WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.359 So turn with me if you go to Luke chapter 2. 00:00:08.740 --> 00:00:10.980 I will speak to you from verse 10 to 11. 00:00:11.939 --> 00:00:12.000 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.340 And yet my brother came to receiving faith in Christ on that day. 00:00:36.039 --> 00:00:40.299 I remember my father saying it was like a plane circling the airport that he never thought 00:00:40.299 --> 00:00:40.880 was going to land. 00:00:41.840 --> 00:00:43.240 I hope we won't learn that this morning. 00:00:45.179 --> 00:00:52.879 This is, isn't it, likely to be the most unique Christmas of our lives, the strangest Christmas 00:00:52.879 --> 00:00:53.780 of our lives. 00:00:53.780 --> 00:00:59.620 And for many of you, maybe particularly at home, it feels like Christmas has been cancelled 00:00:59.620 --> 00:01:00.200 this year. 00:01:01.399 --> 00:01:03.460 Gone are the family gatherings. 00:01:03.960 --> 00:01:06.659 Gone is the big meal around the table. 00:01:07.780 --> 00:01:12.980 For many, this Christmas, the lingering memory is of being alone and of being isolated. 00:01:14.379 --> 00:01:21.099 Stuck in our quiet homes with none of the big family laughter and children's squeals and joy 00:01:21.099 --> 00:01:22.020 that we all long for. 00:01:22.019 --> 00:01:29.840 It will be for many in our community today a silent Christmas, a lonely Christmas, coming 00:01:29.840 --> 00:01:33.000 quietly and humbly to a world that is shrouded in darkness. 00:01:34.899 --> 00:01:40.280 But despite how you may feel this morning, Christmas is not cancelled, it's just been cleared. 00:01:42.120 --> 00:01:48.259 This year we are reminded starkly, aren't we, that Christmas is not about big family gatherings 00:01:48.260 --> 00:01:50.260 or presents or parties. 00:01:50.260 --> 00:01:51.280 Or parties. 00:01:51.280 --> 00:01:51.280 00:01:51.280 --> 00:01:51.280 00:01:51.280 --> 00:01:51.280 00:01:51.280 --> 00:01:51.280 00:01:51.280 --> 00:01:51.280 00:01:51.280 --> 00:01:51.280 00:01:51.280 --> 00:01:52.300 Or parties. 00:01:52.300 --> 00:01:58.000 At Christmas is about the revelation that in the midst of darkness and in the midst of 00:01:58.000 --> 00:02:03.160 sorrow, in the midst of oppression and great fear, into the middle of all that 00:02:03.160 --> 00:02:08.780 mess that is life on earth, God has come to be with us. 00:02:08.780 --> 00:02:18.979 God so loves this world that he's committed to us, to be with us, to enter into our darkness, to come and live in the desert, 00:02:20.340 --> 00:02:23.879 and to make a way so that we could live with him forever. 00:02:23.879 --> 00:02:34.379 And so wherever you are right now, and whatever emotions you're feeling, today is the day that we remember that God has come to be with us. 00:02:35.479 --> 00:02:36.719 To be with you. 00:02:36.719 --> 00:02:46.199 That God left heaven to come to our earth, to shine into the darkness, to breathe life into our illness. 00:02:47.319 --> 00:02:51.740 To bring blessing and fullness into our emptiness and our pain. 00:02:53.199 --> 00:03:01.680 And the way that God comes is not with trumpet, not with fanfare, it's not with crowds, it's not with candlelit carol services in beautiful buildings. 00:03:01.680 --> 00:03:07.840 But instead, God comes, as noticed and as known, born into a barn. 00:03:08.800 --> 00:03:12.280 In absolute austerity and embarrassing humility. 00:03:13.659 --> 00:03:21.480 God Almighty comes to us as an infant, a baby born to an unmarried teenage girl who's far from home. 00:03:21.479 --> 00:03:31.639 And God came into the darkness of life on earth, and he embraced all its messiness and brokenness and smallness. 00:03:33.099 --> 00:03:35.679 And so Christmas is a great paradox, isn't it? 00:03:36.560 --> 00:03:43.439 That the Lord Almighty, the great creator of heaven and earth, became so incredibly small for us. 00:03:43.439 --> 00:03:53.500 Coming to earth, not in some fantastic, supernatural form, but as a totally unremarkable, vulnerable peasant child. 00:03:55.020 --> 00:04:00.319 God came to save the world as a baby in backwater Beth's head. 00:04:00.479 --> 00:04:04.979 And paradoxically, for us, all the clutter of Christmas has been swept away this year. 00:04:04.979 --> 00:04:12.919 All the restrictions and all the cancellations actually provide you and I with an opportunity today. 00:04:13.919 --> 00:04:21.879 A gift uniquely this year in that you have the space and the stillness to draw near to the manger. 00:04:23.180 --> 00:04:25.339 To gaze upon the Christ child. 00:04:26.519 --> 00:04:30.719 To contemplate what it means that God is with us in this baby. 00:04:30.720 --> 00:04:36.500 And so, this morning, we draw ever so close to the very centre of the Christian message. 00:04:37.680 --> 00:04:39.560 The very heart of the Christian faith. 00:04:39.660 --> 00:04:42.400 And it's announced to us in the words of an angel. 00:04:43.180 --> 00:04:46.660 Who announces the birth of Jesus to the least likely of people. 00:04:46.960 --> 00:04:48.500 A group of social outcasts. 00:04:48.880 --> 00:04:50.600 Socially distant shepherds. 00:04:52.160 --> 00:04:55.840 And the Christmas message we find, first and foremost, is for the lonely. 00:04:57.120 --> 00:04:58.520 And it's for the lot. 00:04:58.520 --> 00:05:00.520 And it's for the outcasts. 00:05:01.700 --> 00:05:05.280 And the message delivered by the angels from the mouth of God is this. 00:05:05.360 --> 00:05:06.800 Can you see it in chapter 2 verse 10? 00:05:07.960 --> 00:05:09.300 It is, do not be afraid. 00:05:11.200 --> 00:05:12.740 It is, do not be afraid. 00:05:14.680 --> 00:05:17.180 That is the most common command in all of the world. 00:05:18.700 --> 00:05:19.760 Do not be afraid. 00:05:19.759 --> 00:05:26.099 So the angel comes to Zechariah, John the Baptist's father. 00:05:27.659 --> 00:05:30.379 And an angel says to him, do not be afraid. 00:05:30.379 --> 00:05:34.480 And an angel appears. 00:05:34.620 --> 00:05:36.480 The archangel Gabriel appears to Mary. 00:05:37.540 --> 00:05:41.159 And what's the angel's message to Mary is, do not be afraid. 00:05:41.160 --> 00:05:44.680 And the angel also appears to Joseph. 00:05:45.720 --> 00:05:48.939 And the angel's message to Joseph is, do not be afraid. 00:05:49.820 --> 00:05:52.760 And if ever there was a Christmas that we needed to hear that, it's this Christmas. 00:05:52.759 --> 00:05:58.319 We live in a country, don't we, that is trapped by fear. 00:05:59.740 --> 00:06:00.879 Trapped by fear. 00:06:00.879 --> 00:06:05.159 And so this Christmas, this is God's message. 00:06:05.860 --> 00:06:07.279 Do not be afraid. 00:06:08.639 --> 00:06:09.620 No matter how bad it looks. 00:06:09.839 --> 00:06:11.040 No matter how deep your darkness. 00:06:11.199 --> 00:06:13.620 No matter how lonely you feel or hopeless it seems. 00:06:14.219 --> 00:06:15.219 Do not be afraid. 00:06:16.860 --> 00:06:17.959 No matter your anxiety. 00:06:18.180 --> 00:06:19.060 No matter your depression. 00:06:19.699 --> 00:06:20.800 No matter your problems. 00:06:20.939 --> 00:06:21.839 No matter your mess. 00:06:22.319 --> 00:06:23.100 Do not be afraid. 00:06:23.219 --> 00:06:25.180 That is what God wants you to hear this morning. 00:06:25.180 --> 00:06:29.100 And so do not be afraid of your future. 00:06:31.100 --> 00:06:33.100 And do not be afraid of your present. 00:06:34.300 --> 00:06:36.420 And do not be afraid of your past. 00:06:37.180 --> 00:06:38.120 Do not be afraid. 00:06:38.259 --> 00:06:39.439 The shepherds were afraid. 00:06:40.500 --> 00:06:42.180 They were freaking out, weren't they? 00:06:42.519 --> 00:06:45.360 The SV is so polite, isn't it? 00:06:45.360 --> 00:06:46.340 Look at the end of verse 9. 00:06:48.060 --> 00:06:49.100 It's so polite. 00:06:50.100 --> 00:06:53.259 The shepherds, they were filled with great fear. 00:06:55.180 --> 00:06:59.620 I can imagine that you can think of far more colourful language to describe our own feeling. 00:07:00.519 --> 00:07:01.139 More accurately. 00:07:02.740 --> 00:07:06.120 An angel from heaven delivers God's words to them personally. 00:07:06.560 --> 00:07:13.220 And on seeing God's messenger and the glory of the Lord filling the night sky with light. 00:07:13.220 --> 00:07:16.100 The first reaction was not joy or peace. 00:07:16.660 --> 00:07:17.300 But fear. 00:07:17.460 --> 00:07:18.259 Crippling fear. 00:07:19.379 --> 00:07:20.780 All consuming fear. 00:07:20.779 --> 00:07:26.239 And many of us are afraid of the idea of facing God somehow. 00:07:28.239 --> 00:07:30.519 And we're afraid because we're frail. 00:07:31.399 --> 00:07:32.819 And we know we have failed. 00:07:32.939 --> 00:07:35.899 We know that there are things that we should have done that we've not done. 00:07:35.979 --> 00:07:38.279 There's things that we should not have done that we have done. 00:07:38.979 --> 00:07:42.439 And all of us know in our heart of hearts there is no health industry. 00:07:42.439 --> 00:07:52.519 And when we stand in the light of God's glory, where all our darkness and all our rebellion is exposed before it, we're doomed. 00:07:52.519 --> 00:08:00.519 Because all of us know deep down that we cannot stand before our holy, almighty God. 00:08:00.599 --> 00:08:01.199 Do you know it? 00:08:03.019 --> 00:08:05.159 And expect to survive as judgment. 00:08:07.060 --> 00:08:08.500 Because we're not holy, are we? 00:08:08.699 --> 00:08:10.079 And I'm not holy, and you are. 00:08:10.359 --> 00:08:13.139 And there's a dirt to us that we can't wash off. 00:08:13.139 --> 00:08:15.560 And we're covered in sin. 00:08:15.639 --> 00:08:16.680 We're lost and we're alone. 00:08:18.500 --> 00:08:20.060 And we don't want the light. 00:08:20.219 --> 00:08:22.519 Because we're quite happy living in the darkness. 00:08:24.039 --> 00:08:25.219 We're afraid of God. 00:08:25.319 --> 00:08:26.959 Afraid of his holiness and his justice. 00:08:27.479 --> 00:08:30.879 And so if you are afraid of God and afraid of facing him. 00:08:31.839 --> 00:08:36.019 Afraid that if he really exists this morning, you are in deep trouble. 00:08:36.460 --> 00:08:38.319 The message of Christmas is this. 00:08:38.779 --> 00:08:39.740 See the baby. 00:08:40.740 --> 00:08:41.659 Do not be afraid. 00:08:43.139 --> 00:08:43.699 Why? 00:08:44.000 --> 00:08:44.819 Chapter 2 verse 10. 00:08:46.220 --> 00:08:47.139 Fear not. 00:08:48.699 --> 00:08:50.659 For behold, stop what you are doing and look. 00:08:50.779 --> 00:08:54.059 Because I bring you good news of great joy that will be fraught in love. 00:08:54.879 --> 00:08:55.840 Don't be afraid. 00:08:56.019 --> 00:08:59.000 Don't be in terror of God this morning. 00:08:59.500 --> 00:09:02.419 And afraid of life because Christmas is about good news. 00:09:04.919 --> 00:09:11.299 To kind of the picture of the God, he seems to say in every sermon that the gospel is good news, not good advice. 00:09:13.139 --> 00:09:14.379 And Christmas is news. 00:09:15.699 --> 00:09:18.199 It's news about an event that has actually happened. 00:09:18.319 --> 00:09:19.039 It's about history. 00:09:19.399 --> 00:09:21.299 It's about an event that is good. 00:09:21.299 --> 00:09:23.439 So don't be afraid. 00:09:23.439 --> 00:09:29.259 And this event is good news for everyone because it brings great joy. 00:09:29.259 --> 00:09:39.080 So if you need some joy in your life this morning, lasting joy, eternal joy, and resilient joy, it is only obtained through this news. 00:09:39.080 --> 00:09:41.080 This good news. 00:09:41.080 --> 00:09:43.220 This gospel comes from God. 00:09:43.860 --> 00:09:47.980 And it has within it the power of God to destroy the darkness. 00:09:49.400 --> 00:09:53.280 To overcome any darkness, all darkness with his glorious light. 00:09:53.279 --> 00:09:55.279 It has within it the power of God. 00:09:55.279 --> 00:09:55.659 It has within it the power of God. 00:09:55.659 --> 00:09:57.600 It has within it the power to rescue anyone from anything. 00:09:59.019 --> 00:10:01.899 It contains the power of God for salvation. 00:10:02.360 --> 00:10:09.480 So your sorrow, however acute, contains joy upon hearing and heeding this good news. 00:10:09.480 --> 00:10:12.060 Do not be afraid. 00:10:12.220 --> 00:10:16.620 Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 00:10:17.000 --> 00:10:22.460 For unto you is born this day in the city of David the Saviour is Christ the Lord. 00:10:22.519 --> 00:10:23.539 The good news is a baby. 00:10:25.860 --> 00:10:27.759 God's gospel, his good news is a person. 00:10:28.720 --> 00:10:30.480 It seems, doesn't it, so anticlimactic. 00:10:31.440 --> 00:10:32.560 Such an anticlimax. 00:10:32.559 --> 00:10:40.359 The good news of great joy for all people is a tiny little baby. 00:10:41.659 --> 00:10:43.299 A baby born in a manger. 00:10:44.879 --> 00:10:47.199 And he alone is God's gospel. 00:10:48.899 --> 00:10:53.179 He alone is God's good news to overwhelm any and every darkness forever. 00:10:53.579 --> 00:10:57.539 And so the angel tells us that this child is good news of great joy for all people. 00:10:58.639 --> 00:11:01.859 For unto you is born this day in the city of David the Saviour. 00:11:01.860 --> 00:11:03.560 This child is good news for you. 00:11:04.580 --> 00:11:06.200 Because he's born to save you. 00:11:07.379 --> 00:11:08.820 He's born to rescue you. 00:11:09.960 --> 00:11:11.820 The baby's born to deliver us from evil. 00:11:11.940 --> 00:11:13.100 To deliver us from death. 00:11:13.200 --> 00:11:14.399 To save us from suffering. 00:11:15.180 --> 00:11:17.519 And this child is the Saviour of the world. 00:11:19.379 --> 00:11:21.379 And he enters into our darkness. 00:11:22.180 --> 00:11:23.399 And into our mess. 00:11:23.560 --> 00:11:25.379 And he offers to fix it for us. 00:11:26.759 --> 00:11:29.340 To be the light that our lives need. 00:11:29.340 --> 00:11:34.460 So how can a baby born in Bethlehem. 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:38.720 Two thousand years ago fix our world today. 00:11:40.840 --> 00:11:43.680 How can this child fix the mess that you've got yourself into? 00:11:45.200 --> 00:11:46.360 How can he save us? 00:11:46.500 --> 00:11:47.600 How can he save us all? 00:11:47.680 --> 00:11:47.660 How can he save us all? 00:11:47.660 --> 00:11:48.200 How can he go to that? 00:11:48.200 --> 00:11:48.700 How can he save us all? 00:11:50.860 --> 00:11:53.440 For unto you is born this day in the city of David. 00:11:53.540 --> 00:11:55.340 A Saviour who is Christ the Lord. 00:11:55.379 --> 00:11:56.759 The baby is no normal child. 00:11:58.680 --> 00:12:02.840 Because the baby is not merely just a newborn baby boy. 00:12:02.840 --> 00:12:05.600 He is Christ the Lord. 00:12:07.060 --> 00:12:09.340 He is God's anointed king. 00:12:09.420 --> 00:12:10.700 He is God's chosen king. 00:12:11.759 --> 00:12:14.660 The child the angel is telling you is royalty. 00:12:16.180 --> 00:12:17.160 And where does he rule? 00:12:17.240 --> 00:12:19.759 He rules the kingdom of heaven. 00:12:20.920 --> 00:12:23.460 And he is being born on earth. 00:12:23.460 --> 00:12:25.900 And he is bringing his heavenly kingdom here. 00:12:27.040 --> 00:12:31.220 The kingdom of darkness has been invaded by the kingdom of God. 00:12:31.620 --> 00:12:34.160 And leading the charge is God's king here. 00:12:35.519 --> 00:12:39.420 He extends the boundaries of his kingdom to include the world. 00:12:39.419 --> 00:12:45.699 And not only is he Christ the king of the kingdom of heaven. 00:12:45.799 --> 00:12:46.979 But he is also the Lord. 00:12:49.059 --> 00:12:50.059 The word can be master. 00:12:50.219 --> 00:12:51.219 The word can be boss. 00:12:52.719 --> 00:12:57.240 But it is also the word that God's people use to describe God himself. 00:12:59.039 --> 00:13:01.199 And what you find here is that the word Lord. 00:13:01.339 --> 00:13:03.399 Which the angel uses to describe Jesus. 00:13:03.740 --> 00:13:06.879 It is an abbreviated form referring to God. 00:13:06.879 --> 00:13:12.200 It is suggesting the angel in describing this child. 00:13:12.360 --> 00:13:13.139 This baby. 00:13:13.299 --> 00:13:14.080 Helpless baby. 00:13:14.220 --> 00:13:15.039 Lying in the manger. 00:13:15.639 --> 00:13:16.779 He is God himself. 00:13:18.480 --> 00:13:20.779 The angel announces in verse 11. 00:13:22.580 --> 00:13:25.559 For unto you is born this day in the city of David. 00:13:25.740 --> 00:13:27.679 The saviour who is Christ the Lord. 00:13:29.639 --> 00:13:31.360 And so he can save. 00:13:31.480 --> 00:13:33.039 And he will save his people. 00:13:33.159 --> 00:13:34.879 Because he is the king of God's kingdom. 00:13:34.879 --> 00:13:37.240 And he is God himself. 00:13:38.500 --> 00:13:40.939 And that is why this child will be called Emmanuel. 00:13:42.360 --> 00:13:43.559 Which means God with us. 00:13:43.639 --> 00:13:44.720 And that is the good news of Christmas. 00:13:46.279 --> 00:13:49.600 That is the gospel in the abbreviated form of the Christian faith. 00:13:49.679 --> 00:13:50.639 That God is with us. 00:13:50.860 --> 00:13:52.500 That God has come to see us. 00:13:53.500 --> 00:13:57.120 To break through and bring his kingdom to us. 00:13:57.159 --> 00:13:59.039 As we languish in a dark world. 00:13:59.039 --> 00:14:02.899 And he can do it because he is God. 00:14:03.000 --> 00:14:06.219 And that is good news of great joy for all people. 00:14:07.299 --> 00:14:08.959 So don't be afraid. 00:14:10.939 --> 00:14:13.659 God has come to save his people. 00:14:14.099 --> 00:14:16.099 To bring his righteous reign to you. 00:14:16.860 --> 00:14:18.299 To rescue you forever. 00:14:18.299 --> 00:14:21.379 And the gospel as we read them. 00:14:21.699 --> 00:14:25.679 Shows Jesus undoing the sin and suffering of life on earth. 00:14:26.819 --> 00:14:28.779 The gospel shows you the depths. 00:14:28.979 --> 00:14:31.079 That God is willing to go to save you. 00:14:31.159 --> 00:14:32.919 That he is willing to die for you. 00:14:33.159 --> 00:14:35.139 To sacrifice his own life. 00:14:35.559 --> 00:14:37.279 To redeem and rescue your life. 00:14:37.279 --> 00:14:40.799 It is great news isn't it? 00:14:40.819 --> 00:14:43.319 That God is not silent towards you this morning. 00:14:43.539 --> 00:14:47.240 We are not like in the box groping around to find what God is like. 00:14:47.919 --> 00:14:48.279 No. 00:14:48.399 --> 00:14:50.379 He tells us I have come to be with you. 00:14:51.720 --> 00:14:53.699 To pour my joy upon you. 00:14:53.699 --> 00:14:56.139 And he speaks to us through his words. 00:14:57.740 --> 00:15:00.939 He lays down his life to show you the depths of his love. 00:15:01.360 --> 00:15:03.459 And so this morning on this Christmas day. 00:15:03.639 --> 00:15:05.919 You cannot hear the good news in the remaining trouble. 00:15:07.279 --> 00:15:09.100 You've hewned the gospel. 00:15:10.480 --> 00:15:12.360 The good news of great joy. 00:15:13.100 --> 00:15:14.000 For all people. 00:15:14.159 --> 00:15:15.579 That a saviour has come. 00:15:16.279 --> 00:15:17.220 Who is Christ the Lord. 00:15:17.360 --> 00:15:18.519 And so you have a choice to make. 00:15:20.419 --> 00:15:21.579 You can have to switch off. 00:15:22.659 --> 00:15:24.299 You can reject the message. 00:15:25.639 --> 00:15:27.120 You can dismiss the news. 00:15:27.319 --> 00:15:29.980 And live out your life as if Christmas never happened. 00:15:31.620 --> 00:15:35.100 And millions upon millions of people choose to do that. 00:15:35.100 --> 00:15:38.340 And that is the path that leads to death. 00:15:39.080 --> 00:15:39.639 And to darkness. 00:15:40.980 --> 00:15:43.779 And you discover on that path to your horror. 00:15:45.240 --> 00:15:46.920 That Jesus is good news. 00:15:47.420 --> 00:15:49.040 And it actually did happen. 00:15:49.440 --> 00:15:51.759 And he really is Lord and King. 00:15:52.139 --> 00:15:53.360 But you've turned your back on that. 00:15:53.360 --> 00:15:57.180 And you've turned your back on the love of God. 00:15:57.539 --> 00:15:59.300 Extended towards you in Jesus. 00:16:01.539 --> 00:16:03.800 And alternatively you can do what the angels do. 00:16:04.360 --> 00:16:05.279 What the shepherds do. 00:16:06.580 --> 00:16:08.120 And you can go to the manger. 00:16:09.500 --> 00:16:10.279 This morning. 00:16:10.440 --> 00:16:12.779 And you can discover the baby. 00:16:12.779 --> 00:16:17.379 You can look and ponder and contemplate. 00:16:18.059 --> 00:16:19.600 The possibility. 00:16:21.039 --> 00:16:24.459 That though this utterly ridiculous. 00:16:25.059 --> 00:16:27.259 Seemingly impossible story. 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:28.740 Might actually be true. 00:16:30.000 --> 00:16:32.919 It might actually be news. 00:16:32.919 --> 00:16:36.839 That God has come to be with us. 00:16:38.500 --> 00:16:40.479 And that God has come to save us. 00:16:41.519 --> 00:16:44.259 And God has come to bring his kingdom to us. 00:16:44.839 --> 00:16:46.639 And you can test the gospel. 00:16:46.860 --> 00:16:48.240 To see if it is good news. 00:16:48.360 --> 00:16:50.339 And you can experience for yourself. 00:16:51.479 --> 00:16:53.699 That when you draw near to Christ. 00:16:53.860 --> 00:16:55.059 In faith and belief. 00:16:55.559 --> 00:16:57.019 He fills you with great joy. 00:16:57.019 --> 00:17:02.000 You see God came at Christmas. 00:17:02.159 --> 00:17:04.619 But he offers himself to come to you today. 00:17:06.660 --> 00:17:09.420 That if you accept the Bethlehem baby. 00:17:09.539 --> 00:17:11.519 As your saviour and your Lord. 00:17:13.319 --> 00:17:15.200 You are promised in God's word. 00:17:15.279 --> 00:17:16.319 To receive the Holy Spirit. 00:17:17.799 --> 00:17:19.119 That God himself. 00:17:19.400 --> 00:17:20.720 Will come and dwell. 00:17:21.039 --> 00:17:22.019 In you today. 00:17:23.759 --> 00:17:25.420 And this gift of the Holy Spirit. 00:17:25.420 --> 00:17:26.299 Living within you. 00:17:26.299 --> 00:17:27.639 Is the proof of this message. 00:17:27.759 --> 00:17:28.599 It is the guarantee. 00:17:28.759 --> 00:17:29.759 Of the gospel's truth. 00:17:31.299 --> 00:17:33.279 And one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. 00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:35.299 Is joy. 00:17:37.399 --> 00:17:39.000 So you can experience. 00:17:39.220 --> 00:17:41.139 This Christian revelation. 00:17:41.359 --> 00:17:43.019 It is really good news. 00:17:44.539 --> 00:17:45.319 It is good news. 00:17:45.359 --> 00:17:47.119 Which brings great joy. 00:17:47.279 --> 00:17:48.659 Even for you today. 00:17:48.659 --> 00:17:49.500 Wherever you are. 00:17:50.700 --> 00:17:51.919 And for everyone else. 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:52.639 Who will receive it. 00:17:54.440 --> 00:17:55.639 It is an amazing. 00:17:55.640 --> 00:17:56.400 Christmas present. 00:17:56.400 --> 00:17:57.300 That is being offered. 00:17:57.300 --> 00:17:57.940 To you. 00:17:57.940 --> 00:17:58.800 On the seemingly. 00:17:58.800 --> 00:18:00.300 Worst of Christmases. 00:18:01.420 --> 00:18:02.920 That we are invited. 00:18:03.080 --> 00:18:04.140 To become God's temple. 00:18:05.520 --> 00:18:06.180 That houses. 00:18:06.380 --> 00:18:07.180 It is on the spirit. 00:18:07.640 --> 00:18:08.400 Right now. 00:18:10.080 --> 00:18:11.520 Despite your darkness. 00:18:11.520 --> 00:18:12.160 Today. 00:18:13.200 --> 00:18:14.700 You can experience. 00:18:14.780 --> 00:18:15.320 God's light. 00:18:15.380 --> 00:18:15.759 Shining. 00:18:16.200 --> 00:18:16.660 Upon you. 00:18:17.620 --> 00:18:18.680 Dawning on you. 00:18:18.680 --> 00:18:20.500 And so. 00:18:20.620 --> 00:18:21.740 Hear God's news. 00:18:21.920 --> 00:18:23.120 And rejoice in it. 00:18:23.220 --> 00:18:24.940 And praise God for it. 00:18:25.900 --> 00:18:27.220 And experience it. 00:18:27.340 --> 00:18:29.700 Experience God's great joy. 00:18:30.519 --> 00:18:32.200 In the light of his life. 00:18:34.420 --> 00:18:35.720 It is for many of us. 00:18:35.799 --> 00:18:35.960 Isn't it? 00:18:35.960 --> 00:18:37.160 A really disappointing Christmas. 00:18:37.160 --> 00:18:40.660 But in the context. 00:18:40.660 --> 00:18:42.100 Of disappointing. 00:18:42.500 --> 00:18:43.700 Disastrous days. 00:18:43.880 --> 00:18:44.620 It is then. 00:18:44.840 --> 00:18:45.640 That God's light. 00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:46.200 Shines. 00:18:46.660 --> 00:18:47.300 Most brightly. 00:18:48.920 --> 00:18:49.860 And so. 00:18:49.980 --> 00:18:50.800 God's messenger. 00:18:50.800 --> 00:18:51.900 Through his word. 00:18:52.040 --> 00:18:53.259 Comes to you this morning. 00:18:54.860 --> 00:18:56.440 And proclaims to you. 00:18:56.600 --> 00:18:57.200 Do not. 00:18:58.120 --> 00:18:58.940 Do not. 00:18:59.600 --> 00:19:00.200 Be afraid. 00:19:00.200 --> 00:19:03.200 For behold. 00:19:03.279 --> 00:19:03.860 I bring you. 00:19:04.420 --> 00:19:05.200 Good news. 00:19:06.319 --> 00:19:07.640 Of great joy. 00:19:08.920 --> 00:19:09.980 That will be for all people. 00:19:11.500 --> 00:19:12.140 For unto you. 00:19:12.240 --> 00:19:12.720 Is born. 00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:13.539 This day. 00:19:14.779 --> 00:19:15.480 In the city. 00:19:15.559 --> 00:19:15.920 Of David. 00:19:16.039 --> 00:19:16.559 A saviour. 00:19:17.779 --> 00:19:18.720 Who is Christ. 00:19:18.799 --> 00:19:19.180 The Lord. 00:19:20.420 --> 00:19:21.539 Of all the people said. 00:19:22.299 --> 00:19:22.779 Amen.