WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.060 If Christmas is hard work, it's probably because you're having lunch with somebody who's difficult. 00:00:07.640 --> 00:00:13.679 ! We've all got them, haven't we? In our families, we love them, at least we should, but they're difficult. 00:00:14.599 --> 00:00:21.240 And the reason why you are in a difficult relationship with that someone, whoever he or she may be, 00:00:21.900 --> 00:00:27.879 is because you've probably engaged in some sort of power struggle with them, or them with you. 00:00:28.459 --> 00:00:36.700 It could be a spouse, it could be a parent-in-law, it could be a son or a daughter, it could be a parent, it could be a cousin. 00:00:37.600 --> 00:00:41.739 Let me try and define what I mean by saying a power struggle. 00:00:42.479 --> 00:00:48.079 A power struggle is when one person wants to change another person, and the other person doesn't want to be changed. 00:00:48.539 --> 00:00:55.420 A power struggle is when one person wants to change another person, and the other person does not want to be changed. 00:00:55.420 --> 00:00:57.679 And that explains 00:00:57.679 --> 00:00:59.100 Many of the problems 00:00:59.100 --> 00:01:01.500 Some of the problems that we have in human relationships 00:01:01.500 --> 00:01:03.340 But let me tell you tonight 00:01:03.340 --> 00:01:04.939 I think that that is one of the ways 00:01:04.939 --> 00:01:08.159 Of understanding the problem that we have with God 00:01:08.159 --> 00:01:10.060 And that's what I want to speak about 00:01:10.060 --> 00:01:11.460 For the next few minutes 00:01:11.460 --> 00:01:13.359 Let's bow our heads in prayer, let's pray 00:01:13.359 --> 00:01:17.960 Dear God, we may well right now 00:01:17.960 --> 00:01:20.299 May be in a power struggle with you 00:01:20.299 --> 00:01:23.540 We may Lord want to change you 00:01:23.540 --> 00:01:25.560 Into something that you are not 00:01:25.560 --> 00:01:28.380 And you refuse the change 00:01:28.380 --> 00:01:30.140 Because you are who you are 00:01:30.140 --> 00:01:31.480 You are God 00:01:31.480 --> 00:01:34.600 And actually Lord, your word teaches us 00:01:34.600 --> 00:01:35.940 That you want us to change 00:01:35.940 --> 00:01:38.560 That we might treat you properly 00:01:38.560 --> 00:01:41.100 And so we pray that tonight 00:01:41.100 --> 00:01:43.120 As a result of what we hear from your words tonight 00:01:43.120 --> 00:01:44.500 You would help us to realise 00:01:44.500 --> 00:01:47.620 That there is no better way to live 00:01:47.620 --> 00:01:50.840 Than to be transformed by you 00:01:50.840 --> 00:01:53.280 Through Jesus Christ our Lord 00:01:53.280 --> 00:01:54.900 Amen 00:01:54.900 --> 00:01:58.079 Now there is nothing more helpless is there 00:01:58.079 --> 00:01:59.719 Than a newborn baby 00:01:59.719 --> 00:02:02.219 You know what it is 00:02:02.219 --> 00:02:04.219 Like, you don't feed them 00:02:04.219 --> 00:02:05.620 And they don't get fed 00:02:05.620 --> 00:02:06.719 You don't change them 00:02:06.719 --> 00:02:07.760 And they stink 00:02:07.760 --> 00:02:09.360 You don't move them 00:02:09.360 --> 00:02:11.400 And a newborn baby just sits there 00:02:11.400 --> 00:02:14.000 We species, we homo sapiens 00:02:14.000 --> 00:02:15.599 We don't come out of the womb 00:02:15.599 --> 00:02:16.939 And are we ready to go for a job 00:02:16.939 --> 00:02:17.539 We don't 00:02:17.539 --> 00:02:20.020 We are very dependent 00:02:20.020 --> 00:02:21.760 On our parents 00:02:21.760 --> 00:02:23.920 All we have is a scream 00:02:23.920 --> 00:02:24.920 Or a cry 00:02:24.920 --> 00:02:26.140 To get them to come 00:02:26.140 --> 00:02:26.820 Come on man 00:02:26.820 --> 00:02:28.200 They scream and they cry 00:02:28.200 --> 00:02:31.180 Which makes what we read 00:02:31.180 --> 00:02:32.280 In our last reading 00:02:32.280 --> 00:02:33.379 A bit of a surprise 00:02:33.379 --> 00:02:36.280 When you hear Herod's response 00:02:36.280 --> 00:02:38.240 To the birth of this child 00:02:38.240 --> 00:02:41.319 He hears that a baby has been born 00:02:41.319 --> 00:02:42.060 King Herod does 00:02:42.060 --> 00:02:43.740 A baby has been born in Bethlehem 00:02:43.740 --> 00:02:46.400 And he and the whole area of Jerusalem 00:02:46.400 --> 00:02:47.639 Are anxious 00:02:47.639 --> 00:02:48.639 And they are disturbed 00:02:48.639 --> 00:02:49.379 Can you just look there 00:02:49.379 --> 00:02:50.000 It was the last week 00:02:50.000 --> 00:02:52.300 That was read to us 00:02:52.300 --> 00:02:53.520 They are anxious 00:02:53.520 --> 00:02:55.159 And they are disturbed 00:02:55.159 --> 00:02:57.199 Matthew chapter 2 00:02:57.199 --> 00:02:59.080 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem 00:02:59.080 --> 00:02:59.580 In Judea 00:02:59.580 --> 00:03:00.860 During the time of King Herod 00:03:00.860 --> 00:03:02.020 Magi from the east 00:03:02.020 --> 00:03:02.699 Came to Jerusalem 00:03:02.699 --> 00:03:03.419 And asked him 00:03:03.419 --> 00:03:04.520 Where is the one who has been born 00:03:04.520 --> 00:03:05.379 King of the Jews 00:03:05.379 --> 00:03:07.379 We saw his star in the east 00:03:07.379 --> 00:03:08.699 And have come to worship him 00:03:08.699 --> 00:03:10.400 When King Herod heard this 00:03:10.400 --> 00:03:12.020 He was disturbed 00:03:12.020 --> 00:03:14.680 And all of Jerusalem with him 00:03:14.680 --> 00:03:17.500 When he hears this phrase 00:03:17.500 --> 00:03:18.379 The king of the Jews 00:03:18.379 --> 00:03:20.079 He is disturbed 00:03:20.079 --> 00:03:20.599 Now why? 00:03:21.419 --> 00:03:22.900 Well the reason King Herod is disturbed 00:03:22.900 --> 00:03:24.120 Is because that is his title 00:03:24.120 --> 00:03:26.379 He is known as King of the Jews 00:03:26.379 --> 00:03:27.460 That is the title 00:03:27.460 --> 00:03:28.460 Of the Roman Empire 00:03:28.460 --> 00:03:29.699 The Roman Senate 00:03:29.699 --> 00:03:30.719 Gave to him 00:03:30.719 --> 00:03:31.960 40 years back 00:03:31.960 --> 00:03:33.079 King Herod is probably 00:03:33.079 --> 00:03:34.099 In his 70s 00:03:34.099 --> 00:03:35.039 At this point 00:03:35.039 --> 00:03:36.400 And what you discover 00:03:36.400 --> 00:03:37.579 As you read Matthew 2 00:03:37.579 --> 00:03:38.120 And I'd love it 00:03:38.120 --> 00:03:38.800 If you did go home 00:03:38.800 --> 00:03:39.259 And read it 00:03:39.259 --> 00:03:40.479 Is that there is a great clash 00:03:40.479 --> 00:03:41.579 Between the two kings 00:03:41.579 --> 00:03:43.300 King Herod 00:03:43.300 --> 00:03:45.060 Who is 70 years old 00:03:45.060 --> 00:03:46.199 And has built things 00:03:46.199 --> 00:03:47.079 Like the temple 00:03:47.080 --> 00:03:48.900 Right through to King Jesus 00:03:48.900 --> 00:03:51.020 Who is probably two years old 00:03:51.020 --> 00:03:52.400 And what I want to do 00:03:52.400 --> 00:03:53.320 In this just short time 00:03:53.320 --> 00:03:54.660 Is contrast it to kings 00:03:54.660 --> 00:03:56.320 The Lord Jesus 00:03:56.320 --> 00:03:57.480 If you read Matthew's Gospel 00:03:57.480 --> 00:03:58.980 Is clearly the legitimate 00:03:58.980 --> 00:03:59.939 King of kings 00:03:59.939 --> 00:04:01.400 And Lord of lords 00:04:01.400 --> 00:04:02.560 His credentials show that 00:04:02.560 --> 00:04:04.439 Israel was a people 00:04:04.439 --> 00:04:05.720 That was waiting 00:04:05.720 --> 00:04:07.160 Just like you boys and girls 00:04:07.160 --> 00:04:08.080 You're waiting aren't you 00:04:08.080 --> 00:04:09.540 How many sleeps till Christmas? 00:04:09.680 --> 00:04:10.380 Can anybody tell me? 00:04:11.000 --> 00:04:11.420 How many? 00:04:11.860 --> 00:04:12.060 Noah 00:04:12.060 --> 00:04:13.380 Um 00:04:13.380 --> 00:04:14.080 Two 00:04:14.080 --> 00:04:15.240 Is it two? 00:04:15.340 --> 00:04:15.780 Is that right? 00:04:16.660 --> 00:04:16.980 Three 00:04:16.980 --> 00:04:17.960 I think it's three 00:04:17.960 --> 00:04:18.300 Is it? 00:04:18.420 --> 00:04:18.660 Three 00:04:18.660 --> 00:04:19.259 Never mind 00:04:19.259 --> 00:04:20.139 Two or three 00:04:20.139 --> 00:04:20.520 One of the 00:04:20.520 --> 00:04:20.900 One of the 00:04:20.900 --> 00:04:21.400 Is it? 00:04:21.420 --> 00:04:21.840 But we wait 00:04:21.840 --> 00:04:22.420 We wait 00:04:22.420 --> 00:04:22.819 And we wait 00:04:22.819 --> 00:04:23.139 And we wait 00:04:23.139 --> 00:04:23.680 Until Christmas 00:04:23.680 --> 00:04:25.759 And we know what it's like 00:04:25.759 --> 00:04:26.240 To wait 00:04:26.240 --> 00:04:28.120 We're really looking forward to it 00:04:28.120 --> 00:04:28.900 When you were children 00:04:28.900 --> 00:04:29.660 You did didn't you? 00:04:30.340 --> 00:04:31.300 And the nation of Israel 00:04:31.300 --> 00:04:31.900 Has been waiting 00:04:31.900 --> 00:04:32.900 For the saviour to come 00:04:32.900 --> 00:04:34.319 It's been waiting 00:04:34.319 --> 00:04:34.759 And waiting 00:04:34.759 --> 00:04:35.100 And waiting 00:04:35.100 --> 00:04:35.980 For a long time 00:04:35.980 --> 00:04:37.439 What we've done tonight 00:04:37.439 --> 00:04:38.220 Is we've traced 00:04:38.220 --> 00:04:39.020 The bible story 00:04:39.020 --> 00:04:39.600 From Genesis 00:04:39.600 --> 00:04:40.900 From that first promise 00:04:40.900 --> 00:04:42.000 That they were given 00:04:42.000 --> 00:04:42.840 In Genesis 3 00:04:42.839 --> 00:04:44.199 That they were given a promise 00:04:44.199 --> 00:04:45.399 That a redeemer king 00:04:45.399 --> 00:04:46.079 Would come 00:04:46.079 --> 00:04:48.419 Way back then 00:04:48.419 --> 00:04:49.319 And that he would be 00:04:49.319 --> 00:04:51.000 A human child of Eve 00:04:51.000 --> 00:04:52.299 And then if you go forward 00:04:52.299 --> 00:04:53.199 To Genesis 12 00:04:53.199 --> 00:04:54.299 God promises 00:04:54.299 --> 00:04:55.620 Out of all the nations 00:04:55.620 --> 00:04:56.239 Of the world 00:04:56.239 --> 00:04:57.419 A saviour king 00:04:57.419 --> 00:04:57.939 Will be born 00:04:57.939 --> 00:04:58.899 From one nation 00:04:58.899 --> 00:04:59.699 The Jews 00:04:59.699 --> 00:05:01.620 From one nation 00:05:01.620 --> 00:05:02.679 A child of Abraham 00:05:02.679 --> 00:05:03.659 And then you go 00:05:03.659 --> 00:05:04.459 To the end of Genesis 00:05:04.459 --> 00:05:05.239 Which is the first book 00:05:05.239 --> 00:05:05.679 Of the bible 00:05:05.679 --> 00:05:07.079 And God makes a promise 00:05:07.079 --> 00:05:07.959 In that chapter 00:05:07.959 --> 00:05:09.479 That of all the tribes 00:05:09.479 --> 00:05:10.159 Of that nation 00:05:10.159 --> 00:05:10.939 Israel 00:05:10.939 --> 00:05:13.160 The saviour would come 00:05:13.160 --> 00:05:14.240 From the tribe of Judah 00:05:14.240 --> 00:05:16.240 So it narrows down 00:05:16.240 --> 00:05:17.240 It starts that he would be 00:05:17.240 --> 00:05:17.680 Human 00:05:17.680 --> 00:05:19.100 It tells you he would be 00:05:19.100 --> 00:05:19.980 From Israel 00:05:19.980 --> 00:05:21.240 And then it tells you 00:05:21.240 --> 00:05:21.980 He would be from 00:05:21.980 --> 00:05:22.660 The tribe of Judah 00:05:22.660 --> 00:05:23.779 And then you go 00:05:23.779 --> 00:05:25.120 Further on in the Old Testament 00:05:25.120 --> 00:05:26.259 To Samuel 7 00:05:26.259 --> 00:05:27.680 And of all the families 00:05:27.680 --> 00:05:28.519 In the tribe of Judah 00:05:28.519 --> 00:05:29.659 Within the nation of Israel 00:05:29.659 --> 00:05:31.019 From amongst all the nations 00:05:31.019 --> 00:05:31.659 Of the world 00:05:31.659 --> 00:05:32.560 God says 00:05:32.560 --> 00:05:33.040 And they'll come 00:05:33.040 --> 00:05:33.819 In the family line 00:05:33.819 --> 00:05:34.659 Of King David 00:05:34.660 --> 00:05:37.220 And then of all the women 00:05:37.220 --> 00:05:38.120 To be born 00:05:38.120 --> 00:05:40.340 He will be born 00:05:40.340 --> 00:05:41.080 Of a virgin 00:05:41.080 --> 00:05:41.900 Isaiah's son 00:05:41.900 --> 00:05:43.660 And then of all the cities 00:05:43.660 --> 00:05:44.620 And all the towns 00:05:44.620 --> 00:05:45.760 In the tribe of Judah 00:05:45.760 --> 00:05:46.780 And in the nation of Israel 00:05:46.780 --> 00:05:47.940 Of all the nations 00:05:47.940 --> 00:05:48.600 Of the world 00:05:48.600 --> 00:05:49.720 He will be born 00:05:49.720 --> 00:05:50.580 In the little town 00:05:50.580 --> 00:05:51.340 Of Bethlehem 00:05:51.340 --> 00:05:53.060 As promised in Micah 5 00:05:53.060 --> 00:05:53.680 That was read 00:05:53.680 --> 00:05:55.600 Until finally 00:05:55.600 --> 00:05:56.160 You come 00:05:56.160 --> 00:05:57.140 To Matthew 00:05:57.140 --> 00:05:58.860 And the king comes 00:05:58.860 --> 00:06:00.900 And he's born 00:06:00.899 --> 00:06:02.599 And who's the one 00:06:02.599 --> 00:06:03.239 Who tells you 00:06:03.239 --> 00:06:04.679 But wise men 00:06:04.679 --> 00:06:05.259 From the east 00:06:05.259 --> 00:06:06.299 Outside of Israel 00:06:06.299 --> 00:06:07.959 My point is this 00:06:07.959 --> 00:06:09.039 Jesus ticks 00:06:09.039 --> 00:06:09.819 All the boxes 00:06:09.819 --> 00:06:11.159 He is the long 00:06:11.159 --> 00:06:11.959 Awaited one 00:06:11.959 --> 00:06:13.339 Herod on the other hand 00:06:13.339 --> 00:06:14.359 Has got no credentials 00:06:14.359 --> 00:06:16.379 To be who he is 00:06:16.379 --> 00:06:17.699 He's not even 00:06:17.699 --> 00:06:18.639 A full blooded Jew 00:06:18.639 --> 00:06:20.379 He's not a son of David 00:06:20.379 --> 00:06:21.639 He wasn't born 00:06:21.639 --> 00:06:22.199 For a virgin 00:06:22.199 --> 00:06:22.839 And he wasn't 00:06:22.839 --> 00:06:23.719 Born in Bethlehem 00:06:23.719 --> 00:06:24.899 He was just appointed 00:06:24.899 --> 00:06:25.839 By the Romans 00:06:25.839 --> 00:06:28.000 Now if you think 00:06:28.000 --> 00:06:28.419 Tonight 00:06:28.419 --> 00:06:29.219 You're a little bit 00:06:29.219 --> 00:06:29.779 Insecure 00:06:29.779 --> 00:06:30.560 As a human being 00:06:30.560 --> 00:06:31.180 And who isn't 00:06:31.180 --> 00:06:32.339 I certainly am 00:06:32.339 --> 00:06:33.500 King Herod 00:06:33.500 --> 00:06:34.800 Is Mr. Paranoia 00:06:34.800 --> 00:06:36.500 His paranoia 00:06:36.500 --> 00:06:37.139 Is so bad 00:06:37.139 --> 00:06:38.000 He is vicious 00:06:38.000 --> 00:06:39.839 The Jewish Roman historian 00:06:39.839 --> 00:06:41.139 Josephus 00:06:41.139 --> 00:06:41.600 Tells us 00:06:41.600 --> 00:06:43.139 He was so insecure 00:06:43.139 --> 00:06:44.579 Of losing his power 00:06:44.579 --> 00:06:45.399 That he murdered 00:06:45.399 --> 00:06:46.259 His favourite wife 00:06:46.259 --> 00:06:47.060 You know a number of them 00:06:47.060 --> 00:06:48.560 Somebody whispered 00:06:48.560 --> 00:06:49.120 In his ear 00:06:49.120 --> 00:06:50.220 For as long as she lives 00:06:50.220 --> 00:06:51.160 He will not be saved 00:06:51.160 --> 00:06:52.060 So he takes her out 00:06:52.060 --> 00:06:54.259 And he then regretted it 00:06:54.259 --> 00:06:55.420 For the rest of his life 00:06:55.420 --> 00:06:56.319 That he killed 00:06:56.319 --> 00:06:56.819 The very woman 00:06:56.819 --> 00:06:57.420 That he loved 00:06:57.420 --> 00:06:58.959 He was so desperate 00:06:58.959 --> 00:07:00.279 To cling on to power 00:07:00.279 --> 00:07:01.599 But it didn't end there 00:07:01.599 --> 00:07:02.979 He had a bunch of sons 00:07:02.979 --> 00:07:04.339 But he had three of them killed 00:07:04.339 --> 00:07:06.099 He killed his own brother-in-law 00:07:06.099 --> 00:07:07.719 He killed his mother-in-law 00:07:07.719 --> 00:07:09.019 No jokes about that 00:07:09.019 --> 00:07:10.759 He killed her 00:07:10.759 --> 00:07:12.359 Because he feared 00:07:12.359 --> 00:07:13.179 She would be a threat 00:07:13.179 --> 00:07:13.799 To his kingdom 00:07:13.799 --> 00:07:16.119 This is a nasty piece of work 00:07:16.119 --> 00:07:18.279 Somebody said of King Herod 00:07:18.279 --> 00:07:19.259 That it was safer 00:07:19.259 --> 00:07:19.879 To be his pig 00:07:19.879 --> 00:07:20.439 Than his son 00:07:20.439 --> 00:07:21.079 And that's true 00:07:21.079 --> 00:07:23.099 And if he didn't kill you 00:07:23.099 --> 00:07:24.219 He'd marry him 00:07:24.219 --> 00:07:24.759 To your family 00:07:24.759 --> 00:07:25.739 Which was even worse 00:07:25.740 --> 00:07:26.980 He was married 00:07:26.980 --> 00:07:27.920 Ten times 00:07:27.920 --> 00:07:28.699 And he married 00:07:28.699 --> 00:07:29.360 The enemies 00:07:29.360 --> 00:07:30.280 Of his 00:07:30.280 --> 00:07:31.259 So that he could 00:07:31.259 --> 00:07:32.120 Manipulate them 00:07:32.120 --> 00:07:33.400 And bring them on side 00:07:33.400 --> 00:07:36.079 He is a Saddam Hussein 00:07:36.079 --> 00:07:36.819 Of the first century 00:07:36.819 --> 00:07:37.439 Do you remember him? 00:07:37.639 --> 00:07:38.180 He's gone now 00:07:38.180 --> 00:07:38.460 Is he? 00:07:38.740 --> 00:07:39.139 But do you remember 00:07:39.139 --> 00:07:40.139 Saddam Hussein of Iraq 00:07:40.139 --> 00:07:40.720 In his heyday? 00:07:41.540 --> 00:07:42.300 There's one story 00:07:42.300 --> 00:07:43.079 There of two of his 00:07:43.079 --> 00:07:43.639 Sons-in-law 00:07:43.639 --> 00:07:45.519 Who had betrayed him 00:07:45.519 --> 00:07:47.319 And so they fled Iraq 00:07:47.319 --> 00:07:48.139 And they came to the UK 00:07:48.139 --> 00:07:48.720 I think 00:07:48.720 --> 00:07:49.879 Anyway 00:07:49.879 --> 00:07:50.920 Saddam Hussein 00:07:50.920 --> 00:07:51.540 Sends a message 00:07:51.540 --> 00:07:52.639 To these two sons 00:07:52.639 --> 00:07:53.460 Sons-in-law 00:07:53.459 --> 00:07:54.039 And says 00:07:54.039 --> 00:07:54.719 Come back 00:07:54.719 --> 00:07:55.699 All is forgiven 00:07:55.699 --> 00:07:57.419 And those idiots 00:07:57.419 --> 00:07:58.579 Go back to Iraq 00:07:58.579 --> 00:08:00.219 And he kills them 00:08:00.219 --> 00:08:01.139 On the airport runway 00:08:01.139 --> 00:08:03.839 King Jesus 00:08:03.839 --> 00:08:04.779 And Herod 00:08:04.779 --> 00:08:06.519 Are two very very 00:08:06.519 --> 00:08:07.359 Different types of king 00:08:07.359 --> 00:08:09.459 Herod is so terrified 00:08:09.459 --> 00:08:10.439 To lose his power 00:08:10.439 --> 00:08:12.120 I mean the guy is 70 00:08:12.120 --> 00:08:14.139 And he's so desperate 00:08:14.139 --> 00:08:15.019 Not to lose his power 00:08:15.019 --> 00:08:16.299 To this two year old 00:08:16.299 --> 00:08:17.339 That he embarks 00:08:17.339 --> 00:08:18.179 On a mass killing 00:08:18.179 --> 00:08:18.919 In Bethlehem 00:08:18.919 --> 00:08:20.560 Once he finds out 00:08:20.560 --> 00:08:21.799 That the long awaited Messiah 00:08:21.799 --> 00:08:23.139 Is to be born 00:08:23.139 --> 00:08:24.560 In Bethlehem 00:08:24.560 --> 00:08:25.319 In that town 00:08:25.319 --> 00:08:26.079 This is what he says 00:08:26.079 --> 00:08:26.680 Let me read to you 00:08:26.680 --> 00:08:27.860 Chapter 2 verse 16 00:08:27.860 --> 00:08:29.680 When Herod realised 00:08:29.680 --> 00:08:30.479 That he'd been outwitted 00:08:30.479 --> 00:08:31.099 By the Magi 00:08:31.099 --> 00:08:31.639 The wise man 00:08:31.639 --> 00:08:32.360 He was furious 00:08:32.360 --> 00:08:33.679 And he gave orders 00:08:33.679 --> 00:08:34.639 To kill all the boys 00:08:34.639 --> 00:08:35.379 In Bethlehem 00:08:35.379 --> 00:08:36.500 And his vicinity 00:08:36.500 --> 00:08:37.480 Who were two years old 00:08:37.480 --> 00:08:37.879 And under 00:08:37.879 --> 00:08:39.360 In accordance with the time 00:08:39.360 --> 00:08:40.480 He'd lurked from the Magi 00:08:40.480 --> 00:08:41.600 Here is the butcher 00:08:41.600 --> 00:08:42.399 Of Bethlehem 00:08:42.399 --> 00:08:44.860 He spills the blood 00:08:44.860 --> 00:08:45.699 Of how many 00:08:45.699 --> 00:08:46.699 Little boys 00:08:46.699 --> 00:08:48.200 We don't know exactly 00:08:48.200 --> 00:08:48.860 But 50 00:08:48.860 --> 00:08:49.439 60 00:08:49.439 --> 00:08:50.500 Or 100 00:08:50.500 --> 00:08:51.500 Are the best guesses 00:08:51.500 --> 00:08:53.679 Now I think 00:08:53.679 --> 00:08:54.200 As we read 00:08:54.200 --> 00:08:55.159 About the massacre 00:08:55.159 --> 00:08:55.899 Of those infants 00:08:55.899 --> 00:08:57.059 We have real emotional 00:08:57.059 --> 00:08:57.799 Connection with that 00:08:57.799 --> 00:08:58.700 When we think about it 00:08:58.700 --> 00:09:00.360 Do you remember 00:09:00.360 --> 00:09:01.340 In 2012 00:09:01.340 --> 00:09:03.200 The school killings 00:09:03.200 --> 00:09:04.059 In the US 00:09:04.059 --> 00:09:05.519 In Sandy Hook 00:09:05.519 --> 00:09:06.899 A gunman 00:09:06.899 --> 00:09:07.639 Goes into a school 00:09:07.639 --> 00:09:07.980 And there are 00:09:07.980 --> 00:09:09.200 28 deaths 00:09:09.200 --> 00:09:10.340 20 of them 00:09:10.340 --> 00:09:12.139 6 and 7 year olds 00:09:12.139 --> 00:09:14.019 8 boys 00:09:14.019 --> 00:09:15.700 12 girls 00:09:15.700 --> 00:09:17.840 And as we read 00:09:17.840 --> 00:09:18.259 About that 00:09:18.259 --> 00:09:19.220 As we see those images 00:09:19.220 --> 00:09:20.259 On TV screens 00:09:20.259 --> 00:09:21.220 We remember that 00:09:21.220 --> 00:09:22.440 We cannot know 00:09:22.440 --> 00:09:23.600 What was going on 00:09:23.600 --> 00:09:24.120 In the mind 00:09:24.120 --> 00:09:24.720 Of the man 00:09:24.720 --> 00:09:26.259 That killed those children 00:09:26.259 --> 00:09:28.940 But we do know 00:09:28.940 --> 00:09:30.600 What was going on 00:09:30.600 --> 00:09:31.420 In the mind of Herod 00:09:31.420 --> 00:09:32.500 In Bethlehem 00:09:32.500 --> 00:09:34.540 That he was so desperate 00:09:34.540 --> 00:09:35.440 Not to let anyone 00:09:35.440 --> 00:09:35.980 Or anything 00:09:35.980 --> 00:09:36.800 Take his power 00:09:36.800 --> 00:09:37.540 Away from him 00:09:37.540 --> 00:09:39.960 And it's so different 00:09:39.960 --> 00:09:42.020 From King Jesus 00:09:42.019 --> 00:09:43.740 King Jesus 00:09:43.740 --> 00:09:44.519 Will go on to live 00:09:44.519 --> 00:09:46.439 A life of 33 years 00:09:46.439 --> 00:09:47.439 On this earth 00:09:47.439 --> 00:09:48.259 Who went around 00:09:48.259 --> 00:09:48.980 Doing good 00:09:48.980 --> 00:09:50.419 If he wasn't 00:09:50.419 --> 00:09:51.539 Healing and preaching 00:09:51.539 --> 00:09:52.799 He was forgiving 00:09:52.799 --> 00:09:53.919 And casting out demons 00:09:53.919 --> 00:09:55.939 He was liberating 00:09:55.939 --> 00:09:57.199 People from their sins 00:09:57.199 --> 00:09:58.740 From their broken bodies 00:09:58.740 --> 00:09:59.759 From their oppression 00:09:59.759 --> 00:10:01.399 Under the reign of the evil 00:10:01.399 --> 00:10:02.460 When he went around 00:10:02.460 --> 00:10:03.360 Doing good 00:10:03.360 --> 00:10:05.120 And when it came 00:10:05.120 --> 00:10:05.980 To the appointed time 00:10:05.980 --> 00:10:06.840 That God had him 00:10:06.840 --> 00:10:07.720 And he chose 00:10:07.720 --> 00:10:08.439 To be part of it 00:10:08.439 --> 00:10:09.439 To die on the cross 00:10:09.439 --> 00:10:10.840 They came to arrest him 00:10:10.840 --> 00:10:12.980 Peter one of his sidecaps 00:10:12.980 --> 00:10:14.100 Pulls out a sword 00:10:14.100 --> 00:10:15.639 And he slices off 00:10:15.639 --> 00:10:16.360 The ear 00:10:16.360 --> 00:10:17.639 Of the servant 00:10:17.639 --> 00:10:18.340 Of the high priest 00:10:18.340 --> 00:10:20.420 Jesus looks at him 00:10:20.420 --> 00:10:21.060 First of all 00:10:21.060 --> 00:10:21.759 He picks up the ear 00:10:21.759 --> 00:10:22.660 And heals the servant 00:10:22.660 --> 00:10:23.360 Of the high priest 00:10:23.360 --> 00:10:24.160 And then he says 00:10:24.160 --> 00:10:25.480 Put the sword away 00:10:25.480 --> 00:10:27.100 Don't you know 00:10:27.100 --> 00:10:28.200 If I wanted to 00:10:28.200 --> 00:10:29.440 If I wanted somebody 00:10:29.440 --> 00:10:30.220 To protect me 00:10:30.220 --> 00:10:31.580 I'd call on my father 00:10:31.580 --> 00:10:32.080 In heaven 00:10:32.080 --> 00:10:32.960 And he'd send 00:10:32.960 --> 00:10:34.240 72,000 angels 00:10:34.240 --> 00:10:35.480 To sort them out 00:10:35.480 --> 00:10:37.220 They'd take care of me 00:10:37.220 --> 00:10:38.320 He says 00:10:38.320 --> 00:10:39.040 The Pontius Pilate 00:10:39.040 --> 00:10:39.759 The Roman governor 00:10:39.759 --> 00:10:41.259 Who's about to authorise 00:10:41.259 --> 00:10:41.899 His execution 00:10:41.899 --> 00:10:43.159 He says to Pilate 00:10:43.159 --> 00:10:44.100 My kingdom is not 00:10:44.100 --> 00:10:44.819 Of this world 00:10:44.819 --> 00:10:47.720 The only blood 00:10:47.720 --> 00:10:49.779 That Jesus spills 00:10:49.779 --> 00:10:51.439 Is his own 00:10:51.439 --> 00:10:54.620 The only blood 00:10:54.620 --> 00:10:56.799 That Jesus spills 00:10:56.799 --> 00:10:58.620 Is his own 00:10:58.620 --> 00:11:00.819 Blood spilt 00:11:00.819 --> 00:11:02.860 So that you and I 00:11:02.860 --> 00:11:03.539 Could be forgiven 00:11:03.539 --> 00:11:04.799 Once and for all 00:11:04.799 --> 00:11:05.779 And that is the purpose 00:11:05.779 --> 00:11:06.399 Of the death 00:11:06.399 --> 00:11:06.859 Of Jesus 00:11:06.859 --> 00:11:09.939 What is this 00:11:09.939 --> 00:11:12.120 What is all this 00:11:12.120 --> 00:11:12.759 Doing 00:11:12.759 --> 00:11:14.279 As we read Matthew 2 00:11:14.279 --> 00:11:15.139 What it does 00:11:15.139 --> 00:11:17.039 Is the coming of Jesus 00:11:17.039 --> 00:11:18.059 All of a sudden 00:11:18.059 --> 00:11:19.620 Brings to the surface 00:11:19.620 --> 00:11:22.219 A problem that we all have 00:11:22.219 --> 00:11:24.699 That desperation 00:11:24.699 --> 00:11:26.799 That we all have 00:11:26.799 --> 00:11:28.399 To rule our lives 00:11:28.399 --> 00:11:30.759 To say this is my life 00:11:30.759 --> 00:11:32.559 And no one 00:11:32.559 --> 00:11:33.120 Can tell me 00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:33.700 How to live 00:11:33.700 --> 00:11:35.659 That has been 00:11:35.659 --> 00:11:36.080 On the lips 00:11:36.080 --> 00:11:36.840 Of every person 00:11:36.840 --> 00:11:37.500 In this building 00:11:37.500 --> 00:11:39.360 Among the seven people 00:11:39.360 --> 00:11:40.559 Seven billion people 00:11:40.559 --> 00:11:41.439 Who live on this earth 00:11:41.439 --> 00:11:41.960 And that is why 00:11:41.960 --> 00:11:42.740 We have so much trouble 00:11:42.740 --> 00:11:43.179 Isn't it 00:11:43.179 --> 00:11:45.100 Because if I am God 00:11:45.100 --> 00:11:45.960 How can you be God 00:11:45.960 --> 00:11:47.960 If seven people 00:11:47.960 --> 00:11:48.379 On earth 00:11:48.379 --> 00:11:49.379 Are playing God 00:11:49.379 --> 00:11:50.539 It causes a lot of trouble 00:11:50.539 --> 00:11:52.319 C.S. Lewis 00:11:52.319 --> 00:11:53.139 Who wrote Narnia 00:11:53.139 --> 00:11:55.139 And he was an atheist 00:11:55.139 --> 00:11:56.480 A well known atheist 00:11:56.480 --> 00:11:57.620 He didn't believe in God 00:11:57.620 --> 00:11:58.860 And he didn't think 00:11:58.860 --> 00:11:59.399 Anybody else 00:11:59.399 --> 00:12:00.000 Would believe in God 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:00.639 And then he became 00:12:00.639 --> 00:12:01.139 A Christian 00:12:01.139 --> 00:12:03.399 And he describes 00:12:03.399 --> 00:12:04.620 How he too 00:12:04.620 --> 00:12:05.779 Was in a power struggle 00:12:05.779 --> 00:12:06.440 With God 00:12:06.440 --> 00:12:07.799 And he wrote this 00:12:07.799 --> 00:12:10.019 What mattered most of all 00:12:10.019 --> 00:12:12.000 Was my deep seated 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:13.399 Hatred for authority 00:12:13.399 --> 00:12:15.299 I want to live 00:12:15.299 --> 00:12:16.000 My life 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:16.759 My way 00:12:16.759 --> 00:12:17.519 Christianity 00:12:17.519 --> 00:12:19.000 Placed at the centre 00:12:19.000 --> 00:12:20.659 What seemed to me 00:12:20.659 --> 00:12:21.720 To be the great 00:12:21.720 --> 00:12:22.740 Interferer 00:12:22.740 --> 00:12:24.220 Who is that? 00:12:25.519 --> 00:12:26.039 God 00:12:26.039 --> 00:12:27.460 That is how 00:12:27.460 --> 00:12:28.419 C.S. Lewis saw God 00:12:28.419 --> 00:12:28.919 As the great 00:12:28.919 --> 00:12:29.580 Interferer 00:12:29.580 --> 00:12:30.259 He said 00:12:30.259 --> 00:12:30.980 What I wanted 00:12:30.980 --> 00:12:31.900 More than anything else 00:12:31.900 --> 00:12:32.580 Was somehow 00:12:32.580 --> 00:12:33.320 Some area 00:12:33.320 --> 00:12:34.360 However small 00:12:34.360 --> 00:12:34.680 Of which 00:12:34.680 --> 00:12:35.200 I could say 00:12:35.200 --> 00:12:36.200 To all other beings 00:12:36.200 --> 00:12:37.340 Including God 00:12:37.340 --> 00:12:38.560 This is my business 00:12:38.560 --> 00:12:39.800 And mine only 00:12:39.800 --> 00:12:41.060 So 00:12:41.060 --> 00:12:41.940 Surprise off 00:12:41.940 --> 00:12:44.660 Does that sound 00:12:44.660 --> 00:12:45.400 A little bit familiar? 00:12:47.080 --> 00:12:48.220 There is a part of us 00:12:48.220 --> 00:12:48.960 That connects with that 00:12:48.960 --> 00:12:49.240 Isn't it? 00:12:49.300 --> 00:12:50.160 Certainly in my life 00:12:50.160 --> 00:12:52.440 I want to run my life 00:12:52.440 --> 00:12:53.600 My way 00:12:53.600 --> 00:12:55.300 And that is what 00:12:55.300 --> 00:12:56.019 Herod is doing 00:12:56.019 --> 00:12:58.180 And what he did 00:12:58.180 --> 00:12:59.040 Was atrocious 00:12:59.040 --> 00:13:01.680 It's a terrible thing 00:13:01.680 --> 00:13:02.060 But he did it 00:13:02.060 --> 00:13:02.460 With a certain 00:13:02.460 --> 00:13:02.980 Flair 00:13:02.980 --> 00:13:05.700 Rebellion to Christ 00:13:05.700 --> 00:13:07.379 Might not always 00:13:07.379 --> 00:13:08.019 Look as ugly 00:13:08.019 --> 00:13:08.659 As that 00:13:08.659 --> 00:13:09.540 As what Herod did 00:13:09.540 --> 00:13:11.200 But it can be done 00:13:11.200 --> 00:13:11.720 In other ways 00:13:11.720 --> 00:13:12.220 Can't it? 00:13:13.379 --> 00:13:14.200 What we do 00:13:14.200 --> 00:13:15.019 To God 00:13:15.019 --> 00:13:16.100 Is really 00:13:16.100 --> 00:13:16.580 What we do 00:13:16.580 --> 00:13:17.080 To other people 00:13:17.080 --> 00:13:17.980 That we don't like 00:13:17.980 --> 00:13:20.320 And our best strategy 00:13:20.320 --> 00:13:20.759 Is this 00:13:20.759 --> 00:13:22.440 We just ignore them 00:13:22.440 --> 00:13:24.680 We don't invite them 00:13:24.680 --> 00:13:26.800 We sidestep them 00:13:26.800 --> 00:13:28.840 We avoid their calls 00:13:28.840 --> 00:13:30.740 So if somebody invites you 00:13:30.740 --> 00:13:31.300 To be their friend 00:13:31.300 --> 00:13:31.800 In Facebook 00:13:31.800 --> 00:13:32.960 You don't reject it 00:13:32.960 --> 00:13:35.320 You just ignore it 00:13:35.320 --> 00:13:38.340 And if those people 00:13:38.340 --> 00:13:39.560 Happen to be 00:13:39.560 --> 00:13:40.440 In your life 00:13:40.440 --> 00:13:41.379 That you don't like 00:13:41.379 --> 00:13:43.019 And you can't 00:13:43.019 --> 00:13:43.759 Escape them 00:13:43.759 --> 00:13:45.779 Well you tolerate them 00:13:45.779 --> 00:13:47.279 You tolerate them 00:13:47.279 --> 00:13:47.580 For say 00:13:47.580 --> 00:13:48.379 A Christmas meal 00:13:48.379 --> 00:13:49.740 You last the 00:13:49.740 --> 00:13:50.639 Three or four hours 00:13:50.639 --> 00:13:51.460 And then you get 00:13:51.460 --> 00:13:52.220 Into your car 00:13:52.220 --> 00:13:53.879 Say thank goodness 00:13:53.879 --> 00:13:54.460 We don't have to see 00:13:54.460 --> 00:13:55.520 Them again for another year 00:13:55.520 --> 00:13:57.800 And then you move on 00:13:57.800 --> 00:13:59.580 And you enjoy 00:13:59.580 --> 00:14:00.240 Your life again 00:14:00.240 --> 00:14:01.980 And that is how 00:14:01.980 --> 00:14:02.660 We treat God 00:14:02.660 --> 00:14:04.780 We are engaged 00:14:04.780 --> 00:14:05.740 In a power struggle 00:14:05.740 --> 00:14:06.220 With him 00:14:06.220 --> 00:14:08.020 And he 00:14:08.020 --> 00:14:08.879 Has been wanting 00:14:08.879 --> 00:14:09.900 To change us 00:14:09.900 --> 00:14:10.960 And we have been 00:14:10.960 --> 00:14:12.440 Resisting his claim 00:14:12.440 --> 00:14:13.700 On our life 00:14:13.700 --> 00:14:16.460 And over the last year 00:14:16.460 --> 00:14:17.560 In 2013 00:14:17.559 --> 00:14:19.959 The chances are 00:14:19.959 --> 00:14:20.459 If you have not 00:14:20.459 --> 00:14:21.039 Given your life 00:14:21.039 --> 00:14:21.439 To Christ 00:14:21.439 --> 00:14:22.079 You have probably 00:14:22.079 --> 00:14:22.819 Heard him 00:14:22.819 --> 00:14:23.359 Tapping 00:14:23.359 --> 00:14:25.059 On your door 00:14:25.059 --> 00:14:26.679 It might be 00:14:26.679 --> 00:14:27.259 A conversation 00:14:27.259 --> 00:14:27.699 That you have 00:14:27.699 --> 00:14:28.099 With someone 00:14:28.099 --> 00:14:28.839 At work 00:14:28.839 --> 00:14:29.359 Or a neighbour 00:14:29.359 --> 00:14:30.239 That made you think 00:14:30.239 --> 00:14:30.979 I wonder 00:14:30.980 --> 00:14:33.180 It might be 00:14:33.179 --> 00:14:34.199 That guilty conscience 00:14:34.199 --> 00:14:34.739 That's just 00:14:34.739 --> 00:14:35.579 Percolating 00:14:35.579 --> 00:14:37.019 Beneath the surface 00:14:37.019 --> 00:14:38.779 It may be 00:14:38.779 --> 00:14:39.199 That something 00:14:39.199 --> 00:14:40.339 Happened 00:14:40.339 --> 00:14:41.899 And it made you 00:14:41.899 --> 00:14:43.059 Want to thank God 00:14:43.059 --> 00:14:43.979 But then you went 00:14:43.979 --> 00:14:45.120 On to other things 00:14:45.120 --> 00:14:46.000 And you're mindful 00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:46.379 Of it 00:14:46.379 --> 00:14:47.919 It may have been 00:14:47.919 --> 00:14:48.939 The beauty of creation 00:14:48.939 --> 00:14:49.859 And your breath 00:14:49.859 --> 00:14:50.719 Was just taken away 00:14:50.719 --> 00:14:51.359 By it 00:14:51.359 --> 00:14:53.299 It may be 00:14:53.299 --> 00:14:53.759 That something 00:14:53.759 --> 00:14:54.359 Really horrible 00:14:54.359 --> 00:14:55.179 Has happened this year 00:14:55.179 --> 00:14:56.899 And God 00:14:56.899 --> 00:14:57.319 Was kind of 00:14:57.319 --> 00:14:58.699 Tapping on your door 00:14:58.699 --> 00:15:00.459 Saying 00:15:00.459 --> 00:15:01.819 It's time 00:15:01.819 --> 00:15:02.559 We do business 00:15:02.559 --> 00:15:04.519 But you've 00:15:04.519 --> 00:15:04.959 Engaged 00:15:04.959 --> 00:15:05.759 In a power struggle 00:15:05.759 --> 00:15:07.859 And your strategy 00:15:07.859 --> 00:15:08.719 Has been the most 00:15:08.719 --> 00:15:09.779 Common strategy 00:15:09.779 --> 00:15:10.839 In all of the world 00:15:10.840 --> 00:15:11.820 Not the execution 00:15:11.820 --> 00:15:12.879 Of boys under two 00:15:12.879 --> 00:15:14.560 But just quietly 00:15:14.560 --> 00:15:16.960 Quietly ignoring him 00:15:16.960 --> 00:15:18.879 And God wants 00:15:18.879 --> 00:15:19.460 To change you 00:15:19.460 --> 00:15:21.040 And you don't 00:15:21.040 --> 00:15:21.720 Want to be changed 00:15:21.720 --> 00:15:23.660 And you are 00:15:23.660 --> 00:15:24.560 Trying to change 00:15:24.560 --> 00:15:25.220 God 00:15:25.220 --> 00:15:27.220 To fit him 00:15:27.220 --> 00:15:27.780 Into how you 00:15:27.780 --> 00:15:28.660 Want him to be 00:15:28.660 --> 00:15:30.519 So that 00:15:30.519 --> 00:15:32.340 You don't have to 00:15:32.340 --> 00:15:32.899 Treat him the way 00:15:32.899 --> 00:15:33.680 That he deserves 00:15:33.680 --> 00:15:35.860 A friend of mine 00:15:35.860 --> 00:15:36.759 Started reading the Bible 00:15:36.759 --> 00:15:38.040 And one of the things 00:15:38.040 --> 00:15:38.759 That he realised 00:15:38.759 --> 00:15:39.259 He said 00:15:39.259 --> 00:15:40.100 Was that 00:15:40.100 --> 00:15:40.920 He and God 00:15:40.920 --> 00:15:41.940 Thought very differently 00:15:41.940 --> 00:15:44.000 And he began to realise 00:15:44.000 --> 00:15:44.759 That one of them 00:15:44.759 --> 00:15:45.560 Had to change 00:15:45.560 --> 00:15:47.560 Well you can guess 00:15:47.560 --> 00:15:48.159 Who changed 00:15:48.159 --> 00:15:50.300 Herod doesn't want 00:15:50.300 --> 00:15:50.720 To be changed 00:15:50.720 --> 00:15:50.960 Does he 00:15:50.960 --> 00:15:51.519 Quite the opposite 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:53.560 He wants to change 00:15:53.560 --> 00:15:54.440 Jesus from life 00:15:54.440 --> 00:15:55.139 To death 00:15:55.139 --> 00:15:56.620 But the Magi 00:15:56.620 --> 00:15:57.080 From the East 00:15:57.080 --> 00:15:58.139 They are a class act 00:15:58.139 --> 00:15:58.540 Aren't they 00:15:58.540 --> 00:16:00.279 They were wise men 00:16:00.279 --> 00:16:01.180 Probably from Persia 00:16:01.180 --> 00:16:02.480 And they've come 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:03.680 To worship Jesus 00:16:03.680 --> 00:16:04.840 And we are reminded 00:16:04.840 --> 00:16:05.240 In that 00:16:05.240 --> 00:16:06.300 That Jesus is not 00:16:06.300 --> 00:16:06.879 Just 00:16:06.879 --> 00:16:08.460 For his people 00:16:08.460 --> 00:16:09.320 For his own people 00:16:09.320 --> 00:16:09.899 The Jews 00:16:09.899 --> 00:16:11.500 He is actually 00:16:11.500 --> 00:16:13.019 For all people 00:16:13.019 --> 00:16:14.899 From everywhere 00:16:14.899 --> 00:16:17.659 From all religions 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:19.699 Here are people 00:16:19.699 --> 00:16:20.480 In this passage 00:16:20.480 --> 00:16:21.139 From another part 00:16:21.139 --> 00:16:21.639 Of the world 00:16:21.639 --> 00:16:23.500 From another religion 00:16:23.500 --> 00:16:24.559 Coming and doing 00:16:24.559 --> 00:16:25.620 What God expects 00:16:25.620 --> 00:16:27.100 Every human being 00:16:27.100 --> 00:16:28.340 From every religion 00:16:28.340 --> 00:16:28.679 To do 00:16:28.679 --> 00:16:29.360 To come and bow 00:16:29.360 --> 00:16:30.159 Before Jesus 00:16:30.159 --> 00:16:32.220 If you want to 00:16:32.220 --> 00:16:33.399 Worship God properly 00:16:33.399 --> 00:16:35.120 You have to 00:16:35.120 --> 00:16:35.799 Worship his son 00:16:35.799 --> 00:16:37.459 And that is 00:16:37.459 --> 00:16:38.219 Exactly what happened 00:16:38.219 --> 00:16:40.219 We don't really 00:16:40.219 --> 00:16:41.159 Know exactly 00:16:41.159 --> 00:16:41.939 How God revealed 00:16:41.939 --> 00:16:42.559 The truth to them 00:16:42.559 --> 00:16:44.099 He used this star 00:16:44.099 --> 00:16:45.299 To guide them 00:16:45.299 --> 00:16:45.779 To the long 00:16:45.779 --> 00:16:46.539 Awaited saviour 00:16:46.539 --> 00:16:46.879 In Israel 00:16:46.879 --> 00:16:47.459 And that is 00:16:47.459 --> 00:16:48.479 Exactly what happens 00:16:48.480 --> 00:16:50.580 But what makes 00:16:50.580 --> 00:16:52.500 These magi wise 00:16:52.500 --> 00:16:53.779 Is what makes 00:16:53.779 --> 00:16:54.940 You and I wise 00:16:54.940 --> 00:16:57.200 When you start 00:16:57.200 --> 00:16:58.180 To give up 00:16:58.180 --> 00:16:59.860 In that power 00:16:59.860 --> 00:17:00.899 Struggle with God 00:17:00.899 --> 00:17:02.800 And worship him 00:17:02.800 --> 00:17:04.140 On his terms 00:17:04.140 --> 00:17:06.620 It comes down to this 00:17:06.620 --> 00:17:07.640 There are two people 00:17:07.640 --> 00:17:08.400 That you can worship 00:17:08.400 --> 00:17:10.059 You can either 00:17:10.059 --> 00:17:10.720 Worship you 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:12.539 Or you can 00:17:12.539 --> 00:17:13.120 Worship God 00:17:13.120 --> 00:17:14.079 Those are your two options 00:17:14.079 --> 00:17:15.819 You can worship 00:17:15.819 --> 00:17:16.939 Your own version 00:17:16.939 --> 00:17:17.619 Of God 00:17:17.619 --> 00:17:19.059 But that is really 00:17:19.059 --> 00:17:19.879 Just worshipping you 00:17:19.879 --> 00:17:21.039 It's just a conversation 00:17:21.039 --> 00:17:21.599 With yourself 00:17:21.599 --> 00:17:23.740 And these magi 00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:24.699 Worship someone 00:17:24.699 --> 00:17:25.539 Who they've never 00:17:25.539 --> 00:17:26.579 Worshipped before 00:17:26.579 --> 00:17:28.679 They come to Jesus 00:17:28.679 --> 00:17:29.659 And they worship him 00:17:29.659 --> 00:17:30.339 As king 00:17:30.339 --> 00:17:31.299 Of kings 00:17:31.299 --> 00:17:32.339 He's called the Christ 00:17:32.339 --> 00:17:34.319 What does the word 00:17:34.319 --> 00:17:35.119 Christ mean 00:17:35.119 --> 00:17:36.819 It's not a serenium 00:17:36.819 --> 00:17:37.679 It's a title 00:17:37.679 --> 00:17:39.740 Let's say your name 00:17:39.740 --> 00:17:40.299 Is Carlos 00:17:40.299 --> 00:17:41.639 And your job 00:17:41.639 --> 00:17:42.079 Is a plumber 00:17:42.079 --> 00:17:43.879 And your job description 00:17:43.880 --> 00:17:44.760 Is to fix taps 00:17:44.760 --> 00:17:46.660 Well let's apply that 00:17:46.660 --> 00:17:46.960 Jesus 00:17:46.960 --> 00:17:48.060 Jesus is his name 00:17:48.060 --> 00:17:49.740 And his title 00:17:49.740 --> 00:17:50.420 Is the Christ 00:17:50.420 --> 00:17:52.540 And his job description 00:17:52.540 --> 00:17:53.500 Is to rule the world 00:17:53.500 --> 00:17:54.180 And everything in it 00:17:54.180 --> 00:17:56.380 That is who Christ is 00:17:56.380 --> 00:17:58.500 The magi 00:17:58.500 --> 00:17:59.760 Magi from the east 00:17:59.760 --> 00:18:00.320 They come 00:18:00.320 --> 00:18:01.260 And they bow down 00:18:01.260 --> 00:18:01.940 They worship 00:18:01.940 --> 00:18:02.940 Because you can do 00:18:02.940 --> 00:18:03.600 Nothing else 00:18:03.600 --> 00:18:04.220 But worship 00:18:04.220 --> 00:18:05.920 The one who is God 00:18:05.920 --> 00:18:06.720 Become man 00:18:06.720 --> 00:18:09.160 And in this story 00:18:09.160 --> 00:18:09.820 They move from 00:18:09.820 --> 00:18:11.340 Worshipping the stars 00:18:11.340 --> 00:18:11.880 Probably 00:18:11.880 --> 00:18:13.860 That was their world 00:18:13.859 --> 00:18:14.839 To worshipping 00:18:14.839 --> 00:18:15.599 The creator 00:18:15.599 --> 00:18:16.399 Of the stars 00:18:16.399 --> 00:18:18.299 The one who 00:18:18.299 --> 00:18:19.359 Hang the moon 00:18:19.359 --> 00:18:20.639 In its place 00:18:20.639 --> 00:18:21.439 Now lies 00:18:21.439 --> 00:18:22.159 In a manger 00:18:22.159 --> 00:18:24.799 And will eventually 00:18:24.799 --> 00:18:25.799 Hang on a cross 00:18:25.799 --> 00:18:26.599 And rise to life 00:18:26.599 --> 00:18:27.539 Look at chapter 2 00:18:27.539 --> 00:18:28.179 Of Matthew 00:18:28.179 --> 00:18:29.000 In verse 11 00:18:29.000 --> 00:18:29.879 Just see that reading 00:18:29.879 --> 00:18:30.659 In verse 11 00:18:30.660 --> 00:18:33.040 When coming to the house 00:18:33.040 --> 00:18:33.980 They saw the child 00:18:33.980 --> 00:18:34.860 Of his mother Mary 00:18:34.860 --> 00:18:36.300 And they bowed down 00:18:36.300 --> 00:18:38.240 And worshipped him 00:18:38.240 --> 00:18:40.580 That physical act 00:18:40.580 --> 00:18:41.040 Of worshipping 00:18:41.040 --> 00:18:41.460 Bowing 00:18:41.460 --> 00:18:42.540 We don't bow 00:18:42.540 --> 00:18:42.880 Do we 00:18:42.880 --> 00:18:43.779 We don't 00:18:43.779 --> 00:18:45.480 I have never had 00:18:45.480 --> 00:18:47.100 Anyone bow down 00:18:47.100 --> 00:18:47.940 Before me 00:18:47.940 --> 00:18:49.660 If you know me 00:18:49.660 --> 00:18:50.779 And I know 00:18:50.779 --> 00:18:51.340 That I'm a sinner 00:18:51.340 --> 00:18:51.779 Like you 00:18:51.779 --> 00:18:52.840 It happens to the queen 00:18:52.840 --> 00:18:53.200 Doesn't it 00:18:53.200 --> 00:18:53.600 You know when people 00:18:53.600 --> 00:18:54.560 Get their night church 00:18:54.560 --> 00:18:55.000 But they don't 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:56.180 It's not really a bow 00:18:56.180 --> 00:18:56.980 It's kind of a nod 00:18:56.980 --> 00:18:57.840 Isn't it in some way 00:18:57.839 --> 00:18:59.759 It's not a thought about him 00:18:59.759 --> 00:19:01.559 But what these 00:19:01.559 --> 00:19:02.819 Major are doing 00:19:02.819 --> 00:19:04.720 In this context 00:19:04.720 --> 00:19:05.519 They are saying 00:19:05.519 --> 00:19:06.339 God 00:19:06.339 --> 00:19:08.659 You are greater than me 00:19:08.659 --> 00:19:10.819 You 00:19:10.819 --> 00:19:11.399 Jesus 00:19:11.399 --> 00:19:13.939 Are greater than me 00:19:13.939 --> 00:19:15.319 You 00:19:15.319 --> 00:19:15.980 Jesus 00:19:15.980 --> 00:19:17.659 Get to set the agenda 00:19:17.659 --> 00:19:18.879 For the rest of my life 00:19:18.879 --> 00:19:19.399 Not me 00:19:19.399 --> 00:19:21.079 And these wise men 00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:22.419 They travel 500 miles 00:19:22.419 --> 00:19:23.179 To worship Jesus 00:19:23.179 --> 00:19:24.759 Herod and the rest of Jerusalem 00:19:24.759 --> 00:19:25.799 Including the priests 00:19:25.799 --> 00:19:26.699 Who should have known better 00:19:26.699 --> 00:19:27.819 Can't even be bothered 00:19:27.819 --> 00:19:29.019 To travel six miles 00:19:29.019 --> 00:19:30.399 From Jerusalem to Bethlehem 00:19:30.399 --> 00:19:33.919 You see 00:19:33.919 --> 00:19:35.839 You cannot win 00:19:35.839 --> 00:19:37.759 If you enter 00:19:37.759 --> 00:19:38.759 Into a power struggle 00:19:38.759 --> 00:19:39.379 With Jesus 00:19:39.379 --> 00:19:40.339 You cannot 00:19:40.339 --> 00:19:43.299 At this point 00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:44.720 He's two years old 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:45.480 For goodness sake 00:19:45.480 --> 00:19:47.339 And Herod 00:19:47.339 --> 00:19:48.240 Cannot win 00:19:48.240 --> 00:19:51.059 Herod is as stupid 00:19:51.059 --> 00:19:52.159 As he is rebellious 00:19:52.159 --> 00:19:54.039 He schemes 00:19:54.039 --> 00:19:55.259 He plots 00:19:55.259 --> 00:19:56.740 He plans 00:19:56.740 --> 00:19:58.000 He lies 00:19:58.000 --> 00:19:59.740 He does everything 00:19:59.740 --> 00:20:00.500 He can to kill 00:20:00.500 --> 00:20:01.059 This kid 00:20:01.059 --> 00:20:02.259 But he can't do it 00:20:02.259 --> 00:20:04.279 And if you read Matthew 00:20:04.279 --> 00:20:05.120 Do you know who ends up 00:20:05.120 --> 00:20:05.960 Dying in the chapter 00:20:05.960 --> 00:20:07.940 It's not Jesus 00:20:07.940 --> 00:20:08.339 Is it 00:20:08.339 --> 00:20:09.120 It's Herod 00:20:09.119 --> 00:20:11.659 When you get to the end 00:20:11.660 --> 00:20:12.100 Of the story 00:20:12.100 --> 00:20:12.620 It's Herod 00:20:12.620 --> 00:20:13.560 Who drops his clans 00:20:13.560 --> 00:20:14.400 And not Jesus 00:20:14.400 --> 00:20:16.480 Because Jesus 00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:18.040 Will only die 00:20:18.040 --> 00:20:19.560 At a time 00:20:19.560 --> 00:20:19.920 That God 00:20:19.920 --> 00:20:20.420 Has determined 00:20:20.420 --> 00:20:22.940 And Jesus affirms 00:20:22.940 --> 00:20:24.100 And at every point 00:20:24.100 --> 00:20:25.140 It is so clear 00:20:25.140 --> 00:20:25.940 In this story 00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:26.740 As you read 00:20:26.740 --> 00:20:27.960 Even the earliest 00:20:27.960 --> 00:20:28.860 Accounts of the gospel 00:20:28.860 --> 00:20:29.820 The earliest chapters 00:20:29.820 --> 00:20:30.259 Of the gospel 00:20:30.259 --> 00:20:31.200 That God is in control 00:20:31.200 --> 00:20:33.560 And God brings the Magi 00:20:33.560 --> 00:20:34.220 From the east 00:20:34.220 --> 00:20:35.100 To worship Jesus 00:20:35.100 --> 00:20:35.980 And when Herod 00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:37.279 Tries to kill Jesus 00:20:37.279 --> 00:20:38.880 He brings dreams 00:20:38.880 --> 00:20:40.000 Firstly to the Magi 00:20:40.000 --> 00:20:40.880 Then to Joseph 00:20:40.880 --> 00:20:41.700 To move them here 00:20:41.700 --> 00:20:42.440 There and everywhere 00:20:42.440 --> 00:20:44.800 It is a cat and mouse thing 00:20:44.800 --> 00:20:45.680 A game of chess 00:20:45.680 --> 00:20:47.220 And Herod is outsmarted 00:20:47.220 --> 00:20:48.259 He is checkmated 00:20:48.259 --> 00:20:48.920 Every time 00:20:48.920 --> 00:20:50.240 Because if you enter 00:20:50.240 --> 00:20:51.420 Into a power struggle 00:20:51.420 --> 00:20:52.120 With God 00:20:52.120 --> 00:20:53.759 You're not going to win 00:20:53.759 --> 00:20:58.120 God wants His Son 00:20:58.120 --> 00:20:59.299 To live a perfect life 00:20:59.299 --> 00:21:01.380 To die on the cross 00:21:01.380 --> 00:21:02.100 So that you and I 00:21:02.100 --> 00:21:02.839 Can worship Him 00:21:02.839 --> 00:21:05.240 That's why you were created 00:21:05.240 --> 00:21:07.500 Have you ever wondered that? 00:21:08.279 --> 00:21:08.860 Of course He has 00:21:08.860 --> 00:21:09.720 Why were you created? 00:21:10.900 --> 00:21:11.559 Have you ever wondered 00:21:11.559 --> 00:21:12.059 What the meaning 00:21:12.059 --> 00:21:12.920 Into life is? 00:21:13.860 --> 00:21:14.819 Well I just told you 00:21:14.819 --> 00:21:16.519 So that you could 00:21:16.519 --> 00:21:16.960 Worship Him 00:21:16.960 --> 00:21:19.120 It's very simple 00:21:19.120 --> 00:21:21.059 And very straightforward 00:21:21.059 --> 00:21:23.180 Jesus is saying 00:21:23.180 --> 00:21:24.900 You're not called 00:21:24.900 --> 00:21:26.079 Just to worship a baby 00:21:26.079 --> 00:21:26.640 In a manger 00:21:26.640 --> 00:21:28.360 He says 00:21:28.360 --> 00:21:29.460 I'm no longer in the manger 00:21:29.460 --> 00:21:30.740 But I've become a human 00:21:30.740 --> 00:21:32.660 And I've stayed a human 00:21:32.660 --> 00:21:34.180 And I'm calling you 00:21:34.180 --> 00:21:34.779 To worship me 00:21:34.779 --> 00:21:35.779 Not just as somebody 00:21:35.779 --> 00:21:36.799 Who's hanging on a cross 00:21:36.799 --> 00:21:37.720 Who died for your sins 00:21:37.720 --> 00:21:38.559 And paid the price 00:21:38.559 --> 00:21:39.299 Because that cross 00:21:39.299 --> 00:21:39.920 Is now empty 00:21:39.920 --> 00:21:41.740 And the price is paid 00:21:41.740 --> 00:21:42.640 And you're not called 00:21:42.640 --> 00:21:43.360 To worship somebody 00:21:43.360 --> 00:21:44.000 Who's still dead 00:21:44.000 --> 00:21:44.539 In a tomb 00:21:44.539 --> 00:21:45.160 In Palestine 00:21:45.160 --> 00:21:46.660 Because on the third day 00:21:46.660 --> 00:21:47.740 I rose from that tomb 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:48.180 And that tomb 00:21:48.180 --> 00:21:48.640 Was empty 00:21:48.640 --> 00:21:50.720 You are called 00:21:50.720 --> 00:21:51.220 Tonight 00:21:51.220 --> 00:21:52.220 To worship Jesus 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:53.560 Who lived 00:21:53.560 --> 00:21:53.960 Died 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:54.700 And rose again 00:21:54.700 --> 00:21:57.019 And now is at the right hand 00:21:57.019 --> 00:21:57.519 Of the Father 00:21:57.519 --> 00:21:58.820 Where there is all authority 00:21:58.820 --> 00:22:00.200 And power belongs to Him alone 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:02.100 And He gets to set the agenda 00:22:02.100 --> 00:22:04.860 And I will say to you 00:22:04.860 --> 00:22:06.060 There is no better way 00:22:06.060 --> 00:22:06.660 To live 00:22:06.660 --> 00:22:09.340 Than to have this 00:22:09.340 --> 00:22:09.880 Great 00:22:09.880 --> 00:22:10.640 Kind 00:22:10.640 --> 00:22:11.400 Merciful 00:22:11.400 --> 00:22:11.840 Savior 00:22:11.840 --> 00:22:12.580 Of the world 00:22:12.580 --> 00:22:13.680 On your side 00:22:13.680 --> 00:22:16.780 So let me ask you 00:22:16.780 --> 00:22:16.980 Tonight 00:22:16.980 --> 00:22:17.460 As I finish 00:22:17.460 --> 00:22:19.020 Are you still in a power struggle 00:22:19.020 --> 00:22:19.740 With Jesus 00:22:19.740 --> 00:22:23.320 Are you still trying to change 00:22:23.320 --> 00:22:23.940 God 00:22:23.940 --> 00:22:26.180 To fit your terms 00:22:26.180 --> 00:22:28.600 Or are you prepared 00:22:28.600 --> 00:22:29.720 To let Him speak 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:31.400 For who He is 00:22:31.400 --> 00:22:33.760 And will you let Him 00:22:33.760 --> 00:22:34.460 Change you 00:22:34.460 --> 00:22:36.680 To receive Him 00:22:36.680 --> 00:22:37.420 To worship Him 00:22:37.420 --> 00:22:39.080 To enjoy His forgiveness 00:22:39.080 --> 00:22:40.279 To know Him 00:22:40.279 --> 00:22:41.500 As Father 00:22:41.500 --> 00:22:42.740 And have Heaven 00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:43.440 As your home 00:22:43.440 --> 00:22:44.740 And have God's Spirit 00:22:44.740 --> 00:22:45.500 Live in you 00:22:45.500 --> 00:22:46.500 To live at peace 00:22:46.500 --> 00:22:48.940 To be comfortable 00:22:48.940 --> 00:22:49.800 In your own skin 00:22:49.800 --> 00:22:50.539 Don't we want that? 00:22:50.539 --> 00:22:53.659 Because the war 00:22:53.659 --> 00:22:54.779 In your conscience 00:22:54.779 --> 00:22:56.079 And in your heart 00:22:56.079 --> 00:22:56.859 With God 00:22:56.859 --> 00:22:58.359 Is over 00:22:58.359 --> 00:23:00.460 Don't you want that? 00:23:00.480 --> 00:23:01.119 The best part of you 00:23:01.119 --> 00:23:01.659 Wants that 00:23:01.659 --> 00:23:03.879 So the message 00:23:03.879 --> 00:23:04.440 Of this Christmas 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:04.859 Is this 00:23:04.859 --> 00:23:06.240 End the power struggle 00:23:06.240 --> 00:23:06.899 With God 00:23:06.899 --> 00:23:08.819 That is the message 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:09.440 Of Christmas 00:23:09.440 --> 00:23:10.899 Tonight 00:23:10.899 --> 00:23:11.659 You can say 00:23:11.659 --> 00:23:12.819 Sorry to Him 00:23:12.819 --> 00:23:14.500 To say 00:23:14.500 --> 00:23:16.180 I was wrong 00:23:16.180 --> 00:23:18.460 And it's not you 00:23:18.460 --> 00:23:19.420 That need to change God 00:23:19.420 --> 00:23:20.740 Actually it's me 00:23:20.740 --> 00:23:23.259 He has the right 00:23:23.259 --> 00:23:25.240 And He is good 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:27.700 To say thank you 00:23:27.700 --> 00:23:29.440 For God's patience 00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:30.080 With you 00:23:30.080 --> 00:23:32.519 And for Christ's death 00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:33.400 On the cross 00:23:33.400 --> 00:23:36.600 It's to raise the white flag 00:23:36.600 --> 00:23:36.980 Isn't it? 00:23:38.060 --> 00:23:39.160 And to surrender to Him 00:23:39.160 --> 00:23:41.500 And I know that's not easy 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:43.600 The message of Christmas 00:23:43.600 --> 00:23:44.920 Is the best news 00:23:44.920 --> 00:23:45.840 Of a King 00:23:45.840 --> 00:23:47.460 Of God's King 00:23:47.460 --> 00:23:49.519 Come to earth 00:23:49.519 --> 00:23:50.980 To rescue 00:23:50.980 --> 00:23:53.240 That is the message 00:23:53.240 --> 00:23:53.680 Of Christmas 00:23:53.680 --> 00:23:55.279 Let's pray 00:23:55.279 --> 00:23:57.399 To ending the Holocaust 00:23:57.399 --> 00:23:57.399 00:23:57.399 --> 00:23:57.399 00:23:57.399 --> 00:23:57.799 To ending the Holocaust 00:23:57.799 --> 00:23:58.519 To ending the Holocaust 00:23:58.519 --> 00:24:00.200 To ending the Holocaust 00:24:00.200 --> 00:24:00.200 00:24:00.200 --> 00:24:00.940 To ending the Holocaust 00:24:00.940 --> 00:24:01.299 To ending the Holocaust 00:24:01.299 --> 00:24:01.899 To ending the Holocaust 00:24:01.899 --> 00:24:01.899 00:24:01.899 --> 00:24:03.299 To ending the Holocaust 00:24:03.299 --> 00:24:04.379 To ending the Holocaust 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.379