00:33:45.140
 their way

00:33:45.140 --> 00:33:46.759
 into the divine

00:33:46.759 --> 00:33:47.559
 story

00:33:47.559 --> 00:33:48.740
 of glory

00:33:48.740 --> 00:33:49.640
 and grace

00:33:49.640 --> 00:33:52.400
 then we can know

00:33:52.400 --> 00:33:53.640
 that nothing

00:33:53.640 --> 00:33:55.279
 can separate us

00:33:55.279 --> 00:33:56.160
 from His love

00:33:56.160 --> 00:33:57.720
 none of that stuff

00:33:57.720 --> 00:33:58.539
 separated them

00:33:58.539 --> 00:34:00.000
 we know for sure

00:34:00.000 --> 00:34:00.900
 that the reason

00:34:00.900 --> 00:34:01.620
 He loves us

00:34:01.620 --> 00:34:02.460
 must be because

00:34:02.460 --> 00:34:03.220
 we're His

00:34:03.220 --> 00:34:04.380
 that He sings

00:34:04.380 --> 00:34:05.160
 over us

00:34:05.160 --> 00:34:05.860
 because we are

00:34:05.860 --> 00:34:06.940
 His children

00:34:06.940 --> 00:34:07.720
 not for any

00:34:07.720 --> 00:34:08.300
 other reason

00:34:08.300 --> 00:34:11.579
 and finally

00:34:11.579 --> 00:34:12.360
 celebrating

00:34:12.360 --> 00:34:13.860
 Christmas

00:34:13.860 --> 00:34:14.679
 with God's

00:34:14.679 --> 00:34:15.780
 perfectly messy

00:34:15.780 --> 00:34:16.340
 family

00:34:16.340 --> 00:34:16.960
 with a

00:34:16.960 --> 00:34:17.780
 father

00:34:17.780 --> 00:34:19.039
 this good

00:34:19.039 --> 00:34:21.800
 take a deep

00:34:21.800 --> 00:34:22.119
 breath

00:34:22.119 --> 00:34:23.720
 it means you

00:34:23.720 --> 00:34:24.320
 don't have to

00:34:24.320 --> 00:34:25.119
 make Christmas

00:34:25.119 --> 00:34:25.920
 perfect

00:34:25.920 --> 00:34:28.240
 and I for one

00:34:28.240 --> 00:34:29.079
 need to hear that

00:34:29.079 --> 00:34:31.119
 you don't have to

00:34:31.119 --> 00:34:31.760
 make Christmas

00:34:31.760 --> 00:34:32.340
 perfect

00:34:32.340 --> 00:34:33.760
 your heavenly

00:34:33.760 --> 00:34:34.320
 father

00:34:34.320 --> 00:34:35.860
 already has

00:34:35.860 --> 00:34:37.600
 He's got it

00:34:37.600 --> 00:34:39.400
 He takes

00:34:39.400 --> 00:34:40.220
 messy people

00:34:40.220 --> 00:34:41.500
 like you

00:34:41.500 --> 00:34:43.640
 like me

00:34:43.640 --> 00:34:44.940
 He takes

00:34:44.940 --> 00:34:45.900
 messy families

00:34:45.900 --> 00:34:47.079
 like your family

00:34:47.079 --> 00:34:48.620
 and my family

00:34:48.620 --> 00:34:49.940
 and He gives us

00:34:49.940 --> 00:34:50.440
 Himself

00:34:50.440 --> 00:34:51.900
 He welcomes

00:34:51.900 --> 00:34:52.860
 us home

00:34:52.860 --> 00:34:54.079
 He sets a place

00:34:54.079 --> 00:34:54.920
 at the table

00:34:54.920 --> 00:34:55.360
 for us

00:34:55.360 --> 00:34:56.240
 He listens

00:34:56.240 --> 00:34:57.320
 whenever we cry

00:34:57.320 --> 00:34:58.200
 He washes

00:34:58.200 --> 00:34:59.280
 us clean

00:34:59.280 --> 00:35:00.519
 and He never

00:35:00.519 --> 00:35:02.220
 stops loving

00:35:02.220 --> 00:35:02.780
 us

00:35:02.780 --> 00:35:03.440
 ever

00:35:03.440 --> 00:35:04.940
 this table

00:35:04.940 --> 00:35:05.800
 is here this

00:35:05.800 --> 00:35:06.240
 morning

00:35:06.240 --> 00:35:07.300
 because He

00:35:07.300 --> 00:35:08.160
 wants us

00:35:08.160 --> 00:35:09.340
 never to

00:35:09.340 --> 00:35:09.780
 forget

00:35:09.780 --> 00:35:10.800
 it's here as a

00:35:10.800 --> 00:35:11.980
 reminder of that

00:35:11.980 --> 00:35:13.060
 gracious and

00:35:13.060 --> 00:35:14.460
 glorious reality

00:35:14.460 --> 00:35:15.480
 because friends

00:35:15.480 --> 00:35:16.380
 there is no question

00:35:16.380 --> 00:35:17.360
 that Southwood is a

00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:18.120
 messy part

00:35:18.120 --> 00:35:19.200
 of his family

00:35:19.200 --> 00:35:20.380
 anybody want to

00:35:20.380 --> 00:35:21.240
 say amen to that

00:35:21.239 --> 00:35:24.339
 there is equally

00:35:24.339 --> 00:35:25.239
 no question

00:35:25.239 --> 00:35:27.039
 that our

00:35:27.039 --> 00:35:27.899
 Father is

00:35:27.899 --> 00:35:28.799
 delighted

00:35:28.799 --> 00:35:30.759
 to have us

00:35:30.759 --> 00:35:31.079
 in His

00:35:31.079 --> 00:35:31.459
 family

00:35:31.459 --> 00:35:32.839
 He sets

00:35:32.839 --> 00:35:33.399
 this table

00:35:33.399 --> 00:35:33.919
 so you'll

00:35:33.919 --> 00:35:34.439
 taste

00:35:34.439 --> 00:35:35.419
 and know

00:35:35.419 --> 00:35:36.239
 that that's

00:35:36.239 --> 00:35:36.619
 true

00:35:36.619 --> 00:35:37.199
 and that

00:35:37.199 --> 00:35:37.979
 everyone who

00:35:37.979 --> 00:35:38.439
 hopes in

00:35:38.439 --> 00:35:38.719
 Jesus

00:35:38.719 --> 00:35:39.839
 is welcome

00:35:39.839 --> 00:35:40.539
 here

00:35:40.539 --> 00:35:42.079
 on the

00:35:42.079 --> 00:35:42.579
 very night

00:35:42.579 --> 00:35:42.860
 He was

00:35:42.860 --> 00:35:43.440
 betrayed

00:35:43.440 --> 00:35:45.719
 by someone

00:35:45.719 --> 00:35:46.579
 very close

00:35:46.579 --> 00:35:47.039
 to Him

00:35:47.039 --> 00:35:47.900
 Jesus

00:35:47.900 --> 00:35:48.599
 took bread

00:35:48.599 --> 00:35:50.059
 and He

00:35:50.059 --> 00:35:50.539
 broke it

00:35:50.539 --> 00:35:51.119
 and He

00:35:51.119 --> 00:35:51.420
 gave it

00:35:51.420 --> 00:35:51.699
 to His

00:35:51.699 --> 00:35:52.239
 disciples

00:35:52.239 --> 00:35:53.000
 as I

00:35:53.000 --> 00:35:53.579
 ministering

00:35:53.579 --> 00:35:53.900
 in His

00:35:53.900 --> 00:35:54.199
 name

00:35:54.199 --> 00:35:54.719
 give this

00:35:54.719 --> 00:35:54.980
 bread

00:35:54.980 --> 00:35:55.480
 to you

00:35:55.480 --> 00:35:56.679
 He

00:35:56.679 --> 00:35:56.900
 said

00:35:56.900 --> 00:35:57.259
 take

00:35:57.259 --> 00:35:57.619
 and eat

00:35:57.619 --> 00:35:57.900
 this

00:35:57.900 --> 00:35:58.059
 is

00:35:58.059 --> 00:35:58.400
 my

00:35:58.400 --> 00:35:58.779
 body

00:35:58.779 --> 00:35:59.360
 given

00:35:59.360 --> 00:36:00.059
 for you

00:36:00.059 --> 00:36:00.579
 do

00:36:00.579 --> 00:36:01.039
 this

00:36:01.039 --> 00:36:01.400
 in

00:36:01.400 --> 00:36:01.820
 remembrance

00:36:01.820 --> 00:36:02.139
 of

00:36:02.139 --> 00:36:02.380
 me

00:36:02.380 --> 00:36:03.340
 the

00:36:03.340 --> 00:36:03.579
 same

00:36:03.579 --> 00:36:03.759
 way

00:36:03.759 --> 00:36:04.039
 after

00:36:04.039 --> 00:36:04.440
 supper

00:36:04.440 --> 00:36:04.639
 He

00:36:04.639 --> 00:36:04.900
 took

00:36:04.900 --> 00:36:05.119
 the

00:36:05.119 --> 00:36:05.480
 cup

00:36:05.480 --> 00:36:05.659
 and

00:36:05.659 --> 00:36:05.840
 said

00:36:05.840 --> 00:36:06.099
 this

00:36:06.099 --> 00:36:06.500
 cup

00:36:06.500 --> 00:36:06.940
 is

00:36:06.940 --> 00:36:07.079
 the

00:36:07.079 --> 00:36:07.259
 new

00:36:07.259 --> 00:36:07.599
 covenant

00:36:07.599 --> 00:36:07.840
 in

00:36:07.840 --> 00:36:08.099
 my

00:36:08.099 --> 00:36:08.420
 blood

00:36:08.420 --> 00:36:09.019
 shed

00:36:09.019 --> 00:36:09.279
 for

00:36:09.279 --> 00:36:09.639
 many

00:36:09.639 --> 00:36:10.039
 for

00:36:10.039 --> 00:36:10.199
 the

00:36:10.199 --> 00:36:10.519
 forgiveness

00:36:10.519 --> 00:36:11.179
 of sins

00:36:11.179 --> 00:36:11.800
 drink

00:36:11.800 --> 00:36:12.119
 from

00:36:12.119 --> 00:36:12.280
 it

00:36:12.280 --> 00:36:12.759
 all

00:36:12.759 --> 00:36:12.940
 of

00:36:12.940 --> 00:36:13.079
 you

00:36:13.079 --> 00:36:13.400
 for

00:36:13.400 --> 00:36:13.579
 as

00:36:13.579 --> 00:36:13.860
 often

00:36:13.860 --> 00:36:14.119
 as

00:36:14.119 --> 00:36:14.239
 you

00:36:14.239 --> 00:36:14.400
 eat

00:36:14.400 --> 00:36:14.619
 this

00:36:14.619 --> 00:36:14.920
 bread

00:36:14.920 --> 00:36:15.320
 and

00:36:15.320 --> 00:36:15.599
 drink

00:36:15.599 --> 00:36:15.880
 this

00:36:15.880 --> 00:36:16.179
 cup

00:36:16.179 --> 00:36:16.519
 you

00:36:16.519 --> 00:36:17.019
 proclaim

00:36:17.019 --> 00:36:17.239
 the

00:36:17.239 --> 00:36:17.579
 Lord's

00:36:17.579 --> 00:36:18.019
 death

00:36:18.019 --> 00:36:19.179
 until

00:36:19.179 --> 00:36:19.400
 He

00:36:19.400 --> 00:36:19.900
 comes

00:36:19.900 --> 00:36:22.079
 if

00:36:22.079 --> 00:36:22.219
 you're

00:36:22.219 --> 00:36:22.300
 a

00:36:22.300 --> 00:36:22.460
 member

00:36:22.460 --> 00:36:22.639
 of

00:36:22.639 --> 00:36:22.880
 another

00:36:22.880 --> 00:36:23.320
 church

00:36:23.320 --> 00:36:23.599
 that

00:36:23.599 --> 00:36:24.079
 preaches

00:36:24.079 --> 00:36:24.659
 the

00:36:24.659 --> 00:36:24.880
 good

00:36:24.880 --> 00:36:25.119
 news

00:36:25.119 --> 00:36:25.300
 of

00:36:25.300 --> 00:36:25.659
 Jesus

00:36:25.659 --> 00:36:26.440
 a

00:36:26.440 --> 00:36:26.900
 savior

00:36:26.900 --> 00:36:27.460
 for

00:36:27.460 --> 00:36:28.059
 messy

00:36:28.059 --> 00:36:28.579
 sinners

00:36:28.579 --> 00:36:29.000
 like

00:36:29.000 --> 00:36:29.320
 us

00:36:29.320 --> 00:36:29.820
 then

00:36:29.820 --> 00:36:30.340
 come

00:36:30.340 --> 00:36:30.800
 and

00:36:30.800 --> 00:36:31.099
 eat

00:36:31.099 --> 00:36:31.360
 and

00:36:31.360 --> 00:36:32.039
 celebrate

00:36:32.039 --> 00:36:32.920
 with

00:36:32.920 --> 00:36:33.199
 our

00:36:33.199 --> 00:36:33.739
 Southwood

00:36:33.739 --> 00:36:34.199
 family

00:36:34.199 --> 00:36:34.719
 around

00:36:34.719 --> 00:36:35.219
 the

00:36:35.219 --> 00:36:35.559
 family

00:36:35.559 --> 00:36:35.860
 dinner

00:36:35.860 --> 00:36:36.219
 table

00:36:36.219 --> 00:36:37.119
 we're

00:36:37.119 --> 00:36:37.219
 going

00:36:37.219 --> 00:36:37.300
 to

00:36:37.300 --> 00:36:37.639
 remember

00:36:37.639 --> 00:36:38.719
 and

00:36:38.719 --> 00:36:39.139
 rejoice

00:36:39.139 --> 00:36:40.059
 and

00:36:40.059 --> 00:36:40.599
 rest

00:36:40.599 --> 00:36:41.019
 in

00:36:41.019 --> 00:36:41.380
 our

00:36:41.380 --> 00:36:41.860
 savior

00:36:41.860 --> 00:36:42.840
 together

00:36:42.840 --> 00:36:45.539
 if

00:36:45.539 --> 00:36:46.259
 that's

00:36:46.259 --> 00:36:46.519
 not

00:36:46.519 --> 00:36:46.779
 you

00:36:46.779 --> 00:36:47.239
 if

00:36:47.239 --> 00:36:47.519
 you're

00:36:47.519 --> 00:36:47.739
 aware

00:36:47.739 --> 00:36:47.980
 you're

00:36:47.980 --> 00:36:48.400
 you're

00:36:48.400 --> 00:36:48.820
 not a

00:36:48.820 --> 00:36:49.079
 part

00:36:49.079 --> 00:36:49.259
 of

00:36:49.259 --> 00:36:49.840
 God's

00:36:49.840 --> 00:36:50.119
 family

00:36:50.119 --> 00:36:50.299
 and

00:36:50.299 --> 00:36:50.400
 you're

00:36:50.400 --> 00:36:50.599
 not

00:36:50.599 --> 00:36:50.900
 sure

00:36:50.900 --> 00:36:51.099
 you

00:36:51.099 --> 00:36:51.340
 even

00:36:51.340 --> 00:36:51.799
 want

00:36:51.799 --> 00:36:51.900
 to

00:36:51.900 --> 00:36:52.039
 be

00:36:52.039 --> 00:36:52.619
 we want

00:36:52.619 --> 00:36:52.759
 to

00:36:52.759 --> 00:36:53.139
 introduce

00:36:53.139 --> 00:36:53.579
 you

00:36:53.579 --> 00:36:53.860
 not

00:36:53.860 --> 00:36:54.059
 to

00:36:54.059 --> 00:36:54.360
 this

00:36:54.360 --> 00:36:54.840
 table

00:36:54.840 --> 00:36:55.460
 but

00:36:55.460 --> 00:36:56.259
 to

00:36:56.259 --> 00:36:56.440
 our

00:36:56.440 --> 00:36:56.960
 father

00:36:56.960 --> 00:36:57.719
 to

00:36:57.719 --> 00:36:57.940
 our

00:36:57.940 --> 00:36:58.440
 elder

00:36:58.440 --> 00:36:58.820
 brother

00:36:58.820 --> 00:36:59.199
 they're

00:36:59.199 --> 00:36:59.619
 they're

00:36:59.619 --> 00:36:59.759
 the

00:36:59.759 --> 00:37:00.079
 ones

00:37:00.079 --> 00:37:00.599
 we'd

00:37:00.599 --> 00:37:00.860
 love

00:37:00.860 --> 00:37:01.259
 for

00:37:01.259 --> 00:37:01.460
 you

00:37:01.460 --> 00:37:01.699
 to

00:37:01.699 --> 00:37:01.900
 meet

00:37:01.900 --> 00:37:02.360
 we'd

00:37:02.360 --> 00:37:02.619
 love

00:37:02.619 --> 00:37:02.920
 to

00:37:02.920 --> 00:37:03.179
 talk

00:37:03.179 --> 00:37:03.360
 with

00:37:03.360 --> 00:37:03.460
 you

00:37:03.460 --> 00:37:03.679
 about

00:37:03.679 --> 00:37:03.960
 one

00:37:03.960 --> 00:37:04.099
 who

00:37:04.099 --> 00:37:04.259
 will

00:37:04.259 --> 00:37:04.719
 love

00:37:04.719 --> 00:37:04.920
 you

00:37:04.920 --> 00:37:05.259
 one

00:37:05.259 --> 00:37:05.420
 you

00:37:05.420 --> 00:37:05.599
 can

00:37:05.599 --> 00:37:05.980
 trust

00:37:10.059 --> 00:37:10.320
 we'd

00:37:10.320 --> 00:37:10.719
 love

00:37:10.719 --> 00:37:11.199
 to

00:37:11.199 --> 00:37:11.420
 share

00:37:11.420 --> 00:37:11.639
 more

00:37:11.639 --> 00:37:11.860
 about

00:37:11.860 --> 00:37:12.039
 that

00:37:12.039 --> 00:37:12.239
 with

00:37:12.239 --> 00:37:12.340
 you

00:37:12.340 --> 00:37:12.579
 grab

00:37:12.579 --> 00:37:12.799
 any

00:37:12.799 --> 00:37:12.980
 of

00:37:12.980 --> 00:37:13.219
 us

00:37:13.219 --> 00:37:13.779
 we'd

00:37:13.779 --> 00:37:13.940
 love

00:37:13.940 --> 00:37:14.119
 to

00:37:14.119 --> 00:37:14.380
 talk

00:37:14.380 --> 00:37:14.579
 with

00:37:14.579 --> 00:37:14.719
 you

00:37:14.719 --> 00:37:14.920
 about

00:37:14.920 --> 00:37:15.079
 how

00:37:15.079 --> 00:37:15.239
 you

00:37:15.239 --> 00:37:15.380
 can

00:37:15.380 --> 00:37:15.519
 be

00:37:15.519 --> 00:37:15.820
 part

00:37:15.820 --> 00:37:16.119
 of

00:37:16.119 --> 00:37:16.279
 a

00:37:16.279 --> 00:37:16.880
 perfectly

00:37:16.880 --> 00:37:17.679
 messy

00:37:17.679 --> 00:37:18.400
 family

00:37:18.400 --> 00:37:18.840
 with

00:37:18.840 --> 00:37:19.019
 a

00:37:19.019 --> 00:37:19.659
 perfect

00:37:19.659 --> 00:37:20.460
 father

00:37:20.460 --> 00:37:20.840
 let's

00:37:20.840 --> 00:37:21.079
 pray

00:37:21.079 --> 00:37:21.239
 and

00:37:21.239 --> 00:37:21.440
 we'll

00:37:21.440 --> 00:37:21.900
 celebrate

00:37:21.900 --> 00:37:22.380
 together

00:37:22.380 --> 00:37:25.299
 our

00:37:25.299 --> 00:37:25.579
 father

00:37:25.579 --> 00:37:26.019
 that we

00:37:26.019 --> 00:37:26.320
 could

00:37:26.320 --> 00:37:26.659
 eat

00:37:26.659 --> 00:37:26.920
 with

00:37:26.920 --> 00:37:27.259
 you

00:37:27.259 --> 00:37:28.279
 today

00:37:28.279 --> 00:37:28.820
 is

00:37:28.820 --> 00:37:30.059
 far

00:37:30.059 --> 00:37:30.480
 beyond

00:37:30.480 --> 00:37:30.699
 what

00:37:30.699 --> 00:37:30.880
 any

00:37:30.880 --> 00:37:31.059
 of

00:37:31.059 --> 00:37:31.279
 us

00:37:31.279 --> 00:37:31.799
 deserves

00:37:31.799 --> 00:37:34.719
 that

00:37:34.719 --> 00:37:34.920
 to

00:37:34.920 --> 00:37:35.139
 make

00:37:35.139 --> 00:37:35.320
 it

00:37:35.320 --> 00:37:35.759
 happen

00:37:35.759 --> 00:37:36.039
 you

00:37:36.039 --> 00:37:36.239
 would

00:37:36.239 --> 00:37:36.659
 send

00:37:36.659 --> 00:37:36.900
 your

00:37:36.900 --> 00:37:37.199
 own

00:37:37.199 --> 00:37:37.699
 son

00:37:37.699 --> 00:37:38.119
 out

00:37:38.119 --> 00:37:38.820
 away

00:37:38.820 --> 00:37:39.159
 from

00:37:39.159 --> 00:37:39.480
 you

00:37:39.480 --> 00:37:40.559
 to

00:37:40.559 --> 00:37:40.740
 be

00:37:40.740 --> 00:37:41.280
 born

00:37:41.280 --> 00:37:41.559
 on

00:37:41.559 --> 00:37:41.800
 this

00:37:41.800 --> 00:37:42.139
 earth

00:37:42.139 --> 00:37:42.820
 to

00:37:42.820 --> 00:37:43.380
 suffer

00:37:43.380 --> 00:37:44.179
 and

00:37:44.179 --> 00:37:44.420
 to

00:37:44.420 --> 00:37:44.920
 die

00:37:44.920 --> 00:37:46.099
 in

00:37:46.099 --> 00:37:46.440
 our

00:37:46.440 --> 00:37:47.059
 place

00:37:47.059 --> 00:37:50.300
 it's

00:37:50.300 --> 00:37:50.440
 a

00:37:50.440 --> 00:37:50.800
 grace

00:37:50.800 --> 00:37:51.679
 bigger

00:37:51.679 --> 00:37:51.900
 than

00:37:51.900 --> 00:37:52.079
 we

00:37:52.079 --> 00:37:52.260
 can

00:37:52.260 --> 00:37:52.699
 comprehend

00:37:52.699 --> 00:37:53.320
 your

00:37:53.320 --> 00:37:53.699
 love

00:37:53.699 --> 00:37:54.320
 indeed

00:37:54.320 --> 00:37:54.780
 is

00:37:54.780 --> 00:37:55.280
 beyond

00:37:55.280 --> 00:37:55.900
 our

00:37:55.900 --> 00:37:56.440
 wildest

00:37:56.440 --> 00:37:56.960
 imagination

00:37:56.960 --> 00:37:57.539
 we

00:37:57.539 --> 00:37:58.039
 can't

00:37:58.039 --> 00:37:58.519
 fully

00:37:58.519 --> 00:37:59.139
 explain

00:37:59.139 --> 00:37:59.440
 it

00:37:59.440 --> 00:38:01.820
 but

00:38:01.820 --> 00:38:02.000
 we

00:38:02.000 --> 00:38:02.380
 come

00:38:02.380 --> 00:38:03.740
 to

00:38:03.740 --> 00:38:04.199
 taste

00:38:04.199 --> 00:38:04.460
 and

00:38:04.460 --> 00:38:04.659
 see

00:38:04.659 --> 00:38:04.880
 that

00:38:04.880 --> 00:38:05.059
 you're

00:38:05.059 --> 00:38:05.360
 good

00:38:05.360 --> 00:38:06.400
 to

00:38:06.400 --> 00:38:06.619
 have

00:38:06.619 --> 00:38:06.780
 your

00:38:06.780 --> 00:38:07.119
 spirit

00:38:07.119 --> 00:38:07.420
 help

00:38:07.420 --> 00:38:07.619
 our

00:38:07.619 --> 00:38:07.940
 hearts

00:38:07.940 --> 00:38:08.440
 believe

00:38:08.440 --> 00:38:08.760
 that

00:38:08.760 --> 00:38:09.140
 love

00:38:09.140 --> 00:38:09.780
 afresh

00:38:09.780 --> 00:38:10.400
 and

00:38:10.400 --> 00:38:10.620
 so

00:38:10.620 --> 00:38:11.020
 use

00:38:11.020 --> 00:38:11.580
 very

00:38:11.580 --> 00:38:12.600
 common

00:38:12.600 --> 00:38:13.280
 elements

00:38:13.280 --> 00:38:14.840
 for a

00:38:14.840 --> 00:38:15.100
 really

00:38:15.100 --> 00:38:16.200
 significant

00:38:16.200 --> 00:38:16.620
 and

00:38:16.620 --> 00:38:17.100
 sacred

00:38:17.100 --> 00:38:17.700
 purpose

00:38:17.700 --> 00:38:18.200
 in our

00:38:18.200 --> 00:38:18.560
 hearts

00:38:18.560 --> 00:38:18.840
 that

00:38:18.840 --> 00:38:19.020
 we

00:38:19.020 --> 00:38:19.240
 will

00:38:19.240 --> 00:38:20.080
 know

00:38:20.080 --> 00:38:20.300
 your

00:38:20.300 --> 00:38:20.640
 love

00:38:20.640 --> 00:38:21.360
 know

00:38:21.360 --> 00:38:21.520
 the

00:38:21.520 --> 00:38:21.780
 welcome

00:38:21.780 --> 00:38:21.960
 of

00:38:21.960 --> 00:38:22.120
 a

00:38:22.120 --> 00:38:22.500
 family

00:38:22.500 --> 00:38:23.020
 sit

00:38:23.020 --> 00:38:23.180
 at

00:38:23.180 --> 00:38:23.420
 your

00:38:23.420 --> 00:38:23.900
 table

00:38:23.900 --> 00:38:25.760
 and

00:38:25.760 --> 00:38:26.040
 talk

00:38:26.040 --> 00:38:26.260
 with

00:38:26.260 --> 00:38:26.560
 you

00:38:26.560 --> 00:38:28.440
 work

00:38:28.440 --> 00:38:28.640
 that

00:38:28.640 --> 00:38:28.740
 in

00:38:28.740 --> 00:38:28.900
 our

00:38:28.900 --> 00:38:29.240
 hearts

00:38:29.240 --> 00:38:29.840
 even

00:38:29.840 --> 00:38:30.080
 now

00:38:30.080 --> 00:38:30.260
 we

00:38:30.260 --> 00:38:30.500
 ask

00:38:30.500 --> 00:38:30.660
 in

00:38:30.660 --> 00:38:30.900
 Jesus

00:38:30.900 --> 00:38:31.280
 name

00:38:31.280 --> 00:38:31.960
 amen

00:38:31.960 --> 00:38:33.980
 for

00:38:33.980 --> 00:38:34.220
 more

00:38:34.220 --> 00:38:34.740
 information

00:38:34.740 --> 00:38:35.340
 visit

00:38:35.340 --> 00:38:35.559
 us

00:38:35.559 --> 00:38:36.000
 online

00:38:36.000 --> 00:38:36.260
 at

00:38:36.260 --> 00:38:37.059
 southwood.org