WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.540 Amen. Amen. What a joy it is to be able to gather together, open up God's Word, and remember 00:00:08.540 --> 00:00:25.179 ! the hope that we have in Christ. We are at a time of the year, this Christmas season, when I'm sure that many of us have many Christmas traditions that we like to honor and we like to do each year at this time. 00:00:25.179 --> 00:00:32.280 Maybe it's a favorite type of food that you always have for Christmas dinner that just brings back those memories for you. 00:00:32.899 --> 00:00:47.120 Several in our church have told me that they always enjoy having a birthday cake for Jesus and making sure they have time to sing happy birthday to Jesus at Christmas, and I think that's a wonderful tradition as well. 00:00:47.119 --> 00:01:09.500 We have so many things. For many of us, it may be drawing names and exchanging presents. For many, not only in this church, but also in our community, one of the things that we enjoy doing is coming together for our Christmas Eve candlelight service, a special time that for many just reminds us of what Christmas is about. 00:01:09.500 --> 00:01:20.340 We have so many different things. I can remember as a child growing up, and one of the things that we did as a family was we would read the Christmas story from Luke chapter 2. 00:01:20.900 --> 00:01:36.939 And so we have these traditions. There are so many traditions that we do each year, and some of these things remind us of the reason that we celebrate Christmas, the true meaning of Christmas, and others are just fun things that we enjoy doing with our families. 00:01:36.939 --> 00:01:51.679 But one thing that I want to encourage all of us to do to make as a tradition is taking time to not only remember that Jesus came, but take time to remember why Jesus came. 00:01:51.679 --> 00:02:06.280 Yes, we want to remember that Jesus came, but it's also important that we remember why Jesus came, his purpose for coming, and what made him uniquely qualified to accomplish his purpose. 00:02:06.280 --> 00:02:20.659 Our passage of scripture this morning is a great place to start as we think about these things, as we think about why Jesus came, as well as what makes Jesus uniquely qualified to accomplish his purpose. 00:02:20.659 --> 00:02:24.500 And so today we're going to be finishing up Matthew chapter 1. 00:02:24.500 --> 00:02:36.539 So if you have a copy of God's word, I invite you to open up with me to Matthew chapter 1, and we're going to start reading in verse 18 and read through the end of chapter 1. 00:02:37.060 --> 00:02:42.439 And so if you have a copy of God's word, I invite you to open with me there and follow along as I read. 00:02:43.240 --> 00:02:45.879 This is what the word of the Lord says. It says this, 00:02:45.879 --> 00:02:49.799 Now the birth of Jesus took place in this way. 00:02:50.400 --> 00:02:59.319 When his mother, Mary, had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 00:03:00.079 --> 00:03:07.599 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 00:03:07.599 --> 00:03:14.299 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 00:03:14.740 --> 00:03:23.639 Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 00:03:24.159 --> 00:03:30.599 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. 00:03:31.079 --> 00:03:35.439 And all of this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet. 00:03:35.439 --> 00:03:44.979 Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which means God with us. 00:03:45.520 --> 00:03:49.939 When Joseph woke from his sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded. 00:03:50.300 --> 00:03:58.060 He took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son, and he called his name Jesus. 00:03:58.060 --> 00:04:09.400 And so after going through the genealogy of Christ, we are given a snapshot into a struggle that Joseph found himself in. 00:04:10.180 --> 00:04:13.640 The woman that he was betrothed to Mary was now pregnant. 00:04:14.240 --> 00:04:23.459 And we see Joseph was a just and kind man, and so he had decided to divorce her quietly and not put her to open shame. 00:04:23.459 --> 00:04:33.000 But she was pregnant, and he knew that this child wasn't his, and so divorce seemed to be the only option for him. 00:04:33.560 --> 00:04:41.979 But God showed Joseph mercy and gave him a peek, a window into who this child actually was. 00:04:41.980 --> 00:04:54.480 And so in this passage, we see Joseph was told what this child came to do, and also he was given a snapshot, a little glimpse, of to what makes him able to do it. 00:04:54.960 --> 00:04:59.780 And so to begin with, I want us to answer a few questions today. 00:04:59.920 --> 00:05:07.200 I want us to look at a few questions that this passage answers for us as we think about why it is that Jesus came. 00:05:07.199 --> 00:05:14.420 And so the first question that I want us to answer today is this, what did Jesus come to do? 00:05:15.060 --> 00:05:16.879 What did Jesus come to do? 00:05:17.000 --> 00:05:22.699 The passage tells us that Jesus came to save his people from their sins. 00:05:23.180 --> 00:05:26.860 Verses 21 and 22 remind us very clearly of this. 00:05:26.939 --> 00:05:27.219 It says, 00:05:27.220 --> 00:05:57.200 You see, the angel came to Joseph and comforted him with some heavy but warmness. 00:05:57.220 --> 00:06:08.740 Wonderful news with some overwhelming but at the same time incredible news that this child would be named Jesus and that he would save his people from their sins. 00:06:08.940 --> 00:06:14.940 It's impossible to overstate the significance of what this angel is telling Joseph. 00:06:15.460 --> 00:06:25.000 It's impossible to overstate how life-transforming this is not only for Mary and Joseph but for the entire world, what was about to take place. 00:06:25.000 --> 00:06:27.899 In fact, James Montgomery Boyce, he notes, he says, 00:06:28.240 --> 00:06:38.439 Although these events are fully historical, that these events took place in a real time, in a real place, they are also supernatural. 00:06:39.139 --> 00:06:50.399 For this is the supreme moment in human history when the supernatural broke into the normal flow of historical events by the grace of our good God. 00:06:50.399 --> 00:06:57.639 This is the moment that the entire Old Testament was preparing the world for. 00:06:58.099 --> 00:07:03.699 This was the fulfillment of the promise of God from the moment that sin entered the world. 00:07:04.239 --> 00:07:10.659 This was the fulfillment of the proto-evangelion, the first good news that takes place in Genesis 3.15, 00:07:10.660 --> 00:07:13.520 where God said to the serpent, where he said, 00:07:13.860 --> 00:07:19.080 I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring. 00:07:19.439 --> 00:07:23.420 He shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel. 00:07:24.100 --> 00:07:29.120 Finally, finally the snake crusher has made his way to the same, 00:07:29.440 --> 00:07:35.540 the one who would take the sin of the world onto his shoulder and give us new life. 00:07:35.540 --> 00:07:40.120 Finally, he is making his entrance into the world. 00:07:40.939 --> 00:07:43.760 But even the name Jesus is significant here. 00:07:44.400 --> 00:07:48.740 Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua or Joshua. 00:07:49.400 --> 00:07:52.900 And it literally means Jehovah is salvation. 00:07:53.720 --> 00:07:58.160 The message that the angel is proclaiming to Joseph is wonderful news. 00:07:58.160 --> 00:08:05.220 He is being told that the one conceived by Mary from the Holy Spirit is the long-awaited Messiah. 00:08:05.680 --> 00:08:09.180 The one who had been promised from the very moment that sin entered into the world. 00:08:09.620 --> 00:08:12.560 God was now providing that hope. 00:08:13.300 --> 00:08:15.140 And what has this hope come to do? 00:08:15.540 --> 00:08:19.120 This hope had come to make peace with God. 00:08:19.780 --> 00:08:22.340 As we think about this second week of Advent, 00:08:22.339 --> 00:08:29.639 and this wonderful and often unappreciated or underappreciated gift of God of peace, 00:08:30.119 --> 00:08:34.959 we're reminded of what it is that Jesus came to do. 00:08:35.919 --> 00:08:38.839 You see, peace is something that is hard to come by in our world today. 00:08:39.319 --> 00:08:41.419 Would anybody say that they have a busy schedule? 00:08:42.439 --> 00:08:44.220 I think just the laughter. 00:08:44.480 --> 00:08:47.500 I'm reminded that each of us have so many things going on. 00:08:47.500 --> 00:08:54.820 And yet, many times, the world tries to remind us of trying to find peace from different avenues. 00:08:55.580 --> 00:08:58.259 Many will say, just simply slow down. 00:08:58.720 --> 00:09:01.440 Take time to be with family and friends. 00:09:01.820 --> 00:09:06.179 And do this just to eliminate some of the busyness to find peace. 00:09:06.659 --> 00:09:09.320 And yes, that's something that's absolutely important to do. 00:09:09.720 --> 00:09:12.679 But that's not the peace that we're talking about today. 00:09:13.000 --> 00:09:15.820 That's not the peace that we're talking about in this passage. 00:09:15.820 --> 00:09:18.500 The peace that comes with God. 00:09:18.960 --> 00:09:24.060 This is not the peace where we are talking about when it comes to what Christ has to offer. 00:09:24.500 --> 00:09:29.300 The peace we are talking about is far more valuable and much harder to obtain. 00:09:29.720 --> 00:09:32.900 What we are talking about here is peace with God. 00:09:33.260 --> 00:09:36.040 I want you to listen to those words in Luke 2. 00:09:36.100 --> 00:09:40.000 I know we're in Matthew 1, but I want you to listen to those words in Luke 2, 00:09:40.100 --> 00:09:42.840 where the angels are coming to the shepherds. 00:09:42.840 --> 00:10:12.820 And it says, 00:10:12.840 --> 00:10:16.840 Peace among those with whom he is pleased. 00:10:17.300 --> 00:10:21.600 Peace among those with whom he is pleased. 00:10:22.080 --> 00:10:28.040 You see, Ephesians 2 reminds us that because of sin, it is impossible to please God. 00:10:28.560 --> 00:10:31.500 In fact, we follow the ways of this world. 00:10:31.660 --> 00:10:36.900 The sons of disobedience and by nature are objects of God's wrath. 00:10:36.899 --> 00:10:49.220 And this is a condition that has no hope outside of the only begotten son coming to earth and accomplishing what we can never hope to accomplish on our own. 00:10:49.220 --> 00:10:57.800 He gives us this by fully taking on himself the wrath that we deserve and giving us his peace with God. 00:10:57.799 --> 00:11:01.959 This is an example of what theologians call the great exchange. 00:11:01.959 --> 00:11:07.459 Jesus taking our sin, our shame, and our death and giving us his righteousness. 00:11:07.759 --> 00:11:11.479 Giving us his righteousness that makes peace with God. 00:11:12.019 --> 00:11:16.899 And so this passage, it reminds us, this is what Jesus came to do. 00:11:16.899 --> 00:11:21.059 But this passage also reminds us of something very important. 00:11:21.360 --> 00:11:24.360 And it answers another question for us this morning. 00:11:24.879 --> 00:11:27.079 And the next question that it answers is, 00:11:27.720 --> 00:11:30.279 What makes Jesus able to save? 00:11:30.279 --> 00:11:38.259 This passage gives us a little snapshot as to what it is that makes Jesus able to save. 00:11:38.799 --> 00:11:39.079 It says, 00:11:39.259 --> 00:11:49.299 Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which means God with us. 00:11:50.039 --> 00:11:54.339 Emmanuel is one of those words that must be spoken of often at Christmas. 00:11:54.339 --> 00:11:57.799 And I think it honestly should be spoken of all year long. 00:11:57.799 --> 00:12:04.419 But because of it's spoken so often at Christmas, I'm afraid that it's lost some of its meaning for us. 00:12:04.479 --> 00:12:08.259 Or at least some of its strength and power that it conveys with it. 00:12:08.699 --> 00:12:13.819 But Emmanuel, God with us, is so incredibly comforting. 00:12:15.039 --> 00:12:16.500 Charles Spurgeon notes, he says, 00:12:16.500 --> 00:12:24.240 It is pleasant to Mark that according to this verse and the 21st, where we just read about what Jesus came to do. 00:12:24.240 --> 00:12:25.019 He says, 00:12:25.019 --> 00:12:32.919 It is pleasant to Mark that according to this verse and the 21st, Emmanuel and Jesus mean the same thing. 00:12:33.639 --> 00:12:36.120 God with us is our Savior. 00:12:37.000 --> 00:12:40.740 He is with us as God on purpose to save us. 00:12:40.779 --> 00:12:41.259 And he says, 00:12:41.379 --> 00:12:44.879 The incarnation of Jesus is our salvation. 00:12:45.639 --> 00:12:52.940 But this hypostatic union, this of Christ being both fully man and fully God is vital to our faith. 00:12:52.940 --> 00:12:57.960 It's something that we must never compromise on for at least a couple of reasons. 00:12:58.540 --> 00:13:06.960 For example, one, if this is not true, if this is just made up, if this is not true, then Jesus can't atone for sins. 00:13:07.740 --> 00:13:11.360 Jesus became man so that he could die for our sins. 00:13:11.600 --> 00:13:15.340 He had to be human in order to pay the penalty for humans. 00:13:15.340 --> 00:13:16.920 But here's the thing. 00:13:17.019 --> 00:13:24.879 If this is true, if this is true, that God is both fully man and fully God, and I believe with all my heart that it is true, 00:13:25.040 --> 00:13:28.580 and I believe that God's word, which is in there, it tells us that it's true. 00:13:28.940 --> 00:13:33.180 I believe if this is true, then it changes everything. 00:13:34.019 --> 00:13:37.399 It means that he and he alone can atone for sins. 00:13:37.399 --> 00:13:47.220 It means that he is the only way to the Father, and it means that he does have the authority to tell us how to live our lives. 00:13:47.799 --> 00:13:52.279 And I think this is the part where many people begin to have a problem with Jesus. 00:13:53.220 --> 00:14:01.199 It's not necessarily that we claim that Christ is a man, and it's not necessarily that we claim that Christ is God, 00:14:01.200 --> 00:14:08.300 but the implications of the incarnation when played out is where the problem lies. 00:14:08.960 --> 00:14:13.020 You see, most people don't have a problem with you believing that Jesus is God. 00:14:13.360 --> 00:14:22.140 The problem is that if this is true, then all of a sudden, Jesus has the authority to tell us where to find salvation. 00:14:22.640 --> 00:14:26.660 He has the authority to tell us where our salvation is found. 00:14:26.659 --> 00:14:32.319 And he tells us that salvation can only be found in him. 00:14:33.019 --> 00:14:41.259 And if this is true, then the next logical thing is that he has the authority to tell us how to live our lives. 00:14:42.079 --> 00:14:46.959 And if you really want to make someone upset, tell them that their lifestyle is wrong. 00:14:47.059 --> 00:14:49.240 Tell them the choices they are making are wrong. 00:14:49.240 --> 00:14:53.860 Tell them there is only one way to God and that it is through Jesus. 00:14:53.860 --> 00:14:56.820 And then you begin to offend. 00:14:57.580 --> 00:15:02.820 But if the incarnation is true, then Jesus has that authority. 00:15:03.419 --> 00:15:05.779 And this is the stumbling block of the incarnation. 00:15:05.960 --> 00:15:11.080 Because if this is true, then everyone in the world must submit to his authority. 00:15:11.960 --> 00:15:14.379 You see, by understanding who Jesus is, 00:15:14.800 --> 00:15:18.560 with the correct understanding that he is both fully God and fully man, 00:15:18.720 --> 00:15:21.220 at the same time, then it changes everything. 00:15:21.220 --> 00:15:27.960 This makes Jesus uniquely qualified to adopt you and me as his children. 00:15:28.800 --> 00:15:35.060 Jesus is uniquely qualified to pay for our sins because he is both God and man. 00:15:35.840 --> 00:15:39.259 You see, these qualifications would require him to be God. 00:15:39.680 --> 00:15:43.580 In order to bridge the infinite chasm between us and God, 00:15:43.639 --> 00:15:46.720 it would require an infinite and perfect sacrifice. 00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:50.519 We also see that this person would have to be human, 00:15:50.879 --> 00:15:53.519 like us and familiar with our weaknesses. 00:15:54.379 --> 00:15:58.040 But finally, we see that this person would have to be perfect. 00:15:58.759 --> 00:16:01.180 If that person had sinned, they were disqualified 00:16:01.180 --> 00:16:04.759 because they would need someone else to pay for their sins. 00:16:05.160 --> 00:16:08.279 And so the qualifications to save us needed are this, 00:16:08.540 --> 00:16:11.399 like God, like man, and perfect. 00:16:11.399 --> 00:16:17.379 There is no one else with these qualifications other than Jesus Christ. 00:16:17.959 --> 00:16:20.699 You see, God sent his best. 00:16:21.379 --> 00:16:23.039 God sent the only one qualified. 00:16:23.259 --> 00:16:24.259 God sent Jesus. 00:16:24.759 --> 00:16:26.539 God sent his son. 00:16:26.860 --> 00:16:29.919 And that is why we celebrate Christmas. 00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:33.879 J.I. Packer, speaking on the Incarnation, notes. 00:16:33.879 --> 00:16:34.379 He says, 00:16:34.379 --> 00:16:40.600 Hebrews stresses that had he not thus experienced human pressures, 00:16:40.860 --> 00:16:42.740 weaknesses, temptation, and pain, 00:16:43.019 --> 00:16:46.899 he would not be qualified to help us as we go through these things. 00:16:47.240 --> 00:16:52.159 As it is, his human experience is such as to guarantee 00:16:52.159 --> 00:16:54.559 that in every moment of demand and pressure, 00:16:54.899 --> 00:16:57.220 in our relationship and walk with God, 00:16:57.539 --> 00:16:59.820 we may go to him. 00:17:00.299 --> 00:17:02.100 Confident that in some sense, 00:17:02.100 --> 00:17:03.740 he has been there before us, 00:17:04.039 --> 00:17:07.559 and so is the helper that we need. 00:17:07.880 --> 00:17:09.660 You see, the truth of the Incarnation 00:17:09.660 --> 00:17:12.339 is wonderful news for us today. 00:17:12.860 --> 00:17:15.059 The question we must ask ourselves is, 00:17:15.360 --> 00:17:17.059 do I really believe this? 00:17:17.720 --> 00:17:21.200 Do I really believe that Jesus is the God-man, 00:17:21.380 --> 00:17:24.200 that he is both fully God and fully man? 00:17:24.240 --> 00:17:25.839 Because if we believe this, 00:17:26.059 --> 00:17:27.640 it changes everything. 00:17:28.180 --> 00:17:30.640 The Incarnation is good news for us. 00:17:30.640 --> 00:17:34.360 Because it lets us know that not only do we have a Savior 00:17:34.360 --> 00:17:37.440 who is uniquely qualified to do what he came to do, 00:17:37.560 --> 00:17:41.740 but we also have someone that understands us where we are. 00:17:42.100 --> 00:17:44.440 We have someone who understands our struggles. 00:17:44.820 --> 00:17:47.100 We have someone who understands the heartache 00:17:47.100 --> 00:17:48.700 that we will experience in this world, 00:17:48.840 --> 00:17:51.600 because he himself has been there. 00:17:51.920 --> 00:17:55.240 And so this incarnation is wonderful news. 00:17:55.240 --> 00:17:58.099 Emmanuel, God with us. 00:17:58.099 --> 00:18:04.200 What life-giving and life-transforming comfort we have in those words. 00:18:05.039 --> 00:18:08.819 The Incarnation of Jesus is our salvation. 00:18:09.740 --> 00:18:12.000 And if you desire peace with God, 00:18:12.160 --> 00:18:14.460 yet you don't understand who Jesus is, 00:18:14.640 --> 00:18:16.700 then you will never get what you desire. 00:18:17.259 --> 00:18:19.660 But when we understand these two questions, 00:18:19.660 --> 00:18:21.980 what did Jesus come to do? 00:18:22.140 --> 00:18:24.960 And what makes Jesus able to save? 00:18:25.140 --> 00:18:27.279 When we understand these things, 00:18:27.320 --> 00:18:29.300 if we understand these two questions, 00:18:29.900 --> 00:18:32.860 then it will always lead us to a third question. 00:18:33.320 --> 00:18:36.279 And that is the question that I want us to leave with today. 00:18:36.720 --> 00:18:38.440 What do we do with this? 00:18:39.200 --> 00:18:41.420 What do we do with this understanding? 00:18:41.420 --> 00:18:46.279 What do we do with this life-giving and life-transforming knowledge 00:18:46.279 --> 00:18:50.620 of what Jesus came to do and what makes him able to do that? 00:18:51.080 --> 00:18:54.400 If we believe that Jesus came to rescue the lost, 00:18:54.880 --> 00:18:57.420 that Jesus came to a sin-stained world 00:18:57.420 --> 00:19:00.060 to endure the penalty of sin 00:19:00.060 --> 00:19:02.279 and to stand in the place of sinners, 00:19:03.220 --> 00:19:05.140 that he came to die on a cross, 00:19:05.220 --> 00:19:07.200 to give his body, to shed his blood, 00:19:07.620 --> 00:19:11.180 all so that you and I could be rescued from our sin 00:19:11.180 --> 00:19:13.880 and shame and be reconciled to God, 00:19:14.140 --> 00:19:16.200 if we believe on this, 00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:17.779 if we believe these things, 00:19:17.940 --> 00:19:19.900 then we must ask the question, 00:19:20.360 --> 00:19:22.980 what do we do with this wonderful news? 00:19:23.799 --> 00:19:26.799 And I'd like to submit a few things that we do with that news. 00:19:27.240 --> 00:19:29.480 One thing is that we celebrate Christmas. 00:19:30.240 --> 00:19:32.519 We celebrate Christmas in a big way. 00:19:32.519 --> 00:19:35.740 We do this by coming together with family and friends, 00:19:35.860 --> 00:19:38.799 not only remembering that Jesus came, 00:19:38.799 --> 00:19:41.799 but remembering why Jesus came. 00:19:42.859 --> 00:19:44.099 We also do this, 00:19:44.440 --> 00:19:45.940 well, we also do this wonderful news 00:19:45.940 --> 00:19:50.359 is we make sure that we are a part of spreading this good news 00:19:50.359 --> 00:19:52.419 to anyone who doesn't know. 00:19:52.779 --> 00:19:55.259 And as a church, we do this in several ways. 00:19:55.899 --> 00:19:58.419 One of those ways that we do this as a church 00:19:58.419 --> 00:20:01.180 is that we join with thousands of other churches 00:20:01.180 --> 00:20:02.399 all over the world 00:20:02.399 --> 00:20:06.039 and coming together to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. 00:20:06.039 --> 00:20:10.059 This offering goes to missionaries all over the world 00:20:10.059 --> 00:20:12.359 like Josh and Molly that you saw today. 00:20:12.740 --> 00:20:14.039 Missionaries who are serving 00:20:14.039 --> 00:20:17.139 in some of the most unreached places in the world. 00:20:17.599 --> 00:20:18.720 And by giving to this, 00:20:18.779 --> 00:20:23.279 not only does it provide financial support for these families, 00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:25.480 but it also lets them know 00:20:25.480 --> 00:20:27.720 that they have thousands of churches 00:20:27.720 --> 00:20:30.200 that are standing alongside them, 00:20:30.299 --> 00:20:31.639 that are praying for them, 00:20:31.720 --> 00:20:32.159 that are saying, 00:20:32.160 --> 00:20:33.860 we are with you. 00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:36.019 And that's so incredibly important 00:20:36.019 --> 00:20:37.720 for these missionaries to know. 00:20:38.420 --> 00:20:39.940 This couple, just this week, 00:20:40.000 --> 00:20:41.040 I was in contact with them, 00:20:41.120 --> 00:20:42.340 messaging back and forth. 00:20:42.519 --> 00:20:43.920 And they were really struggling 00:20:43.920 --> 00:20:47.519 because one of them had a family member 00:20:47.519 --> 00:20:49.279 that was in a very serious car wreck. 00:20:49.360 --> 00:20:51.300 And so they're on the other side of the world, 00:20:52.100 --> 00:20:54.160 grieving and trying to pray for 00:20:54.160 --> 00:20:55.460 and be there for their family 00:20:55.460 --> 00:20:57.460 who is suffering here in the States. 00:20:57.900 --> 00:20:59.800 And so when we are able to give to this, 00:20:59.799 --> 00:21:01.419 we're not only showing them 00:21:01.419 --> 00:21:02.519 that we're supporting them 00:21:02.519 --> 00:21:04.240 with our financial means, 00:21:04.299 --> 00:21:05.159 but we're also showing 00:21:05.159 --> 00:21:06.680 that we're standing with them. 00:21:06.960 --> 00:21:08.119 We're praying for them. 00:21:08.240 --> 00:21:10.259 What an encouragement it is for them. 00:21:10.779 --> 00:21:14.419 But also the way that we let this play out in our lives 00:21:14.419 --> 00:21:16.559 is we make sure that as a church, 00:21:16.720 --> 00:21:20.299 we reach out to some of the most pressing needs 00:21:20.299 --> 00:21:22.200 right here in our community. 00:21:22.960 --> 00:21:23.960 And just this week, 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:26.279 we're able to do this in a real tangible way 00:21:26.279 --> 00:21:28.279 with the Christmas toy store 00:21:28.279 --> 00:21:29.940 that we're going to be hosting this Saturday. 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:32.119 And so one of the ways 00:21:32.119 --> 00:21:34.519 that we celebrate this good news, 00:21:34.619 --> 00:21:35.759 this wonderful news, 00:21:36.539 --> 00:21:38.019 is by showing love to those 00:21:38.019 --> 00:21:39.839 who are most needed in our community. 00:21:40.359 --> 00:21:41.180 This year, 00:21:41.480 --> 00:21:43.759 what an incredible opportunity we have. 00:21:44.039 --> 00:21:46.599 We have well over 120 families 00:21:46.599 --> 00:21:48.799 that will be coming through our doors, 00:21:49.019 --> 00:21:51.619 which represents over 400 kids 00:21:51.619 --> 00:21:53.660 that we'll be helping provide Christmas for. 00:21:53.660 --> 00:21:55.500 And so in doing this, 00:21:55.680 --> 00:21:57.920 it's not just that we're providing a toy 00:21:57.920 --> 00:21:59.759 for their children, 00:22:00.340 --> 00:22:02.000 but what we're doing is making sure 00:22:02.000 --> 00:22:03.759 that every single person 00:22:03.759 --> 00:22:05.460 that comes through these doors 00:22:05.460 --> 00:22:08.380 will not only receive some tangible love from us, 00:22:08.420 --> 00:22:11.680 but they'll also receive the message of the gospel. 00:22:12.160 --> 00:22:14.940 Every single family will have the gospel message 00:22:14.940 --> 00:22:16.640 clearly presented to them 00:22:16.640 --> 00:22:18.180 and given an opportunity 00:22:18.180 --> 00:22:20.480 to respond to this wonderful news. 00:22:21.100 --> 00:22:22.200 And so we do this, 00:22:22.200 --> 00:22:24.039 but also we make sure 00:22:24.039 --> 00:22:25.539 that we're a part of the spread of the good news 00:22:25.539 --> 00:22:27.319 in our individual lives, 00:22:27.480 --> 00:22:28.620 in our families. 00:22:29.140 --> 00:22:31.779 And that may be through your family 00:22:31.779 --> 00:22:34.100 volunteering to help out with the toy store, 00:22:34.299 --> 00:22:35.960 but it also may be 00:22:35.960 --> 00:22:37.519 by inviting your neighbor 00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:39.100 to come over for Christmas dinner. 00:22:39.640 --> 00:22:41.880 It may be by inviting them to come over 00:22:41.880 --> 00:22:43.539 and you're able to share with them 00:22:43.539 --> 00:22:46.059 why Christmas is such an important time, 00:22:46.400 --> 00:22:48.039 why we make such a big deal 00:22:48.039 --> 00:22:49.720 about this each and every year. 00:22:49.720 --> 00:22:51.720 Or maybe we're able to do this 00:22:51.720 --> 00:22:54.200 by reaching out to our family and friends, 00:22:54.319 --> 00:22:55.860 inviting them to a church service, 00:22:56.000 --> 00:22:57.740 inviting them to come with you, 00:22:57.799 --> 00:22:59.160 not just inviting them to church, 00:22:59.279 --> 00:23:01.640 but inviting them to come with you. 00:23:02.440 --> 00:23:04.039 And finally, we realize, 00:23:04.920 --> 00:23:06.579 and one of the ways that we celebrate this 00:23:06.579 --> 00:23:07.660 is that we realize 00:23:07.660 --> 00:23:10.420 that this is still good news for us today. 00:23:10.880 --> 00:23:13.380 Why Jesus came 2,000 years ago 00:23:13.380 --> 00:23:14.980 has not changed. 00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:17.460 His purpose of rescuing the lost 00:23:17.460 --> 00:23:19.460 is still true today. 00:23:20.079 --> 00:23:22.079 And so probably the greatest way 00:23:22.079 --> 00:23:24.120 that we can celebrate Christmas 00:23:24.120 --> 00:23:26.720 is by giving our life to Him 00:23:26.720 --> 00:23:28.579 if that's something that we've never done. 00:23:29.160 --> 00:23:30.380 Maybe you're here today 00:23:30.380 --> 00:23:33.120 and you haven't come to church very long 00:23:33.120 --> 00:23:34.259 or maybe you never have 00:23:34.259 --> 00:23:36.559 or maybe you've been coming your entire life. 00:23:36.960 --> 00:23:37.779 And all of a sudden, 00:23:37.900 --> 00:23:39.539 you're realizing the importance 00:23:39.539 --> 00:23:42.000 of understanding why Jesus came to do 00:23:42.000 --> 00:23:43.660 and what makes Him uniquely qualified. 00:23:43.660 --> 00:23:46.720 And you're ready to give your life to Him. 00:23:47.120 --> 00:23:48.540 I can't think of a better way 00:23:48.540 --> 00:23:49.880 to celebrate Christmas 00:23:49.880 --> 00:23:52.279 than to give your life to Him. 00:23:52.620 --> 00:23:54.880 Understanding what He came to do 00:23:54.880 --> 00:23:55.940 can apply to you 00:23:55.940 --> 00:23:57.140 by placing your faith 00:23:57.140 --> 00:23:58.860 and your trust in Him. 00:23:59.340 --> 00:24:00.380 So this Christmas, 00:24:00.519 --> 00:24:01.840 may we not only remember 00:24:01.840 --> 00:24:03.540 that Jesus came, 00:24:03.820 --> 00:24:06.720 but also why Jesus came. 00:24:07.320 --> 00:24:09.100 Father, we thank You so very much 00:24:09.100 --> 00:24:10.779 for who You are 00:24:10.779 --> 00:24:12.220 and all that You do for us 00:24:12.220 --> 00:24:13.960 each and every day. 00:24:14.500 --> 00:24:16.500 God, we thank You for Your Word 00:24:16.500 --> 00:24:18.660 which tells us not only 00:24:18.660 --> 00:24:20.200 the historical story 00:24:20.200 --> 00:24:22.379 of the fact that You came into this world, 00:24:22.460 --> 00:24:25.019 but it reminds us why You came. 00:24:25.460 --> 00:24:26.579 And it reminds us 00:24:26.579 --> 00:24:27.859 that You and You alone 00:24:27.859 --> 00:24:28.879 are the only one 00:24:28.879 --> 00:24:30.240 who can take our sand. 00:24:30.339 --> 00:24:30.980 And so Lord, 00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:32.660 I pray that that's something 00:24:32.660 --> 00:24:33.879 that we give our lives to. 00:24:33.920 --> 00:24:35.960 That's something that we celebrate 00:24:35.960 --> 00:24:37.559 not only at Christmas, 00:24:37.680 --> 00:24:39.619 but that we celebrate all year long. 00:24:39.619 --> 00:24:42.179 And Lord, I pray that You help us 00:24:42.179 --> 00:24:43.579 to live on mission for You. 00:24:43.899 --> 00:24:45.379 And I pray that You give us 00:24:45.379 --> 00:24:48.079 the boldness to celebrate this, 00:24:48.139 --> 00:24:50.979 to celebrate this wonderful news 00:24:50.979 --> 00:24:52.779 by sharing this news 00:24:52.779 --> 00:24:54.659 with those who haven't heard. 00:24:55.299 --> 00:24:56.519 And Lord, I pray that there's 00:24:56.519 --> 00:24:57.500 somebody here today 00:24:57.500 --> 00:25:00.119 that's ready to give their life to You, 00:25:00.199 --> 00:25:02.339 to follow You as their Lord and Savior. 00:25:02.939 --> 00:25:03.819 Lord, You would give them 00:25:03.819 --> 00:25:05.739 the boldness and courage to do that. 00:25:06.219 --> 00:25:08.039 And so God, we thank You for Your Word. 00:25:08.039 --> 00:25:10.500 We thank You for what it teaches us about You. 00:25:10.759 --> 00:25:12.220 And we ask all these things 00:25:12.220 --> 00:25:13.720 in Jesus' precious name. 00:25:14.200 --> 00:25:14.559 Amen. 00:25:15.599 --> 00:25:16.619 I want to invite you 00:25:16.619 --> 00:25:17.779 to take your Baptist hymnal 00:25:17.779 --> 00:25:20.019 and turn to hymn number 207, 00:25:20.559 --> 00:25:21.980 What Can I Give Him? 00:25:22.220 --> 00:25:24.659 And if God is speaking to you this morning, 00:25:24.779 --> 00:25:25.659 won't you respond 00:25:25.659 --> 00:25:27.940 as we stand together and sing? 00:25:27.940 --> 00:25:28.440 Amen. 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:28.440 00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:58.420 Thank you.