WEBVTT

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 The scripture reading today comes from Luke chapter 1 verses 57 to 80.

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 Please follow along on your bulletin on the screen or in your own Bible.

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 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth and she bore a son and her neighbors and relatives

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 heard that the Lord has shown great mercy to her and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth day

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 they came to circumcise the child and they would have called him Zechariah after his father

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 but his mother answered no he shall be called John and they said to her none of your relatives

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 is called by this name and they made signs to his father inquiring what he wanted him to be called

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 and he asked for a writing tablet and wrote his name is John and they all wondered and immediately

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 his mouth was open and his tongue loosed and he spoke blessing God and fear came on all their

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 neighbors and all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea and all

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 who heard them lay them up in their hearts saying what then will this child be for the hand of the

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 Lord was with him and his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied saying

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 blessed be the Lord God of Israel for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of

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 salvation for us in the house of his servant David as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of

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 old that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us to show the mercy

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 promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant the oath that he swore to our father Abraham

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 to grant us that we being delivered from the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear

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 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days and you child will be called the prophet of the

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 most high for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways to give knowledge of salvation to his people

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 in the forgiveness of their sins because of the tender mercy of our God whereby the sunrise shall

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 visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our

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 feet into the way of peace and the child grew and became strong in spirit and he was in the wilderness

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 until the day of his public appearance to Israel this is the word of God

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 good morning everyone that was pretty good

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 if you don't know me my name is Oscar can you hear me okay is it clear I'm one of the leaders here at

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 watermark let me actually join me in praying for us as we receive God's word today

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 father we humbly come before you we want to want our hearts to be ready to and be prepared to receive

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 your word today God thank you for your word which is powerful and is alive and dynamic and works

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 into the inner workings of our hearts we don't want to just come away from here with some interesting

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 advice or some uplifting talk and just forget about it tomorrow God we want to be changed and transformed

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 the liking of Jesus to to know him and love him more and to be like him help me God as I articulate

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 this message today help me to speak clearly and I pray God that my heart would be just as

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 in love with Christ as all of us as we receive your word today in Jesus name we pray amen

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 sorry guys

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 that okay Chris thanks for your help

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 what does it mean to be a man or woman of your word do we really mean it when we make a promise

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 we'll say hey let's have lunch tomorrow meet you at 12 o'clock 12 sharp but the next day 11 45 we

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 rush out the door the MTR is late we miss the bus and we get there late we commit to go into a

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 community group on Friday night but when something better comes around we we go to that we skip CG

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 when we meet a friend that we haven't seen in a while we bump into them we'll say hey it's great

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 to see you let's catch up I'll whatsapp you we meet up for lunch or coffee but then life gets busy we

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 forget and we move on by the way I've done all these things myself many times what does it mean to keep a

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 promise

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 well today as we celebrate the last Sunday of this season of Advent we're going to look into this

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 passage concerning the birth of John the Baptist the cousin of Jesus and inside this passage is this

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 beautiful song or prophecy by John's father Zechariah the song is often called the Benedictus which means

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 blessed it means blessed in Latin after the first word of this song blessed be the Lord God of Israel

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 similar to Mary's song from last week the Magnificat which means magnifies the Benedictus is a song of praise

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 and blessing to God it's a song that exudes thanksgiving to God because God has indeed honored his promises

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 to his people Israel because God isn't like us we struggle to keep our promises but the sovereign God of the Bible

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 always has always and always will keep his promises it's intrinsic to his very nature God always keeps his promises

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 so in this month of Advent as we have been preparing ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas

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 we've been looking at the first book of the first chapter of the book of Luke

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 first we saw the angel Gabriel he visited

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 Zechariah to tell him that his wife Elizabeth would give birth to a son

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 Gabriel tells Zechariah that his son John would prepare people for the coming of their Savior

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 Zechariah's response was perhaps

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 unsurprising he struggles to believe

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 Gabriel after all his wife Elizabeth was barren for many years and both

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 he and Elizabeth were past the typical age of childbearing

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 and as a result Zechariah was unable to speak he was struck mute

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 for not believing that God had the power

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 to give him and Elizabeth a son

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 then Gabriel visits Mary

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 tells her that she would also become pregnant

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 Mary the virgin would become pregnant but she would carry

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 the Messiah

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 Jesus Christ the foretold Savior of the world

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 and Mary responds with great reverence and surrender

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 and finally last week we looked at Mary's

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 visit to her cousin Elizabeth who was also

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 pregnant carrying John the Baptist

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 in her womb and we saw Mary's joy

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 as she burst into song that beautiful song the Magnificat

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 my soul magnifies the Lord

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 and my spirit rejoices in God

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 my Savior

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 and in today's passage which Iris so beautifully read

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 Elizabeth has just given birth

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 eight days into the birth of their son John

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 it was time to circumcise the baby in line with Jewish tradition

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 and so family and neighbors they gather around

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 expecting the excited parents to name their baby boy

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 after his father Zechariah

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 that would have been expected I guess

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 honor the family's line

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 honor the father's line by naming the firstborn son

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 after the father

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 but Elizabeth and Zechariah knew their son would be set apart

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 remember the angel Gabriel said that John must never drink alcohol

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 but instead would be filled with something different

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 the Holy Spirit

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 and so Elizabeth says

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 no no no

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 not Zechariah

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 his name is John

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 of course the neighbors don't believe her

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 and so they go to the man

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 and they say

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 hey Zechariah what do you think

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 of course he was still mute

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 he grabs a writing tablet

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 and he writes also

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 his name is John

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 John means God is gracious

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 the birth of John

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 would signal a new paradigm

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 in the history of the world

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 this era of grace

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 that we all live in

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 no longer would man

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 only hear from God

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 through prophets

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 no longer would man need

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 a priest

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 to sacrifice animals

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 to atone for our sins

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 because of the birth

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 of Jesus

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 at Christmas

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 you and I

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 amazingly

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 can have a personal

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 intimate relationship

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 with our creator

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 God

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 and through the cross

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 of Christ

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 we can be perfect

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 before God himself

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 and after nine months

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 of waiting

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 after nine months

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 of not speaking

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 imagine all the pent up things

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 that Zechariah wanted

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 to say

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 reflecting on his

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 visit with the angel

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 Gabriel

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 contemplating the

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 implications

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 of his son's

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 birth

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 Zechariah's tongue

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 is finally loose

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 and what does he say

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 I know what I would have said

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 first of all

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 I would have said

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 finally I can talk

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 thank you

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 I can finally speak

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 oh that was so difficult

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 so many things

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 I wanted to say

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 I would have been

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 self-focused

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 or maybe we would have

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 expected Zechariah

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 to say

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 thank you God

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 for the birth of my son

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 what a gift

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 what a blessing

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 it is

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 to have a child

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 is it not

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 but Zechariah's

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 first words

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 are not about himself

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 nor even about

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 his son John

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 Zechariah says

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 blessed be the Lord

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 God of Israel

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 for he has visited

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 and redeemed

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 his people

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 Zechariah blesses God

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 not for the birth

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 of his son John

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 but for fulfilling

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 the promises

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 that he made

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 to Zechariah's forefathers

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 to the people of Israel

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 many many many years ago

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 blessed be the Lord

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 God of Israel

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 the Benedictus

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 let's consider

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 these two parts

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 of the Benedictus

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 our savior is coming

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 and preparing

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 the way

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 now in the Benedictus

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 Zechariah speaks

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 of two Old Testament

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 covenants

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 they were about

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 to be fulfilled

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 in the birth

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 of Jesus

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 he refers to these

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 covenants

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 in a few ways

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 or a few times

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 in the Benedictus

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 verse 70

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 as he spoke

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 by the mouth

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 of his holy prophets

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 from of old

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 verse 72

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 to remember

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 his holy covenant

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 verse 73

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 the oath

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 that he swore

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 to our father Abraham

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 these covenants

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 weren't just

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 made a few years

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 before the birth

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 of Jesus

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 these were not

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 spur of the moment

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 decisions

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 that God made

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 when I struggled

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 to think about

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 what I want to give

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 my kids for dinner

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 at the last minute

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 I'll order pizza

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 on the Deliveroo

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 God doesn't operate

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 that way

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 God doesn't make

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 decisions like we do

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 these covenants

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 were hundreds

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 and thousands

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 of years

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 in the making

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 and what is a covenant?

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 well one way

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 to think about a covenant

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 is that it's a relationship

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 between two parties

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 that is one half legal

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 and one half love

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 a covenant

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 is one half legal

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 but it isn't just

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 simply a business

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 contract

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 between two partners

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 that is devoid

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 of any love

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 or intimacy

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 a covenant

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 is also

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 one half love

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 but it isn't

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 like any relationship

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 that can just be

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 broken

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 with no legal

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 consequences

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 the late Tim Keller

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 said it like this

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 a covenant

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 is a relationship

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 that is more loving

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 and intimate

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 than a merely legal

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 relationship

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 but more binding

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 enduring

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 and accountable

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 than a merely

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 personal relationship

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 it's a stunning blend

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 of law and love

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 marriage is an example

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 of a covenant

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 husband and wife

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 unite in love

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 and under the law

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 but of course

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 in our day and age

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 unfortunately

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 divorce is

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 quite common

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 that this example

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 of marriage

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 doesn't fully capture

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 the magnitude

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 of the biblical covenants

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 between God

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 and his people

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 and so

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 what are these

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 covenants

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 that Zachariah

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 so joyfully

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 sings about

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 that were about

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 to be fulfilled

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 in the birth

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 of Jesus

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 well the first

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 is this so-called

00:13:24.459 --> 00:13:25.359
 Davidic covenant

00:13:25.359 --> 00:13:27.239
 let's go to

00:13:27.239 --> 00:13:28.239
 verse 68

00:13:28.239 --> 00:13:29.899
 the very first verse

00:13:29.899 --> 00:13:30.839
 of the Benedictus

00:13:30.839 --> 00:13:33.279
 blessed be the

00:13:33.279 --> 00:13:34.179
 Lord God of Israel

00:13:34.179 --> 00:13:35.479
 for he has visited

00:13:35.479 --> 00:13:36.059
 and redeemed

00:13:36.059 --> 00:13:36.579
 his people

00:13:36.579 --> 00:13:37.819
 and has raised up

00:13:37.819 --> 00:13:39.000
 a horn of salvation

00:13:39.000 --> 00:13:39.859
 for us

00:13:39.859 --> 00:13:40.399
 in the house

00:13:40.399 --> 00:13:41.059
 of his servant

00:13:41.059 --> 00:13:41.479
 David

00:13:41.480 --> 00:13:44.399
 1,000 years

00:13:44.399 --> 00:13:45.820
 that's a long time

00:13:45.820 --> 00:13:46.879
 1,000 years

00:13:46.879 --> 00:13:47.860
 before Zachariah

00:13:47.860 --> 00:13:48.639
 was singing

00:13:48.639 --> 00:13:49.480
 this Benedictus

00:13:49.480 --> 00:13:50.379
 God entered

00:13:50.379 --> 00:13:51.120
 into a covenant

00:13:51.120 --> 00:13:51.580
 relationship

00:13:51.580 --> 00:13:52.840
 with King David

00:13:52.840 --> 00:13:54.659
 and in that covenant

00:13:54.659 --> 00:13:56.039
 God promised David

00:13:56.039 --> 00:13:57.259
 that one of his sons

00:13:57.259 --> 00:13:58.159
 would be king

00:13:58.159 --> 00:13:59.539
 would serve as king

00:13:59.539 --> 00:14:00.300
 on his throne

00:14:00.300 --> 00:14:01.519
 not just for one

00:14:01.519 --> 00:14:02.420
 or two generations

00:14:02.420 --> 00:14:03.080
 more

00:14:03.080 --> 00:14:04.740
 but for all time

00:14:04.740 --> 00:14:05.720
 for eternity

00:14:05.720 --> 00:14:07.680
 and Zachariah

00:14:07.680 --> 00:14:08.440
 being a priest

00:14:08.440 --> 00:14:09.820
 knowing the scriptures

00:14:09.820 --> 00:14:11.560
 filled with the Holy Spirit

00:14:11.560 --> 00:14:12.900
 he invokes his prayer

00:14:12.900 --> 00:14:13.480
 of blessing

00:14:13.480 --> 00:14:14.200
 and praise

00:14:14.200 --> 00:14:16.140
 of King David

00:14:16.140 --> 00:14:16.860
 that King David

00:14:16.860 --> 00:14:17.720
 made a thousand years

00:14:17.720 --> 00:14:18.160
 before

00:14:18.160 --> 00:14:20.420
 a blessed be the Lord

00:14:20.420 --> 00:14:20.980
 God of Israel

00:14:20.980 --> 00:14:22.020
 was the exact

00:14:22.020 --> 00:14:22.780
 proclamation

00:14:22.780 --> 00:14:24.500
 made by King David

00:14:24.500 --> 00:14:25.100
 in the book

00:14:25.100 --> 00:14:25.900
 of first kings

00:14:25.900 --> 00:14:28.360
 David said this

00:14:28.360 --> 00:14:29.240
 as he joyfully

00:14:29.240 --> 00:14:29.920
 handed over

00:14:29.920 --> 00:14:30.820
 the throne

00:14:30.820 --> 00:14:32.000
 to his son Solomon

00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:33.240
 as God

00:14:33.240 --> 00:14:34.820
 had promised

00:14:34.820 --> 00:14:36.800
 it was a tense time

00:14:36.800 --> 00:14:37.780
 in the house of David

00:14:37.780 --> 00:14:39.240
 David was getting old

00:14:39.240 --> 00:14:39.720
 he was

00:14:39.720 --> 00:14:41.060
 he was getting weak

00:14:41.060 --> 00:14:42.780
 and many of his sons

00:14:42.780 --> 00:14:43.500
 were jostling

00:14:43.500 --> 00:14:44.140
 for the power

00:14:44.140 --> 00:14:45.140
 of his throne

00:14:45.140 --> 00:14:47.320
 but David held on

00:14:47.320 --> 00:14:48.360
 to the promises

00:14:48.360 --> 00:14:49.960
 that God made him

00:14:49.960 --> 00:14:50.560
 back then

00:14:50.560 --> 00:14:53.060
 Psalm 132

00:14:53.060 --> 00:14:53.680
 says

00:14:53.680 --> 00:14:55.160
 the Lord swore

00:14:55.160 --> 00:14:55.600
 to David

00:14:55.600 --> 00:14:56.320
 a sure oath

00:14:56.320 --> 00:14:57.160
 from which

00:14:57.160 --> 00:14:58.260
 he will not turn back

00:14:58.260 --> 00:14:59.060
 one of the sons

00:14:59.060 --> 00:14:59.640
 of your body

00:14:59.640 --> 00:15:00.800
 I was set

00:15:00.800 --> 00:15:01.960
 on your throne

00:15:01.960 --> 00:15:05.360
 2 Samuel 7-16

00:15:05.360 --> 00:15:06.519
 God tells David

00:15:06.519 --> 00:15:07.120
 your house

00:15:07.120 --> 00:15:07.759
 and your kingdom

00:15:07.759 --> 00:15:08.740
 shall be made sure

00:15:08.740 --> 00:15:09.920
 forever before me

00:15:09.920 --> 00:15:11.120
 and I will establish

00:15:11.120 --> 00:15:11.740
 your covenant

00:15:11.740 --> 00:15:12.940
 forever

00:15:12.940 --> 00:15:16.000
 also

00:15:16.000 --> 00:15:17.500
 in Psalm 132

00:15:17.500 --> 00:15:18.500
 in verse 17

00:15:18.500 --> 00:15:19.460
 God declares

00:15:19.460 --> 00:15:20.600
 that there I

00:15:20.600 --> 00:15:21.480
 God

00:15:21.480 --> 00:15:22.780
 will make a horn

00:15:22.780 --> 00:15:23.360
 sprout

00:15:23.360 --> 00:15:24.800
 for David

00:15:24.800 --> 00:15:28.660
 and a thousand years later

00:15:28.660 --> 00:15:29.120
 fast forward

00:15:29.120 --> 00:15:30.080
 back to Zechariah

00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:31.660
 Zechariah sees

00:15:31.659 --> 00:15:32.519
 that God

00:15:32.519 --> 00:15:33.600
 was about

00:15:33.600 --> 00:15:34.159
 to fulfill

00:15:34.159 --> 00:15:34.819
 this promise

00:15:34.819 --> 00:15:35.519
 to raise up

00:15:35.519 --> 00:15:36.279
 this horn

00:15:36.279 --> 00:15:37.319
 of salvation

00:15:37.319 --> 00:15:38.259
 from the house

00:15:38.259 --> 00:15:38.639
 of David

00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:40.259
 this image

00:15:40.259 --> 00:15:40.879
 of a horn

00:15:40.879 --> 00:15:42.299
 is like the horn

00:15:42.299 --> 00:15:43.719
 of a buffalo

00:15:43.719 --> 00:15:44.799
 or an ox

00:15:44.799 --> 00:15:46.379
 think about

00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:48.500
 a buffalo

00:15:48.500 --> 00:15:49.539
 lifting up

00:15:49.539 --> 00:15:49.939
 his horns

00:15:49.939 --> 00:15:51.100
 tossing them about

00:15:51.100 --> 00:15:52.039
 in a display

00:15:52.039 --> 00:15:52.799
 of strength

00:15:52.799 --> 00:15:53.779
 and power

00:15:53.779 --> 00:15:55.379
 the Messiah

00:15:55.379 --> 00:15:56.199
 was about to come

00:15:56.199 --> 00:15:57.419
 in strength

00:15:57.419 --> 00:15:57.959
 and power

00:15:57.960 --> 00:16:01.060
 and Zechariah

00:16:01.060 --> 00:16:02.000
 sang the Benedictus

00:16:02.000 --> 00:16:02.660
 with his closest

00:16:02.660 --> 00:16:03.160
 friends

00:16:03.160 --> 00:16:03.980
 and his family

00:16:03.980 --> 00:16:04.920
 around him

00:16:04.920 --> 00:16:05.560
 holding his

00:16:05.560 --> 00:16:06.800
 eight day old

00:16:06.800 --> 00:16:07.240
 baby

00:16:07.240 --> 00:16:08.139
 John

00:16:08.139 --> 00:16:09.759
 he had this vision

00:16:09.759 --> 00:16:10.940
 that God

00:16:10.940 --> 00:16:12.280
 was right on the cusp

00:16:12.280 --> 00:16:13.139
 of fulfilling

00:16:13.139 --> 00:16:13.680
 his covenant

00:16:13.680 --> 00:16:14.740
 with David

00:16:14.740 --> 00:16:15.440
 in the birth

00:16:15.440 --> 00:16:16.560
 of Jesus

00:16:16.560 --> 00:16:18.280
 for God

00:16:18.280 --> 00:16:19.160
 always keeps

00:16:19.160 --> 00:16:19.740
 his promises

00:16:19.740 --> 00:16:21.700
 God always

00:16:21.700 --> 00:16:22.300
 honors

00:16:22.300 --> 00:16:23.420
 his covenants

00:16:23.419 --> 00:16:24.639
 the Savior

00:16:24.639 --> 00:16:25.860
 is coming

00:16:25.860 --> 00:16:28.479
 and the second

00:16:28.479 --> 00:16:28.799
 covenant

00:16:28.799 --> 00:16:29.459
 that Zechariah

00:16:29.459 --> 00:16:29.879
 references

00:16:29.879 --> 00:16:30.659
 was between

00:16:30.659 --> 00:16:31.819
 God and Abraham

00:16:31.819 --> 00:16:32.759
 this so called

00:16:32.759 --> 00:16:33.759
 Abrahamic covenant

00:16:33.759 --> 00:16:35.459
 verse 72

00:16:35.459 --> 00:16:37.219
 we read

00:16:37.219 --> 00:16:38.339
 to show mercy

00:16:38.339 --> 00:16:39.579
 promised to our fathers

00:16:39.579 --> 00:16:40.779
 and to remember

00:16:40.779 --> 00:16:41.639
 his holy covenant

00:16:41.639 --> 00:16:42.279
 the oath

00:16:42.279 --> 00:16:43.120
 he swore

00:16:43.120 --> 00:16:44.199
 to our father Abraham

00:16:44.199 --> 00:16:45.279
 to grant us

00:16:45.279 --> 00:16:45.779
 that we

00:16:45.779 --> 00:16:47.099
 being delivered

00:16:47.099 --> 00:16:47.779
 from our enemies

00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:48.559
 might serve him

00:16:48.559 --> 00:16:49.299
 without fear

00:16:49.299 --> 00:16:52.719
 rewinding

00:16:52.719 --> 00:16:53.199
 even

00:16:53.199 --> 00:16:54.839
 further back

00:16:54.839 --> 00:16:56.120
 from King David

00:16:56.120 --> 00:16:58.179
 David was a thousand years

00:16:58.179 --> 00:16:59.599
 Abraham was 1700 years

00:16:59.599 --> 00:17:01.039
 before Zechariah

00:17:01.039 --> 00:17:02.079
 in Genesis

00:17:02.079 --> 00:17:02.699
 God

00:17:02.699 --> 00:17:03.719
 in his sovereignty

00:17:03.719 --> 00:17:04.579
 chose Abraham

00:17:04.579 --> 00:17:05.440
 to be the father

00:17:05.440 --> 00:17:06.099
 of Israel

00:17:06.099 --> 00:17:07.759
 and as part of

00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:08.619
 appointing Abraham

00:17:08.619 --> 00:17:09.799
 to this crucial role

00:17:09.799 --> 00:17:10.659
 God entered into

00:17:10.659 --> 00:17:12.059
 a covenant with Abraham

00:17:12.059 --> 00:17:13.259
 which covered

00:17:13.259 --> 00:17:14.319
 a number of aspects

00:17:14.319 --> 00:17:15.799
 I'll go over them

00:17:15.799 --> 00:17:16.180
 quickly

00:17:16.180 --> 00:17:17.839
 the verses are on the screen

00:17:17.839 --> 00:17:18.000
 here

00:17:18.000 --> 00:17:18.839
 I'm not going to read them out

00:17:18.839 --> 00:17:19.779
 but you can reference them

00:17:19.779 --> 00:17:20.679
 as I explain

00:17:20.679 --> 00:17:21.839
 first

00:17:21.839 --> 00:17:24.179
 that God would grant Abraham

00:17:24.179 --> 00:17:26.179
 and Abraham's descendants

00:17:26.179 --> 00:17:27.539
 their own land

00:17:27.539 --> 00:17:29.419
 the land of Canaan

00:17:29.419 --> 00:17:30.359
 forever

00:17:30.359 --> 00:17:32.039
 and second

00:17:32.039 --> 00:17:33.599
 that Abraham's descendants

00:17:33.599 --> 00:17:34.679
 would be as the stars

00:17:34.679 --> 00:17:35.199
 of heaven

00:17:35.199 --> 00:17:36.480
 and as the sand

00:17:36.480 --> 00:17:37.599
 on the seashore

00:17:37.599 --> 00:17:38.839
 that the world over

00:17:38.839 --> 00:17:39.919
 would be blessed

00:17:39.919 --> 00:17:40.779
 through them

00:17:40.779 --> 00:17:43.079
 but the overarching

00:17:43.079 --> 00:17:44.339
 covering

00:17:44.339 --> 00:17:45.579
 of this covenant promise

00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:47.799
 was that God said

00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:48.559
 to Abraham

00:17:48.559 --> 00:17:49.220
 Abraham

00:17:49.220 --> 00:17:50.379
 I will be your God

00:17:50.379 --> 00:17:51.559
 and you will be

00:17:51.559 --> 00:17:52.500
 my people

00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:54.440
 there was a relationship

00:17:54.440 --> 00:17:54.859
 there

00:17:54.859 --> 00:17:55.500
 an intimate

00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:57.059
 loving relationship

00:17:57.059 --> 00:17:58.519
 I will protect you

00:17:58.519 --> 00:18:00.319
 I will cherish you

00:18:00.319 --> 00:18:01.679
 I will care for you

00:18:01.679 --> 00:18:02.980
 I will watch over you

00:18:02.980 --> 00:18:04.700
 I will build you up

00:18:04.700 --> 00:18:05.460
 and strengthen you

00:18:05.460 --> 00:18:07.460
 you are my set apart people

00:18:07.460 --> 00:18:09.240
 because of my love

00:18:09.240 --> 00:18:09.819
 for you

00:18:09.819 --> 00:18:12.960
 and to show Abraham

00:18:12.960 --> 00:18:13.819
 that he would stand

00:18:13.819 --> 00:18:14.579
 by his word

00:18:14.579 --> 00:18:16.119
 to prove to Abraham

00:18:16.119 --> 00:18:17.039
 the magnitude

00:18:17.039 --> 00:18:17.839
 of this promise

00:18:17.839 --> 00:18:19.019
 and to confirm

00:18:19.019 --> 00:18:19.579
 to Abraham

00:18:19.579 --> 00:18:20.719
 that he would indeed

00:18:20.719 --> 00:18:21.539
 fulfill this covenant

00:18:21.539 --> 00:18:22.739
 the God of the universe

00:18:22.739 --> 00:18:23.619
 swore an oath

00:18:23.619 --> 00:18:25.039
 on himself

00:18:25.039 --> 00:18:26.819
 since there was no one else

00:18:26.819 --> 00:18:27.579
 greater to swear by

00:18:27.579 --> 00:18:28.579
 God swore an oath

00:18:28.579 --> 00:18:29.500
 on himself

00:18:29.500 --> 00:18:31.459
 kind of a weird thing

00:18:31.459 --> 00:18:32.959
 to think about

00:18:32.959 --> 00:18:34.539
 isn't swearing an oath

00:18:34.539 --> 00:18:35.559
 like an earthly thing

00:18:35.559 --> 00:18:36.339
 that people do in court

00:18:36.339 --> 00:18:36.579
 maybe

00:18:36.579 --> 00:18:38.219
 or maybe when really

00:18:38.219 --> 00:18:39.500
 really really want to promise

00:18:39.500 --> 00:18:39.939
 something

00:18:39.939 --> 00:18:40.559
 will swear

00:18:40.559 --> 00:18:42.219
 on someone's grave

00:18:42.219 --> 00:18:43.099
 it's a weird thing

00:18:43.099 --> 00:18:43.479
 to think about

00:18:43.479 --> 00:18:43.719
 isn't it

00:18:43.720 --> 00:18:44.400
 for God to do

00:18:44.400 --> 00:18:47.059
 but the God

00:18:47.059 --> 00:18:47.940
 who created the world

00:18:47.940 --> 00:18:50.240
 God created the mountains

00:18:50.240 --> 00:18:50.720
 the sky

00:18:50.720 --> 00:18:51.120
 the sea

00:18:51.120 --> 00:18:51.799
 and the stars

00:18:51.799 --> 00:18:53.980
 he came down

00:18:53.980 --> 00:18:54.799
 to the level

00:18:54.799 --> 00:18:55.759
 of a man

00:18:55.759 --> 00:18:58.660
 to help Abraham

00:18:58.660 --> 00:18:59.299
 understand

00:18:59.299 --> 00:18:59.740
 Abraham

00:18:59.740 --> 00:19:00.519
 this mere mortal

00:19:00.519 --> 00:19:01.880
 to help him understand

00:19:01.880 --> 00:19:02.660
 hey

00:19:02.660 --> 00:19:04.600
 you can trust me

00:19:04.600 --> 00:19:07.039
 my love for you

00:19:07.039 --> 00:19:08.240
 for your people

00:19:08.240 --> 00:19:09.700
 will cause me

00:19:09.700 --> 00:19:10.279
 to enter

00:19:10.279 --> 00:19:11.640
 into this covenant

00:19:11.640 --> 00:19:12.740
 relationship with you

00:19:12.740 --> 00:19:14.980
 driven by my love

00:19:14.980 --> 00:19:16.859
 leave it to me

00:19:16.859 --> 00:19:18.579
 I'll take care of it

00:19:18.579 --> 00:19:20.160
 all you have to do

00:19:20.160 --> 00:19:21.460
 trust me

00:19:21.460 --> 00:19:23.279
 and obey me

00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:25.259
 and this speaks

00:19:25.259 --> 00:19:25.819
 to the nature

00:19:25.819 --> 00:19:26.519
 of God

00:19:26.519 --> 00:19:28.279
 we sang some of these

00:19:28.279 --> 00:19:29.660
 we sang some of it today

00:19:29.660 --> 00:19:30.339
 in these songs

00:19:30.339 --> 00:19:32.059
 that God isn't far off

00:19:32.059 --> 00:19:33.400
 living in some king's palace

00:19:33.400 --> 00:19:34.680
 he is with us

00:19:34.680 --> 00:19:36.579
 he understands us

00:19:36.579 --> 00:19:37.460
 he's not far removed

00:19:37.460 --> 00:19:38.259
 from day to day grind

00:19:38.259 --> 00:19:38.839
 of what we go through

00:19:38.839 --> 00:19:39.620
 every single day

00:19:39.620 --> 00:19:41.380
 only communicating with us

00:19:41.380 --> 00:19:42.220
 through middle men

00:19:42.220 --> 00:19:44.400
 because of Christmas

00:19:44.400 --> 00:19:45.740
 God was born

00:19:45.740 --> 00:19:46.519
 into the world

00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:47.960
 to become one of us

00:19:47.960 --> 00:19:49.200
 to know us

00:19:49.200 --> 00:19:50.420
 and for us

00:19:50.420 --> 00:19:52.079
 to be able to know him

00:19:52.079 --> 00:19:55.220
 and in the benedictus

00:19:55.220 --> 00:19:56.120
 Zacharias sings

00:19:56.120 --> 00:19:56.700
 that God

00:19:56.700 --> 00:19:57.380
 indeed

00:19:57.380 --> 00:19:58.559
 remembered his holy covenant

00:19:58.559 --> 00:19:59.860
 that he swore to Abraham

00:19:59.860 --> 00:20:01.660
 that this horn of salvation

00:20:01.660 --> 00:20:02.579
 this Messiah

00:20:02.579 --> 00:20:03.519
 would come

00:20:03.519 --> 00:20:04.200
 to save

00:20:04.200 --> 00:20:05.120
 Israel

00:20:05.120 --> 00:20:08.259
 and what does Israel

00:20:08.259 --> 00:20:08.960
 need saving from?

00:20:08.960 --> 00:20:11.340
 verse 71

00:20:11.340 --> 00:20:13.579
 that we should be saved

00:20:13.579 --> 00:20:14.400
 from our enemies

00:20:14.400 --> 00:20:15.559
 from the hand

00:20:15.559 --> 00:20:17.000
 of all who hate us

00:20:17.000 --> 00:20:19.299
 for a thousand years

00:20:19.299 --> 00:20:20.220
 since King David

00:20:20.220 --> 00:20:21.019
 up until the birth

00:20:21.019 --> 00:20:21.920
 of Jesus

00:20:21.920 --> 00:20:23.059
 the people of Israel

00:20:23.059 --> 00:20:24.039
 had been attacked

00:20:24.039 --> 00:20:24.940
 persecuted

00:20:24.940 --> 00:20:26.500
 exiled

00:20:26.500 --> 00:20:27.420
 from their homeland

00:20:27.420 --> 00:20:28.360
 by the Assyrians

00:20:28.360 --> 00:20:29.420
 the Babylonians

00:20:29.420 --> 00:20:30.579
 the Persians

00:20:30.579 --> 00:20:31.319
 the Greeks

00:20:31.319 --> 00:20:32.620
 and at the time

00:20:32.620 --> 00:20:34.039
 of Zacharias

00:20:34.039 --> 00:20:35.220
 singing this benedictus

00:20:35.220 --> 00:20:36.240
 the Roman Empire

00:20:36.240 --> 00:20:37.100
 controlled Israel

00:20:37.099 --> 00:20:39.500
 and many in Israel

00:20:39.500 --> 00:20:40.679
 knowing the Davidic

00:20:40.679 --> 00:20:41.599
 and Abrahamic covenants

00:20:41.599 --> 00:20:42.219
 were waiting

00:20:42.219 --> 00:20:43.019
 with bated breath

00:20:43.019 --> 00:20:43.740
 for the Savior

00:20:43.740 --> 00:20:44.279
 to come

00:20:44.279 --> 00:20:45.919
 with an army behind him

00:20:45.919 --> 00:20:46.559
 with swords

00:20:46.559 --> 00:20:47.259
 and chariots

00:20:47.259 --> 00:20:47.779
 and spears

00:20:47.779 --> 00:20:48.799
 to free Israel

00:20:48.799 --> 00:20:49.500
 once and for all

00:20:49.500 --> 00:20:51.079
 from the neighboring enemies

00:20:51.079 --> 00:20:54.319
 but a neighboring enemy

00:20:54.319 --> 00:20:56.119
 wasn't Israel's greatest

00:20:56.119 --> 00:20:58.039
 but an enemy nation

00:20:58.039 --> 00:21:00.059
 wasn't Israel's greatest enemy

00:21:00.059 --> 00:21:01.779
 sin

00:21:01.779 --> 00:21:03.799
 was Israel's greatest enemy

00:21:03.799 --> 00:21:05.919
 Israel's constant sin

00:21:05.920 --> 00:21:07.200
 was the reason

00:21:07.200 --> 00:21:07.220
 was the reason

00:21:07.220 --> 00:21:08.640
 why it faces

00:21:08.640 --> 00:21:10.240
 constant military oppression

00:21:10.240 --> 00:21:12.920
 and for us

00:21:12.920 --> 00:21:15.100
 our stressful jobs

00:21:15.100 --> 00:21:16.560
 our money problems

00:21:16.560 --> 00:21:18.640
 these are real concerns

00:21:18.640 --> 00:21:19.580
 I don't want to diminish them

00:21:19.580 --> 00:21:21.440
 these things

00:21:21.440 --> 00:21:22.140
 that we are facing

00:21:22.140 --> 00:21:23.539
 our kids getting into schools

00:21:23.539 --> 00:21:24.180
 some of the things

00:21:24.180 --> 00:21:25.360
 that I am thinking about

00:21:25.360 --> 00:21:27.180
 even our health

00:21:27.180 --> 00:21:27.880
 none of these

00:21:27.880 --> 00:21:29.600
 are our greatest problem

00:21:29.600 --> 00:21:30.860
 and none of these

00:21:30.860 --> 00:21:31.480
 are actually

00:21:31.480 --> 00:21:32.180
 our greatest enemy

00:21:32.180 --> 00:21:34.039
 our greatest enemy

00:21:34.039 --> 00:21:35.159
 is a sin

00:21:35.159 --> 00:21:36.099
 that resides

00:21:36.099 --> 00:21:36.619
 right here

00:21:36.619 --> 00:21:37.319
 in my heart

00:21:37.319 --> 00:21:38.779
 and in yours

00:21:38.779 --> 00:21:39.379
 as well

00:21:39.379 --> 00:21:41.599
 and maybe you're a Christian

00:21:41.599 --> 00:21:43.220
 and you know this

00:21:43.220 --> 00:21:45.279
 but you are struggling

00:21:45.279 --> 00:21:46.079
 and actually

00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:46.759
 that sin

00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:47.599
 that enemy

00:21:47.599 --> 00:21:48.460
 is winning the battle

00:21:48.460 --> 00:21:50.680
 you know

00:21:50.680 --> 00:21:52.319
 that that porn habit

00:21:52.319 --> 00:21:53.180
 you've entertained

00:21:53.180 --> 00:21:54.920
 has led to addiction

00:21:54.920 --> 00:21:56.359
 and will corrupt

00:21:56.359 --> 00:21:56.819
 the intimacy

00:21:56.819 --> 00:21:57.539
 of marriage

00:21:57.539 --> 00:22:00.099
 or maybe you know

00:22:00.099 --> 00:22:00.960
 that deep down

00:22:00.960 --> 00:22:02.279
 your security

00:22:02.279 --> 00:22:02.900
 is found

00:22:02.900 --> 00:22:04.240
 in your net worth

00:22:04.240 --> 00:22:05.100
 in your bank account

00:22:05.100 --> 00:22:06.319
 in your stocks

00:22:06.319 --> 00:22:06.840
 and bonds

00:22:06.840 --> 00:22:07.299
 that you hold

00:22:07.299 --> 00:22:07.980
 in your real estate

00:22:07.980 --> 00:22:09.660
 and money

00:22:09.660 --> 00:22:10.660
 has gripped your heart

00:22:10.660 --> 00:22:12.420
 and you find it difficult

00:22:12.420 --> 00:22:13.640
 to give money back to God

00:22:13.640 --> 00:22:15.519
 or maybe

00:22:15.519 --> 00:22:16.360
 if you're truly honest

00:22:16.360 --> 00:22:17.079
 with yourself

00:22:17.079 --> 00:22:18.100
 Jesus is not

00:22:18.100 --> 00:22:19.740
 your first love

00:22:19.740 --> 00:22:21.740
 you say he is

00:22:21.740 --> 00:22:23.279
 you sing it on Sunday mornings

00:22:23.279 --> 00:22:24.019
 you talk about it

00:22:24.019 --> 00:22:24.420
 in your CG

00:22:24.420 --> 00:22:25.059
 but actually

00:22:25.059 --> 00:22:26.259
 he's not

00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:27.559
 something else

00:22:27.559 --> 00:22:28.299
 is your first love

00:22:28.299 --> 00:22:29.860
 maybe it's your job

00:22:29.860 --> 00:22:30.460
 and your title

00:22:30.460 --> 00:22:31.600
 the promotion

00:22:31.600 --> 00:22:32.299
 you're seeking

00:22:32.299 --> 00:22:33.900
 maybe it's your

00:22:33.900 --> 00:22:34.559
 significant other

00:22:34.559 --> 00:22:36.019
 or maybe it's a desire

00:22:36.019 --> 00:22:37.420
 to have a significant other

00:22:37.420 --> 00:22:39.059
 but hey

00:22:39.059 --> 00:22:41.460
 let's not give up

00:22:41.460 --> 00:22:43.039
 let's keep fighting

00:22:43.039 --> 00:22:43.819
 that good fight

00:22:43.819 --> 00:22:44.660
 of sin

00:22:44.660 --> 00:22:45.720
 knowing that one day

00:22:45.720 --> 00:22:47.019
 when the Lord returns again

00:22:47.019 --> 00:22:47.900
 when Jesus returns

00:22:47.900 --> 00:22:49.340
 all who trust him

00:22:49.340 --> 00:22:51.240
 will be fully free

00:22:51.240 --> 00:22:51.660
 of sin

00:22:51.660 --> 00:22:52.720
 because the antidote

00:22:52.720 --> 00:22:53.240
 to sin

00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:54.299
 has come

00:22:54.299 --> 00:22:55.240
 in the birth

00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:55.819
 of Jesus

00:22:55.819 --> 00:22:56.819
 this is the message

00:22:56.819 --> 00:22:58.180
 of Christmas

00:22:58.180 --> 00:23:00.700
 our Savior Christ

00:23:00.700 --> 00:23:02.180
 was born into the world

00:23:02.180 --> 00:23:03.279
 to save us

00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:04.380
 from our sin

00:23:04.380 --> 00:23:07.100
 and this morning

00:23:07.100 --> 00:23:07.779
 if you're not

00:23:07.779 --> 00:23:08.799
 a Christian here

00:23:08.799 --> 00:23:09.380
 today

00:23:09.380 --> 00:23:11.320
 this is the gospel

00:23:11.320 --> 00:23:13.259
 we're all sinful

00:23:13.259 --> 00:23:14.900
 every one of us

00:23:14.900 --> 00:23:16.600
 me

00:23:16.600 --> 00:23:17.380
 the person

00:23:17.380 --> 00:23:18.220
 trying to give

00:23:18.220 --> 00:23:18.960
 the sermon today

00:23:18.960 --> 00:23:19.660
 I'm sinful

00:23:19.660 --> 00:23:21.340
 our wonderful music leaders

00:23:21.340 --> 00:23:22.920
 who just sang beautifully

00:23:22.920 --> 00:23:23.299
 and

00:23:23.299 --> 00:23:24.580
 and facilitated

00:23:24.580 --> 00:23:25.460
 a worship of God

00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:25.880
 through music

00:23:25.880 --> 00:23:26.600
 they're sinful

00:23:26.600 --> 00:23:28.020
 all the leaders

00:23:28.020 --> 00:23:28.460
 of this church

00:23:28.460 --> 00:23:28.780
 are sinful

00:23:28.780 --> 00:23:29.300
 the elders

00:23:29.300 --> 00:23:31.800
 no one is perfect

00:23:31.800 --> 00:23:33.340
 but God so loved

00:23:33.340 --> 00:23:34.000
 the world

00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:35.320
 that he made

00:23:35.320 --> 00:23:36.200
 Abraham and David

00:23:36.200 --> 00:23:37.140
 this promise

00:23:37.140 --> 00:23:37.820
 that I will

00:23:37.820 --> 00:23:39.440
 I will bring a Savior

00:23:39.440 --> 00:23:40.300
 to come into the world

00:23:40.300 --> 00:23:40.920
 to save you

00:23:40.920 --> 00:23:41.580
 from your sin

00:23:41.580 --> 00:23:42.760
 and God so loved

00:23:42.760 --> 00:23:43.180
 the world

00:23:43.180 --> 00:23:44.040
 that that promised

00:23:44.040 --> 00:23:44.880
 Savior Jesus

00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:46.060
 came to fulfill

00:23:46.060 --> 00:23:46.720
 that promise

00:23:46.720 --> 00:23:48.100
 to die in our place

00:23:48.100 --> 00:23:49.420
 to defeat this enemy

00:23:49.420 --> 00:23:49.940
 of sin

00:23:49.940 --> 00:23:51.280
 so that we may receive

00:23:51.280 --> 00:23:51.840
 freedom

00:23:51.840 --> 00:23:53.060
 and eternal life

00:23:53.059 --> 00:23:54.839
 and to do that

00:23:54.839 --> 00:23:56.119
 which all of us

00:23:56.119 --> 00:23:57.019
 were born to do

00:23:57.019 --> 00:23:59.139
 to know our creator

00:23:59.139 --> 00:24:00.659
 to be in communion

00:24:00.659 --> 00:24:01.119
 with him

00:24:01.119 --> 00:24:02.759
 to know and love him

00:24:02.759 --> 00:24:03.259
 always

00:24:03.259 --> 00:24:05.819
 as Hannah said to us

00:24:05.819 --> 00:24:06.700
 a couple weeks ago

00:24:06.700 --> 00:24:07.879
 during her baptism testimony

00:24:07.879 --> 00:24:09.679
 to come home

00:24:09.679 --> 00:24:13.019
 all God asks of us

00:24:13.019 --> 00:24:13.740
 is to acknowledge

00:24:13.740 --> 00:24:14.399
 that we're sinful

00:24:14.399 --> 00:24:15.500
 and in need of the

00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:16.339
 saving grace of Jesus

00:24:16.339 --> 00:24:16.960
 that's it

00:24:16.960 --> 00:24:19.119
 and so that's you

00:24:19.119 --> 00:24:19.599
 this morning

00:24:19.599 --> 00:24:20.399
 and you want to live

00:24:20.399 --> 00:24:20.919
 in freedom

00:24:20.919 --> 00:24:23.679
 let's chat after the service

00:24:23.679 --> 00:24:25.759
 and for those of us

00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:26.319
 here this morning

00:24:26.319 --> 00:24:27.459
 who are followers

00:24:27.459 --> 00:24:27.959
 of Jesus

00:24:27.959 --> 00:24:29.059
 because God

00:24:29.059 --> 00:24:29.980
 does indeed

00:24:29.980 --> 00:24:30.759
 keep his promises

00:24:30.759 --> 00:24:32.480
 we can look back

00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:34.000
 at how he has fulfilled

00:24:34.000 --> 00:24:34.579
 his promises

00:24:34.579 --> 00:24:36.059
 to give us a confidence

00:24:36.059 --> 00:24:36.719
 and faith

00:24:36.719 --> 00:24:37.919
 to look ahead

00:24:37.919 --> 00:24:40.119
 at this time of year

00:24:40.119 --> 00:24:41.539
 many of us

00:24:41.539 --> 00:24:42.299
 are probably doing

00:24:42.299 --> 00:24:43.419
 a little recap

00:24:43.419 --> 00:24:44.199
 of 2024

00:24:44.199 --> 00:24:46.099
 how did we do this year

00:24:46.099 --> 00:24:47.319
 how much money

00:24:47.319 --> 00:24:48.240
 did I make this year

00:24:48.240 --> 00:24:49.539
 what did I accomplish

00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:49.960
 this year

00:24:49.960 --> 00:24:50.480
 how did I accomplish

00:24:50.480 --> 00:24:50.539
 this year

00:24:50.539 --> 00:24:51.819
 compared to previous years

00:24:51.819 --> 00:24:53.220
 I guess those are

00:24:53.220 --> 00:24:54.120
 okay things to do

00:24:54.120 --> 00:24:55.859
 I often do that myself

00:24:55.859 --> 00:24:57.579
 but it's better

00:24:57.579 --> 00:24:58.440
 to look back

00:24:58.440 --> 00:24:59.759
 at the promises

00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:00.839
 of God

00:25:00.839 --> 00:25:02.680
 in our lives

00:25:02.680 --> 00:25:02.960
 yes

00:25:02.960 --> 00:25:03.599
 God has blessed

00:25:03.599 --> 00:25:04.279
 many of us

00:25:04.279 --> 00:25:05.579
 with our families

00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:06.279
 our health

00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:07.079
 our friendships

00:25:07.079 --> 00:25:08.960
 but above all

00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:11.259
 God has blessed us

00:25:11.259 --> 00:25:12.480
 with Jesus

00:25:12.480 --> 00:25:13.579
 his son

00:25:13.579 --> 00:25:14.839
 our savior

00:25:14.839 --> 00:25:17.779
 so this Christmas

00:25:17.779 --> 00:25:19.200
 let's look back

00:25:19.200 --> 00:25:20.119
 at the birth

00:25:20.119 --> 00:25:21.299
 of the world's

00:25:21.299 --> 00:25:22.099
 promised Messiah

00:25:22.099 --> 00:25:22.980
 and be thankful

00:25:22.980 --> 00:25:25.279
 and let the hope

00:25:25.279 --> 00:25:25.700
 of Jesus

00:25:25.700 --> 00:25:26.500
 give us joy

00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:27.279
 and purpose

00:25:27.279 --> 00:25:28.440
 in the year ahead

00:25:28.440 --> 00:25:29.839
 as we face

00:25:29.839 --> 00:25:30.819
 the joys

00:25:30.819 --> 00:25:31.460
 of this year

00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:32.420
 and the challenges

00:25:32.420 --> 00:25:33.579
 of this year ahead

00:25:33.579 --> 00:25:35.579
 and so

00:25:35.579 --> 00:25:37.500
 as Zacharias

00:25:37.500 --> 00:25:38.680
 sings of Jesus

00:25:38.680 --> 00:25:39.420
 the savior

00:25:39.420 --> 00:25:39.859
 has come

00:25:39.859 --> 00:25:40.180
 to fulfill

00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:40.639
 the promises

00:25:40.639 --> 00:25:41.220
 of God

00:25:41.220 --> 00:25:42.619
 how is Israel

00:25:42.619 --> 00:25:43.339
 to respond

00:25:43.339 --> 00:25:46.199
 to serve him

00:25:46.199 --> 00:25:47.720
 without fear

00:25:47.720 --> 00:25:48.980
 in holiness

00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:49.659
 and righteousness

00:25:49.659 --> 00:25:50.379
 before him

00:25:50.379 --> 00:25:52.299
 all our days

00:25:52.299 --> 00:25:53.679
 verse 74

00:25:53.679 --> 00:25:57.279
 now on the one hand

00:25:57.279 --> 00:25:57.859
 verse 74

00:25:57.859 --> 00:25:58.720
 speaks about

00:25:58.720 --> 00:25:59.939
 eternity in heaven

00:25:59.939 --> 00:26:01.480
 in a way

00:26:01.480 --> 00:26:03.220
 the promised Messiah

00:26:03.220 --> 00:26:03.599
 Jesus

00:26:03.599 --> 00:26:04.379
 coming to save us

00:26:04.379 --> 00:26:04.959
 from our sins

00:26:04.959 --> 00:26:05.839
 the fulfillment

00:26:05.839 --> 00:26:06.699
 of that

00:26:06.699 --> 00:26:07.500
 is that one day

00:26:07.500 --> 00:26:08.639
 if we truly

00:26:08.639 --> 00:26:09.639
 love and trust Christ

00:26:09.639 --> 00:26:10.679
 we will be with him

00:26:10.679 --> 00:26:11.339
 forever in heaven

00:26:11.339 --> 00:26:12.919
 and yes we will serve him

00:26:12.919 --> 00:26:13.839
 in heaven

00:26:13.839 --> 00:26:15.299
 in holiness

00:26:15.299 --> 00:26:16.639
 in righteousness

00:26:16.639 --> 00:26:17.740
 perfection

00:26:17.740 --> 00:26:19.319
 for all time

00:26:19.319 --> 00:26:23.379
 but it's also a call

00:26:23.379 --> 00:26:24.459
 for us to respond

00:26:24.459 --> 00:26:25.199
 to the gift

00:26:25.199 --> 00:26:26.279
 of Jesus

00:26:26.279 --> 00:26:27.459
 today

00:26:27.459 --> 00:26:28.419
 right now

00:26:28.419 --> 00:26:30.399
 and Zacharias

00:26:30.399 --> 00:26:31.379
 son John the Baptist

00:26:31.379 --> 00:26:33.379
 shows us the blueprint

00:26:33.379 --> 00:26:35.419
 he shows us how

00:26:35.419 --> 00:26:36.259
 to respond

00:26:36.259 --> 00:26:37.959
 two thirds

00:26:37.959 --> 00:26:38.919
 into the Benedictus

00:26:38.919 --> 00:26:39.579
 Zacharias

00:26:39.579 --> 00:26:40.819
 finally speaks

00:26:40.819 --> 00:26:41.399
 into the life

00:26:41.399 --> 00:26:42.519
 of his newborn son

00:26:42.519 --> 00:26:45.599
 verse 76

00:26:45.599 --> 00:26:47.759
 and you child

00:26:47.759 --> 00:26:48.799
 will be called

00:26:48.799 --> 00:26:49.319
 the prophet

00:26:49.319 --> 00:26:50.639
 of the most high

00:26:50.639 --> 00:26:52.000
 for you will go

00:26:52.000 --> 00:26:52.839
 before the Lord

00:26:52.839 --> 00:26:53.899
 to prepare his ways

00:26:53.899 --> 00:26:55.200
 to give knowledge

00:26:55.200 --> 00:26:55.859
 of salvation

00:26:55.859 --> 00:26:56.619
 to his people

00:26:56.619 --> 00:26:57.819
 in the forgiveness

00:26:57.819 --> 00:26:58.939
 of their sins

00:26:58.939 --> 00:27:00.779
 from birth

00:27:00.779 --> 00:27:02.859
 actually before birth

00:27:02.859 --> 00:27:03.759
 even in his womb

00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:05.059
 John was set apart

00:27:05.059 --> 00:27:07.079
 even in Elizabeth's womb

00:27:07.079 --> 00:27:08.439
 John was set apart

00:27:08.440 --> 00:27:10.120
 called by God

00:27:10.120 --> 00:27:11.320
 to go before Jesus

00:27:11.320 --> 00:27:13.059
 to prepare the people

00:27:13.059 --> 00:27:13.539
 of Israel

00:27:13.539 --> 00:27:14.220
 for the coming

00:27:14.220 --> 00:27:14.740
 of Jesus

00:27:14.740 --> 00:27:17.120
 what does it mean

00:27:17.120 --> 00:27:17.820
 to prepare the way

00:27:17.820 --> 00:27:20.400
 I used to work

00:27:20.400 --> 00:27:21.100
 for a large

00:27:21.100 --> 00:27:22.820
 US financial institution

00:27:22.820 --> 00:27:24.340
 and one time

00:27:24.340 --> 00:27:25.480
 the CEO

00:27:25.480 --> 00:27:26.320
 from New York

00:27:26.320 --> 00:27:26.559
 was

00:27:26.559 --> 00:27:27.799
 he planned a visit

00:27:27.799 --> 00:27:28.400
 to Hong Kong

00:27:28.400 --> 00:27:30.799
 and before he came

00:27:30.799 --> 00:27:32.180
 he asked his people

00:27:32.180 --> 00:27:32.600
 to

00:27:32.600 --> 00:27:34.059
 to liaise

00:27:34.059 --> 00:27:35.019
 with us

00:27:35.019 --> 00:27:35.500
 on the ground

00:27:35.500 --> 00:27:36.279
 here in Hong Kong

00:27:36.279 --> 00:27:37.279
 to prepare the way

00:27:37.279 --> 00:27:38.039
 for the CEO to come

00:27:38.039 --> 00:27:40.139
 to prepare

00:27:40.139 --> 00:27:41.019
 the agenda

00:27:41.019 --> 00:27:41.759
 of the meetings

00:27:41.759 --> 00:27:42.660
 when he would come

00:27:42.660 --> 00:27:44.099
 that type of stuff

00:27:44.099 --> 00:27:47.399
 the CEO's people

00:27:47.399 --> 00:27:48.039
 their job

00:27:48.039 --> 00:27:48.559
 was to

00:27:48.559 --> 00:27:49.879
 get the CEO ready

00:27:49.879 --> 00:27:50.799
 and get us ready

00:27:50.799 --> 00:27:52.240
 to prepare the way

00:27:52.240 --> 00:27:52.559
 for the CEO

00:27:52.559 --> 00:27:53.619
 to come to Hong Kong

00:27:53.619 --> 00:27:54.460
 to meet us

00:27:54.460 --> 00:27:56.079
 but the focus

00:27:56.079 --> 00:27:56.680
 was never on

00:27:56.680 --> 00:27:57.579
 the CEO's people

00:27:57.579 --> 00:27:57.980
 the focus

00:27:57.980 --> 00:27:58.680
 was on the CEO

00:27:58.680 --> 00:28:00.799
 or it's like

00:28:00.799 --> 00:28:01.220
 when a president

00:28:01.220 --> 00:28:02.279
 visits a foreign country

00:28:02.279 --> 00:28:03.619
 before the visit

00:28:03.619 --> 00:28:04.639
 the president's

00:28:04.639 --> 00:28:05.180
 officials

00:28:05.180 --> 00:28:06.400
 would liaise

00:28:06.400 --> 00:28:06.940
 with the host

00:28:06.940 --> 00:28:07.860
 country's officials

00:28:07.860 --> 00:28:09.539
 and set an agenda

00:28:09.539 --> 00:28:11.039
 when the media

00:28:11.039 --> 00:28:11.820
 can come visit

00:28:11.820 --> 00:28:12.380
 when they

00:28:12.380 --> 00:28:13.840
 shake hands together

00:28:13.840 --> 00:28:15.500
 what would be discussed

00:28:15.500 --> 00:28:16.140
 the agreements

00:28:16.140 --> 00:28:17.480
 between two countries

00:28:17.480 --> 00:28:19.180
 the job

00:28:19.180 --> 00:28:20.259
 of the president's

00:28:20.259 --> 00:28:20.779
 officials

00:28:20.779 --> 00:28:22.000
 is to

00:28:22.000 --> 00:28:23.480
 is to maximize

00:28:23.480 --> 00:28:24.740
 the president's visit

00:28:24.740 --> 00:28:26.240
 to provide focus

00:28:26.240 --> 00:28:27.180
 to the president's visit

00:28:27.180 --> 00:28:28.400
 but the focus

00:28:28.400 --> 00:28:28.759
 was never

00:28:28.759 --> 00:28:29.620
 on the president's people

00:28:29.620 --> 00:28:30.060
 it's always

00:28:30.060 --> 00:28:30.920
 on the president

00:28:30.920 --> 00:28:33.180
 and John

00:28:33.180 --> 00:28:33.840
 was to prepare

00:28:33.840 --> 00:28:34.680
 the way for Jesus

00:28:34.680 --> 00:28:36.080
 John was opening act

00:28:36.080 --> 00:28:37.860
 John was the appetizer

00:28:37.860 --> 00:28:39.299
 warming up the stomach

00:28:39.299 --> 00:28:41.039
 for the main course

00:28:41.039 --> 00:28:42.380
 John himself

00:28:42.380 --> 00:28:43.740
 even referred to his role

00:28:43.740 --> 00:28:45.940
 as that of the best man

00:28:45.940 --> 00:28:46.480
 at a wedding

00:28:46.480 --> 00:28:47.779
 his purpose

00:28:47.779 --> 00:28:49.220
 was to magnify

00:28:49.220 --> 00:28:49.840
 the greatness

00:28:49.840 --> 00:28:50.539
 of Jesus

00:28:50.539 --> 00:28:51.380
 the groom

00:28:51.380 --> 00:28:54.460
 John's job

00:28:54.460 --> 00:28:54.920
 was to say

00:28:54.920 --> 00:28:55.759
 hey Israel

00:28:55.759 --> 00:28:57.480
 wake up

00:28:57.480 --> 00:28:58.500
 I know it's been

00:28:58.500 --> 00:28:59.259
 400 years

00:28:59.259 --> 00:29:00.519
 God hasn't spoken

00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:01.060
 to us

00:29:01.060 --> 00:29:02.240
 it seems that we're

00:29:02.240 --> 00:29:02.640
 kind of

00:29:02.640 --> 00:29:03.820
 in the dumps

00:29:03.819 --> 00:29:04.599
 Romans still

00:29:04.599 --> 00:29:05.319
 oppress us

00:29:05.319 --> 00:29:05.720
 but hey

00:29:05.720 --> 00:29:07.159
 tide is turning

00:29:07.159 --> 00:29:08.619
 the sun will rise

00:29:08.619 --> 00:29:08.980
 again

00:29:08.980 --> 00:29:09.939
 so get ready

00:29:09.939 --> 00:29:11.480
 pull up your socks

00:29:11.480 --> 00:29:12.639
 the most important

00:29:12.639 --> 00:29:13.859
 time of your life

00:29:13.859 --> 00:29:15.220
 is upon us

00:29:15.220 --> 00:29:16.359
 focus

00:29:16.359 --> 00:29:17.379
 the foretold

00:29:17.379 --> 00:29:17.759
 savior

00:29:17.759 --> 00:29:19.139
 is finally here

00:29:19.139 --> 00:29:23.700
 and for those of us

00:29:23.700 --> 00:29:25.519
 who are followers

00:29:25.519 --> 00:29:26.099
 of Jesus

00:29:26.099 --> 00:29:27.679
 John's calling

00:29:27.679 --> 00:29:28.839
 is also

00:29:28.839 --> 00:29:29.659
 our calling

00:29:29.659 --> 00:29:30.539
 as well

00:29:30.539 --> 00:29:32.059
 we're called

00:29:32.059 --> 00:29:32.279
 to be

00:29:32.279 --> 00:29:32.440
 little

00:29:32.440 --> 00:29:33.119
 John's

00:29:33.119 --> 00:29:33.879
 not

00:29:33.879 --> 00:29:34.099
 Johnny

00:29:34.099 --> 00:29:34.399
 Lynn

00:29:34.399 --> 00:29:35.059
 or

00:29:35.059 --> 00:29:35.559
 John

00:29:35.559 --> 00:29:35.819
 Jr

00:29:35.819 --> 00:29:36.200
 that's a

00:29:36.200 --> 00:29:36.359
 different

00:29:36.359 --> 00:29:36.579
 little

00:29:36.579 --> 00:29:36.839
 John

00:29:36.839 --> 00:29:38.899
 but like

00:29:38.899 --> 00:29:39.159
 John the

00:29:39.159 --> 00:29:39.420
 Baptist

00:29:39.420 --> 00:29:39.960
 who prepared

00:29:39.960 --> 00:29:40.339
 the way

00:29:40.339 --> 00:29:41.099
 for the

00:29:41.099 --> 00:29:41.599
 first coming

00:29:41.599 --> 00:29:42.059
 of Jesus

00:29:42.059 --> 00:29:43.319
 our calling

00:29:43.319 --> 00:29:43.899
 is to prepare

00:29:43.899 --> 00:29:44.279
 the way

00:29:44.279 --> 00:29:44.599
 for the

00:29:44.599 --> 00:29:45.279
 second coming

00:29:45.279 --> 00:29:46.319
 of Jesus

00:29:46.319 --> 00:29:47.859
 and like

00:29:47.859 --> 00:29:48.440
 in John's

00:29:48.440 --> 00:29:48.940
 time

00:29:48.940 --> 00:29:49.740
 in our

00:29:49.740 --> 00:29:50.480
 day and age

00:29:50.480 --> 00:29:51.500
 people are

00:29:51.500 --> 00:29:52.200
 confused

00:29:52.200 --> 00:29:52.680
 people are

00:29:52.680 --> 00:29:53.319
 distracted

00:29:53.319 --> 00:29:54.500
 by the things

00:29:54.500 --> 00:29:55.119
 of the world

00:29:55.119 --> 00:29:56.199
 people are

00:29:56.199 --> 00:29:57.359
 putting their

00:29:57.359 --> 00:29:58.099
 energy

00:29:58.099 --> 00:29:58.699
 into

00:29:58.699 --> 00:29:59.959
 work

00:29:59.959 --> 00:30:00.519
 and money

00:30:00.519 --> 00:30:01.159
 and pleasure

00:30:01.159 --> 00:30:02.519
 and all

00:30:02.519 --> 00:30:03.079
 these things

00:30:03.079 --> 00:30:03.419
 but they're

00:30:03.419 --> 00:30:04.219
 grasping at

00:30:04.219 --> 00:30:04.679
 straws

00:30:04.679 --> 00:30:04.979
 and they don't

00:30:04.979 --> 00:30:05.619
 know Jesus

00:30:05.619 --> 00:30:07.559
 of course

00:30:07.559 --> 00:30:09.559
 as a father

00:30:09.559 --> 00:30:09.879
 of three

00:30:09.879 --> 00:30:10.459
 a busy guy

00:30:10.459 --> 00:30:11.119
 I understand

00:30:11.119 --> 00:30:12.059
 we are busy

00:30:12.059 --> 00:30:13.319
 one of the biggest

00:30:13.319 --> 00:30:14.379
 challenges in Hong Kong

00:30:14.379 --> 00:30:14.859
 is that

00:30:14.859 --> 00:30:15.739
 our works

00:30:15.739 --> 00:30:16.719
 are just so

00:30:16.719 --> 00:30:17.299
 overwhelming

00:30:17.299 --> 00:30:18.639
 and the city

00:30:18.639 --> 00:30:19.199
 is just so

00:30:19.199 --> 00:30:20.099
 fast paced

00:30:20.099 --> 00:30:21.119
 and we have so

00:30:21.119 --> 00:30:21.679
 many worries

00:30:21.679 --> 00:30:22.439
 I get it

00:30:22.439 --> 00:30:24.619
 I'm not going to

00:30:24.619 --> 00:30:25.339
 throw on you

00:30:25.339 --> 00:30:25.699
 guys

00:30:25.699 --> 00:30:26.279
 on us

00:30:26.279 --> 00:30:27.039
 a billion

00:30:27.039 --> 00:30:27.979
 different

00:30:27.979 --> 00:30:28.959
 to-do lists

00:30:28.959 --> 00:30:29.719
 or approaches

00:30:29.719 --> 00:30:30.359
 or techniques

00:30:30.359 --> 00:30:31.179
 in sharing

00:30:31.179 --> 00:30:31.679
 the gospel

00:30:31.679 --> 00:30:32.659
 but I want

00:30:32.659 --> 00:30:33.219
 to just

00:30:33.219 --> 00:30:34.259
 ask us

00:30:34.259 --> 00:30:34.759
 this week

00:30:34.759 --> 00:30:36.439
 to spend

00:30:36.439 --> 00:30:37.119
 time reflecting

00:30:37.119 --> 00:30:38.639
 on two things

00:30:38.639 --> 00:30:40.639
 the first

00:30:40.639 --> 00:30:41.259
 is this

00:30:41.259 --> 00:30:43.379
 what is our

00:30:43.379 --> 00:30:44.299
 own conviction

00:30:44.299 --> 00:30:45.719
 that the gospel

00:30:45.719 --> 00:30:46.719
 is good news

00:30:46.719 --> 00:30:47.739
 and so desperately

00:30:47.739 --> 00:30:48.219
 needed

00:30:48.219 --> 00:30:49.319
 in our own

00:30:49.319 --> 00:30:49.679
 hearts

00:30:49.679 --> 00:30:50.699
 and lives

00:30:50.699 --> 00:30:52.199
 especially

00:30:52.199 --> 00:30:52.839
 at Christmas

00:30:52.839 --> 00:30:54.459
 how much

00:30:54.459 --> 00:30:55.199
 of our joy

00:30:55.199 --> 00:30:56.299
 at Christmas

00:30:56.299 --> 00:30:57.159
 if we really

00:30:57.159 --> 00:30:57.959
 think about it

00:30:57.959 --> 00:30:58.500
 is coming

00:30:58.500 --> 00:30:59.199
 from the thought

00:30:59.199 --> 00:30:59.459
 that

00:30:59.459 --> 00:31:01.720
 no need

00:31:01.720 --> 00:31:02.220
 to go to work

00:31:02.220 --> 00:31:04.399
 I'm going to

00:31:04.399 --> 00:31:05.179
 fly off soon

00:31:05.179 --> 00:31:05.959
 to some hot

00:31:05.959 --> 00:31:06.779
 or cold place

00:31:06.779 --> 00:31:07.720
 have a great

00:31:07.720 --> 00:31:08.159
 lot of fun

00:31:08.159 --> 00:31:09.439
 that is what

00:31:09.439 --> 00:31:09.879
 I'm looking forward

00:31:09.879 --> 00:31:09.980
 to

00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:10.659
 that is really

00:31:10.659 --> 00:31:11.480
 why I love

00:31:11.480 --> 00:31:12.339
 Christmas

00:31:12.339 --> 00:31:13.439
 and by the way

00:31:13.439 --> 00:31:14.179
 again I am going

00:31:14.179 --> 00:31:14.879
 on holiday too

00:31:14.879 --> 00:31:15.439
 so I'm not judging

00:31:15.439 --> 00:31:15.959
 anyone here

00:31:15.959 --> 00:31:17.939
 but how much

00:31:17.939 --> 00:31:18.459
 of our joy

00:31:18.459 --> 00:31:19.000
 at Christmas

00:31:19.000 --> 00:31:19.579
 is when we

00:31:19.579 --> 00:31:20.199
 reflect

00:31:20.199 --> 00:31:21.379
 when we're by

00:31:21.379 --> 00:31:21.759
 ourselves

00:31:21.759 --> 00:31:22.220
 or with our

00:31:22.220 --> 00:31:22.779
 community group

00:31:22.779 --> 00:31:23.200
 or with our

00:31:23.200 --> 00:31:24.099
 family of God

00:31:24.099 --> 00:31:24.980
 we're reflecting

00:31:24.980 --> 00:31:26.180
 of how amazing

00:31:26.180 --> 00:31:26.899
 the love of Christ

00:31:26.899 --> 00:31:27.819
 he came into the world

00:31:27.819 --> 00:31:28.519
 to love us

00:31:28.519 --> 00:31:29.680
 to die for our sins

00:31:29.680 --> 00:31:32.819
 so one

00:31:32.819 --> 00:31:34.899
 reflecting on the gospel

00:31:34.899 --> 00:31:35.700
 in our own hearts

00:31:35.700 --> 00:31:37.220
 and second

00:31:37.220 --> 00:31:39.599
 what is our own

00:31:39.599 --> 00:31:40.379
 intentionality

00:31:40.379 --> 00:31:41.879
 in sharing the gospel

00:31:41.879 --> 00:31:43.180
 I was so encouraged

00:31:43.180 --> 00:31:44.579
 Hannah where are you

00:31:44.579 --> 00:31:44.799
 Hannah

00:31:44.799 --> 00:31:45.480
 that was such an

00:31:45.480 --> 00:31:46.259
 encouraging testimony

00:31:46.259 --> 00:31:46.920
 thank you so much

00:31:46.920 --> 00:31:47.339
 for sharing

00:31:47.339 --> 00:31:48.359
 Simon Sherman

00:31:48.359 --> 00:31:50.240
 incredible example

00:31:50.240 --> 00:31:51.160
 for all of us

00:31:51.160 --> 00:31:52.640
 what is our own

00:31:52.640 --> 00:31:53.400
 intentionality

00:31:53.400 --> 00:31:54.380
 in sharing the gospel

00:31:54.380 --> 00:31:55.360
 now

00:31:55.360 --> 00:31:56.380
 sometimes

00:31:56.380 --> 00:31:57.019
 it's simply

00:31:57.019 --> 00:31:57.580
 helpful

00:31:57.580 --> 00:31:58.360
 to sit down

00:31:58.360 --> 00:31:58.980
 and think

00:31:58.980 --> 00:32:00.500
 why has God

00:32:00.500 --> 00:32:01.240
 put certain people

00:32:01.240 --> 00:32:02.200
 in my life

00:32:02.200 --> 00:32:04.259
 the friends

00:32:04.259 --> 00:32:05.120
 you grew up with

00:32:05.120 --> 00:32:06.680
 your fellow colleagues

00:32:06.680 --> 00:32:07.340
 at the trenches

00:32:07.340 --> 00:32:08.340
 at work

00:32:08.340 --> 00:32:08.800
 that you see

00:32:08.800 --> 00:32:09.700
 ten hours a day

00:32:09.700 --> 00:32:10.779
 your neighbors

00:32:10.779 --> 00:32:11.560
 in your building

00:32:11.560 --> 00:32:12.160
 the buddies

00:32:12.160 --> 00:32:13.120
 you see each week

00:32:13.120 --> 00:32:14.180
 when you hang out

00:32:14.180 --> 00:32:14.900
 or play sports

00:32:14.900 --> 00:32:15.420
 with them

00:32:15.420 --> 00:32:16.180
 why has God

00:32:16.180 --> 00:32:17.120
 put them in your life

00:32:17.119 --> 00:32:19.139
 probably a reason

00:32:19.139 --> 00:32:19.679
 for that

00:32:19.679 --> 00:32:20.559
 if they don't

00:32:20.559 --> 00:32:21.019
 know him

00:32:21.019 --> 00:32:23.000
 and name them

00:32:23.000 --> 00:32:23.679
 as you pray

00:32:23.679 --> 00:32:24.699
 for God's spirit

00:32:24.699 --> 00:32:25.939
 to move their hearts

00:32:25.939 --> 00:32:27.179
 to know him

00:32:27.179 --> 00:32:28.259
 but don't just pray

00:32:28.259 --> 00:32:28.599
 for them

00:32:28.599 --> 00:32:31.000
 build an authentic

00:32:31.000 --> 00:32:32.839
 relationship with them

00:32:32.839 --> 00:32:33.699
 get to know them

00:32:33.699 --> 00:32:34.199
 well

00:32:34.199 --> 00:32:35.019
 understand them

00:32:35.019 --> 00:32:37.039
 pray for God

00:32:37.039 --> 00:32:37.719
 to move you

00:32:37.719 --> 00:32:38.319
 to share the gospel

00:32:38.319 --> 00:32:38.659
 with them

00:32:38.659 --> 00:32:39.599
 and when he does

00:32:39.599 --> 00:32:41.199
 prompt you to do so

00:32:41.199 --> 00:32:42.559
 be ready to do it

00:32:42.559 --> 00:32:44.859
 I've often wondered

00:32:44.859 --> 00:32:45.899
 why did Jesus

00:32:45.899 --> 00:32:46.519
 need John

00:32:46.519 --> 00:32:48.220
 John as we have seen

00:32:48.220 --> 00:32:49.240
 was a great man

00:32:49.240 --> 00:32:50.420
 but yet next to Jesus

00:32:50.420 --> 00:32:51.339
 John was just

00:32:51.339 --> 00:32:51.980
 a mere mortal

00:32:51.980 --> 00:32:54.359
 John didn't die

00:32:54.359 --> 00:32:55.099
 for our sins

00:32:55.099 --> 00:32:57.160
 and yet Jesus

00:32:57.160 --> 00:32:58.039
 gave John

00:32:58.039 --> 00:32:59.319
 this great privilege

00:32:59.319 --> 00:33:00.019
 and honor

00:33:00.019 --> 00:33:01.559
 of serving him

00:33:01.559 --> 00:33:04.579
 and Jesus gives us

00:33:04.579 --> 00:33:05.519
 that great privilege

00:33:05.519 --> 00:33:06.099
 and honor

00:33:06.099 --> 00:33:06.799
 as well

00:33:06.799 --> 00:33:07.519
 today

00:33:07.519 --> 00:33:08.460
 to serve him

00:33:08.460 --> 00:33:11.420
 but time is of the essence

00:33:11.420 --> 00:33:13.400
 Jesus came once

00:33:13.400 --> 00:33:14.559
 to fulfill

00:33:14.559 --> 00:33:15.180
 the promise

00:33:15.180 --> 00:33:16.299
 to die on the cross

00:33:16.299 --> 00:33:17.259
 but when he comes

00:33:17.259 --> 00:33:17.700
 again

00:33:17.700 --> 00:33:18.960
 and no one knows

00:33:18.960 --> 00:33:19.700
 when that will be

00:33:19.700 --> 00:33:21.859
 it will be the last

00:33:21.859 --> 00:33:22.960
 and final time

00:33:22.960 --> 00:33:24.319
 that Christ comes

00:33:24.319 --> 00:33:29.339
 and so Zechariah

00:33:29.339 --> 00:33:30.559
 ends the benedictus

00:33:30.559 --> 00:33:32.839
 showing us exactly

00:33:32.839 --> 00:33:33.980
 what glory looks like

00:33:33.980 --> 00:33:35.339
 when our Lord Jesus

00:33:35.339 --> 00:33:36.879
 returns that second time

00:33:36.879 --> 00:33:39.220
 verse 78

00:33:39.220 --> 00:33:39.619
 79

00:33:39.619 --> 00:33:41.879
 the sunrise

00:33:41.879 --> 00:33:43.399
 shall visit us

00:33:43.399 --> 00:33:44.279
 from on high

00:33:44.279 --> 00:33:45.719
 to give light

00:33:45.719 --> 00:33:46.339
 to those

00:33:46.339 --> 00:33:47.119
 who sit in darkness

00:33:47.119 --> 00:33:48.619
 and in the shadow

00:33:48.619 --> 00:33:49.199
 of death

00:33:49.199 --> 00:33:50.899
 to guide our feet

00:33:50.899 --> 00:33:51.919
 into the way

00:33:51.919 --> 00:33:52.659
 of peace

00:33:52.659 --> 00:33:55.819
 left to our own

00:33:55.819 --> 00:33:56.459
 devices

00:33:56.459 --> 00:33:57.959
 all of us

00:33:57.959 --> 00:33:58.599
 sit in darkness

00:33:58.599 --> 00:33:59.759
 all of us

00:33:59.759 --> 00:34:01.000
 are held down

00:34:01.000 --> 00:34:01.399
 and gripped

00:34:01.399 --> 00:34:02.359
 by the depravity

00:34:02.359 --> 00:34:03.219
 of our own hearts

00:34:03.219 --> 00:34:04.659
 and tossed around

00:34:04.659 --> 00:34:05.719
 by the winds

00:34:05.719 --> 00:34:06.399
 of the world

00:34:06.400 --> 00:34:08.420
 but there is hope

00:34:08.420 --> 00:34:10.400
 we can be saved

00:34:10.400 --> 00:34:12.539
 but there is only one hope

00:34:12.539 --> 00:34:14.200
 and only one savior

00:34:14.200 --> 00:34:15.740
 and his name is Jesus

00:34:15.740 --> 00:34:18.559
 and when Jesus returns

00:34:18.559 --> 00:34:19.119
 again

00:34:19.119 --> 00:34:20.960
 all will be set right

00:34:20.960 --> 00:34:21.800
 in our hearts

00:34:21.800 --> 00:34:23.420
 and in the world

00:34:23.420 --> 00:34:24.940
 and for all of us here

00:34:24.940 --> 00:34:25.500
 who have

00:34:25.500 --> 00:34:26.760
 who love and trust Christ

00:34:26.760 --> 00:34:27.900
 who have persevered

00:34:27.900 --> 00:34:29.160
 into the very end

00:34:29.159 --> 00:34:32.099
 the light of Christ

00:34:32.099 --> 00:34:33.899
 will shine on us

00:34:33.899 --> 00:34:34.579
 forever

00:34:34.579 --> 00:34:36.399
 for eternity

00:34:36.399 --> 00:34:38.779
 and we'll finally experience

00:34:38.779 --> 00:34:40.779
 the peace

00:34:40.779 --> 00:34:42.159
 of God

00:34:42.159 --> 00:34:43.599
 the shalom

00:34:43.599 --> 00:34:46.259
 isn't that

00:34:46.259 --> 00:34:47.139
 what we're all desiring

00:34:47.139 --> 00:34:49.899
 freedom

00:34:49.899 --> 00:34:50.960
 from all the anxieties

00:34:50.960 --> 00:34:51.859
 and all the worries

00:34:51.859 --> 00:34:52.599
 all the busyness

00:34:52.599 --> 00:34:53.219
 the restlessness

00:34:53.219 --> 00:34:55.059
 the future uncertainties

00:34:55.059 --> 00:34:55.960
 that we don't know of

00:34:55.960 --> 00:34:58.279
 finally when Christ returns again

00:34:58.280 --> 00:34:59.019
 we receive

00:34:59.019 --> 00:35:00.519
 that peace

00:35:00.519 --> 00:35:01.860
 and shalom

00:35:01.860 --> 00:35:03.100
 the rest

00:35:03.100 --> 00:35:05.160
 that peace

00:35:05.160 --> 00:35:05.660
 is Christ

00:35:05.660 --> 00:35:07.220
 with us

00:35:07.220 --> 00:35:08.820
 face to face

00:35:08.820 --> 00:35:12.040
 the church

00:35:12.040 --> 00:35:13.200
 this week

00:35:13.200 --> 00:35:14.600
 let's be a church

00:35:14.600 --> 00:35:15.160
 that goes out

00:35:15.160 --> 00:35:15.560
 into the world

00:35:15.560 --> 00:35:16.040
 this week

00:35:16.040 --> 00:35:18.000
 full of the gospel

00:35:18.000 --> 00:35:18.580
 in our hearts

00:35:18.580 --> 00:35:19.519
 preparing the way

00:35:19.519 --> 00:35:20.160
 for Jesus

00:35:20.160 --> 00:35:21.200
 proclaiming

00:35:21.200 --> 00:35:21.600
 that the great

00:35:21.600 --> 00:35:22.400
 promised savior

00:35:22.400 --> 00:35:22.880
 of God

00:35:22.880 --> 00:35:24.040
 our Lord Jesus

00:35:24.040 --> 00:35:25.519
 has come

00:35:25.519 --> 00:35:27.060
 let's pray together

00:35:27.059 --> 00:35:35.420
 thank you

00:35:35.420 --> 00:35:35.980
 Father God

00:35:35.980 --> 00:35:38.460
 thank you

00:35:38.460 --> 00:35:40.480
 blessed be the Lord God

00:35:40.480 --> 00:35:41.380
 of Israel

00:35:41.380 --> 00:35:43.000
 thank you God

00:35:43.000 --> 00:35:43.880
 for Jesus Christ

00:35:43.880 --> 00:35:44.380
 our Lord

00:35:44.380 --> 00:35:47.000
 we acknowledge

00:35:47.000 --> 00:35:47.460
 that Jesus

00:35:47.460 --> 00:35:47.900
 could have

00:35:47.900 --> 00:35:49.019
 stayed in heaven

00:35:49.019 --> 00:35:49.460
 forever

00:35:49.460 --> 00:35:51.860
 he was

00:35:51.860 --> 00:35:52.840
 very comfortable

00:35:52.840 --> 00:35:53.559
 more than comfortable

00:35:53.559 --> 00:35:53.940
 there

00:35:53.940 --> 00:35:55.139
 and yet

00:35:55.139 --> 00:35:55.579
 he was born

00:35:55.579 --> 00:35:56.119
 into this world

00:35:56.119 --> 00:35:57.259
 this broken world

00:35:57.259 --> 00:35:59.859
 he was born

00:35:59.859 --> 00:36:00.299
 into this world

00:36:00.299 --> 00:36:01.480
 in such a humble fashion

00:36:01.480 --> 00:36:03.000
 in a lowly manger

00:36:03.000 --> 00:36:04.440
 in a backwards town

00:36:04.440 --> 00:36:05.179
 of Bethlehem

00:36:05.179 --> 00:36:08.239
 that no one knew about

00:36:08.239 --> 00:36:11.059
 because of his love

00:36:11.059 --> 00:36:12.099
 for us

00:36:12.099 --> 00:36:12.799
 his great love

00:36:12.799 --> 00:36:15.599
 thank you

00:36:15.599 --> 00:36:16.119
 that you're not

00:36:16.119 --> 00:36:16.639
 a whimsical

00:36:16.639 --> 00:36:17.659
 God

00:36:17.659 --> 00:36:18.099
 who makes

00:36:18.099 --> 00:36:18.679
 spirit of the moment

00:36:18.679 --> 00:36:19.179
 decisions

00:36:19.179 --> 00:36:19.960
 and promises

00:36:19.960 --> 00:36:20.460
 that you

00:36:20.460 --> 00:36:21.739
 make your promises

00:36:21.739 --> 00:36:23.059
 and you keep

00:36:23.059 --> 00:36:23.579
 your promises

00:36:23.579 --> 00:36:26.460
 and help us

00:36:26.460 --> 00:36:27.039
 this week God

00:36:27.039 --> 00:36:28.419
 as we go about

00:36:28.419 --> 00:36:29.839
 spending time

00:36:29.839 --> 00:36:30.339
 with family

00:36:30.339 --> 00:36:31.239
 celebrating Christmas

00:36:31.239 --> 00:36:33.159
 seeing some friends

00:36:33.159 --> 00:36:33.779
 catching up

00:36:33.779 --> 00:36:35.079
 opening presents

00:36:35.079 --> 00:36:35.480
 perhaps

00:36:35.480 --> 00:36:36.519
 flying off maybe

00:36:36.519 --> 00:36:38.519
 help us to remember

00:36:38.519 --> 00:36:39.079
 and reflect

00:36:39.079 --> 00:36:41.159
 on this great promise

00:36:41.159 --> 00:36:41.659
 you have

00:36:41.659 --> 00:36:42.639
 fulfilled

00:36:42.639 --> 00:36:43.719
 in the birth of Christ

00:36:43.719 --> 00:36:45.319
 in the cross of Christ

00:36:45.319 --> 00:36:47.099
 the saving grace

00:36:47.099 --> 00:36:47.599
 of Christ

00:36:47.599 --> 00:36:50.119
 and maybe be a church God

00:36:50.119 --> 00:36:51.860
 maybe have boldness

00:36:51.860 --> 00:36:52.440
 and courage

00:36:52.440 --> 00:36:53.420
 to do what

00:36:53.420 --> 00:36:54.619
 Hannah and Simon Sherman

00:36:54.619 --> 00:36:55.819
 and that CG has done

00:36:55.819 --> 00:36:57.019
 to go out into Hong Kong

00:36:57.019 --> 00:36:58.920
 to share our faith

00:36:58.920 --> 00:37:00.980
 not worrying about

00:37:00.980 --> 00:37:01.960
 what the outcome is like

00:37:01.960 --> 00:37:02.559
 not thinking that

00:37:02.559 --> 00:37:03.380
 it all rests on our shoulders

00:37:03.380 --> 00:37:04.559
 because you're sovereign

00:37:04.559 --> 00:37:06.259
 and you're in control

00:37:06.259 --> 00:37:07.480
 and you just call us

00:37:07.480 --> 00:37:08.079
 to obey you

00:37:08.079 --> 00:37:08.819
 to love you

00:37:08.819 --> 00:37:11.500
 help us to do that

00:37:11.500 --> 00:37:14.159
 out of our love for you

00:37:14.159 --> 00:37:16.059
 out of our desire

00:37:16.059 --> 00:37:17.039
 to serve you

00:37:17.039 --> 00:37:18.019
 because you're a good God

00:37:18.019 --> 00:37:20.679
 in Jesus name

00:37:20.679 --> 00:37:21.599
 Amen

00:37:21.599 --> 00:37:24.940
 Amen

00:37:24.940 --> 00:37:27.099
 Amen

00:37:27.099 --> 00:37:27.199
 Amen

00:37:27.199 --> 00:37:29.079
 Amen

00:37:29.079 --> 00:37:30.699
 Amen

00:37:30.699 --> 00:37:31.119
 Amen

00:37:31.119 --> 00:37:31.139
 Amen

00:37:31.139 --> 00:37:31.420
 Amen

00:37:31.420 --> 00:37:32.559
 Amen

00:37:32.559 --> 00:37:33.539
 Amen

00:37:33.539 --> 00:37:34.199
 Amen

00:37:34.199 --> 00:37:34.659
 Amen

00:37:34.659 --> 00:37:35.360
 Amen

00:37:35.360 --> 00:37:36.199
 Amen

00:37:36.199 --> 00:37:37.319
 Amen

00:37:37.319 --> 00:37:38.460
 Amen

00:37:38.460 --> 00:37:39.219
 Amen

00:37:39.219 --> 00:37:39.559
 Amen

00:37:39.559 --> 00:37:39.839
 Amen

00:37:39.839 --> 00:37:40.619
 Amen

00:37:40.619 --> 00:37:40.779
 Amen

00:37:40.779 --> 00:37:42.599
 Amen

00:37:42.599 --> 00:37:43.380
 Amen

00:37:43.380 --> 00:37:46.779
 Amen

00:37:48.059 --> 00:37:48.299
 Amen

00:37:48.299 --> 00:37:49.219
 Amen

00:37:49.219 --> 00:37:49.380
 Amen

00:37:49.380 --> 00:37:50.559
 Amen

00:37:50.559 --> 00:37:51.299
 Amen

00:37:51.299 --> 00:37:51.360
 Amen

00:37:51.360 --> 00:37:51.539
 Amen

00:37:51.539 --> 00:37:51.579
 Amen