WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.160 Please turn back to Isaiah 9, looking at verses 1-7, continuing in our Advent series. 00:00:09.720 --> 00:00:14.640 ! I remember the first time I ever held each of my girls when they were born. 00:00:14.640 --> 00:00:19.679 ! And I remember the midwife handed the baby to me every time. 00:00:19.679 --> 00:00:29.940 And every time I was just so nervous to hold them because the midwife was handing me something just so small and fragile. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:37.500 Into my hands. I was just, realized I was just holding this tiny, weak, vulnerable little baby. 00:00:37.500 --> 00:00:41.740 How terrified I might drop her. I never did, don't worry. 00:00:41.740 --> 00:00:48.000 But in many ways, we are right to feel that way about a newborn, aren't we? 00:00:48.799 --> 00:00:55.700 That is what a baby is. We think of babies and we think of weak, vulnerable, needy. 00:00:55.700 --> 00:01:02.000 Well, as we continue our Advent series here in Isaiah, and we think more about the birth of Christ, 00:01:02.820 --> 00:01:11.359 this passage in Isaiah, it gets us to think deeper about what we think of when we think of the baby Jesus. 00:01:12.579 --> 00:01:15.280 That's what Isaiah is speaking of here. Look at verse 6. 00:01:16.439 --> 00:01:21.040 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. 00:01:21.040 --> 00:01:29.780 So last week, we saw in Isaiah 7, God promises a child from a virgin to end the fears of this world. 00:01:30.140 --> 00:01:34.180 Well, here in Isaiah 9, we are seeing more about who this child is. 00:01:35.260 --> 00:01:44.180 This is a prophecy looking ahead, a prophecy about the Lord Jesus telling us who he really is. 00:01:44.180 --> 00:01:49.640 And so you can kind of think of this passage as like an x-ray on the manger. 00:01:50.740 --> 00:01:55.660 So as Mary laid that child, that son, into that manger, 00:01:56.880 --> 00:02:00.440 Isaiah 9 is kind of like an x-ray on that manger, 00:02:01.080 --> 00:02:05.440 getting us to look deeper into who that baby really is. 00:02:06.620 --> 00:02:09.900 And this x-ray reveals something mysterious. 00:02:09.900 --> 00:02:18.740 We see he really is a child, just like my girls, weak, vulnerable, needy. 00:02:18.819 --> 00:02:23.300 He was cold. He was a cold, crying, hungry baby. 00:02:23.740 --> 00:02:25.080 Human in every way. 00:02:26.480 --> 00:02:33.680 But at the same time, mysteriously, Isaiah shows us he is also something much, much more. 00:02:33.680 --> 00:02:40.060 This child is a king, and this child is a divine king. 00:02:41.599 --> 00:02:47.120 And this child, this divine king, has come to do something. 00:02:48.140 --> 00:02:51.219 He's come to end the darkness of this world. 00:02:52.960 --> 00:02:59.120 So as we continue in our Advent series, I want us to use this time to think more about the mystery of the manger. 00:02:59.120 --> 00:03:03.560 So Advent, it's all about the build-up to Christmas, isn't it? 00:03:04.099 --> 00:03:07.980 It's all about remembering the wait before Christ's birth. 00:03:09.020 --> 00:03:11.980 Well, I want us to think, what are we building up to? 00:03:13.000 --> 00:03:15.620 Who exactly are we waiting for? 00:03:15.819 --> 00:03:18.599 Who exactly is that boy in the manger? 00:03:18.599 --> 00:03:28.120 And the big thing to see is something mysterious is going on in that manger, but also something wonderful. 00:03:29.419 --> 00:03:35.539 That child is the king and the divine king to end the darkness of this world. 00:03:36.939 --> 00:03:40.280 And so as we look at the manger, this is the first thing I want us to see. 00:03:40.379 --> 00:03:43.039 There is a king in that manger. 00:03:43.680 --> 00:03:45.120 There is a king in that manger. 00:03:45.120 --> 00:03:48.099 Look what this passage says about Jesus, verse 6. 00:03:49.480 --> 00:03:51.599 For to us a child is born. 00:03:52.460 --> 00:03:54.060 To us a son is given. 00:03:55.659 --> 00:04:00.920 So there is no doubt to who, to what is in that manger. 00:04:01.860 --> 00:04:03.379 It is a child. 00:04:04.400 --> 00:04:05.020 A son. 00:04:05.259 --> 00:04:05.719 A boy. 00:04:06.800 --> 00:04:12.800 You can look into that manger in Bethlehem and say these words of Isaiah. 00:04:12.800 --> 00:04:15.620 For to us a child is born. 00:04:17.520 --> 00:04:18.840 And what is every child like? 00:04:19.400 --> 00:04:20.680 What were my girls like? 00:04:21.540 --> 00:04:25.780 The child in that manger, the baby Jesus, he is weak. 00:04:27.199 --> 00:04:27.720 Vulnerable. 00:04:28.939 --> 00:04:29.379 Needy. 00:04:30.780 --> 00:04:34.600 Like any baby, he jolts when he hears a loud noise. 00:04:34.600 --> 00:04:42.000 If they had needles back in those days, in modern medicine, you could do the heel prick test on him and he would cry. 00:04:43.379 --> 00:04:46.120 He wriggles and screams because he's hungry. 00:04:47.140 --> 00:04:49.960 He's wrapped up in swaddling cloths because he's cold. 00:04:49.959 --> 00:04:56.579 There's an unhelpful line in Away in a Manger that goes, 00:04:57.019 --> 00:05:03.139 The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. 00:05:03.139 --> 00:05:08.839 But that can't be true because who is in that manger? 00:05:09.159 --> 00:05:10.039 It's a child. 00:05:11.399 --> 00:05:12.779 And children cry. 00:05:14.219 --> 00:05:20.419 If we can truly say a child is born, then that means a real child, not a super-powered baby. 00:05:21.120 --> 00:05:24.099 Not a baby that found this world easy, no. 00:05:24.100 --> 00:05:31.020 The son of God really took on true, frail humanity. 00:05:32.020 --> 00:05:36.200 Not sinful, not fallen, but frail humanity. 00:05:37.560 --> 00:05:39.280 Humanity that can suffer. 00:05:41.020 --> 00:05:43.420 And that is what Isaiah's x-ray shows us. 00:05:43.540 --> 00:05:48.400 We can look into that manger and see truly a child is born. 00:05:49.320 --> 00:05:51.600 That is a son of a virgin. 00:05:51.600 --> 00:05:58.660 But at the same time, Isaiah says something remarkable about this child. 00:05:58.960 --> 00:06:00.040 Look at verse 6 again. 00:06:01.480 --> 00:06:04.560 And the government shall be upon his shoulder. 00:06:06.020 --> 00:06:09.120 This is a picture of carrying something on his shoulders. 00:06:10.160 --> 00:06:15.680 So kids, or adults as well, has your dad ever put you on his shoulders? 00:06:16.340 --> 00:06:17.260 Think about that. 00:06:17.259 --> 00:06:21.939 Maybe on a walk, you go on a big hike and you get tired. 00:06:22.180 --> 00:06:22.899 What does dad do? 00:06:23.060 --> 00:06:24.459 He puts you on his shoulders, doesn't he? 00:06:25.659 --> 00:06:28.360 And what is dad doing when he does that? 00:06:29.379 --> 00:06:30.860 He's holding you up, isn't he? 00:06:31.779 --> 00:06:32.939 He's carrying you. 00:06:33.039 --> 00:06:34.599 You're resting on him. 00:06:35.000 --> 00:06:37.360 And if he lets go, you fall, don't you? 00:06:37.360 --> 00:06:43.199 And so when you're on his shoulders, you're completely dependent on him, aren't you? 00:06:44.160 --> 00:06:51.720 The responsibility of looking after you and the power to keep you safe, it all rests on dad. 00:06:52.720 --> 00:06:55.439 And when you're on his shoulder, he's the one in charge, isn't he? 00:06:55.439 --> 00:07:01.399 Well, as we look into that manger, what does that baby, what does Jesus have on his shoulder? 00:07:02.740 --> 00:07:05.199 The government shall be upon his shoulder. 00:07:06.800 --> 00:07:08.100 Now, what is this government? 00:07:08.939 --> 00:07:09.720 Well, look at verse 7. 00:07:11.019 --> 00:07:12.360 It's the throne of David. 00:07:13.579 --> 00:07:14.959 That means King David. 00:07:14.959 --> 00:07:21.459 It's talking about the throne over God's people, his redeemed people. 00:07:21.759 --> 00:07:25.519 It's talking about the throne over God's church. 00:07:26.879 --> 00:07:34.319 And as we look into that manger, there is something resting on that tiny little shoulder. 00:07:35.519 --> 00:07:37.560 The government of God's people. 00:07:39.859 --> 00:07:40.839 And think about government. 00:07:41.079 --> 00:07:42.779 Government's all about rule, isn't it? 00:07:42.779 --> 00:07:48.699 So the British government rules and controls and orders this land. 00:07:49.699 --> 00:07:55.639 Well, Christ rules and controls and orders his people. 00:07:56.719 --> 00:07:57.659 The church. 00:07:59.479 --> 00:08:00.679 And what kind of person does that? 00:08:00.759 --> 00:08:03.399 What kind of person has a throne and rules? 00:08:04.419 --> 00:08:05.099 It's a king. 00:08:06.639 --> 00:08:09.479 If you x-ray, if you scan that manger, 00:08:09.480 --> 00:08:14.200 you will find that there is royal blood pumping through that baby's veins. 00:08:16.520 --> 00:08:19.160 And so, at that point, 00:08:19.960 --> 00:08:24.439 it may be a tiny little shoulder wrapped in swaddling cloths. 00:08:25.200 --> 00:08:28.780 But that shoulder is carrying something huge. 00:08:29.400 --> 00:08:35.580 He is perfectly carrying the entire weight and responsibility 00:08:35.580 --> 00:08:38.860 of billions of billions of redeemed souls. 00:08:40.060 --> 00:08:45.700 The weight of salvation itself is resting on that child's shoulder. 00:08:47.560 --> 00:08:51.920 That child is the one keeping his people, his church, 00:08:52.360 --> 00:08:54.600 you and me and everyone in Christ. 00:08:54.960 --> 00:08:57.879 That child is keeping all of us from falling. 00:08:57.879 --> 00:09:02.639 But it's also even more than that. 00:09:03.860 --> 00:09:06.399 This government, it goes beyond the church. 00:09:06.700 --> 00:09:07.980 Because look at verse 7. 00:09:09.460 --> 00:09:12.159 Of the increase of his government and of peace, 00:09:12.779 --> 00:09:14.259 there will be no end. 00:09:15.820 --> 00:09:18.320 This government, it's the throne of David. 00:09:18.840 --> 00:09:20.159 It's over his kingdom. 00:09:21.039 --> 00:09:23.519 And this kingdom has no end. 00:09:23.519 --> 00:09:27.620 This is a universal government 00:09:27.620 --> 00:09:30.220 that lasts for eternity. 00:09:31.559 --> 00:09:34.779 It's God's complete rule over all creation, 00:09:35.000 --> 00:09:36.120 heaven and earth. 00:09:37.720 --> 00:09:39.319 Carrying this government, 00:09:40.000 --> 00:09:43.120 it means that this child has the right 00:09:43.120 --> 00:09:45.620 to command atoms where to go. 00:09:47.100 --> 00:09:48.120 This government, 00:09:48.480 --> 00:09:50.659 it's the ability to order angels 00:09:50.659 --> 00:09:52.779 to come and go between heaven and earth. 00:09:53.519 --> 00:09:56.519 It's the authority to calm storms. 00:09:57.360 --> 00:09:59.620 The authority to heal disease. 00:10:01.399 --> 00:10:03.539 God's people are at the centre of this kingdom. 00:10:03.799 --> 00:10:05.860 The church is at the heart of it. 00:10:06.740 --> 00:10:07.559 But this government, 00:10:07.699 --> 00:10:08.899 it goes beyond the church 00:10:08.899 --> 00:10:10.579 and it covers all creation. 00:10:11.699 --> 00:10:14.500 The reach of this kingdom has no end. 00:10:14.500 --> 00:10:17.960 And so when Jesus grows up, 00:10:18.600 --> 00:10:20.700 30 years after the manger, 00:10:21.700 --> 00:10:23.620 and preaches his first sermon, 00:10:24.340 --> 00:10:25.240 what does he preach? 00:10:26.179 --> 00:10:28.940 The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 00:10:29.879 --> 00:10:32.179 The king has arrived. 00:10:32.179 --> 00:10:35.359 And that should be no surprise 00:10:35.359 --> 00:10:36.439 that that's his first sermon 00:10:36.439 --> 00:10:39.919 because he was carrying something 00:10:39.919 --> 00:10:41.479 on his shoulder as he preached. 00:10:41.959 --> 00:10:43.919 It was something he was born to carry. 00:10:45.019 --> 00:10:47.979 The government shall be upon his shoulder. 00:10:50.279 --> 00:10:51.319 Abraham Kuyper, 00:10:52.059 --> 00:10:52.839 a theologian, 00:10:52.939 --> 00:10:54.679 he famously said this about Christ. 00:10:54.679 --> 00:10:57.399 There is not a square inch 00:10:57.399 --> 00:11:00.399 in the whole domain of our human existence 00:11:00.399 --> 00:11:01.779 over which Christ, 00:11:02.259 --> 00:11:03.699 who is sovereign over all, 00:11:04.120 --> 00:11:05.159 does not cry, 00:11:05.699 --> 00:11:06.039 mine. 00:11:08.319 --> 00:11:09.899 Although that little baby 00:11:09.899 --> 00:11:11.039 couldn't speak yet, 00:11:11.599 --> 00:11:13.199 as he lies in that manger, 00:11:13.439 --> 00:11:15.339 he has every right to say, 00:11:15.620 --> 00:11:17.479 this whole world is mine. 00:11:17.480 --> 00:11:20.800 There is a king in that manger. 00:11:22.840 --> 00:11:24.480 And so there is something 00:11:24.480 --> 00:11:25.700 mysterious going on. 00:11:27.019 --> 00:11:28.080 There is a child, 00:11:28.659 --> 00:11:31.500 weak, vulnerable, needy, 00:11:32.460 --> 00:11:33.680 that needed his mother, 00:11:33.820 --> 00:11:34.820 needed warmth, 00:11:35.820 --> 00:11:37.220 but at the same time, 00:11:37.279 --> 00:11:37.879 in that manger, 00:11:38.180 --> 00:11:39.120 is a king 00:11:39.120 --> 00:11:41.879 who must be bowed to 00:11:41.879 --> 00:11:43.759 and listened to 00:11:43.759 --> 00:11:45.779 and feared and respected. 00:11:47.480 --> 00:11:49.420 And while he needs his mother, 00:11:50.420 --> 00:11:51.399 at the same time, 00:11:51.500 --> 00:11:52.399 in every way, 00:11:53.060 --> 00:11:54.159 we need him. 00:11:55.899 --> 00:11:57.440 Because look what this king 00:11:57.440 --> 00:11:58.680 has come to do 00:11:58.680 --> 00:11:59.700 as he carries the government 00:11:59.700 --> 00:12:00.220 on his shoulder. 00:12:00.340 --> 00:12:00.779 Verse 2. 00:12:02.440 --> 00:12:04.180 The people who walked in darkness 00:12:04.180 --> 00:12:05.700 have seen a great light. 00:12:06.779 --> 00:12:07.720 Those who dwelt 00:12:07.720 --> 00:12:09.220 in a land of deep darkness, 00:12:09.360 --> 00:12:11.120 on them has light shined. 00:12:12.820 --> 00:12:14.860 This king has come to bring light. 00:12:14.860 --> 00:12:17.600 And what does light do? 00:12:17.860 --> 00:12:19.759 Light dispels darkness. 00:12:21.519 --> 00:12:22.100 So think, 00:12:22.320 --> 00:12:23.519 you walk into a dark room, 00:12:24.080 --> 00:12:24.879 it's pitch black, 00:12:25.180 --> 00:12:25.899 darkness everywhere, 00:12:26.700 --> 00:12:28.500 and then you turn on the big light, 00:12:29.080 --> 00:12:29.779 you hit the switch. 00:12:30.159 --> 00:12:31.580 What happens to the darkness 00:12:31.580 --> 00:12:32.180 in that room? 00:12:33.100 --> 00:12:34.240 It disappears, doesn't it? 00:12:35.120 --> 00:12:37.180 The darkness doesn't hang around 00:12:37.180 --> 00:12:39.300 whilst the light is also shining. 00:12:40.120 --> 00:12:40.399 No, no. 00:12:40.639 --> 00:12:42.600 Light dispels darkness, 00:12:42.600 --> 00:12:44.759 replaces it. 00:12:46.259 --> 00:12:47.980 Well, this child has been born 00:12:47.980 --> 00:12:49.360 carrying this kingdom 00:12:49.360 --> 00:12:51.960 in order to dispel darkness. 00:12:53.800 --> 00:12:55.399 And what is this darkness? 00:12:56.840 --> 00:12:58.920 Well, you already know. 00:13:00.420 --> 00:13:02.300 You can feel it right now. 00:13:03.779 --> 00:13:05.320 The darkness here in Isaiah, 00:13:05.759 --> 00:13:07.879 it's the curse of this world. 00:13:07.879 --> 00:13:11.840 It's exactly how we talk about darkness. 00:13:12.779 --> 00:13:14.799 We speak about a dark time in life, 00:13:14.879 --> 00:13:15.179 don't we? 00:13:16.120 --> 00:13:17.559 A time of suffering. 00:13:18.639 --> 00:13:19.879 Maybe a period of life 00:13:19.879 --> 00:13:21.340 that's just gone off the rails. 00:13:21.879 --> 00:13:22.480 We say, 00:13:22.799 --> 00:13:24.580 that was a dark time in life. 00:13:25.600 --> 00:13:27.279 That's the darkness going on here. 00:13:28.639 --> 00:13:30.519 We speak of anxiety 00:13:30.519 --> 00:13:31.679 and depression as darkness. 00:13:31.679 --> 00:13:31.879 darkness. 00:13:32.839 --> 00:13:34.699 We speak of dark thoughts 00:13:34.699 --> 00:13:37.620 and it feels like all the colour 00:13:37.620 --> 00:13:39.519 and light has gone from life. 00:13:40.379 --> 00:13:41.479 That's the darkness. 00:13:43.279 --> 00:13:44.739 We speak of something 00:13:44.739 --> 00:13:46.559 having a dark side to it, 00:13:46.599 --> 00:13:46.879 don't we? 00:13:47.799 --> 00:13:49.019 When something is evil 00:13:49.019 --> 00:13:49.620 or corrupt 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:50.939 or there's an injustice, 00:13:51.699 --> 00:13:53.059 that's the darkness. 00:13:54.979 --> 00:13:55.779 And of course, 00:13:55.899 --> 00:13:57.579 the Bible speaks of the valley 00:13:57.579 --> 00:13:59.219 of the shadow of death. 00:13:59.220 --> 00:14:01.940 Death itself 00:14:01.940 --> 00:14:04.120 is a darkness in this world. 00:14:04.240 --> 00:14:05.160 It is a shadow 00:14:05.160 --> 00:14:07.600 that weighs very heavy on us. 00:14:09.300 --> 00:14:10.980 And what has this king come to do? 00:14:12.040 --> 00:14:13.279 Shine light 00:14:13.279 --> 00:14:14.820 into all that darkness. 00:14:15.620 --> 00:14:17.019 To dispel it, 00:14:17.139 --> 00:14:18.139 destroy it. 00:14:18.960 --> 00:14:20.680 To use the government 00:14:20.680 --> 00:14:22.060 that is on his shoulder 00:14:22.060 --> 00:14:24.240 to bring an end to the darkness 00:14:24.240 --> 00:14:25.820 that weighs so heavy on us. 00:14:27.240 --> 00:14:28.100 Christmas time 00:14:28.100 --> 00:14:29.519 is all about recognising 00:14:29.519 --> 00:14:30.879 that a light has come 00:14:30.879 --> 00:14:32.639 to actually end 00:14:32.639 --> 00:14:33.720 the curse of darkness. 00:14:35.040 --> 00:14:36.500 A king has come 00:14:36.500 --> 00:14:37.800 with the authority 00:14:37.800 --> 00:14:39.159 to end sin 00:14:39.159 --> 00:14:40.420 and suffering itself. 00:14:42.560 --> 00:14:43.580 That child 00:14:43.580 --> 00:14:45.259 in that manger 00:14:45.259 --> 00:14:46.540 does need his mother 00:14:46.540 --> 00:14:49.080 but we must not miss. 00:14:49.180 --> 00:14:51.000 We really need him. 00:14:53.100 --> 00:14:54.360 In your darkness, 00:14:54.580 --> 00:14:55.660 whatever that may be, 00:14:55.659 --> 00:14:57.799 you may be looking 00:14:57.799 --> 00:14:58.899 for light right now. 00:15:00.079 --> 00:15:00.860 Looking for help, 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:02.719 looking for rescue 00:15:02.719 --> 00:15:03.759 from this dark 00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:05.039 and cursed life 00:15:05.039 --> 00:15:06.439 and maybe you just have 00:15:06.439 --> 00:15:07.779 no idea where to go. 00:15:08.419 --> 00:15:10.219 Well, you cannot miss this. 00:15:11.179 --> 00:15:12.959 A child has been born 00:15:12.959 --> 00:15:14.059 who is the light 00:15:14.059 --> 00:15:16.100 to shine into your darkness. 00:15:17.819 --> 00:15:19.039 In that manger 00:15:19.039 --> 00:15:20.579 is a king 00:15:20.580 --> 00:15:22.460 and the government 00:15:22.460 --> 00:15:23.340 of creation 00:15:23.340 --> 00:15:24.280 is on his shoulder, 00:15:24.400 --> 00:15:24.879 a king 00:15:24.879 --> 00:15:26.580 to end this darkness. 00:15:29.100 --> 00:15:30.320 And the reason 00:15:30.320 --> 00:15:32.440 he can shine this light, 00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:34.180 the reason he can have 00:15:34.180 --> 00:15:34.879 this power 00:15:34.879 --> 00:15:37.420 is because of who he is. 00:15:38.920 --> 00:15:40.420 We could so easily ask, 00:15:41.120 --> 00:15:43.000 why can one little child, 00:15:44.060 --> 00:15:46.360 how can one son 00:15:46.360 --> 00:15:48.300 shine so much light? 00:15:48.299 --> 00:15:51.399 How can such responsibility 00:15:51.399 --> 00:15:54.159 be on such tiny shoulders? 00:15:55.959 --> 00:15:57.000 Well, we need to look 00:15:57.000 --> 00:15:57.779 even closer 00:15:57.779 --> 00:15:58.659 into the manger. 00:15:59.899 --> 00:16:00.899 Look closely 00:16:00.899 --> 00:16:01.759 at that x-ray 00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:03.039 and Isaiah shows us 00:16:03.039 --> 00:16:04.120 even more 00:16:04.120 --> 00:16:05.139 of who this child is. 00:16:06.439 --> 00:16:07.859 There is not only a king 00:16:07.859 --> 00:16:10.959 but there is a divine king 00:16:10.959 --> 00:16:11.719 in that manger. 00:16:13.219 --> 00:16:14.279 That's my second point. 00:16:14.319 --> 00:16:15.359 There is a divine king 00:16:15.359 --> 00:16:16.059 in that manger. 00:16:16.059 --> 00:16:17.879 Look at the end 00:16:17.879 --> 00:16:18.539 of verse 6. 00:16:19.359 --> 00:16:20.759 Isaiah gives four names 00:16:20.759 --> 00:16:21.319 for this baby. 00:16:21.419 --> 00:16:22.339 Did you see verse 6? 00:16:23.779 --> 00:16:25.039 Wonderful counsellor, 00:16:25.659 --> 00:16:26.639 mighty God, 00:16:27.459 --> 00:16:28.619 everlasting father, 00:16:29.500 --> 00:16:30.339 prince of peace. 00:16:32.119 --> 00:16:32.779 Now names, 00:16:32.979 --> 00:16:34.059 names are always important 00:16:34.059 --> 00:16:34.519 in the Bible. 00:16:35.459 --> 00:16:36.439 Names aren't just random. 00:16:37.299 --> 00:16:38.719 Names tell us 00:16:38.719 --> 00:16:39.839 about who a person 00:16:39.839 --> 00:16:40.479 really is. 00:16:41.319 --> 00:16:42.579 It's an insight 00:16:42.579 --> 00:16:43.599 into their character. 00:16:43.600 --> 00:16:46.120 Well, this is giving us 00:16:46.120 --> 00:16:46.840 an insight 00:16:46.840 --> 00:16:48.440 into who Jesus really is, 00:16:48.480 --> 00:16:50.080 who that baby is 00:16:50.080 --> 00:16:50.759 in that manger. 00:16:52.100 --> 00:16:52.620 And so just look 00:16:52.620 --> 00:16:53.320 at the first name. 00:16:54.600 --> 00:16:56.060 Wonderful counsellor. 00:16:57.519 --> 00:16:59.259 Now, counsellor here, 00:16:59.519 --> 00:17:00.620 it doesn't mean therapist. 00:17:01.139 --> 00:17:01.259 Okay? 00:17:01.740 --> 00:17:02.879 That's often how we use 00:17:02.879 --> 00:17:03.480 the word counsellor, 00:17:03.519 --> 00:17:03.779 isn't it? 00:17:03.879 --> 00:17:04.099 No. 00:17:05.380 --> 00:17:05.900 Counsellor 00:17:05.900 --> 00:17:08.019 means someone with wisdom. 00:17:08.019 --> 00:17:10.920 So, we take counsel 00:17:10.920 --> 00:17:12.480 from someone 00:17:12.480 --> 00:17:13.579 when we need wisdom 00:17:13.579 --> 00:17:14.059 from them, 00:17:14.220 --> 00:17:14.539 don't we? 00:17:15.339 --> 00:17:16.059 So, if you want 00:17:16.059 --> 00:17:16.900 your car fixed, 00:17:17.460 --> 00:17:18.500 you need wisdom, 00:17:18.859 --> 00:17:19.839 counsel from someone 00:17:19.839 --> 00:17:20.940 who knows how to fix them. 00:17:21.259 --> 00:17:22.039 You take counsel 00:17:22.039 --> 00:17:22.819 from John Silver. 00:17:23.059 --> 00:17:23.700 He's not here tonight. 00:17:24.119 --> 00:17:25.059 But, when he's better, 00:17:25.279 --> 00:17:25.639 take counsel 00:17:25.639 --> 00:17:26.279 from John Silver. 00:17:27.779 --> 00:17:28.839 Or, if you're struggling 00:17:28.839 --> 00:17:29.539 in your family, 00:17:30.819 --> 00:17:31.839 you may take counsel 00:17:31.839 --> 00:17:32.740 from an older couple 00:17:32.740 --> 00:17:34.779 because they know 00:17:34.779 --> 00:17:35.180 how to help. 00:17:35.240 --> 00:17:36.099 They have the wisdom. 00:17:36.099 --> 00:17:38.799 A counsellor 00:17:38.799 --> 00:17:40.480 is someone with wisdom 00:17:40.480 --> 00:17:41.559 to deal with 00:17:41.559 --> 00:17:42.559 this fallen world. 00:17:44.079 --> 00:17:44.959 And, wonderful, 00:17:45.279 --> 00:17:46.279 it doesn't just mean 00:17:46.279 --> 00:17:47.459 really nice. 00:17:48.399 --> 00:17:49.119 So, we might say, 00:17:49.179 --> 00:17:50.119 oh, I had a wonderful 00:17:50.119 --> 00:17:51.000 time at lunch. 00:17:51.159 --> 00:17:52.179 Meaning, I had a really 00:17:52.179 --> 00:17:53.179 nice time at lunch. 00:17:53.579 --> 00:17:53.819 No, no. 00:17:53.859 --> 00:17:55.339 It doesn't mean that. 00:17:56.019 --> 00:17:56.500 Wonderful, 00:17:56.679 --> 00:17:57.679 it means what it says. 00:17:58.359 --> 00:18:00.419 It means full of wonders. 00:18:02.240 --> 00:18:03.539 And, who does wonders 00:18:03.539 --> 00:18:04.179 in the Bible? 00:18:04.180 --> 00:18:06.480 Well, God does wonders. 00:18:07.519 --> 00:18:08.480 Think of the Exodus. 00:18:08.640 --> 00:18:09.640 All those plagues 00:18:09.640 --> 00:18:10.380 and miracles 00:18:10.380 --> 00:18:12.460 were God's signs 00:18:12.460 --> 00:18:13.019 and wonders. 00:18:14.860 --> 00:18:16.060 And so, who is Jesus? 00:18:17.420 --> 00:18:19.100 He is the one 00:18:19.100 --> 00:18:21.279 who has the miraculous, 00:18:22.080 --> 00:18:23.740 wondrous wisdom of God. 00:18:25.039 --> 00:18:26.299 He is the one 00:18:26.299 --> 00:18:28.400 full of divine wisdom. 00:18:28.400 --> 00:18:31.180 in that manger 00:18:31.180 --> 00:18:32.480 is the one 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:33.220 who not only 00:18:33.220 --> 00:18:34.160 has the right 00:18:34.160 --> 00:18:35.400 to rule this world, 00:18:35.780 --> 00:18:37.060 but he also 00:18:37.060 --> 00:18:38.800 knows how to do it. 00:18:39.920 --> 00:18:41.160 He has the wisdom, 00:18:41.300 --> 00:18:41.840 the counsel, 00:18:42.240 --> 00:18:43.780 to fix the darkness 00:18:43.780 --> 00:18:44.460 in this world. 00:18:45.540 --> 00:18:46.300 He is the 00:18:46.300 --> 00:18:47.500 wonderful 00:18:47.500 --> 00:18:48.680 counsellor. 00:18:50.280 --> 00:18:51.340 And, look at his other name. 00:18:52.259 --> 00:18:53.140 Mighty God. 00:18:53.140 --> 00:18:55.580 this king 00:18:55.580 --> 00:18:57.259 has the power 00:18:57.259 --> 00:18:58.180 and might 00:18:58.180 --> 00:18:59.160 of God himself. 00:19:00.600 --> 00:19:01.740 That little boy 00:19:01.740 --> 00:19:02.500 can carry 00:19:02.500 --> 00:19:03.100 the government 00:19:03.100 --> 00:19:04.020 on his shoulder 00:19:04.020 --> 00:19:04.940 because 00:19:04.940 --> 00:19:06.680 he was carrying 00:19:06.680 --> 00:19:07.500 the galaxies 00:19:07.500 --> 00:19:08.860 before he was even born. 00:19:10.600 --> 00:19:11.800 And he's called 00:19:11.800 --> 00:19:12.980 Everlasting Father. 00:19:14.480 --> 00:19:14.840 Now, 00:19:15.780 --> 00:19:17.060 this isn't getting 00:19:17.060 --> 00:19:17.940 the persons 00:19:17.940 --> 00:19:18.600 of the Trinity 00:19:18.600 --> 00:19:19.540 confused, okay? 00:19:20.259 --> 00:19:20.899 So you might 00:19:20.899 --> 00:19:21.379 read this 00:19:21.379 --> 00:19:21.700 and wonder, 00:19:21.799 --> 00:19:22.159 hold on, 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:23.440 I thought Jesus 00:19:23.440 --> 00:19:24.799 was the Son of God, 00:19:25.279 --> 00:19:26.139 not the Father. 00:19:27.000 --> 00:19:27.539 Hold on, 00:19:27.579 --> 00:19:28.740 how can he be called this? 00:19:29.839 --> 00:19:30.299 And if you're 00:19:30.299 --> 00:19:31.019 in my Sunday school, 00:19:31.119 --> 00:19:31.920 I hope your Trinity 00:19:31.920 --> 00:19:32.859 senses are tingling 00:19:32.859 --> 00:19:33.399 right now. 00:19:33.740 --> 00:19:34.460 I hope you've been listening. 00:19:35.399 --> 00:19:35.700 Well, 00:19:35.859 --> 00:19:37.079 this isn't calling 00:19:37.079 --> 00:19:37.839 the Son 00:19:37.839 --> 00:19:38.519 the Father. 00:19:39.440 --> 00:19:40.579 This isn't mixing up 00:19:40.579 --> 00:19:41.299 the first and second 00:19:41.299 --> 00:19:42.480 person of the Trinity. 00:19:43.119 --> 00:19:43.440 No. 00:19:44.139 --> 00:19:44.960 He is called 00:19:44.960 --> 00:19:45.599 Father 00:19:45.599 --> 00:19:46.980 because 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:47.599 fathers 00:19:47.599 --> 00:19:48.619 care for 00:19:48.619 --> 00:19:49.159 and love 00:19:49.160 --> 00:19:49.720 their family. 00:19:51.300 --> 00:19:52.180 And as mighty 00:19:52.180 --> 00:19:52.800 God, 00:19:53.740 --> 00:19:54.779 Jesus has been 00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:55.620 caring for 00:19:55.620 --> 00:19:56.279 and loving 00:19:56.279 --> 00:19:56.940 his people, 00:19:57.220 --> 00:19:58.040 his church. 00:19:59.180 --> 00:20:00.380 As a father 00:20:00.380 --> 00:20:01.400 loves his family 00:20:01.400 --> 00:20:03.440 with an 00:20:03.440 --> 00:20:04.120 everlasting 00:20:04.120 --> 00:20:05.340 divine love. 00:20:06.800 --> 00:20:07.519 Everlasting 00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:08.240 Father means 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:09.440 this baby 00:20:09.440 --> 00:20:10.560 is the 00:20:10.560 --> 00:20:11.240 everlasting 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:11.980 God 00:20:11.980 --> 00:20:12.680 who loves 00:20:12.680 --> 00:20:13.180 his people. 00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:15.580 And finally, 00:20:16.060 --> 00:20:16.680 he's the 00:20:16.680 --> 00:20:17.440 Prince of Peace. 00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:19.700 with the 00:20:19.700 --> 00:20:20.240 government on 00:20:20.240 --> 00:20:20.660 his shoulders, 00:20:20.860 --> 00:20:21.340 he's a 00:20:21.340 --> 00:20:21.740 prince. 00:20:22.500 --> 00:20:23.200 And a 00:20:23.200 --> 00:20:23.640 prince who 00:20:23.640 --> 00:20:24.140 brings not 00:20:24.140 --> 00:20:24.580 war, 00:20:25.460 --> 00:20:26.400 not strife, 00:20:26.559 --> 00:20:27.299 not burdens, 00:20:27.900 --> 00:20:29.200 but peace. 00:20:31.460 --> 00:20:32.559 So this child, 00:20:32.660 --> 00:20:33.700 what do these names 00:20:33.700 --> 00:20:34.440 say about him? 00:20:35.500 --> 00:20:36.400 He's a child 00:20:36.400 --> 00:20:37.380 full of divine 00:20:37.380 --> 00:20:37.740 wisdom, 00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:39.880 full of divine 00:20:39.880 --> 00:20:40.259 power, 00:20:40.380 --> 00:20:41.019 full of divine 00:20:41.019 --> 00:20:41.920 love and 00:20:41.920 --> 00:20:42.820 divine peace. 00:20:42.819 --> 00:20:44.460 all this is to 00:20:44.460 --> 00:20:45.539 say that this 00:20:45.539 --> 00:20:46.279 child is, 00:20:46.419 --> 00:20:47.139 without any 00:20:47.139 --> 00:20:47.419 doubt, 00:20:47.599 --> 00:20:48.439 this child 00:20:48.439 --> 00:20:49.720 is God 00:20:49.720 --> 00:20:50.399 himself. 00:20:51.700 --> 00:20:52.839 Not merely a 00:20:52.839 --> 00:20:53.099 prophet, 00:20:53.599 --> 00:20:54.339 not merely 00:20:54.339 --> 00:20:55.119 just a holy 00:20:55.119 --> 00:20:55.720 person, 00:20:56.099 --> 00:20:56.519 but the 00:20:56.519 --> 00:20:57.599 eternal, 00:20:58.059 --> 00:20:58.960 mighty God 00:20:58.960 --> 00:21:00.299 taking on 00:21:00.299 --> 00:21:00.980 a human 00:21:00.980 --> 00:21:01.399 nature. 00:21:02.559 --> 00:21:03.480 And being 00:21:03.480 --> 00:21:04.220 born a 00:21:04.220 --> 00:21:05.200 child held 00:21:05.200 --> 00:21:05.899 in the arms 00:21:05.899 --> 00:21:06.179 of his 00:21:06.179 --> 00:21:06.439 mother. 00:21:06.440 --> 00:21:08.600 so that 00:21:08.600 --> 00:21:08.920 when she 00:21:08.920 --> 00:21:09.500 places him 00:21:09.500 --> 00:21:09.779 in that 00:21:09.779 --> 00:21:10.160 manger, 00:21:11.160 --> 00:21:11.580 that that 00:21:11.580 --> 00:21:12.259 child we 00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:12.700 see in 00:21:12.700 --> 00:21:12.900 that 00:21:12.900 --> 00:21:13.240 manger, 00:21:13.640 --> 00:21:14.259 we must 00:21:14.259 --> 00:21:14.940 bow to 00:21:14.940 --> 00:21:15.360 him as 00:21:15.360 --> 00:21:15.779 king, 00:21:16.380 --> 00:21:17.200 and bow 00:21:17.200 --> 00:21:17.580 to him 00:21:17.580 --> 00:21:18.180 as God. 00:21:19.880 --> 00:21:20.539 There is a 00:21:20.539 --> 00:21:21.920 divine king 00:21:21.920 --> 00:21:22.320 in that 00:21:22.320 --> 00:21:22.620 manger. 00:21:24.500 --> 00:21:25.100 And this, 00:21:25.180 --> 00:21:26.259 this is how 00:21:26.259 --> 00:21:27.539 one child 00:21:27.539 --> 00:21:28.400 can bring so 00:21:28.400 --> 00:21:29.160 much light 00:21:29.160 --> 00:21:30.200 into such 00:21:30.200 --> 00:21:31.059 darkness in 00:21:31.059 --> 00:21:31.539 our lives. 00:21:31.539 --> 00:21:34.440 this darkness 00:21:34.440 --> 00:21:34.879 we're in, 00:21:34.960 --> 00:21:35.779 this is a 00:21:35.779 --> 00:21:36.559 complicated, 00:21:37.180 --> 00:21:37.680 relentless 00:21:37.680 --> 00:21:38.639 enemy around 00:21:38.639 --> 00:21:39.019 us. 00:21:40.460 --> 00:21:41.099 Suffering. 00:21:42.279 --> 00:21:43.379 We try to 00:21:43.379 --> 00:21:43.920 avoid it 00:21:43.920 --> 00:21:44.759 every day, 00:21:46.039 --> 00:21:46.379 but it 00:21:46.379 --> 00:21:47.279 always finds 00:21:47.279 --> 00:21:47.539 us. 00:21:49.240 --> 00:21:50.099 The sadness 00:21:50.099 --> 00:21:50.579 of our 00:21:50.579 --> 00:21:51.139 lives, 00:21:51.740 --> 00:21:52.500 we try to 00:21:52.500 --> 00:21:53.039 drown out 00:21:53.039 --> 00:21:53.500 with any 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:54.180 substance, 00:21:54.500 --> 00:21:54.700 any 00:21:54.700 --> 00:21:55.299 distraction 00:21:55.299 --> 00:21:55.700 we can 00:21:55.700 --> 00:21:56.059 find. 00:21:57.180 --> 00:21:57.839 We keep 00:21:57.839 --> 00:21:58.539 voting in 00:21:58.539 --> 00:21:59.339 new parties, 00:21:59.920 --> 00:22:00.359 write new 00:22:00.359 --> 00:22:00.859 policies, 00:22:00.859 --> 00:22:02.000 thinking that 00:22:02.000 --> 00:22:02.379 this will 00:22:02.379 --> 00:22:03.139 finally deal 00:22:03.139 --> 00:22:03.419 with the 00:22:03.419 --> 00:22:04.299 dark side 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:04.579 of this 00:22:04.579 --> 00:22:04.899 world. 00:22:05.679 --> 00:22:06.159 But it's 00:22:06.159 --> 00:22:06.959 always lurking. 00:22:08.579 --> 00:22:09.019 And we 00:22:09.019 --> 00:22:09.559 go to the 00:22:09.559 --> 00:22:10.119 council of 00:22:10.119 --> 00:22:10.639 doctors, 00:22:11.339 --> 00:22:11.879 and they 00:22:11.879 --> 00:22:12.519 can slow 00:22:12.519 --> 00:22:12.879 death, 00:22:12.979 --> 00:22:13.319 they can 00:22:13.319 --> 00:22:13.939 sometimes 00:22:13.939 --> 00:22:14.679 delay it, 00:22:15.599 --> 00:22:16.240 but eventually 00:22:16.240 --> 00:22:17.500 it always 00:22:17.500 --> 00:22:17.919 knocks on 00:22:17.919 --> 00:22:18.319 our door. 00:22:20.139 --> 00:22:20.659 This 00:22:20.659 --> 00:22:21.539 darkness is 00:22:21.539 --> 00:22:22.259 too big, 00:22:22.379 --> 00:22:23.459 too complicated 00:22:23.459 --> 00:22:24.379 for any 00:22:24.379 --> 00:22:24.839 creature, 00:22:24.979 --> 00:22:25.699 any human 00:22:25.699 --> 00:22:26.359 king to 00:22:26.359 --> 00:22:26.740 solve. 00:22:27.740 --> 00:22:28.419 So what 00:22:28.419 --> 00:22:28.619 do we 00:22:28.619 --> 00:22:28.939 need? 00:22:28.940 --> 00:22:32.279 divine 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:32.720 wisdom 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:33.940 to know 00:22:33.940 --> 00:22:34.759 how to 00:22:34.759 --> 00:22:35.400 bring light 00:22:35.400 --> 00:22:36.420 and get 00:22:36.420 --> 00:22:36.680 rid of 00:22:36.680 --> 00:22:36.840 this 00:22:36.840 --> 00:22:37.140 darkness. 00:22:38.140 --> 00:22:39.400 We need 00:22:39.400 --> 00:22:40.500 a wonderful 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:41.360 counsellor. 00:22:42.440 --> 00:22:43.940 We need 00:22:43.940 --> 00:22:45.259 a mighty 00:22:45.259 --> 00:22:45.759 God 00:22:45.759 --> 00:22:46.940 strong enough 00:22:46.940 --> 00:22:47.880 to end 00:22:47.880 --> 00:22:48.600 death itself. 00:22:49.640 --> 00:22:50.539 We need 00:22:50.539 --> 00:22:51.259 an everlasting 00:22:51.259 --> 00:22:51.759 father, 00:22:51.880 --> 00:22:52.340 a God who 00:22:52.340 --> 00:22:53.019 loves his 00:22:53.019 --> 00:22:53.840 people enough 00:22:53.840 --> 00:22:54.820 to do 00:22:54.820 --> 00:22:55.680 something about 00:22:55.680 --> 00:22:56.100 this. 00:22:56.099 --> 00:22:57.959 we need 00:22:57.959 --> 00:22:58.659 a prince 00:22:58.659 --> 00:23:00.199 to rule 00:23:00.199 --> 00:23:01.199 this chaos 00:23:01.199 --> 00:23:02.000 of darkness 00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:02.879 and bring 00:23:02.879 --> 00:23:03.379 peace, 00:23:03.779 --> 00:23:04.299 peace to 00:23:04.299 --> 00:23:04.819 the anguish 00:23:04.819 --> 00:23:05.139 of our 00:23:05.139 --> 00:23:05.480 lives, 00:23:05.859 --> 00:23:06.539 peace between 00:23:06.539 --> 00:23:07.399 sinners and 00:23:07.399 --> 00:23:07.759 God. 00:23:08.699 --> 00:23:09.500 And that, 00:23:09.599 --> 00:23:10.079 that is 00:23:10.079 --> 00:23:11.139 exactly who 00:23:11.139 --> 00:23:11.659 this child 00:23:11.659 --> 00:23:11.980 is. 00:23:13.879 --> 00:23:14.759 Because this 00:23:14.759 --> 00:23:15.219 child, 00:23:15.779 --> 00:23:16.579 when he was 00:23:16.579 --> 00:23:16.919 older, 00:23:18.039 --> 00:23:18.639 he hung 00:23:18.639 --> 00:23:19.259 on a cross 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:20.579 and he 00:23:20.579 --> 00:23:21.980 offered his 00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:22.980 frail and 00:23:22.980 --> 00:23:23.519 vulnerable 00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:24.180 flesh, 00:23:24.980 --> 00:23:25.759 shed his 00:23:25.759 --> 00:23:26.660 royal blood, 00:23:27.539 --> 00:23:28.420 all to 00:23:28.420 --> 00:23:29.079 bring peace 00:23:29.079 --> 00:23:29.379 to his 00:23:29.379 --> 00:23:29.700 people. 00:23:31.259 --> 00:23:32.000 And when 00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:32.400 he was on 00:23:32.400 --> 00:23:32.879 that cross, 00:23:33.099 --> 00:23:34.019 darkness hung 00:23:34.019 --> 00:23:34.579 over the 00:23:34.579 --> 00:23:36.160 land because 00:23:36.160 --> 00:23:36.819 the darkness 00:23:36.819 --> 00:23:37.539 of the world 00:23:37.539 --> 00:23:38.299 was falling 00:23:38.299 --> 00:23:38.920 on him, 00:23:39.160 --> 00:23:39.859 bearing the 00:23:39.859 --> 00:23:40.319 sins of 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:40.799 his people. 00:23:40.799 --> 00:23:42.799 and it 00:23:42.799 --> 00:23:43.539 fell on him 00:23:43.539 --> 00:23:44.099 so that he 00:23:44.099 --> 00:23:44.519 could bring 00:23:44.519 --> 00:23:45.700 light to 00:23:45.700 --> 00:23:46.180 everywhere 00:23:46.180 --> 00:23:46.639 else. 00:23:49.039 --> 00:23:49.859 And because 00:23:49.859 --> 00:23:50.399 he is 00:23:50.399 --> 00:23:51.059 mighty God, 00:23:52.079 --> 00:23:52.720 death and 00:23:52.720 --> 00:23:53.379 darkness could 00:23:53.379 --> 00:23:53.700 not win. 00:23:55.059 --> 00:23:56.159 The divine 00:23:56.159 --> 00:23:56.879 king was 00:23:56.879 --> 00:23:57.700 raised to 00:23:57.700 --> 00:23:58.220 new life. 00:23:59.799 --> 00:24:00.519 And it's 00:24:00.519 --> 00:24:01.099 through this 00:24:01.099 --> 00:24:01.639 sacrifice, 00:24:01.839 --> 00:24:02.579 this is how 00:24:02.579 --> 00:24:03.119 the divine 00:24:03.119 --> 00:24:04.039 king is 00:24:04.039 --> 00:24:04.579 bringing in 00:24:04.579 --> 00:24:05.099 his kingdom. 00:24:05.960 --> 00:24:06.680 As you 00:24:06.680 --> 00:24:07.419 trust this 00:24:07.419 --> 00:24:07.680 son, 00:24:07.839 --> 00:24:08.559 trust in his 00:24:08.559 --> 00:24:08.859 death, 00:24:09.139 --> 00:24:10.039 this is how 00:24:10.039 --> 00:24:10.720 the darkness 00:24:10.720 --> 00:24:11.539 is destroyed. 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:13.000 That is how 00:24:13.000 --> 00:24:13.599 the light 00:24:13.599 --> 00:24:14.399 comes into 00:24:14.399 --> 00:24:15.019 your life. 00:24:16.299 --> 00:24:16.859 With the 00:24:16.859 --> 00:24:17.399 government on 00:24:17.399 --> 00:24:17.879 his shoulder, 00:24:18.200 --> 00:24:18.740 he can 00:24:18.740 --> 00:24:19.700 command your 00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:20.460 darkness to 00:24:20.460 --> 00:24:20.980 disappear. 00:24:23.440 --> 00:24:23.960 So let me 00:24:23.960 --> 00:24:24.579 ask you today, 00:24:24.740 --> 00:24:25.619 are you 00:24:25.619 --> 00:24:26.420 trusting in 00:24:26.420 --> 00:24:26.819 this king? 00:24:28.299 --> 00:24:29.059 Do you 00:24:29.059 --> 00:24:29.700 realise he 00:24:29.700 --> 00:24:30.240 is a king 00:24:30.240 --> 00:24:30.799 to bow to? 00:24:30.920 --> 00:24:31.259 Do you 00:24:31.259 --> 00:24:31.759 realise he 00:24:31.759 --> 00:24:32.079 is your 00:24:32.079 --> 00:24:32.759 God to 00:24:32.759 --> 00:24:33.159 bow to? 00:24:34.839 --> 00:24:35.440 Well he 00:24:35.440 --> 00:24:35.980 invites you 00:24:35.980 --> 00:24:36.339 today, 00:24:37.659 --> 00:24:38.319 come to 00:24:38.319 --> 00:24:38.859 this son, 00:24:39.659 --> 00:24:40.000 trust 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:40.500 in him 00:24:40.500 --> 00:24:41.779 and he 00:24:41.779 --> 00:24:42.299 is able 00:24:42.299 --> 00:24:42.680 to bring 00:24:42.680 --> 00:24:43.279 light into 00:24:43.279 --> 00:24:43.480 your 00:24:43.480 --> 00:24:43.839 darkness. 00:24:45.420 --> 00:24:46.140 The guilt 00:24:46.140 --> 00:24:46.539 of your 00:24:46.539 --> 00:24:46.920 sin will 00:24:46.920 --> 00:24:47.299 be no 00:24:47.299 --> 00:24:47.660 more 00:24:47.660 --> 00:24:48.900 dispelled. 00:24:50.380 --> 00:24:50.900 The 00:24:50.900 --> 00:24:51.779 hopelessness 00:24:51.779 --> 00:24:52.200 that we 00:24:52.200 --> 00:24:52.720 have in 00:24:52.720 --> 00:24:53.220 this world, 00:24:53.299 --> 00:24:53.859 it gets 00:24:53.859 --> 00:24:54.480 transformed 00:24:54.480 --> 00:24:55.079 because you 00:24:55.079 --> 00:24:55.779 will belong 00:24:55.779 --> 00:24:56.519 to a 00:24:56.519 --> 00:24:56.819 kingdom 00:24:56.819 --> 00:24:57.380 without 00:24:57.380 --> 00:24:57.880 end. 00:24:59.460 --> 00:25:00.099 And you 00:25:00.099 --> 00:25:00.359 will have 00:25:00.359 --> 00:25:00.980 a certainty 00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:02.980 that after 00:25:02.980 --> 00:25:03.579 death you 00:25:03.579 --> 00:25:04.140 will never 00:25:04.140 --> 00:25:05.039 be cast 00:25:05.039 --> 00:25:05.240 into 00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:05.619 darkness. 00:25:06.880 --> 00:25:07.519 You will 00:25:07.519 --> 00:25:08.240 only enter 00:25:08.240 --> 00:25:08.640 into the 00:25:08.640 --> 00:25:09.000 light of 00:25:09.000 --> 00:25:09.539 everlasting 00:25:09.539 --> 00:25:10.000 life. 00:25:11.579 --> 00:25:12.559 So please 00:25:12.559 --> 00:25:13.259 do not 00:25:13.259 --> 00:25:14.599 miss who 00:25:14.599 --> 00:25:15.160 the child 00:25:15.160 --> 00:25:15.579 is in 00:25:15.579 --> 00:25:15.740 that 00:25:15.740 --> 00:25:16.019 manger. 00:25:17.319 --> 00:25:17.819 Don't 00:25:17.819 --> 00:25:18.519 miss this 00:25:18.519 --> 00:25:18.920 divine 00:25:18.920 --> 00:25:19.259 king. 00:25:21.940 --> 00:25:24.079 But we 00:25:24.079 --> 00:25:24.440 can't 00:25:24.440 --> 00:25:24.920 ignore the 00:25:24.920 --> 00:25:26.620 fact that 00:25:26.620 --> 00:25:27.039 there is 00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:27.960 still so 00:25:27.960 --> 00:25:28.700 much darkness 00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:29.079 in our 00:25:29.079 --> 00:25:29.400 lives. 00:25:29.400 --> 00:25:31.380 even for 00:25:31.380 --> 00:25:32.620 those of 00:25:32.620 --> 00:25:33.040 us who 00:25:33.040 --> 00:25:33.660 are trusting 00:25:33.660 --> 00:25:34.080 in this 00:25:34.080 --> 00:25:34.360 divine 00:25:34.360 --> 00:25:34.640 king, 00:25:35.040 --> 00:25:35.440 we can 00:25:35.440 --> 00:25:36.240 so easily 00:25:36.240 --> 00:25:37.280 wonder if 00:25:37.280 --> 00:25:37.920 he is so 00:25:37.920 --> 00:25:38.500 wonderful, 00:25:38.700 --> 00:25:39.259 so mighty, 00:25:39.420 --> 00:25:39.900 so loving, 00:25:40.200 --> 00:25:40.660 if there's 00:25:40.660 --> 00:25:41.120 meant to 00:25:41.120 --> 00:25:41.580 be peace 00:25:41.580 --> 00:25:41.880 in my 00:25:41.880 --> 00:25:42.180 life, 00:25:42.400 --> 00:25:43.000 why do 00:25:43.000 --> 00:25:43.600 I still 00:25:43.600 --> 00:25:44.320 feel the 00:25:44.320 --> 00:25:44.680 depth of 00:25:44.680 --> 00:25:44.860 this 00:25:44.860 --> 00:25:45.220 darkness? 00:25:47.040 --> 00:25:47.660 Well, the 00:25:47.660 --> 00:25:48.180 first thing 00:25:48.180 --> 00:25:49.400 we can't 00:25:49.400 --> 00:25:50.019 forget is 00:25:50.019 --> 00:25:51.900 just because 00:25:51.900 --> 00:25:52.380 we still 00:25:52.380 --> 00:25:53.019 feel the 00:25:53.019 --> 00:25:53.460 darkness, 00:25:54.460 --> 00:25:55.420 that doesn't 00:25:55.420 --> 00:25:55.980 mean there 00:25:55.980 --> 00:25:56.320 is no 00:25:56.320 --> 00:25:56.759 light at 00:25:56.759 --> 00:25:56.980 all. 00:25:56.980 --> 00:25:59.500 Christ has 00:25:59.500 --> 00:26:00.220 shone into 00:26:00.220 --> 00:26:00.740 the darkness 00:26:00.740 --> 00:26:01.160 of your 00:26:01.160 --> 00:26:01.400 sin, 00:26:01.460 --> 00:26:02.059 you do 00:26:02.059 --> 00:26:02.519 belong to 00:26:02.519 --> 00:26:02.980 this kingdom, 00:26:03.480 --> 00:26:03.920 you are 00:26:03.920 --> 00:26:04.599 under his 00:26:04.599 --> 00:26:05.240 everlasting 00:26:05.240 --> 00:26:06.079 love and 00:26:06.079 --> 00:26:06.799 care right 00:26:06.799 --> 00:26:07.120 now. 00:26:08.960 --> 00:26:09.279 And so 00:26:09.279 --> 00:26:09.819 you can 00:26:09.819 --> 00:26:10.059 know that 00:26:10.059 --> 00:26:10.519 there is a 00:26:10.519 --> 00:26:11.319 sure end 00:26:11.319 --> 00:26:11.779 to your 00:26:11.779 --> 00:26:12.120 darkness. 00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:14.220 When Christ 00:26:14.220 --> 00:26:14.799 returns, 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:15.660 the light 00:26:15.660 --> 00:26:16.200 will come 00:26:16.200 --> 00:26:16.740 back to 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:17.880 earth and 00:26:17.880 --> 00:26:18.620 get rid of 00:26:18.620 --> 00:26:19.220 this darkness 00:26:19.220 --> 00:26:19.759 entirely. 00:26:21.420 --> 00:26:22.339 And if we 00:26:22.339 --> 00:26:23.019 still feel 00:26:23.019 --> 00:26:23.660 this darkness, 00:26:23.860 --> 00:26:24.539 and we all 00:26:24.539 --> 00:26:24.799 do, 00:26:25.920 --> 00:26:26.539 this is what 00:26:26.539 --> 00:26:26.940 we need to 00:26:26.940 --> 00:26:27.399 do now, 00:26:28.200 --> 00:26:29.139 we need 00:26:29.139 --> 00:26:29.759 to wait, 00:26:31.139 --> 00:26:32.180 patiently 00:26:32.180 --> 00:26:33.420 wait. 00:26:35.659 --> 00:26:36.259 This 00:26:36.259 --> 00:26:36.659 Advent, 00:26:37.079 --> 00:26:37.500 as we 00:26:37.500 --> 00:26:38.839 remember the 00:26:38.839 --> 00:26:39.559 wait for 00:26:39.559 --> 00:26:40.000 Christ's 00:26:40.000 --> 00:26:40.680 first coming, 00:26:41.559 --> 00:26:42.399 we must 00:26:42.399 --> 00:26:42.899 use this 00:26:42.899 --> 00:26:43.299 time to 00:26:43.299 --> 00:26:44.200 remember to 00:26:44.200 --> 00:26:45.220 wait for 00:26:45.220 --> 00:26:45.759 his second 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:46.079 coming. 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:48.420 This isn't 00:26:48.420 --> 00:26:49.119 the end 00:26:49.119 --> 00:26:49.500 that we're 00:26:49.500 --> 00:26:49.779 at. 00:26:50.759 --> 00:26:51.659 The darkness 00:26:51.659 --> 00:26:52.899 is going to 00:26:52.899 --> 00:26:53.279 disappear, 00:26:54.559 --> 00:26:55.319 and Jesus 00:26:55.319 --> 00:26:55.960 hasn't 00:26:55.960 --> 00:26:56.399 forgotten 00:26:56.399 --> 00:26:56.700 you. 00:26:57.619 --> 00:26:58.439 The divine 00:26:58.439 --> 00:26:59.159 king will 00:26:59.159 --> 00:26:59.899 come back 00:26:59.899 --> 00:27:00.200 for you, 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:00.659 the light 00:27:00.659 --> 00:27:01.579 will return 00:27:01.579 --> 00:27:02.339 and end 00:27:02.339 --> 00:27:02.939 this darkness, 00:27:03.179 --> 00:27:03.619 and so for 00:27:03.619 --> 00:27:04.059 now, 00:27:04.599 --> 00:27:05.679 we need 00:27:05.679 --> 00:27:06.399 to wait. 00:27:08.539 --> 00:27:09.299 But we 00:27:09.299 --> 00:27:09.899 can wait 00:27:09.899 --> 00:27:10.679 with certain 00:27:10.679 --> 00:27:11.039 hope, 00:27:11.559 --> 00:27:13.159 because we 00:27:13.159 --> 00:27:13.779 know that 00:27:13.779 --> 00:27:14.639 day is 00:27:14.639 --> 00:27:14.980 coming. 00:27:16.339 --> 00:27:17.379 We know 00:27:17.379 --> 00:27:18.099 it will 00:27:18.099 --> 00:27:18.859 be a day 00:27:18.859 --> 00:27:19.439 of joy, 00:27:19.440 --> 00:27:23.000 because the 00:27:23.000 --> 00:27:23.559 light has 00:27:23.559 --> 00:27:24.460 already come. 00:27:25.820 --> 00:27:26.720 The divine 00:27:26.720 --> 00:27:27.299 king has 00:27:27.299 --> 00:27:28.100 already been 00:27:28.100 --> 00:27:28.420 in that 00:27:28.420 --> 00:27:28.700 manger, 00:27:28.820 --> 00:27:29.039 he's 00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:29.820 already hung 00:27:29.820 --> 00:27:30.140 on that 00:27:30.140 --> 00:27:30.519 cross, 00:27:30.820 --> 00:27:31.580 that light 00:27:31.580 --> 00:27:32.779 has already 00:27:32.779 --> 00:27:33.259 shone in 00:27:33.259 --> 00:27:33.700 the darkness. 00:27:35.059 --> 00:27:35.960 So let's 00:27:35.960 --> 00:27:37.019 keep waiting. 00:27:38.580 --> 00:27:39.320 Wait for 00:27:39.320 --> 00:27:39.820 your wonderful 00:27:39.820 --> 00:27:40.420 counsellor, 00:27:41.460 --> 00:27:41.980 your mighty 00:27:41.980 --> 00:27:42.340 God, 00:27:43.500 --> 00:27:44.240 your everlasting 00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:44.700 father, 00:27:44.799 --> 00:27:45.360 your prince of 00:27:45.360 --> 00:27:45.680 peace. 00:27:47.140 --> 00:27:48.140 The darkness 00:27:48.140 --> 00:27:48.880 is almost 00:27:48.880 --> 00:27:49.240 over. 00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:50.700 The light 00:27:50.700 --> 00:27:51.340 will return. 00:27:52.780 --> 00:27:53.440 Let's pray.