WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.860 Well let me just add to John's welcome. It's great to see you here and children, young people, that was absolutely fantastic. 00:00:06.360 --> 00:00:13.839 Hope you can bear with us and listen for just a few minutes while we try and understand a little bit more about what this Christmas story is all about. 00:00:13.960 --> 00:00:19.199 Having said that, you've given us a pretty comprehensive account of it all, okay? 00:00:19.660 --> 00:00:26.219 Sometimes when we get the nativity plays there's lots of bits kind of made up that might not actually be found in the Bible story no matter how hard you look. 00:00:26.219 --> 00:00:35.219 I can tell you if you go away and read these accounts in Matthew and Luke you will find that pretty much word for word is what we have seen today folks. 00:00:35.320 --> 00:00:39.200 So thank you so much young people for bringing us that this morning. 00:00:39.259 --> 00:00:42.539 There's some sweets here. I've got just two things to say about them. 00:00:42.799 --> 00:00:46.219 One, you're welcome to come up and help yourself at any point at all. 00:00:46.899 --> 00:00:50.120 But don't take more than two please simply because there's lunch coming next. 00:00:50.420 --> 00:00:54.539 There's only one other rule, that is you can't take a sweet for anyone else, okay? 00:00:54.539 --> 00:00:59.339 They're here, everybody's welcome. Take them at any point at all. 00:00:59.600 --> 00:01:03.939 But you have to come yourself to get your own one or two sweets, okay? 00:01:03.979 --> 00:01:11.420 But at any point when I'm speaking for the next 10-15 minutes feel free to come and help yourself to one or two of them. 00:01:12.159 --> 00:01:14.159 And I'll come back to that a little bit later on. 00:01:14.359 --> 00:01:17.640 No rules apart from that, help yourself at any point. 00:01:17.640 --> 00:01:23.780 I want to read just two or three verses from the account that we've had in Gospel of Luke. 00:01:23.859 --> 00:01:29.359 So if you've got a Bible you might want to turn to Luke chapter 2 and verse 4. 00:01:29.460 --> 00:01:32.700 Luke chapter 2 and verse 4. 00:01:32.780 --> 00:01:36.620 Let's listen just to these few words together. 00:01:36.840 --> 00:01:39.560 We're breaking in then to this story of Jesus' birth. 00:01:39.700 --> 00:01:44.640 So, I'll let you get your sweets so you can listen to this bit from the Bible because it's really important, okay? 00:01:44.640 --> 00:01:50.819 Take a couple of sweets and then sit back down and let's listen to Luke chapter 2 verse 4. 00:01:50.879 --> 00:01:52.359 Can we have those words on the screen, please? 00:01:52.480 --> 00:01:54.620 Thank you very much from the NIV grant. 00:01:55.060 --> 00:01:58.219 Okay, we're all listening to these verses from Luke chapter 2. 00:01:58.219 --> 00:02:08.759 So, Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 00:02:09.360 --> 00:02:14.860 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 00:02:15.520 --> 00:02:20.719 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. 00:02:20.719 --> 00:02:28.180 She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for me in a manger. 00:02:29.139 --> 00:02:35.020 I hope you'll all take time to read and to think more about this Christmas story over the next couple of weeks. 00:02:35.099 --> 00:02:36.900 Children and grown-ups too. 00:02:37.199 --> 00:02:39.500 There's just one word about this story. 00:02:39.620 --> 00:02:43.620 One word that I really want to emphasize for the next few minutes. 00:02:43.620 --> 00:02:48.620 Because as I've read the Christmas story again, this one word has really struck me. 00:02:48.719 --> 00:02:53.980 I don't think I had ever noticed this one word when I was reading the Christmas story before. 00:02:54.379 --> 00:02:56.159 And it's the word nearby. 00:02:58.379 --> 00:02:58.939 Nearby. 00:02:59.560 --> 00:02:59.900 Okay? 00:03:00.300 --> 00:03:02.099 It's there in verse 8. 00:03:02.400 --> 00:03:06.500 There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby. 00:03:07.280 --> 00:03:09.460 I wonder if some of you thought where those fields were. 00:03:09.460 --> 00:03:16.560 In my own mind, I had maybe thought that those fields were quite far away from where Jesus was born in Bethlehem. 00:03:16.879 --> 00:03:19.760 But the Bible tells us that's not the case at all. 00:03:20.100 --> 00:03:23.360 The fields were really, really near. 00:03:24.180 --> 00:03:29.640 And although Joseph had to travel quite a distance, and we've seen Joseph and Mary walking right around the church, 00:03:29.960 --> 00:03:38.020 depicting perhaps 80, 90 miles that Joseph had to travel in order to get to Bethlehem, to his hometown. 00:03:38.020 --> 00:03:42.460 Did you know that the shepherds didn't have to travel anything like that distance? 00:03:42.939 --> 00:03:48.260 Because they were so, so near to where it was all happening. 00:03:48.939 --> 00:03:52.120 They were right on the doorstep of Bethlehem, it seems. 00:03:52.800 --> 00:03:56.480 And when the angel appeared to those shepherds, they were oblivious. 00:03:56.540 --> 00:04:02.840 They hadn't known that right on their doorstep, something remarkable had happened. 00:04:02.840 --> 00:04:05.640 That very night, Jesus had been born. 00:04:06.080 --> 00:04:10.420 Jesus described as Messiah, Saviour, Lord. 00:04:11.180 --> 00:04:12.360 Hadn't happened far away. 00:04:13.060 --> 00:04:15.960 It had happened right on their doorstep. 00:04:16.660 --> 00:04:19.160 The Messiah had been born. 00:04:19.980 --> 00:04:24.879 This baby had had to come a very, very, very long way in order to be near them. 00:04:24.899 --> 00:04:28.300 Because this baby was described as the Messiah, Christ, Lord. 00:04:28.300 --> 00:04:34.400 This baby is the one whom the Bible teaches is both fully man and also fully God. 00:04:34.500 --> 00:04:40.199 As fully man, that baby had just had to go through what must have been the fairly unpleasant experience of being born. 00:04:41.319 --> 00:04:46.019 But as God, this baby had had to travel an incredible distance. 00:04:46.600 --> 00:04:48.720 Do you know how far the baby had had to travel as God? 00:04:49.879 --> 00:04:51.180 And we think where he'd come from. 00:04:51.180 --> 00:04:56.579 Well, he'd come all the way from heaven himself. 00:04:56.699 --> 00:04:58.340 He who had created the world. 00:04:58.879 --> 00:05:06.600 Philippians chapter 2 in the New Testament tells us about how this one, who was God, who was equal with God, had had to travel so far. 00:05:07.220 --> 00:05:09.139 He'd had to come all the way down to earth. 00:05:09.399 --> 00:05:14.280 And beyond that, he'd had to go all the way to a baby to end up in that little crib. 00:05:14.600 --> 00:05:16.840 This one had traveled so far. 00:05:16.839 --> 00:05:23.759 And he traveled this far so that he could come so, so near. 00:05:25.139 --> 00:05:38.899 And my message for you children, and my message for the grown-ups today, and my prayer is that this Christmas time, we would understand that Christmas is all about God coming very, very near. 00:05:38.899 --> 00:05:43.319 Do you see God as someone far away? 00:05:44.179 --> 00:05:48.039 As someone perhaps a little bit distant, a little bit remote, a little bit untouchable? 00:05:48.279 --> 00:05:50.099 Somebody who maybe doesn't care that much? 00:05:50.279 --> 00:05:51.819 Certainly not about the small things? 00:05:52.339 --> 00:05:59.939 Or as God, as the one who, when becoming a baby, showed us just how near he wants to come to us? 00:06:00.979 --> 00:06:03.500 Have any of you seen the film Frozen yet? 00:06:04.519 --> 00:06:05.319 Some of you have. 00:06:05.359 --> 00:06:06.699 It's an excellent Christmas film. 00:06:06.699 --> 00:06:10.039 Since not many of you have been to see it yet, I'm going to have to give a little bit of context. 00:06:10.439 --> 00:06:13.159 And then we're going to watch a clip from Frozen together, okay? 00:06:13.539 --> 00:06:18.219 Frozen is based on an old story called The Ice Queen, which some of the older ones here might have heard. 00:06:18.539 --> 00:06:22.360 We went to see it as a family on Friday, and we had a great time. 00:06:22.639 --> 00:06:23.959 It really is worth seeing. 00:06:24.219 --> 00:06:26.800 The main character in Frozen is called Queen Elsa. 00:06:27.300 --> 00:06:27.419 Right? 00:06:27.500 --> 00:06:29.099 Queen Elsa, we see her as a little girl. 00:06:29.480 --> 00:06:31.980 And she discovers that she has very special powers. 00:06:32.599 --> 00:06:35.879 Everything Queen Elsa touches turns to ice. 00:06:36.699 --> 00:06:36.959 Right? 00:06:37.099 --> 00:06:38.219 And so it's a little bit... 00:06:38.219 --> 00:06:40.879 She discovers she's a bit frightened about all of these powers. 00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:44.620 And she's kept away from friends and family as she's growing up. 00:06:44.639 --> 00:06:48.240 And her little sister is so upset by all of that and can't understand what's going on. 00:06:48.500 --> 00:06:50.039 At 18, Queen Elsa is crowned. 00:06:50.779 --> 00:06:51.300 She's princess. 00:06:51.759 --> 00:06:52.680 Her parents die. 00:06:52.759 --> 00:06:54.419 And she's crowned the queen. 00:06:55.039 --> 00:06:55.319 Okay? 00:06:55.319 --> 00:06:59.379 And she wants to try and keep her powers hidden so she doesn't want to hurt people. 00:07:00.139 --> 00:07:03.500 But something happens and her powers become seen. 00:07:03.899 --> 00:07:09.379 And the clip we're about to watch is the point where she realizes that she's got all of this power. 00:07:09.779 --> 00:07:17.279 And she decides that what she's going to have to do is get very, very, very far away from absolutely everyone else. 00:07:17.279 --> 00:07:20.059 And as we watch it, you might want to just enjoy the song. 00:07:20.319 --> 00:07:21.059 That's fine. 00:07:21.679 --> 00:07:23.099 But maybe ask this. 00:07:24.099 --> 00:07:25.359 How do we see God? 00:07:26.359 --> 00:07:30.019 Do we see him a little bit like Queen Elsa? 00:07:31.379 --> 00:07:31.859 Powerful. 00:07:32.979 --> 00:07:33.939 But distant. 00:07:34.799 --> 00:07:35.419 And remote. 00:07:36.419 --> 00:07:37.000 Locked away. 00:07:38.019 --> 00:07:39.239 Far, far away. 00:07:39.419 --> 00:07:39.919 Let's watch. 00:07:39.920 --> 00:07:48.160 Okay, we're going to leave Queen Elsa shut up there in that splendid palace. 00:07:49.000 --> 00:07:50.259 Totally isolated. 00:07:50.920 --> 00:07:53.500 So that no one can come near to her. 00:07:53.879 --> 00:07:55.700 So that she can't do any damage. 00:07:56.819 --> 00:07:59.759 So that no one can see her power and strength. 00:08:00.139 --> 00:08:06.980 That's what she chose to do in response to the discovery that she had these great powers. 00:08:07.939 --> 00:08:08.980 There's Queen Elsa. 00:08:09.920 --> 00:08:14.379 But what have we just been watching as we've watched our nativity? 00:08:15.360 --> 00:08:19.580 We've watched the one who we describe as God and Lord of all. 00:08:20.160 --> 00:08:24.020 Choose to leave the splendors of heaven. 00:08:25.020 --> 00:08:29.100 And choose to come close to all of us. 00:08:29.720 --> 00:08:35.560 And just in the next five minutes or so, I want to leave you with three points this Christmas. 00:08:35.659 --> 00:08:36.740 They all start with R. 00:08:36.920 --> 00:08:39.379 So children, I hope you can all remember them okay? 00:08:39.919 --> 00:08:41.360 It's not going to be too difficult. 00:08:42.039 --> 00:08:48.659 Three points which I think it would be good for us to remember in light of what Jesus did as he came close. 00:08:48.740 --> 00:08:50.679 First, the risk that he took. 00:08:51.339 --> 00:08:55.599 Second, the response that he invites us to have this morning. 00:08:55.939 --> 00:08:58.799 And third, the reality that we can enjoy. 00:08:58.799 --> 00:09:01.639 First, the risk that Jesus took. 00:09:01.719 --> 00:09:04.099 You see, Queen Elsa decided to avoid all risks. 00:09:04.500 --> 00:09:07.740 She decided to stay away so there would be no risks. 00:09:08.099 --> 00:09:13.479 But what we've learned about this morning is that Jesus chose to take an incredible risk. 00:09:13.480 --> 00:09:19.800 You see, in the book of John, in the Gospel of John, we read that he came to his own. 00:09:20.700 --> 00:09:22.539 He, God, came to his own. 00:09:23.100 --> 00:09:25.899 But his own did not accept him. 00:09:26.700 --> 00:09:27.500 Jesus came. 00:09:28.139 --> 00:09:29.220 He came close. 00:09:30.000 --> 00:09:34.039 But the risk that he took was that many, many would reject him. 00:09:34.539 --> 00:09:38.740 And down through history, that is exactly what has happened. 00:09:40.099 --> 00:09:42.839 Some of you know who wrote the book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe? 00:09:44.199 --> 00:09:44.919 You know the author? 00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:46.240 The author is called C.S. Lewis. 00:09:46.759 --> 00:09:48.439 And he wrote lots of great books for children. 00:09:48.559 --> 00:09:50.240 He also wrote great books for adults. 00:09:50.559 --> 00:09:56.279 And in one of his books, The Four Loves, he speaks about the risk that love involves. 00:09:56.279 --> 00:09:59.600 And I'd like you to listen to this quote from The Four Loves. 00:09:59.679 --> 00:10:00.360 It says this, 00:10:00.620 --> 00:10:03.459 To love at all is to be vulnerable. 00:10:04.439 --> 00:10:08.319 Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. 00:10:08.899 --> 00:10:15.220 If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give it to no one, not even an animal. 00:10:16.100 --> 00:10:19.720 Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries. 00:10:20.459 --> 00:10:22.139 Avoid all entanglements. 00:10:22.139 --> 00:10:26.240 Lock it up safe in the casket of your selfishness. 00:10:26.860 --> 00:10:33.600 But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. 00:10:34.299 --> 00:10:35.379 It will not be broken. 00:10:36.500 --> 00:10:41.600 It will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. 00:10:42.079 --> 00:10:44.939 To love is to be vulnerable. 00:10:46.419 --> 00:10:52.459 And folks, the message that I come with today, which I believe God would want us to hear this Christmas time, 00:10:52.879 --> 00:10:55.379 is that Jesus came close. 00:10:55.379 --> 00:10:57.580 So very close. 00:10:57.899 --> 00:11:02.960 He came so close because he loves us so much. 00:11:02.960 --> 00:11:06.500 In 1 John, the gospel says this, 00:11:06.600 --> 00:11:09.900 This is how God showed his love among us. 00:11:10.220 --> 00:11:14.879 He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 00:11:15.060 --> 00:11:16.040 This is love. 00:11:16.039 --> 00:11:20.079 Not that we loved God, but that he loved us. 00:11:20.240 --> 00:11:25.599 And sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 00:11:25.679 --> 00:11:29.719 This is how God has demonstrated how much he loves us. 00:11:29.759 --> 00:11:31.199 He came so close. 00:11:32.519 --> 00:11:35.799 He came to that cradle even though he would be rejected there. 00:11:35.799 --> 00:11:40.699 And yet even further, we've sung in some of our songs, he even went as far as the cross. 00:11:42.240 --> 00:11:47.179 In order to give his life as the sacrifice for our sin. 00:11:48.319 --> 00:11:50.120 That's how much he's loved us. 00:11:50.120 --> 00:11:52.080 That's how close he's come. 00:11:54.460 --> 00:11:57.100 And that's the risk that he's taken. 00:11:58.100 --> 00:12:02.299 He did it knowing that many, many might reject him. 00:12:02.320 --> 00:12:03.379 That's the risk that he's taken. 00:12:03.679 --> 00:12:07.340 Number two, the response that he invites this morning. 00:12:07.820 --> 00:12:10.379 The risk that he's taken and the response that he's invited. 00:12:10.379 --> 00:12:17.000 Because young people, grown-ups, how will we respond to this story this morning of God coming so close? 00:12:18.539 --> 00:12:22.439 I wonder whether we might enter into that experience of the shepherds. 00:12:22.700 --> 00:12:25.960 How might they have responded after that angel had appeared to them? 00:12:26.639 --> 00:12:27.439 They could have said, 00:12:28.279 --> 00:12:29.980 Do you know what? It's a bit late at night. 00:12:30.580 --> 00:12:32.879 Can't really be bothered going to Bethlehem. 00:12:33.759 --> 00:12:35.740 I think maybe that was all a bit of a dream. 00:12:36.240 --> 00:12:39.240 Because let's face it, angels don't really appear to shepherds. 00:12:39.240 --> 00:12:42.180 Nothing that special has ever happened to shepherds. 00:12:42.440 --> 00:12:45.560 And I'm pretty certain that nothing that special is ever going to happen to us. 00:12:46.299 --> 00:12:53.320 And so they could have ignored the invitation to go and see the one who had come close. 00:12:53.740 --> 00:12:54.960 And they'd have carried on. 00:12:55.580 --> 00:12:56.899 They'd have missed out. 00:12:57.220 --> 00:13:01.659 Despite the fact that in the very same vicinity, in that neighborhood, 00:13:02.039 --> 00:13:06.480 the Messiah, Jesus, Lord and Savior, had been born. 00:13:06.480 --> 00:13:09.659 But instead they responded. 00:13:10.100 --> 00:13:14.000 Instead they got up and they made just that short, short trip. 00:13:14.639 --> 00:13:17.000 And they were able to go and see the Savior. 00:13:17.440 --> 00:13:19.259 And bow down and respond. 00:13:19.519 --> 00:13:20.539 And worship Him. 00:13:20.740 --> 00:13:22.420 And go away rejoicing. 00:13:22.740 --> 00:13:26.279 Telling others about all the things that they had seen. 00:13:27.120 --> 00:13:30.039 Folks, I've already invited you to respond to something today. 00:13:30.259 --> 00:13:32.060 And not that many of you have responded. 00:13:32.059 --> 00:13:36.459 I've put this large box of chocolates very, very close by. 00:13:36.839 --> 00:13:39.299 It's within reach of every single one of you. 00:13:39.639 --> 00:13:43.939 All I said was that if you want them, you need to come yourself and take it. 00:13:44.119 --> 00:13:47.239 There's no getting one and handing them out along the whole pew. 00:13:47.739 --> 00:13:48.359 Not at all. 00:13:48.419 --> 00:13:52.919 Because this invitation this morning is for everyone individually. 00:13:53.739 --> 00:13:58.239 In Jesus, every single one of us are told that He has come close. 00:13:58.240 --> 00:14:00.419 He's within reach. 00:14:01.120 --> 00:14:03.759 In a modern version of John chapter 1 it says, 00:14:04.180 --> 00:14:07.240 The word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood. 00:14:07.419 --> 00:14:09.180 That's the marvel of Christmas. 00:14:09.480 --> 00:14:12.360 He is not a God far away who cannot be touched. 00:14:12.639 --> 00:14:13.620 He's come close. 00:14:16.379 --> 00:14:21.000 Listen to this wonderful word from a very famous sermon. 00:14:21.680 --> 00:14:23.759 Which the Apostle Paul gave in Athens. 00:14:23.840 --> 00:14:25.700 I want you to be clear that I'm not making this up. 00:14:25.759 --> 00:14:27.399 This is not poetic license. 00:14:27.399 --> 00:14:29.000 This is what the Bible teaches. 00:14:29.299 --> 00:14:32.000 Listen to this one word from Acts chapter 17. 00:14:32.120 --> 00:14:35.620 Paul preaching to lots and lots of people in the middle of a city. 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:37.919 Tells them about how God has made everything. 00:14:38.559 --> 00:14:43.120 Tells them about how God is the one who holds everybody's life in His hands. 00:14:45.039 --> 00:14:46.220 And he says this. 00:14:46.340 --> 00:14:49.639 God has done this so that they would seek Him. 00:14:50.799 --> 00:14:54.559 And perhaps reach out for Him and find Him. 00:14:55.279 --> 00:14:56.439 And then listen to this. 00:14:56.440 --> 00:15:01.640 Because He is not far from any one of us. 00:15:02.160 --> 00:15:03.140 Can I repeat it? 00:15:03.400 --> 00:15:05.780 God did all this so they would seek Him. 00:15:05.960 --> 00:15:07.840 And perhaps reach out for Him. 00:15:07.960 --> 00:15:08.960 And find Him. 00:15:09.120 --> 00:15:12.800 Though He is not far from each one of us. 00:15:12.880 --> 00:15:15.540 Yes, I could quote many, many verses from the Bible. 00:15:15.539 --> 00:15:19.319 Which will tell you that because of our sin and rebellion against God. 00:15:19.319 --> 00:15:21.139 We are separated from God. 00:15:21.299 --> 00:15:26.000 And that in and of ourselves there is a great gulf between us and God. 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:32.000 But the wonderful story of Jesus and His incarnation and Him coming to earth is that Jesus says, 00:15:32.379 --> 00:15:34.000 Now because of all that I've done. 00:15:34.480 --> 00:15:37.419 Because of my sacrifice for you. 00:15:37.679 --> 00:15:38.460 I'm close. 00:15:38.460 --> 00:15:42.820 I'm not far from anyone of you. 00:15:43.379 --> 00:15:44.300 Reach out. 00:15:44.299 --> 00:15:45.740 Seek me. 00:15:46.139 --> 00:15:48.279 And you will find me. 00:15:48.379 --> 00:15:51.699 That's the response that Jesus invites. 00:15:51.819 --> 00:15:52.579 And maybe think. 00:15:53.039 --> 00:16:00.000 What was it that inhibited some of you from just stepping forward and coming and partaking from this box of chocolates? 00:16:00.120 --> 00:16:02.939 Feel free to do so at any time over the next couple of minutes. 00:16:03.240 --> 00:16:08.099 Children, you'll all find there's a present for you under the tree at the end of this service. 00:16:08.200 --> 00:16:10.580 But again, you can just leave it there if you want. 00:16:11.740 --> 00:16:12.139 Okay? 00:16:12.180 --> 00:16:13.320 You don't need to go and get it. 00:16:13.879 --> 00:16:16.580 It'll be there regardless and somebody else might enjoy it. 00:16:17.000 --> 00:16:18.720 But the reality is it's there. 00:16:18.960 --> 00:16:19.940 It's for you. 00:16:20.379 --> 00:16:21.700 It's close by you. 00:16:21.920 --> 00:16:23.580 Not a big trip from there to the tree, is it? 00:16:24.180 --> 00:16:25.480 But it does need your response. 00:16:26.000 --> 00:16:28.300 It does need you to decide, yes, I want it. 00:16:29.080 --> 00:16:31.639 And I wonder if that's how you'll respond to Jesus today. 00:16:31.759 --> 00:16:33.500 Not just saying that's all very interesting. 00:16:33.720 --> 00:16:35.399 That's nice to hear the Christmas story again. 00:16:35.420 --> 00:16:37.879 But saying, yes, He's come close. 00:16:38.379 --> 00:16:40.500 And I want this for myself. 00:16:40.580 --> 00:16:41.240 I'm going to come. 00:16:41.980 --> 00:16:43.300 I'm going to seek Him. 00:16:43.820 --> 00:16:46.820 I'm going to try and understand more about what this is all about. 00:16:47.360 --> 00:16:49.480 I'm going to respond and worship Him. 00:16:49.720 --> 00:16:51.460 I'm going to give my life to Him. 00:16:51.860 --> 00:16:55.120 And I'm going to tell others about all the things that He has done. 00:16:55.159 --> 00:16:55.620 We're nearly there. 00:16:55.680 --> 00:16:57.320 Let me take one minute. 00:16:58.019 --> 00:16:59.200 The risk that He took. 00:17:00.200 --> 00:17:02.800 The response that He invites. 00:17:02.799 --> 00:17:05.359 And the reality that He now offers. 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:10.599 I want to speak perhaps to those who feel that they have been a Christian. 00:17:11.059 --> 00:17:14.159 A follower of Jesus for many, many years. 00:17:14.399 --> 00:17:16.859 Or maybe less than that. 00:17:16.899 --> 00:17:18.759 But nonetheless, someone who is following Jesus. 00:17:18.759 --> 00:17:21.420 He says, I wonder, folks, if we can grasp this Christmas. 00:17:22.220 --> 00:17:28.619 The reality, once again, of a God who comes close. 00:17:28.619 --> 00:17:31.879 I've been struck just doing a little study of this this week. 00:17:32.059 --> 00:17:37.899 Looking at dozens and dozens and dozens of verses in the Bible that tell us about how God comes close. 00:17:38.479 --> 00:17:43.699 Maybe you might make that some of your Christmas studies if you want to do some Bible reading. 00:17:43.700 --> 00:17:49.620 The Psalms have so much to say about Him coming near to the brokenhearted. 00:17:50.140 --> 00:17:53.900 About coming near to all those who call on Him. 00:17:54.100 --> 00:17:56.220 Who call on Him in truth. 00:17:56.299 --> 00:17:59.420 What does it mean for us for God to be near? 00:18:00.259 --> 00:18:03.299 What does it mean for us for God to be coming close? 00:18:03.860 --> 00:18:04.779 In our worries. 00:18:06.160 --> 00:18:08.600 In our stresses about family. 00:18:09.240 --> 00:18:10.440 About friends. 00:18:10.539 --> 00:18:12.259 In our worries about health. 00:18:12.259 --> 00:18:13.799 About work. 00:18:15.339 --> 00:18:17.420 In our fears for the future. 00:18:18.559 --> 00:18:20.779 Perhaps in our regrets about the past. 00:18:23.619 --> 00:18:32.559 I wonder if we'd allow this Christmas to know the reality of a God who comes close. 00:18:34.079 --> 00:18:34.759 Let's pray. 00:18:37.920 --> 00:18:40.400 So, Lord Jesus, thank you that you did not stay distant. 00:18:42.259 --> 00:18:45.480 Thank you that you came close. 00:18:47.839 --> 00:18:49.559 Thank you for the risk that you took. 00:18:50.879 --> 00:18:53.559 Thank you for the love and salvation. 00:18:54.519 --> 00:18:57.839 And freedom and hope that you offer out to us today. 00:18:58.980 --> 00:19:05.519 May everyone in this place, by the help of your Holy Spirit, respond today, we pray. 00:19:05.519 --> 00:19:07.180 Amen. 00:19:07.180 --> 00:19:09.259 Amen. 00:19:09.299 --> 00:19:11.000 We pray. 00:19:11.000 --> 00:19:11.079 Amen. 00:19:11.079 --> 00:19:11.139 Amen. 00:19:11.139 --> 00:19:11.299 Amen. 00:19:11.299 --> 00:19:11.379 Amen. 00:19:11.379 --> 00:19:11.480 Amen. 00:19:11.480 --> 00:19:13.220 Amen. 00:19:13.220 --> 00:19:13.920 Amen. 00:19:14.339 --> 00:19:15.160 Amen. 00:19:15.160 --> 00:19:15.319 Amen. 00:19:15.319 --> 00:19:16.259 Amen. 00:19:16.259 --> 00:19:17.299 Amen. 00:19:17.299 --> 00:19:19.299 Amen. 00:19:19.299 --> 00:19:20.299 Amen. 00:19:20.299 --> 00:19:21.799 Amen. 00:19:21.799 --> 00:19:22.139 Amen. 00:19:22.139 --> 00:19:22.980 Amen. 00:19:22.980 --> 00:19:25.660 Amen. 00:19:25.720 --> 00:19:26.339 Amen. 00:19:26.339 --> 00:19:26.480 Amen. 00:19:26.579 --> 00:19:26.960 Amen. 00:19:26.960 --> 00:19:27.160 Amen. 00:19:27.160 --> 00:19:27.559 Amen. 00:19:27.559 --> 00:19:28.379 Amen. 00:19:28.379 --> 00:19:29.000 Amen. 00:19:29.000 --> 00:19:31.339 Amen. 00:19:31.559 --> 00:19:32.039 Amen. 00:19:32.039 --> 00:19:32.240 Amen. 00:19:32.940 --> 00:19:33.099 Amen. 00:19:33.200 --> 00:19:33.319 Amen. 00:19:33.319 --> 00:19:33.339 Amen. 00:19:33.480 --> 00:19:34.359 Amen. 00:19:34.539 --> 00:19:35.319 Amen.