WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.600 We're going to begin our worship tonight singing to God's praise in Psalm 47. 00:00:03.600 --> 00:00:08.080 ! This is in Sing Psalms, page 62 of the Blue Book. 00:00:09.919 --> 00:00:11.599 ! We're singing to the tune Warrington. 00:00:19.519 --> 00:00:19.519 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.359 We'll stand and sing the whole of the psalm to God's praise. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:29.980 We'll sing the song. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:59.980 We'll sing the song. 00:02:00.000 --> 00:02:29.979 We'll sing the song. 00:02:30.000 --> 00:02:32.000 We'll sing the song. 00:02:32.000 --> 00:02:34.000 We'll sing the song. 00:02:34.000 --> 00:02:36.000 We'll sing the song. 00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:38.000 We'll sing the song. 00:02:38.000 --> 00:02:40.000 We'll sing the song. 00:02:40.000 --> 00:02:42.000 We'll sing the song. 00:02:42.000 --> 00:02:44.000 We'll sing the song. 00:02:44.000 --> 00:02:46.000 We'll sing the song. 00:02:46.000 --> 00:02:48.000 We'll sing the song. 00:02:48.000 --> 00:02:50.000 We'll sing the song. 00:02:50.000 --> 00:02:52.000 We'll sing the song. 00:02:52.000 --> 00:02:54.000 We'll sing the song. 00:02:54.000 --> 00:02:56.000 We'll sing the song. 00:02:56.000 --> 00:02:58.000 We'll sing the song. 00:02:58.000 --> 00:03:00.000 We'll sing the song. 00:03:00.000 --> 00:03:02.000 We'll sing the song. 00:03:02.000 --> 00:03:03.000 We'll sing the song. 00:03:03.000 --> 00:03:04.000 We'll sing the song. 00:03:04.000 --> 00:03:06.000 We'll sing the song. 00:03:06.000 --> 00:03:23.039 We'll sing the song. 00:03:23.039 --> 00:03:23.039 00:03:23.039 --> 00:03:37.239 our heads in prayer to God. Heavenly Father, we seek this evening to come into your presence with 00:03:37.239 --> 00:03:46.379 the words of this psalm guiding our hearts. May all the nations, we pray, clap their hands and 00:03:46.379 --> 00:03:56.740 shout and let joyful cries to God ring out. How awesome is the Lord Most High, great King who rules the earth throughout. 00:03:58.139 --> 00:04:06.699 And we pray, Father, that tonight you would fill us with a sense of wonder and awe at how great 00:04:06.699 --> 00:04:16.259 and majestic and awesome a God you are. Help us to see you in your vast splendor. Help us to see 00:04:16.259 --> 00:04:25.459 the magnificence of your glory, to see the wonder of the incarnation, the coming of the Messiah 00:04:25.459 --> 00:04:36.339 that first time. Help us to marvel and wonder at the amazement of it all, that the one who created 00:04:36.339 --> 00:04:45.019 the heavens and the earth was placed in the womb of the Virgin and was born in such a humbly state. 00:04:46.259 --> 00:04:56.259 And who came ultimately to endure even greater humiliation than that. Who was subjected 00:04:56.259 --> 00:05:06.399 ultimately to the cross. And who took the place of us in our sin and in our guilt before you. And has borne 00:05:06.399 --> 00:05:12.000 our guilt and our transgressions. And has made peace with almighty God. 00:05:14.000 --> 00:05:18.239 May we tonight, therefore, be filled with awe and wonder. 00:05:18.240 --> 00:05:27.439 May we pray, Father, that you have gathered us this evening to hear the good news of the gospel of Jesus. 00:05:28.639 --> 00:05:31.699 That you have gathered us to lift up your holy name. 00:05:33.300 --> 00:05:38.660 And may we exalt you and bless you as we look to his second coming. 00:05:38.660 --> 00:05:43.460 Father, help us, Lord, always to remember that the Lord's day, 00:05:43.960 --> 00:05:47.500 it is a day when we remember the finished work of the cross. 00:05:48.820 --> 00:05:52.880 But we look forward to the fullness of the resurrection as well. 00:05:54.480 --> 00:05:59.420 And so, Father, may our experience this evening be one that has that forward-looking faith 00:05:59.420 --> 00:06:02.160 to the day of Christ's return. 00:06:03.660 --> 00:06:06.980 Fill us, therefore, with a sense of your great power. 00:06:08.199 --> 00:06:10.439 That sense of your wonder and awe. 00:06:11.860 --> 00:06:15.040 That such great things lie in store for your people. 00:06:15.040 --> 00:06:18.120 The dead being raised. 00:06:19.040 --> 00:06:20.540 The new heavens and the new earth. 00:06:21.379 --> 00:06:22.780 And the dwelling of God. 00:06:23.500 --> 00:06:24.920 The eternal Emmanuel. 00:06:25.840 --> 00:06:27.780 God dwelling among his people. 00:06:28.439 --> 00:06:29.420 In a renewed world. 00:06:31.040 --> 00:06:33.780 Hear us, then, as we sing your praises. 00:06:34.300 --> 00:06:35.580 May we glorify your name. 00:06:36.780 --> 00:06:38.320 Hear us as we confess our sins. 00:06:39.300 --> 00:06:40.840 We acknowledge, Lord, before you. 00:06:41.480 --> 00:06:42.860 Our indebtedness. 00:06:45.040 --> 00:06:46.460 And so, hear our thanks. 00:06:48.520 --> 00:06:49.580 And help us. 00:06:50.520 --> 00:06:52.819 Tonight, as we seek to proclaim the good news. 00:06:53.980 --> 00:06:55.620 May you open hearts in this place. 00:06:56.319 --> 00:06:57.939 And lead us to yourself. 00:06:59.020 --> 00:07:00.980 We pray these things in Jesus' name. 00:07:01.879 --> 00:07:02.120 Amen. 00:07:04.540 --> 00:07:08.379 We're going to continue singing to God's praise in Psalm 103. 00:07:11.879 --> 00:07:14.680 Page 135 in the Blue Book. 00:07:16.040 --> 00:07:18.379 And we're going to sing to the tune Before the Throne. 00:07:20.540 --> 00:07:22.920 And we'll sing verses 1 to 11. 00:07:23.020 --> 00:07:24.439 The first three stanzas in this psalm. 00:07:25.620 --> 00:07:26.700 Praise God, my soul. 00:07:27.100 --> 00:07:29.660 With all my heart, let me exalt his holy name. 00:07:30.400 --> 00:07:31.980 Forget not all his benefits. 00:07:32.280 --> 00:07:35.460 His praise, my soul, in song proclaim. 00:07:35.459 --> 00:07:43.439 The passage of scripture we're going to be looking at tonight is Mary's psalm of praise recorded for us in Luke's gospel, the Magnificat. 00:07:44.079 --> 00:07:50.740 And there's a fair case to be made, really, that the emphasis of Mary's prayer are really drawn from Psalm 103. 00:07:51.180 --> 00:07:58.879 And the same expressions of praise are echoed through what Mary sings and what's recorded for us in Psalm 103 as well. 00:07:58.879 --> 00:08:04.939 So it's good for us to come tonight magnifying the Lord, exalting his name in these words. 00:08:05.120 --> 00:08:07.040 So let's again stand and sing to God's praise. 00:08:07.139 --> 00:08:08.040 Praise God, my soul. 00:08:08.540 --> 00:08:11.019 With all my heart, let me exalt his holy name. 00:08:11.019 --> 00:08:29.939 For it must all his benefits. 00:08:30.319 --> 00:08:34.620 His praise, my soul, in song proclaim. 00:08:34.620 --> 00:09:04.600 His praise, my soul, in song proclaim. 00:09:04.620 --> 00:09:34.600 His praise, my soul, in song proclaim. 00:09:34.620 --> 00:10:04.600 His praise, my soul, in song proclaim. 00:10:04.600 --> 00:10:04.639 His praise, my soul, in song voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy 00:10:34.600 --> 00:10:38.180 To march all those who fear the Lord. 00:10:38.620 --> 00:10:44.100 To march all those who fear the Lord. 00:10:49.139 --> 00:10:54.139 Well, please turn with me in your Bibles this evening to Luke's Gospel, to chapter 1. 00:10:54.139 --> 00:11:05.919 If you're reading in the Church Bibles, it'll be around about page 1030, 1031. 00:11:18.460 --> 00:11:20.679 We're going to read from verse 26. 00:11:24.139 --> 00:11:35.480 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth 00:11:35.480 --> 00:11:41.819 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph of the house of David. 00:11:42.539 --> 00:11:44.059 The virgin's name was Mary. 00:11:45.480 --> 00:11:47.819 And he came to her and said, Greetings, O favoured one. 00:11:48.240 --> 00:11:49.360 The Lord is with you. 00:11:49.360 --> 00:11:56.620 But she was greatly troubled at the saying and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 00:11:57.759 --> 00:12:04.200 The angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. 00:12:05.100 --> 00:12:11.480 Behold, you will conceive and in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 00:12:11.480 --> 00:12:16.460 And he will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. 00:12:17.580 --> 00:12:20.740 And the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 00:12:21.659 --> 00:12:28.659 And he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom, and of sorry, his kingdom, there will be no end. 00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:34.180 Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I am a virgin? 00:12:34.179 --> 00:12:41.799 The angel answered her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. 00:12:42.539 --> 00:12:46.739 Therefore the child to be born will be called Holy, the Son of God. 00:12:47.739 --> 00:12:51.939 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son. 00:12:52.879 --> 00:12:55.859 This is the sixth month with her, who is called barren. 00:12:56.659 --> 00:12:58.899 For nothing will be impossible with God. 00:12:58.899 --> 00:13:03.379 And Mary said, Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. 00:13:03.939 --> 00:13:05.819 Let it be to me according to your word. 00:13:06.439 --> 00:13:08.079 And the angel departed from her. 00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:13.799 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country of the town of Judah. 00:13:14.959 --> 00:13:18.000 And she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 00:13:18.899 --> 00:13:23.340 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leapt in her womb. 00:13:24.419 --> 00:13:26.059 And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 00:13:26.059 --> 00:13:31.399 And she exclaimed with a loud voice, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 00:13:32.679 --> 00:13:36.799 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 00:13:37.939 --> 00:13:44.500 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leapt for joy. 00:13:46.000 --> 00:13:52.619 Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord. 00:13:52.620 --> 00:13:55.299 Mary said, 00:13:55.299 --> 00:14:00.940 My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. 00:14:01.919 --> 00:14:04.360 For he has looked on the humbly state of his servant. 00:14:05.279 --> 00:14:08.919 For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed. 00:14:09.659 --> 00:14:15.340 For he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 00:14:16.139 --> 00:14:20.220 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 00:14:20.220 --> 00:14:23.259 For he has shown strength with his arm. 00:14:23.860 --> 00:14:26.399 He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 00:14:26.940 --> 00:14:33.080 He has brought down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of humble estate. 00:14:33.840 --> 00:14:38.960 He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 00:14:38.960 --> 00:14:48.980 He has helped his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his offspring forever. 00:14:49.940 --> 00:14:56.160 Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her own home. 00:14:57.180 --> 00:14:57.700 Amen. 00:14:57.820 --> 00:15:00.720 This is God's word to us. 00:15:01.740 --> 00:15:04.280 Now let's again bow our heads in prayer to God. 00:15:04.279 --> 00:15:18.360 Heavenly Father, as we bow before you in prayer this night, we long, O Lord, to be so confident in prayer that we would not come to you with small or a narrow vision of your ability and your power. 00:15:18.799 --> 00:15:23.899 That we would not come to you with a tiny vision of what it is that we might ask for. 00:15:24.399 --> 00:15:26.199 But that we would be bold in our prayers. 00:15:26.199 --> 00:15:33.259 That we would be confident in bringing the great things of our lives into the presence of the King. 00:15:33.259 --> 00:15:36.919 We know we have that confidence because the King is our Father. 00:15:37.600 --> 00:15:41.659 And we're called upon in Scripture that Jesus taught us to pray this way to our Father in Heaven. 00:15:42.399 --> 00:15:45.419 And so we thank you that tonight that is the privilege that we enjoy. 00:15:46.059 --> 00:15:51.919 And so therefore give us, Father, that great boldness of children coming to one who is all-powerful. 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:57.399 And with the most outrageous, ridiculous even expectations of what can be done. 00:15:57.939 --> 00:16:02.059 Because you are a God who is mighty in every respect. 00:16:02.379 --> 00:16:06.179 And who knows no bounds on what he can do for his children. 00:16:06.899 --> 00:16:11.860 We thank you tonight for the promise of the faithfulness of Jesus. 00:16:12.759 --> 00:16:14.779 The faithfulness of his coming. 00:16:15.259 --> 00:16:18.019 An answer to the promises given beforehand. 00:16:18.019 --> 00:16:21.799 And for the faithfulness of Jesus in promising to return. 00:16:22.620 --> 00:16:27.259 Because we know that that experience of the first coming, of the incarnation, 00:16:28.079 --> 00:16:31.659 brings us to that confidence in his second coming as well. 00:16:32.460 --> 00:16:36.439 We thank you for the miracles that bookend the life of Jesus. 00:16:37.220 --> 00:16:41.299 And we ask and pray, Father, that tonight we would therefore be full of confidence 00:16:41.299 --> 00:16:43.439 in the faith that we are called to. 00:16:43.440 --> 00:16:46.800 I pray, therefore, tonight for those who are struggling with doubt. 00:16:47.220 --> 00:16:49.380 Who are desperate for assurance. 00:16:50.160 --> 00:16:54.140 Who are longing to see something that will satisfy them. 00:16:54.600 --> 00:16:59.600 And satisfy the doubts that have been perhaps sown in their hearts over many, many years. 00:17:00.460 --> 00:17:03.480 I pray, Father, that as we consider the wonder of the virgin birth. 00:17:03.580 --> 00:17:05.640 As we consider the miracle of the resurrection. 00:17:06.440 --> 00:17:09.120 That we would remember there is no one quite like Jesus. 00:17:09.119 --> 00:17:12.719 There is no one who came in the same way. 00:17:13.359 --> 00:17:15.919 There is no one who has departed in the same way. 00:17:16.719 --> 00:17:19.399 And therefore, we can have that full expectation of his return. 00:17:20.359 --> 00:17:24.339 We pray tonight, Father, for those who are going through times of sorrow and grief. 00:17:24.639 --> 00:17:29.139 Those who are struggling through bitter experiences in God's providence just now. 00:17:30.119 --> 00:17:33.619 Help us to remember, Lord, that you're a loving God. 00:17:33.619 --> 00:17:36.479 Help us to remember that you are an awesome God. 00:17:36.579 --> 00:17:38.819 And that your ways are not our ways. 00:17:39.619 --> 00:17:44.939 And although there are times that come into our experience that stagger and perplex us. 00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:49.219 We remember, Lord, that your purposes are eternal. 00:17:50.079 --> 00:17:52.019 That you have seen the end from the beginning. 00:17:52.019 --> 00:17:53.819 Because you are the author of all things. 00:17:54.659 --> 00:17:56.539 And that we, the creatures of your hand. 00:17:56.599 --> 00:17:59.000 The ones who depend on you for life itself. 00:17:59.119 --> 00:18:01.519 And for every blessing along the way. 00:18:01.519 --> 00:18:05.400 Help us to remember that your purposes are for our good. 00:18:06.599 --> 00:18:11.759 That the promises of God and the purposes of God are for the blessing of his people. 00:18:12.400 --> 00:18:15.619 And that they are found secure in Christ Jesus. 00:18:16.839 --> 00:18:20.220 And so, Father, even when it is times of great sorrow that have afflicted us. 00:18:20.859 --> 00:18:24.200 Even when it is times of great uncertainty that lie before us. 00:18:24.879 --> 00:18:27.879 Help us to see Jesus in the midst of these trials. 00:18:28.519 --> 00:18:30.559 To remember that he is with us. 00:18:30.559 --> 00:18:34.539 A great high priest who has been tempted in all points as we are. 00:18:34.659 --> 00:18:38.500 Who has experienced the testing of the evil one coming to him. 00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:39.440 And plaguing him. 00:18:39.659 --> 00:18:41.500 With sowing him, Lord. 00:18:41.539 --> 00:18:45.559 With these same doubts and uncertainties and fears that we might have. 00:18:46.440 --> 00:18:48.460 And yet he responded to all of this. 00:18:49.220 --> 00:18:50.679 With humility and grace. 00:18:51.639 --> 00:18:53.019 Reliant on the word of God. 00:18:53.659 --> 00:18:55.759 And the promises that he held on to. 00:18:55.759 --> 00:18:58.779 Help us to come to him. 00:18:59.779 --> 00:19:01.759 In the midst of all of our sorrows and griefs. 00:19:02.740 --> 00:19:04.599 And to remember that he is sufficient. 00:19:05.259 --> 00:19:06.839 To help us in these days. 00:19:07.940 --> 00:19:09.119 We pray for this church. 00:19:10.019 --> 00:19:11.500 And we pray for our congregation tonight. 00:19:11.640 --> 00:19:13.680 We ask that you would bless us and help us. 00:19:14.379 --> 00:19:15.339 In these days. 00:19:16.019 --> 00:19:17.440 We see, Lord, around us. 00:19:17.579 --> 00:19:18.339 A community. 00:19:19.019 --> 00:19:20.720 In desperate need of the gospel. 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:23.620 We see that echoed so often, Lord, in our own families. 00:19:24.680 --> 00:19:29.360 We see, Lord, in the need for the good news and the hope of Jesus to come into people's lives. 00:19:29.359 --> 00:19:32.879 We see so many lost in their sin. 00:19:33.639 --> 00:19:38.240 Filled with carelessness around their eternal destiny. 00:19:39.839 --> 00:19:43.339 And we long, Lord, that you would remember us in these days. 00:19:44.259 --> 00:19:46.759 That you would be gracious in reviving your church. 00:19:47.619 --> 00:19:49.879 Filling us with confidence of the gospel itself. 00:19:50.459 --> 00:19:53.959 And boldness of how we can share that good news in and through our lives. 00:19:55.419 --> 00:19:58.059 We pray for the witness, therefore, of our church. 00:19:58.059 --> 00:20:00.779 We pray that you would help us and strengthen us. 00:20:01.079 --> 00:20:03.700 To be courageous in making Jesus known. 00:20:04.500 --> 00:20:06.879 We want to pray for the ministry of this congregation. 00:20:07.099 --> 00:20:09.200 We pray for Calamurdo and ask that you would bless him. 00:20:09.919 --> 00:20:11.440 We pray, Father, for his family. 00:20:11.559 --> 00:20:12.619 That you would secure them. 00:20:12.740 --> 00:20:13.579 That you would guard them. 00:20:13.639 --> 00:20:15.859 That you would set your spirit upon them. 00:20:16.460 --> 00:20:19.139 We ask and pray, Father, for Colin as our inter-moderator. 00:20:19.819 --> 00:20:21.759 That you would bless and protect him as well. 00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:26.779 We long, Lord, for a ministry to be raised up in this place. 00:20:26.779 --> 00:20:30.759 We pray, Father, that you would guide us as a congregation in unity. 00:20:31.759 --> 00:20:35.819 That you would help us to seek the things that you want for us. 00:20:36.619 --> 00:20:41.899 It's so easy for us, Lord, always to come with agendas and come with our own desires. 00:20:43.019 --> 00:20:45.720 Help us, Lord, to have the humility to hear your voice. 00:20:46.680 --> 00:20:48.119 To listen to what you are saying. 00:20:48.379 --> 00:20:51.319 For the good and the blessing of this congregation. 00:20:51.319 --> 00:20:54.919 For the blessing of this town and these islands. 00:20:55.679 --> 00:20:59.019 We ask and pray, Father, therefore, that you would guide us in the coming weeks. 00:20:59.700 --> 00:21:03.419 That you would give us a sense of unity and purpose in this process. 00:21:04.519 --> 00:21:06.980 We pray tonight, Father, for our church nationally. 00:21:07.879 --> 00:21:10.099 We know, Lord, there are many vacancies. 00:21:10.500 --> 00:21:12.019 As we think on our own island, Lord. 00:21:12.059 --> 00:21:13.960 We know there are six vacancies in our own presbytery. 00:21:14.839 --> 00:21:15.879 Many more besides. 00:21:15.880 --> 00:21:21.500 We pray, Father, that you would raise up workers to go into the great harvest field of the gospel. 00:21:22.380 --> 00:21:25.480 Scotland needs preachers like never before. 00:21:25.860 --> 00:21:27.020 And so we cry to you, Father. 00:21:27.660 --> 00:21:32.480 And we pray that you would raise up preachers and pastors who will shepherd the flock of God. 00:21:32.960 --> 00:21:36.720 Who will lead the evangelistic witness and outreach of the church. 00:21:37.560 --> 00:21:43.560 Who will pastor sensitively and wisely in what are incredibly complex days. 00:21:43.559 --> 00:21:50.139 In that complexity, Lord, we pray especially for those who are most vulnerable in this day. 00:21:50.259 --> 00:21:51.339 We pray for our young people. 00:21:51.899 --> 00:21:58.500 Surrounded as they are with competing ideologies and world views that are at odds with what you have told us in scripture. 00:21:59.700 --> 00:22:04.460 And we pray for all those who are seeking to shape the hearts and the minds of young people in our church. 00:22:04.960 --> 00:22:06.460 And we pray above all for parents. 00:22:06.460 --> 00:22:15.779 But also for the Sunday school teachers, for the youth clubs, for the different folk who are committed to helping and blessing the young in our church in these days. 00:22:16.559 --> 00:22:20.100 In all the excitement, Lord, of church camps announcements this last week. 00:22:20.180 --> 00:22:23.019 We pray for those who will be going off to camps in the summer. 00:22:23.680 --> 00:22:26.059 We pray, Lord, for that wonderful work of the church camps. 00:22:26.160 --> 00:22:31.600 Bringing together, so often in that week, all the pieces of the jigsaw puzzles of people's lives. 00:22:32.200 --> 00:22:34.259 And showing Christ within all of that. 00:22:34.259 --> 00:22:40.480 And we pray your blessing on those who will be preparing even now to lead these camps in the summer months. 00:22:41.379 --> 00:22:45.259 We ask and pray your blessing on the work of our church and its church plants. 00:22:45.680 --> 00:22:47.359 And in its church revitalizations. 00:22:47.519 --> 00:22:51.660 We pray for Ivor MacDonald and the Centre for Rural Ministry over in Skye. 00:22:52.059 --> 00:22:53.940 And we ask that you would prosper that work. 00:22:54.059 --> 00:23:00.019 That the blessing of it would flow to these rural parts of our country where the needs are great. 00:23:00.480 --> 00:23:04.119 Where the church so often does feel weak and vulnerable. 00:23:04.259 --> 00:23:10.180 And may you set, Father, your spirit upon that work and richly bless it. 00:23:11.279 --> 00:23:14.420 We pray tonight, Lord, for the cause of the gospel to the ends of the earth. 00:23:15.539 --> 00:23:25.920 We remember, Lord, we can't turn on our news just now without seeing that unfolding, rapidly unfolding picture in countries like Syria. 00:23:25.920 --> 00:23:29.539 Where events seem to happen so quickly. 00:23:29.539 --> 00:23:32.279 And we can feel unsettled because of it. 00:23:32.279 --> 00:23:37.440 And yet, you are the one who rules and governs the events of this world. 00:23:38.440 --> 00:23:40.460 You are the one who sets the course of events. 00:23:41.539 --> 00:23:43.980 And give us that settled sense, therefore, of peace. 00:23:44.599 --> 00:23:45.660 That you are in control. 00:23:46.819 --> 00:23:48.559 That your purposes are being worked out. 00:23:49.420 --> 00:23:53.579 And that ultimately, the glory of God will be revealed in all of these things. 00:23:53.579 --> 00:23:56.220 We pray, therefore, for peace. 00:23:57.039 --> 00:23:59.779 We pray for the gospel of peace. 00:24:00.599 --> 00:24:03.379 We pray for the people of the gospel of peace. 00:24:03.899 --> 00:24:07.960 That we would be peacemakers in a broken world. 00:24:08.799 --> 00:24:12.839 And that we would know the blessing that belongs to peacemakers. 00:24:12.839 --> 00:24:17.039 Help us, therefore, Father, to be your people. 00:24:18.199 --> 00:24:20.059 Bold in a broken world. 00:24:21.019 --> 00:24:22.339 And filled, therefore, with grace. 00:24:23.019 --> 00:24:24.220 For the task at hand. 00:24:25.000 --> 00:24:26.599 We ask your help in Jesus' name. 00:24:27.419 --> 00:24:27.720 Amen. 00:24:29.679 --> 00:24:31.959 We're going to sing once more to God's praise. 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:34.339 This time from Psalm 9b. 00:24:37.019 --> 00:24:38.359 This is, again, Sing Psalms. 00:24:38.480 --> 00:24:40.139 Sorry, page 10 of the psalm book. 00:24:42.839 --> 00:24:44.099 We're going to sing to the tune, Centennial. 00:24:46.199 --> 00:24:49.000 We'll sing verses 7 to 14. 00:24:49.699 --> 00:24:50.500 So four stanzas. 00:24:50.599 --> 00:24:52.939 The Lord sits forever as king on his throne. 00:24:53.639 --> 00:24:56.379 His rule is established for justice alone. 00:24:56.879 --> 00:24:57.879 He judges the world. 00:24:58.019 --> 00:24:58.980 He does what is right. 00:24:58.980 --> 00:25:03.319 He governs the nations with justice and might. 00:25:04.199 --> 00:25:08.819 We'll sing, then, these verses from verse 7 to verse 14 to God's praise. 00:25:09.220 --> 00:25:09.899 We'll stand to sing. 00:25:12.839 --> 00:25:22.699 The Lord sits forever as king on his throne. 00:25:22.699 --> 00:25:30.699 His rule is accomplished for justice alone. 00:25:30.700 --> 00:25:34.559 He judges the world. 00:25:34.559 --> 00:25:38.559 He does what is right. 00:25:38.559 --> 00:25:47.559 He governs the nations with justice and might. 00:25:47.559 --> 00:25:56.259 The Lord is a stronghold in times of distress. 00:25:57.419 --> 00:26:04.419 A refuge for those who the wicked or blessed. 00:26:04.419 --> 00:26:12.679 Your people who know you will trust in your grace. 00:26:12.680 --> 00:26:18.539 You've never forsaken those who the wicked or blessed. 00:26:18.539 --> 00:26:21.380 You've never forsaken those who see in your face. 00:26:21.380 --> 00:26:27.240 The Lord is a stronghold. 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:30.099 The Lord is a stronghold. 00:26:30.099 --> 00:26:38.200 O claim to the nations the deeds he has done. 00:26:38.599 --> 00:26:46.640 The cry of the faith did once rage in his ear. 00:26:46.640 --> 00:26:54.500 The Lord is a stronghold. 00:26:54.500 --> 00:26:56.880 The Lord is a stronghold. 00:26:56.880 --> 00:27:04.240 See what I suffer from malice and gate. 00:27:04.740 --> 00:27:12.240 Have pity and lift me away from death's gate. 00:27:12.240 --> 00:27:29.240 Have pity and lift me away from death's gate. 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:48.980 Well, please turn with me in your Bibles back to that passage we've read, to Luke chapter 1. 00:27:49.579 --> 00:27:52.839 We're going to read again verses 46 through to 55. 00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:56.319 Mary said, 00:27:56.720 --> 00:28:01.940 My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. 00:28:02.680 --> 00:28:05.440 For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. 00:28:06.140 --> 00:28:09.599 For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed. 00:28:09.599 --> 00:28:13.779 For he who is mighty has done great things for me. 00:28:14.299 --> 00:28:16.319 And holy is his name. 00:28:17.819 --> 00:28:22.399 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 00:28:23.319 --> 00:28:25.059 He has shown strength with his arm. 00:28:25.699 --> 00:28:28.139 He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 00:28:28.679 --> 00:28:30.819 He has brought down the mighty from their thrones. 00:28:31.379 --> 00:28:33.500 And exalted those of humble estate. 00:28:34.199 --> 00:28:37.219 He has filled the hungry with good things. 00:28:37.220 --> 00:28:40.380 And the rich he has sent away empty. 00:28:41.279 --> 00:28:44.319 He has helped his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy. 00:28:45.100 --> 00:28:50.079 As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever. 00:28:51.380 --> 00:28:51.860 Amen. 00:28:51.960 --> 00:28:53.460 This is God's word. 00:28:53.559 --> 00:28:55.200 Let's bow in prayer before we turn to the word. 00:28:55.299 --> 00:29:01.819 Father, help us this evening as we turn to this wonderful song of praise. 00:29:01.819 --> 00:29:09.599 Help us to remember that your actions are good. 00:29:11.059 --> 00:29:15.659 That your actions were good in bringing Jesus into the world. 00:29:16.559 --> 00:29:20.939 Your actions were good in the salvation that he brought. 00:29:21.599 --> 00:29:29.259 And your actions tonight remain good in leaving us as the heralds of that good news. 00:29:29.259 --> 00:29:37.859 Therefore, we pray that we would understand our role in the work of the gospel. 00:29:37.859 --> 00:29:45.559 And that you would encourage us as we reflect on the coming of the Christ. 00:29:46.599 --> 00:29:50.059 That we would echo all of the words of Mary. 00:29:50.740 --> 00:29:54.039 Be able to sing them in our experience. 00:29:55.159 --> 00:29:58.959 We pray therefore, Father, that you would tonight guide us and direct us. 00:29:58.960 --> 00:30:05.000 To have sure footing in a changing world. 00:30:05.400 --> 00:30:07.620 That we would know your blessing. 00:30:08.220 --> 00:30:12.120 That we would have a sense of wonder at your magnificence. 00:30:12.700 --> 00:30:17.420 That we would understand the call of God therefore on our lives. 00:30:18.160 --> 00:30:19.720 Help us, we ask in Jesus' name. 00:30:20.220 --> 00:30:20.460 Amen. 00:30:20.460 --> 00:30:20.559 Amen. 00:30:20.559 --> 00:30:21.559 Amen. 00:30:28.159 --> 00:30:36.359 I wonder if any of you remember in school or perhaps university or higher education ever. 00:30:36.639 --> 00:30:37.579 I use the word playing. 00:30:38.319 --> 00:30:40.460 They're not really toys but playing with a microscope. 00:30:40.460 --> 00:30:51.420 It's a great experience putting a leaf under a microscope and looking at the intricate detail blown up. 00:30:51.900 --> 00:30:55.279 So that you can see it through a little eyepiece. 00:30:56.880 --> 00:31:01.019 Or perhaps you might have had the privilege of using a telescope at some point. 00:31:01.019 --> 00:31:07.319 Maybe you're somebody who loves to look through a telescope out into the stars in the heavens. 00:31:09.079 --> 00:31:13.319 And you see there magnificent things. 00:31:14.059 --> 00:31:15.079 Maybe like Galileo. 00:31:15.180 --> 00:31:18.400 You've looked through a telescope and you've seen the moons of Jupiter. 00:31:19.319 --> 00:31:20.619 And you've thought, wow. 00:31:22.460 --> 00:31:24.759 The world revolves around the sun. 00:31:25.139 --> 00:31:26.220 Not the other way around. 00:31:26.839 --> 00:31:29.220 Maybe that's not the very thought process you've had. 00:31:29.220 --> 00:31:36.700 But it certainly blows your mind when you see either intricate details brought up large. 00:31:37.299 --> 00:31:40.640 Or the vastness of what's going on out in the cosmos. 00:31:41.440 --> 00:31:45.160 Brought down small enough so that you can see the detail of it. 00:31:45.900 --> 00:31:48.740 In a sense almost see the big picture all of a sudden. 00:31:49.600 --> 00:31:53.160 And have it magnified in your sight. 00:31:54.680 --> 00:31:56.740 To magnify something, that's what it means. 00:31:56.740 --> 00:32:00.700 It means taking a sight that would be too small to see perhaps. 00:32:01.000 --> 00:32:06.599 But to make much of it for the benefit of others to view as well. 00:32:06.680 --> 00:32:08.880 That's what a magnifying glass does. 00:32:09.220 --> 00:32:11.420 It magnifies something small. 00:32:12.019 --> 00:32:15.279 And the glasses that are inside a telescope and the lenses that are in there. 00:32:15.339 --> 00:32:20.440 They do that same work of taking something that's too small for the naked eye to see. 00:32:20.440 --> 00:32:22.680 But blowing it up for our vision. 00:32:23.380 --> 00:32:24.840 And seeing the wonder of it. 00:32:26.320 --> 00:32:31.580 And Mary, in this song, it's called the Magnificat. 00:32:32.920 --> 00:32:36.559 She magnifies the Lord. 00:32:37.920 --> 00:32:39.500 It's a strange thing that, isn't it? 00:32:40.059 --> 00:32:41.140 You know, we think of the Lord. 00:32:41.259 --> 00:32:42.279 We think of him as God. 00:32:42.340 --> 00:32:43.920 The creator of the entire cosmos. 00:32:43.920 --> 00:32:47.080 Why does he need magnifying? 00:32:48.300 --> 00:32:50.820 What is there about God that needs to be magnified? 00:32:51.120 --> 00:32:55.180 Surely, those of us who are believers especially, we fall into thinking this very easily. 00:32:55.720 --> 00:32:58.700 Surely, the world can see him. 00:33:00.220 --> 00:33:05.240 Surely, the world can see his handiworks in the works of creation. 00:33:05.500 --> 00:33:09.140 Or see it in the intricacy of the cells in each one of our bodies. 00:33:09.460 --> 00:33:11.519 And the DNA that runs through us. 00:33:11.519 --> 00:33:15.000 Surely, the magnificence of God can be seen. 00:33:17.059 --> 00:33:22.420 And then we think, well, in the Bible, we think at this time of year, everyone is aware of Christmas. 00:33:23.119 --> 00:33:24.720 And what Christmas is all about. 00:33:24.779 --> 00:33:26.200 About the coming of Jesus. 00:33:26.960 --> 00:33:29.119 Of the Messiah coming into the world. 00:33:29.599 --> 00:33:33.839 That Savior born 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem's stable. 00:33:35.539 --> 00:33:36.619 Surely, people will see. 00:33:39.680 --> 00:33:41.440 Surely, that is what's visible. 00:33:41.519 --> 00:33:48.039 And sadly, we know that that is not the case. 00:33:51.180 --> 00:33:55.559 If people have their eye to a telescope, it's certainly not looking at Christ. 00:33:59.059 --> 00:34:02.519 The vision that people want to have these days is away from him. 00:34:02.519 --> 00:34:08.480 And the devil has done a wonderful job of distracting people from the truth. 00:34:10.739 --> 00:34:13.940 And it therefore falls to the church. 00:34:15.420 --> 00:34:16.920 It falls to us. 00:34:18.259 --> 00:34:19.300 In our time. 00:34:20.179 --> 00:34:22.119 To magnify the Lord for them. 00:34:22.119 --> 00:34:29.319 For us to be magnifying glasses that will show them Jesus. 00:34:29.320 --> 00:34:34.160 And this is what Mary is seeking to do. 00:34:34.160 --> 00:34:39.100 To make much of what God has done in her experience. 00:34:39.099 --> 00:34:47.739 And so she takes us through at least three strands or thoughts in this hymn. 00:34:47.739 --> 00:34:52.979 Where she says, first of all, God has blessed me. 00:34:54.699 --> 00:34:55.939 God has blessed me. 00:34:57.839 --> 00:35:03.079 She is in awe, I think, of what has happened to her. 00:35:03.119 --> 00:35:04.639 An angel who has appeared to her. 00:35:05.819 --> 00:35:06.639 Blessed are you. 00:35:08.059 --> 00:35:09.179 Oh, favored one. 00:35:09.179 --> 00:35:13.899 She's in awe of her cousin Elizabeth and what she has said. 00:35:14.039 --> 00:35:15.299 Blessed are you among women. 00:35:15.399 --> 00:35:17.559 And blessed is the fruit of your womb. 00:35:17.559 --> 00:35:22.799 She's amazed at Elizabeth's testimony that that three, six-month-old fetus, 00:35:23.079 --> 00:35:29.219 three months from birth, leaps for joy in the presence of the Messiah. 00:35:34.619 --> 00:35:37.460 And Mary recognizes how blessed she is. 00:35:39.179 --> 00:35:47.899 My spirit rejoices, she says, in God my Savior. 00:35:51.079 --> 00:35:52.559 It's quite an amazing thought. 00:35:54.980 --> 00:36:03.440 Mary, often put on a pedestal of sainthood by many parts of the church to this day, 00:36:04.599 --> 00:36:07.839 describes Jesus as her Savior. 00:36:09.179 --> 00:36:13.779 Because she recognizes her sin. 00:36:14.759 --> 00:36:18.960 She recognizes that she needs a Savior. 00:36:21.759 --> 00:36:27.059 I wonder tonight, is that what we magnify about Jesus? 00:36:27.059 --> 00:36:33.840 This day, it's full of plenty messages about Jesus. 00:36:35.500 --> 00:36:40.799 But I'm not convinced that they're always about the salvation that Jesus brings. 00:36:40.800 --> 00:36:48.640 Certainly not the salvation that Jesus himself spoke of. 00:36:49.440 --> 00:36:53.519 And not the salvation that Mary is speaking of here. 00:36:53.519 --> 00:36:56.940 of one who has looked on the humble. 00:36:58.800 --> 00:37:00.480 Who has looked on the lowly. 00:37:01.699 --> 00:37:03.139 And brought them up. 00:37:04.599 --> 00:37:08.000 Who has come with a message for the generations. 00:37:08.000 --> 00:37:13.519 That will inspire their awe and their worship and their praise. 00:37:13.519 --> 00:37:22.980 The versions of Jesus we have today are there to rescue us from somewhat different hellish realities. 00:37:22.980 --> 00:37:31.559 There are peddlers of a version of Jesus today who would say he'll rescue you from poverty. 00:37:34.059 --> 00:37:35.800 He'll bring you prosperity. 00:37:37.800 --> 00:37:40.300 Peddlers of a Jesus who offer healing. 00:37:41.400 --> 00:37:43.519 He'll heal you of all of your sickness. 00:37:43.519 --> 00:37:46.259 Just have faith in him enough. 00:37:47.960 --> 00:37:53.699 There are peddlers of a version of Christ who will heal you from your own psychosis. 00:37:54.840 --> 00:37:57.000 From your own psychological trauma. 00:37:57.619 --> 00:38:00.300 And who will say Jesus is the solution to these things. 00:38:00.400 --> 00:38:01.920 We just have to look at what he says. 00:38:02.340 --> 00:38:06.639 A version of Jesus who will tell us that we should all just love one another and all will be well. 00:38:08.019 --> 00:38:11.259 There are many versions of this man, Jesus. 00:38:13.519 --> 00:38:18.800 But the truth is that he is a savior for sinners. 00:38:20.820 --> 00:38:26.559 Mary's hymn, it sits in that lineage of Psalm 103. 00:38:28.159 --> 00:38:34.039 A psalm that is full of reference to the fact that he takes our guilt and our sin. 00:38:35.500 --> 00:38:37.119 And purges it away. 00:38:38.340 --> 00:38:40.599 He does not deal with us as we deserve. 00:38:41.679 --> 00:38:42.759 This God of ours. 00:38:43.519 --> 00:38:46.880 Not because he overlooks our sin. 00:38:47.059 --> 00:38:51.739 But because he sent a savior to do something with our sin. 00:38:53.360 --> 00:38:55.500 To carry our sin in himself. 00:38:56.320 --> 00:38:58.659 And to take it away from us. 00:39:00.039 --> 00:39:04.360 And in the process to carry on to us his righteousness. 00:39:04.900 --> 00:39:07.099 Imputing his goodness. 00:39:08.259 --> 00:39:11.739 And making us lovely in God's sight. 00:39:11.739 --> 00:39:16.859 Mary could do nothing. 00:39:18.859 --> 00:39:20.339 She couldn't save herself. 00:39:20.459 --> 00:39:23.159 She couldn't put her standing before God in the right place. 00:39:23.579 --> 00:39:26.519 She is amazed by what the angel is saying to her. 00:39:26.879 --> 00:39:29.639 Not because she's full of false humility. 00:39:29.839 --> 00:39:32.979 But because she knows she doesn't deserve this. 00:39:33.039 --> 00:39:34.179 She hasn't earned this. 00:39:34.179 --> 00:39:36.819 But because she is astonished. 00:39:36.819 --> 00:39:37.759 But because she is astonished. 00:39:38.099 --> 00:39:42.539 At the favor and the grace of almighty God. 00:39:42.539 --> 00:39:48.500 She is someone who needed a savior. 00:39:50.500 --> 00:39:52.639 And tonight so are we. 00:39:52.639 --> 00:39:58.859 We are men and women and boys and girls who need a savior in Jesus. 00:39:58.859 --> 00:40:01.500 Who will take away our sin and guilt. 00:40:01.500 --> 00:40:04.759 Who will cleanse us from all sin and iniquity. 00:40:04.759 --> 00:40:08.460 Who will deal with the brokenness that is in our hearts. 00:40:08.460 --> 00:40:13.860 And who will bring spiritual life. 00:40:14.519 --> 00:40:19.119 Where there is only spiritual death and barrenness. 00:40:19.119 --> 00:40:24.940 And so tonight. 00:40:26.139 --> 00:40:28.279 We can sing with Mary. 00:40:30.559 --> 00:40:32.799 My soul magnifies the Lord. 00:40:34.859 --> 00:40:36.679 It's interesting the way she puts it as well. 00:40:37.199 --> 00:40:39.059 When she talks about her soul doing this. 00:40:39.139 --> 00:40:40.199 We have to kind of wonder. 00:40:40.339 --> 00:40:41.719 What does she mean by that? 00:40:42.779 --> 00:40:43.839 I mean is she talking about just. 00:40:44.000 --> 00:40:46.119 You know we tend to think of souls as being a part of us. 00:40:46.119 --> 00:40:48.639 We tend to think of our soul as the part of us. 00:40:48.679 --> 00:40:50.719 That will go to be with God in heaven when we die. 00:40:51.319 --> 00:40:52.940 And our bodies will stay here on earth. 00:40:53.859 --> 00:40:55.179 So is it that sort of thing? 00:40:55.239 --> 00:40:55.759 Is it that consciousness? 00:40:55.880 --> 00:40:56.579 Well maybe. 00:40:56.719 --> 00:40:57.000 Almost. 00:40:58.339 --> 00:41:00.339 The idea of the soul in Jewish thought. 00:41:00.380 --> 00:41:00.900 In Hebrew thought. 00:41:00.960 --> 00:41:01.440 Is that it's. 00:41:01.779 --> 00:41:04.259 It's the very core of the being. 00:41:05.099 --> 00:41:06.599 The innermost self. 00:41:07.980 --> 00:41:09.920 In a sense the totality of self. 00:41:10.000 --> 00:41:11.059 The wholeness of ourselves. 00:41:11.059 --> 00:41:17.579 It's not there for something half-hearted. 00:41:19.500 --> 00:41:23.199 When someone of Mary's background and worldview would say. 00:41:23.380 --> 00:41:24.940 My soul magnifies the Lord. 00:41:25.019 --> 00:41:26.860 What she means by that is my whole being. 00:41:27.000 --> 00:41:27.920 Everything about me. 00:41:28.799 --> 00:41:30.239 Wants to make much. 00:41:30.920 --> 00:41:32.320 Of this God. 00:41:33.400 --> 00:41:35.000 I want people to see. 00:41:35.679 --> 00:41:37.340 How he has saved me. 00:41:37.340 --> 00:41:39.579 I want people to see. 00:41:39.579 --> 00:41:41.220 How he has blessed me. 00:41:41.620 --> 00:41:43.300 And I want that to be overflowing. 00:41:43.300 --> 00:41:45.000 In my whole being. 00:41:46.380 --> 00:41:47.579 And you can see it. 00:41:47.640 --> 00:41:48.480 She's overwhelmed. 00:41:48.920 --> 00:41:50.700 By the sheer magnitude. 00:41:50.700 --> 00:41:52.600 Of the blessing of God at this time. 00:41:52.740 --> 00:41:54.500 The miracle of the virgin birth. 00:41:54.559 --> 00:41:55.680 Of that conception. 00:41:55.680 --> 00:41:56.780 Within her own womb. 00:41:58.079 --> 00:42:00.320 The wonder of her older cousin. 00:42:00.420 --> 00:42:00.800 Elizabeth. 00:42:00.980 --> 00:42:02.160 Who has now fallen pregnant. 00:42:02.280 --> 00:42:03.160 At an old age. 00:42:04.200 --> 00:42:05.480 God is at work here. 00:42:05.539 --> 00:42:06.900 There's amazing things happening. 00:42:06.900 --> 00:42:08.119 And then as she arrives. 00:42:08.119 --> 00:42:08.940 Visiting Elizabeth. 00:42:09.160 --> 00:42:10.539 That wonder of John. 00:42:10.720 --> 00:42:12.400 Leaping within Elizabeth's womb. 00:42:12.519 --> 00:42:13.780 And rejoicing. 00:42:13.920 --> 00:42:16.240 And hearing of the presence of the Messiah. 00:42:18.280 --> 00:42:20.180 What a wonder this is. 00:42:21.500 --> 00:42:25.760 That God has broken into the lives of men and women in this world. 00:42:26.260 --> 00:42:27.680 And brought salvation. 00:42:29.380 --> 00:42:30.840 And so we bless. 00:42:31.400 --> 00:42:33.059 And glorify his name. 00:42:33.059 --> 00:42:36.639 God has blessed us. 00:42:37.279 --> 00:42:38.779 He has blessed Mary. 00:42:39.179 --> 00:42:40.599 He has blessed us. 00:42:41.239 --> 00:42:42.360 And this Christmas. 00:42:44.679 --> 00:42:46.400 That story of blessing. 00:42:47.199 --> 00:42:48.320 Is ours to tell. 00:42:50.880 --> 00:42:52.039 That's because secondly. 00:42:52.159 --> 00:42:53.039 Mary rejoices. 00:42:53.139 --> 00:42:54.920 Not only in the fact that God has blessed her. 00:42:55.000 --> 00:42:55.960 In this profound way. 00:42:56.340 --> 00:42:57.219 But secondly. 00:42:57.219 --> 00:42:59.399 She announces in amazement and wonder. 00:42:59.779 --> 00:43:01.500 God has used me. 00:43:01.500 --> 00:43:04.699 And this is part of the wonder of this. 00:43:05.239 --> 00:43:07.879 He has looked on the humble estate of his servant. 00:43:08.359 --> 00:43:08.759 And behold. 00:43:08.939 --> 00:43:09.500 From now on. 00:43:09.579 --> 00:43:10.919 All generations will call me blessed. 00:43:11.000 --> 00:43:11.219 She says. 00:43:11.639 --> 00:43:12.939 For he who is mighty. 00:43:12.939 --> 00:43:14.839 Has done great things for me. 00:43:15.159 --> 00:43:17.019 And holy is his name. 00:43:20.439 --> 00:43:22.259 God has done something in her. 00:43:22.260 --> 00:43:22.460 God has blessed her. 00:43:26.660 --> 00:43:28.040 In the crudest sense. 00:43:28.120 --> 00:43:29.080 You could say it's. 00:43:29.080 --> 00:43:30.480 Simply the fact that he has. 00:43:30.700 --> 00:43:31.940 By the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:43:32.480 --> 00:43:33.140 Overshadowed her. 00:43:33.220 --> 00:43:34.600 And conceived within her womb. 00:43:35.820 --> 00:43:36.800 The Messiah. 00:43:38.560 --> 00:43:40.100 And that is incredible. 00:43:41.080 --> 00:43:42.720 It is remarkable. 00:43:44.660 --> 00:43:46.580 But God has blessed her. 00:43:47.560 --> 00:43:48.920 And not only her. 00:43:49.060 --> 00:43:50.220 But all generations. 00:43:50.219 --> 00:43:52.959 Because all generations. 00:43:52.959 --> 00:43:54.299 Will call her blessed. 00:43:55.079 --> 00:43:55.959 So the blessing. 00:43:56.099 --> 00:43:57.079 That is upon Mary. 00:43:58.159 --> 00:43:58.959 And the way that God. 00:43:59.039 --> 00:44:00.459 Is about to use her. 00:44:01.019 --> 00:44:02.619 For this wonderful purpose. 00:44:02.619 --> 00:44:03.739 Of bringing. 00:44:04.000 --> 00:44:04.959 God the Son. 00:44:05.179 --> 00:44:05.819 Enfleshed. 00:44:05.839 --> 00:44:06.599 Into the world. 00:44:07.299 --> 00:44:08.179 Is a blessing. 00:44:08.179 --> 00:44:09.500 To everyone. 00:44:10.939 --> 00:44:11.759 It's a blessing. 00:44:11.759 --> 00:44:12.899 That flows tonight. 00:44:13.199 --> 00:44:14.079 Through the. 00:44:14.199 --> 00:44:15.579 The ages of history. 00:44:15.759 --> 00:44:17.059 Through these 2,000 years. 00:44:17.619 --> 00:44:18.619 That flows tonight. 00:44:18.719 --> 00:44:19.359 To Stornoway. 00:44:19.360 --> 00:44:20.200 To the pews. 00:44:20.260 --> 00:44:20.980 In this church. 00:44:22.660 --> 00:44:23.599 It's a blessing. 00:44:23.599 --> 00:44:24.260 That flows. 00:44:24.380 --> 00:44:25.300 Into our homes. 00:44:27.160 --> 00:44:28.099 It's a blessing. 00:44:28.099 --> 00:44:28.880 That flows. 00:44:29.200 --> 00:44:29.880 From us. 00:44:29.940 --> 00:44:30.519 Into the lives. 00:44:30.559 --> 00:44:31.740 Of people around us. 00:44:33.820 --> 00:44:34.740 It's a blessing. 00:44:34.740 --> 00:44:35.740 That everyone. 00:44:35.740 --> 00:44:36.860 Who comes to faith. 00:44:36.860 --> 00:44:39.079 gets to share in. 00:44:39.079 --> 00:44:40.840 And to experience. 00:44:40.840 --> 00:44:41.539 And to know. 00:44:41.720 --> 00:44:42.760 Why Mary is therefore. 00:44:43.039 --> 00:44:44.140 To be called blessed. 00:44:44.200 --> 00:44:45.240 Because she has done. 00:44:45.380 --> 00:44:46.900 Such an incredible thing. 00:44:47.099 --> 00:44:48.320 Not in her own strength. 00:44:49.579 --> 00:44:51.460 But because God used her. 00:44:52.019 --> 00:44:54.720 For his wonderful purpose. 00:44:54.719 --> 00:44:59.019 He has revealed. 00:44:59.019 --> 00:45:00.059 Through her. 00:45:01.500 --> 00:45:02.359 His name. 00:45:05.839 --> 00:45:07.079 That's really the blessing. 00:45:09.299 --> 00:45:11.399 The blessing that Mary experiences. 00:45:11.779 --> 00:45:13.139 The way that God has used her. 00:45:13.259 --> 00:45:14.039 Is to reveal. 00:45:14.679 --> 00:45:15.519 His name. 00:45:15.519 --> 00:45:19.380 And you might think. 00:45:19.460 --> 00:45:19.579 Well. 00:45:20.679 --> 00:45:20.820 I mean. 00:45:20.880 --> 00:45:21.800 That's to be seen. 00:45:21.840 --> 00:45:22.259 Isn't it? 00:45:22.619 --> 00:45:22.940 You know. 00:45:22.940 --> 00:45:25.019 She's been told. 00:45:25.019 --> 00:45:26.200 That she's to call her son. 00:45:26.320 --> 00:45:26.639 Jesus. 00:45:28.320 --> 00:45:29.679 Is that what this means? 00:45:31.300 --> 00:45:32.940 That when the child is born. 00:45:33.059 --> 00:45:33.840 He will be called. 00:45:34.519 --> 00:45:34.840 Jesus. 00:45:37.760 --> 00:45:39.019 That's the name of our God. 00:45:39.059 --> 00:45:39.340 Tonight. 00:45:39.420 --> 00:45:40.500 That's the one we've worshipped. 00:45:40.599 --> 00:45:41.440 That's the one we've come. 00:45:41.519 --> 00:45:42.139 To give glory. 00:45:42.240 --> 00:45:42.960 And praise to. 00:45:43.639 --> 00:45:44.400 To Jesus. 00:45:44.519 --> 00:45:45.039 Our Savior. 00:45:48.559 --> 00:45:49.519 And there is a sense. 00:45:49.559 --> 00:45:50.760 In which that is the case. 00:45:51.720 --> 00:45:52.200 That Mary. 00:45:52.940 --> 00:45:53.940 Being the mother of Jesus. 00:45:53.940 --> 00:45:55.059 Is the one who brings him. 00:45:55.159 --> 00:45:55.720 Into the world. 00:45:56.619 --> 00:45:57.159 And there. 00:45:58.280 --> 00:45:59.659 In the stable of Bethlehem. 00:46:00.360 --> 00:46:01.099 In that manger. 00:46:02.579 --> 00:46:03.780 They give him a name. 00:46:04.320 --> 00:46:05.320 They call their son. 00:46:05.500 --> 00:46:05.840 Jesus. 00:46:06.440 --> 00:46:07.860 As the angel has instructed them. 00:46:08.460 --> 00:46:09.800 Because he will save his people. 00:46:09.800 --> 00:46:10.599 From their sins. 00:46:11.139 --> 00:46:12.260 Because Jesus is. 00:46:12.619 --> 00:46:13.360 God saves. 00:46:13.360 --> 00:46:13.960 The Savior. 00:46:16.440 --> 00:46:18.039 But at a deeper level. 00:46:19.200 --> 00:46:20.900 Something more of God's name. 00:46:21.019 --> 00:46:22.039 Has been revealed there. 00:46:23.840 --> 00:46:24.920 At a deeper level. 00:46:25.000 --> 00:46:26.079 What's actually been revealed. 00:46:26.240 --> 00:46:27.539 Is the character of God. 00:46:27.619 --> 00:46:29.659 When we talk about someone's name. 00:46:29.720 --> 00:46:30.599 And this is certainly the case. 00:46:30.619 --> 00:46:31.039 In the Bible. 00:46:31.139 --> 00:46:32.320 That whenever you see someone's. 00:46:33.000 --> 00:46:34.220 Referring to someone's name. 00:46:34.260 --> 00:46:35.820 It's not literally just their name. 00:46:35.900 --> 00:46:36.720 That's been referred to. 00:46:36.960 --> 00:46:38.420 It's the whole reputation. 00:46:38.420 --> 00:46:39.599 That they carry. 00:46:41.960 --> 00:46:43.820 What kind of name do you have. 00:46:44.000 --> 00:46:44.900 In your community. 00:46:44.900 --> 00:46:48.039 Are you known as somebody. 00:46:48.039 --> 00:46:49.099 Who's honest. 00:46:49.099 --> 00:46:49.720 And truthful. 00:46:49.720 --> 00:46:49.800 And truthful. 00:46:50.099 --> 00:46:50.519 Reliable. 00:46:52.519 --> 00:46:54.800 Well God is known by his name. 00:46:54.960 --> 00:46:56.039 He has a reputation. 00:46:58.840 --> 00:46:59.780 He has a. 00:46:59.960 --> 00:47:01.200 He has a fame. 00:47:01.380 --> 00:47:02.160 That is spread. 00:47:02.160 --> 00:47:03.220 Throughout the nations. 00:47:03.360 --> 00:47:04.420 And part of that. 00:47:04.519 --> 00:47:05.840 Is for us to look upon. 00:47:06.000 --> 00:47:07.320 The character of God. 00:47:07.460 --> 00:47:08.360 And see it. 00:47:08.559 --> 00:47:09.800 In the person of Jesus. 00:47:09.800 --> 00:47:09.960 Jesus. 00:47:11.380 --> 00:47:12.440 And so when Jesus. 00:47:12.700 --> 00:47:13.519 Comes into the world. 00:47:13.740 --> 00:47:15.000 As John tells us. 00:47:15.039 --> 00:47:15.780 In John's gospel. 00:47:16.300 --> 00:47:16.600 Jesus. 00:47:16.720 --> 00:47:17.860 Who is the light of the world. 00:47:17.900 --> 00:47:18.680 Is the word. 00:47:18.860 --> 00:47:19.380 The logos. 00:47:19.780 --> 00:47:20.400 Of God. 00:47:20.680 --> 00:47:21.580 Made flesh. 00:47:21.680 --> 00:47:22.840 And dwelling among us. 00:47:23.039 --> 00:47:24.740 And we have seen his glory. 00:47:25.140 --> 00:47:25.500 Glory. 00:47:25.620 --> 00:47:26.560 As of the only son. 00:47:26.640 --> 00:47:27.220 From the father. 00:47:27.519 --> 00:47:28.660 Full of grace. 00:47:28.660 --> 00:47:29.220 And truth. 00:47:30.720 --> 00:47:31.460 And Mary. 00:47:31.940 --> 00:47:32.980 Is acknowledging. 00:47:32.980 --> 00:47:34.160 That she is. 00:47:34.440 --> 00:47:35.680 The means by which. 00:47:36.080 --> 00:47:36.420 God. 00:47:36.760 --> 00:47:37.440 Is going to. 00:47:37.700 --> 00:47:38.660 Accomplish this. 00:47:38.659 --> 00:47:40.980 That she is the one. 00:47:41.059 --> 00:47:41.739 Who will bring. 00:47:42.500 --> 00:47:43.599 This wonderful. 00:47:44.319 --> 00:47:44.899 Revelation. 00:47:44.899 --> 00:47:45.899 Of God. 00:47:46.000 --> 00:47:46.399 Himself. 00:47:47.179 --> 00:47:48.099 Into the world. 00:47:51.239 --> 00:47:53.059 That he has looked upon her. 00:47:54.379 --> 00:47:56.159 One of the humblest of people. 00:47:56.259 --> 00:47:57.399 The lowest of people. 00:47:58.819 --> 00:47:59.859 An unmarried virgin. 00:47:59.859 --> 00:48:01.460 From the town of Nazareth. 00:48:02.000 --> 00:48:03.940 In the middle of nowhere. 00:48:03.940 --> 00:48:04.739 In Galilee. 00:48:06.460 --> 00:48:08.299 And she gets to bring. 00:48:09.420 --> 00:48:10.739 The son of God. 00:48:11.379 --> 00:48:12.259 Into the world. 00:48:12.339 --> 00:48:13.019 In the incarnation. 00:48:17.500 --> 00:48:18.799 That's what she's been told. 00:48:20.199 --> 00:48:21.279 You will conceive. 00:48:21.379 --> 00:48:21.899 In your womb. 00:48:21.980 --> 00:48:22.739 And bear a son. 00:48:22.819 --> 00:48:24.000 And you shall call his name. 00:48:24.139 --> 00:48:24.519 Jesus. 00:48:25.480 --> 00:48:26.559 He will be great. 00:48:26.599 --> 00:48:27.420 And he will be called. 00:48:27.500 --> 00:48:28.839 The son of the most high. 00:48:29.399 --> 00:48:30.559 And the Lord God. 00:48:30.599 --> 00:48:31.539 Will give to him. 00:48:31.639 --> 00:48:32.960 The throne of his father. 00:48:33.159 --> 00:48:33.519 David. 00:48:34.460 --> 00:48:35.359 He will be known. 00:48:35.359 --> 00:48:36.779 As the son of the most high. 00:48:36.780 --> 00:48:38.840 He will be known. 00:48:38.840 --> 00:48:39.200 He will be known. 00:48:39.200 --> 00:48:39.640 He will be known. 00:48:39.640 --> 00:48:41.160 Words that echo back to. 00:48:41.500 --> 00:48:42.480 Genesis 14. 00:48:42.600 --> 00:48:43.840 Where Melchizedek is a. 00:48:44.340 --> 00:48:45.320 Priest of God. 00:48:45.380 --> 00:48:45.960 Most high. 00:48:46.660 --> 00:48:48.780 The one who rules over heaven and earth. 00:48:51.060 --> 00:48:52.260 The angel says to her. 00:48:52.320 --> 00:48:53.680 The Holy Spirit will come upon you. 00:48:53.760 --> 00:48:55.180 And the power of the most high. 00:48:55.280 --> 00:48:55.960 Will overshadow you. 00:48:56.000 --> 00:48:57.460 And therefore the child to be born. 00:48:57.540 --> 00:48:58.800 Will be called holy. 00:48:59.280 --> 00:49:00.900 The son of God. 00:49:00.900 --> 00:49:03.740 And now Mary rejoices. 00:49:03.740 --> 00:49:06.160 Because God has revealed. 00:49:06.160 --> 00:49:08.079 His holy name. 00:49:09.039 --> 00:49:10.460 His reputation. 00:49:11.680 --> 00:49:12.680 Through her. 00:49:15.619 --> 00:49:16.639 And tonight. 00:49:19.200 --> 00:49:20.960 That's still happening. 00:49:23.240 --> 00:49:25.340 It doesn't happen in the same way. 00:49:26.539 --> 00:49:27.880 The coming of Jesus. 00:49:27.880 --> 00:49:28.980 Through the virgin birth. 00:49:29.039 --> 00:49:30.079 Is a one-off event. 00:49:30.079 --> 00:49:31.639 There is nothing like it. 00:49:33.860 --> 00:49:34.980 But tonight. 00:49:35.179 --> 00:49:37.000 There is a remarkable truth. 00:49:37.739 --> 00:49:39.279 That those of us who are believers. 00:49:40.119 --> 00:49:41.619 Are tonight also. 00:49:42.299 --> 00:49:42.860 Showing. 00:49:43.579 --> 00:49:44.119 Revealing. 00:49:44.739 --> 00:49:45.139 In a sense. 00:49:45.239 --> 00:49:46.119 Giving birth to. 00:49:46.500 --> 00:49:47.400 The name. 00:49:47.559 --> 00:49:49.239 The reputation of God. 00:49:49.840 --> 00:49:51.199 Through our words and actions. 00:49:52.840 --> 00:49:53.059 You know. 00:49:53.099 --> 00:49:54.559 What we say and do. 00:49:55.259 --> 00:49:57.699 Brings into people's experience. 00:49:58.139 --> 00:49:59.739 The character of God. 00:50:00.739 --> 00:50:02.279 We get to show it. 00:50:02.840 --> 00:50:04.599 We get to tell people. 00:50:04.599 --> 00:50:05.619 About the Savior. 00:50:06.299 --> 00:50:06.659 Jesus. 00:50:07.920 --> 00:50:09.799 We get to show people. 00:50:10.179 --> 00:50:11.960 The mercy and the love of God. 00:50:13.159 --> 00:50:14.679 We get to speak. 00:50:14.739 --> 00:50:16.659 Of what God has done in our lives. 00:50:16.860 --> 00:50:18.400 The great mystery. 00:50:18.860 --> 00:50:20.779 Of each one of our stories. 00:50:20.779 --> 00:50:22.480 Of redemption and salvation. 00:50:22.480 --> 00:50:24.199 The great stories. 00:50:24.199 --> 00:50:26.119 Of the way God has rescued us. 00:50:26.119 --> 00:50:27.079 From the pit. 00:50:28.159 --> 00:50:29.440 How he has taken us. 00:50:29.719 --> 00:50:30.760 Some from alcoholism. 00:50:31.219 --> 00:50:34.199 Some from the depths of sin and depravity. 00:50:34.880 --> 00:50:37.320 Some from the depths of self-righteousness. 00:50:37.320 --> 00:50:40.559 From an assurance. 00:50:40.559 --> 00:50:41.740 Of being so good. 00:50:42.400 --> 00:50:43.900 That we're almost perplexed. 00:50:43.900 --> 00:50:45.660 Why do I need a Savior in the first place? 00:50:46.280 --> 00:50:47.800 And he's rescued us. 00:50:48.539 --> 00:50:50.880 From all of these different experiences. 00:50:51.300 --> 00:50:52.820 Brought us to experience. 00:50:53.240 --> 00:50:54.280 Salvation tonight. 00:50:54.960 --> 00:50:55.880 And we can echo. 00:50:56.080 --> 00:50:57.300 Therefore the words of Mary. 00:50:57.300 --> 00:51:00.640 What has he done? 00:51:02.660 --> 00:51:03.140 Well. 00:51:03.700 --> 00:51:05.240 He has looked on. 00:51:05.940 --> 00:51:07.840 The humble estate of his servant. 00:51:10.680 --> 00:51:12.280 He's taken us. 00:51:12.340 --> 00:51:13.120 And used us. 00:51:14.340 --> 00:51:17.180 To be a means of his blessing to others. 00:51:21.539 --> 00:51:23.620 The remarkable truth. 00:51:24.519 --> 00:51:25.560 Of the Magnificat. 00:51:25.860 --> 00:51:27.180 That Mary is glorifying God for. 00:51:27.179 --> 00:51:28.899 Is that God takes and uses the humble. 00:51:29.359 --> 00:51:31.219 For the most profound of purposes. 00:51:32.759 --> 00:51:35.379 He takes us in the simplicity of our understanding. 00:51:35.779 --> 00:51:37.879 He takes us in the limitations of our ability. 00:51:38.319 --> 00:51:39.899 He takes us with the limited means. 00:51:39.899 --> 00:51:41.039 That we have at our disposal. 00:51:41.460 --> 00:51:42.899 He takes us with all of the flaws. 00:51:43.719 --> 00:51:47.379 And the things that are just wrong with us. 00:51:50.179 --> 00:51:52.019 And he turns that to his own glory. 00:51:54.259 --> 00:51:56.079 And he sends us into this world. 00:51:57.179 --> 00:51:59.199 To be ambassadors of his son. 00:52:02.099 --> 00:52:04.599 And tonight if we just glimpsed for a moment. 00:52:05.279 --> 00:52:07.279 The majesty of that. 00:52:07.280 --> 00:52:08.280 The creator of the cosmos. 00:52:08.280 --> 00:52:12.280 The creator of the cosmos tonight. 00:52:13.080 --> 00:52:13.620 Loves. 00:52:15.380 --> 00:52:16.220 The people. 00:52:17.000 --> 00:52:19.180 And the town of Stornoway enough. 00:52:20.420 --> 00:52:21.880 That he has sent you and I. 00:52:21.880 --> 00:52:25.260 We would burst into song. 00:52:25.260 --> 00:52:28.860 We would burst into praise. 00:52:29.980 --> 00:52:33.400 Because he has sent a savior in Jesus. 00:52:34.300 --> 00:52:36.320 And he has privileged us. 00:52:37.140 --> 00:52:39.300 To tell of him. 00:52:39.300 --> 00:52:43.480 Tonight. 00:52:43.480 --> 00:52:43.519 Tonight. 00:52:44.519 --> 00:52:47.140 We should stand in wonder and awe. 00:52:47.640 --> 00:52:50.620 Of a God who does remarkable things. 00:52:51.280 --> 00:52:54.400 A God who transforms the world. 00:52:57.340 --> 00:52:58.539 And he does it. 00:52:58.840 --> 00:53:00.220 Using his saints. 00:53:01.280 --> 00:53:03.600 In the most ordinary of people. 00:53:03.599 --> 00:53:08.759 To accomplish the most extraordinary of things. 00:53:10.460 --> 00:53:13.199 But not only is there a sense of wonder in what Mary says. 00:53:13.319 --> 00:53:14.480 But there is finally also. 00:53:15.860 --> 00:53:18.239 A great sense of. 00:53:19.539 --> 00:53:20.900 The mercy of God. 00:53:21.619 --> 00:53:22.619 As promised. 00:53:22.619 --> 00:53:23.619 God has done. 00:53:23.619 --> 00:53:24.619 He has. 00:53:24.619 --> 00:53:25.619 He has. 00:53:25.619 --> 00:53:25.859 Basically. 00:53:26.019 --> 00:53:28.000 God has done what he said he was going to do. 00:53:34.739 --> 00:53:35.639 He has. 00:53:36.339 --> 00:53:37.759 It's interesting as you go through this. 00:53:37.839 --> 00:53:38.799 You see the name of the God. 00:53:38.900 --> 00:53:39.779 God's reputation. 00:53:40.319 --> 00:53:42.679 It's a reputation for mercy that has been revealed. 00:53:43.440 --> 00:53:45.920 And the language that Mary uses in her song. 00:53:47.059 --> 00:53:47.880 Reflects that. 00:53:48.440 --> 00:53:50.299 He has shown strength with his arm. 00:53:50.880 --> 00:53:52.440 He has scattered the proud. 00:53:52.440 --> 00:53:53.579 In the thoughts of their hearts. 00:53:53.960 --> 00:53:55.260 He has brought down the mighty. 00:53:55.440 --> 00:53:56.059 From their thrones. 00:53:56.300 --> 00:53:58.280 And exalted those of humbly state. 00:53:58.760 --> 00:54:01.860 He has filled the hungry with good things. 00:54:02.220 --> 00:54:04.139 The rich he has sent away empty. 00:54:04.880 --> 00:54:06.720 He has helped his servant Israel. 00:54:07.380 --> 00:54:09.220 In remembrance of his mercy. 00:54:09.800 --> 00:54:10.920 Now all of these are lines. 00:54:11.119 --> 00:54:12.159 From the Psalms. 00:54:13.900 --> 00:54:15.079 They're lines from. 00:54:15.079 --> 00:54:17.240 The song book of the children of Israel. 00:54:18.380 --> 00:54:20.240 And they're lines that are reflected now. 00:54:20.360 --> 00:54:22.380 In Mary's song of thanksgiving and praise. 00:54:22.440 --> 00:54:23.800 She's magnifying the Lord. 00:54:23.960 --> 00:54:27.200 Because her experience has been shaped by these same Psalms. 00:54:27.440 --> 00:54:29.599 And when it comes an opportunity for her to express this. 00:54:29.920 --> 00:54:31.320 She relies on that language. 00:54:31.860 --> 00:54:33.559 She taps into. 00:54:34.059 --> 00:54:36.519 The scriptural language of the Old Testament. 00:54:37.220 --> 00:54:38.179 To express. 00:54:38.659 --> 00:54:39.240 Her wonder. 00:54:39.800 --> 00:54:40.679 Her sense of awe. 00:54:41.079 --> 00:54:42.579 And praise to God for what he has done. 00:54:43.280 --> 00:54:44.840 And what that's littered with. 00:54:45.900 --> 00:54:46.820 Are promises. 00:54:46.820 --> 00:54:52.320 Because God said he wasn't going to do this just as a one-off. 00:54:53.559 --> 00:54:55.539 He says he was going to keep doing it. 00:54:56.260 --> 00:54:58.120 He was going to raise up his people. 00:54:58.820 --> 00:55:00.080 He was going to deliver them. 00:55:00.140 --> 00:55:01.300 He was going to restore them. 00:55:01.380 --> 00:55:04.300 He was going to bring fresh blessing to them. 00:55:04.960 --> 00:55:08.059 He takes them out of Egypt as promised. 00:55:08.300 --> 00:55:09.820 Delivers them to the promised land. 00:55:09.820 --> 00:55:13.740 He takes them over the Jordan into the promised land as promised. 00:55:14.180 --> 00:55:17.700 He delivers them in the days of David as promised. 00:55:18.240 --> 00:55:22.720 He establishes a throne forever as promised. 00:55:24.380 --> 00:55:28.680 He delivers them from exile and brings them home as promised. 00:55:29.780 --> 00:55:31.880 God is a promise making God. 00:55:32.420 --> 00:55:33.900 And a promise keeping God. 00:55:33.900 --> 00:55:38.460 And Mary's focus as this song draws to its conclusion. 00:55:38.760 --> 00:55:41.139 Is the fact that God has promised mercy. 00:55:41.460 --> 00:55:43.960 And he is now delivering it. 00:55:44.639 --> 00:55:47.599 That there's something solid that you can lay hold of there. 00:55:47.860 --> 00:55:49.599 There is something tonight that we can say. 00:55:49.960 --> 00:55:51.740 Through the eyes of faith we can say. 00:55:51.840 --> 00:55:53.019 I believe this. 00:55:53.860 --> 00:55:56.260 I believe this about my God tonight. 00:55:56.260 --> 00:55:58.160 I believe this is who he is. 00:55:58.599 --> 00:56:01.780 That he is a promise keeping God. 00:56:03.900 --> 00:56:07.360 And that is the message I suppose of Christmas. 00:56:08.480 --> 00:56:13.240 The Messiah doesn't just pop into the world 2,000 years ago for no reason. 00:56:14.619 --> 00:56:20.800 The story of Jesus and his coming isn't the pivotal point in human history for no reason. 00:56:21.940 --> 00:56:24.619 It's because he came as promised. 00:56:26.280 --> 00:56:29.240 And he came to achieve something promised. 00:56:29.239 --> 00:56:32.119 And whilst he was here. 00:56:32.619 --> 00:56:35.139 He made fresh promises. 00:56:36.759 --> 00:56:39.399 And tonight these are promises that we can lay hold of. 00:56:40.839 --> 00:56:44.479 These are tonight still promises made to us. 00:56:44.599 --> 00:56:47.239 That are abundant in the mercy of God. 00:56:48.239 --> 00:56:49.719 And so there is that promise. 00:56:49.839 --> 00:56:50.719 The ultimate promise. 00:56:51.119 --> 00:56:51.819 He is coming. 00:56:53.759 --> 00:56:56.079 That's what the whole Bible ends with. 00:56:56.299 --> 00:56:57.459 Come Lord Jesus. 00:56:57.460 --> 00:57:01.099 There is that sense of expectation of his return. 00:57:01.840 --> 00:57:05.400 But he's also promised in the meanwhile that he has gone to prepare a place for us. 00:57:05.880 --> 00:57:07.460 His promise to the thief on the cross. 00:57:07.800 --> 00:57:09.500 Today you will be with me in paradise. 00:57:10.780 --> 00:57:12.340 It's a real promise. 00:57:14.139 --> 00:57:16.400 It's the promise to the disciples. 00:57:17.980 --> 00:57:20.139 That I'm never going to abandon you or forsake you. 00:57:20.179 --> 00:57:21.119 I'm never going to leave you. 00:57:21.119 --> 00:57:26.159 It's the promise that's there to the church. 00:57:26.819 --> 00:57:28.599 That whatever we go through. 00:57:28.719 --> 00:57:30.239 Whatever experiences we have. 00:57:30.579 --> 00:57:33.359 Whatever sorrows and affliction are visited upon the church. 00:57:33.500 --> 00:57:35.940 Perhaps individually or perhaps on a grand scale. 00:57:36.960 --> 00:57:38.380 As I'm sure tonight many Christians. 00:57:38.559 --> 00:57:40.719 Maybe the few Christians left in Syria. 00:57:40.960 --> 00:57:42.139 Are quaking over. 00:57:42.139 --> 00:57:45.679 What's going to happen to them. 00:57:46.819 --> 00:57:50.279 The promise of God is that he is still for them. 00:57:51.279 --> 00:57:52.859 That he is still available. 00:57:53.579 --> 00:57:55.259 That he is still their redeemer. 00:57:56.059 --> 00:57:58.839 That he still values and loves them. 00:57:59.879 --> 00:58:02.119 Because they are his in Christ. 00:58:03.559 --> 00:58:05.039 And tonight that's for us. 00:58:05.039 --> 00:58:07.940 The sense of wonder. 00:58:09.320 --> 00:58:12.219 Extends to the promises that are there for us as well. 00:58:12.719 --> 00:58:14.679 That God is revealing his strength. 00:58:15.059 --> 00:58:16.679 In the experiences that we have. 00:58:17.000 --> 00:58:18.079 Day by day as well. 00:58:19.480 --> 00:58:21.279 That we can sing these words. 00:58:21.860 --> 00:58:23.759 Not merely because Jesus has come. 00:58:24.099 --> 00:58:26.380 But because that wasn't just something that happened. 00:58:26.519 --> 00:58:27.639 2000 years ago. 00:58:28.539 --> 00:58:30.779 It's because it's something that makes a difference. 00:58:31.059 --> 00:58:32.300 In our lives today. 00:58:32.300 --> 00:58:34.039 It's because it's something that makes a difference. 00:58:34.039 --> 00:58:35.320 In our lives tonight. 00:58:35.600 --> 00:58:37.400 It's because it's something that makes a difference. 00:58:37.480 --> 00:58:39.160 And could make a difference to your life. 00:58:39.380 --> 00:58:40.280 Right now. 00:58:41.740 --> 00:58:42.700 Because Jesus. 00:58:43.539 --> 00:58:43.900 Came. 00:58:44.500 --> 00:58:45.200 As a savior. 00:58:46.880 --> 00:58:48.680 And tonight no matter how lost. 00:58:48.920 --> 00:58:49.820 You might feel. 00:58:51.700 --> 00:58:53.000 Perhaps even how lost. 00:58:53.140 --> 00:58:54.740 You might truly be. 00:58:55.420 --> 00:58:56.500 In the misery. 00:58:56.940 --> 00:58:57.780 Of your sin. 00:58:58.480 --> 00:59:00.060 And your distance from God. 00:59:00.059 --> 00:59:02.480 There is a savior. 00:59:03.019 --> 00:59:04.119 Who promises. 00:59:05.279 --> 00:59:06.219 To save. 00:59:08.340 --> 00:59:09.559 There is a savior. 00:59:10.500 --> 00:59:11.079 For us. 00:59:12.960 --> 00:59:14.059 And so tonight. 00:59:14.259 --> 00:59:15.420 You and I are invited. 00:59:15.579 --> 00:59:16.719 In the grace of God. 00:59:17.279 --> 00:59:19.179 To this place of mercy. 00:59:21.239 --> 00:59:22.900 Where Christ has come. 00:59:23.639 --> 00:59:24.980 Where hope is revealed. 00:59:25.980 --> 00:59:27.059 Where salvation. 00:59:27.799 --> 00:59:28.820 Is to be found. 00:59:28.820 --> 00:59:28.920 God. 00:59:31.780 --> 00:59:32.780 Magnify him with me. 00:59:34.000 --> 00:59:35.000 Glorify his name. 00:59:36.519 --> 00:59:37.600 Because he has done. 00:59:38.260 --> 00:59:39.160 Wonderful things. 00:59:40.160 --> 00:59:40.780 Let's pray. 00:59:46.780 --> 00:59:47.420 Heavenly Father. 00:59:47.519 --> 00:59:48.760 I pray that each one of us tonight. 00:59:48.880 --> 00:59:50.280 Would be able to echo these words. 00:59:50.480 --> 00:59:52.019 My spirit rejoices. 00:59:52.740 --> 00:59:53.400 In God. 00:59:53.500 --> 00:59:54.120 My savior. 00:59:54.119 --> 00:59:56.199 What a blessing it is. 00:59:56.279 --> 00:59:57.500 To know that you have saved. 00:59:57.839 --> 00:59:59.000 From the uttermost. 00:59:59.339 --> 00:59:59.900 The lost. 01:00:00.079 --> 01:00:00.359 And the. 01:00:01.699 --> 01:00:02.619 The desperate. 01:00:03.559 --> 01:00:04.339 And the hopeless. 01:00:04.460 --> 01:00:05.019 Of this world. 01:00:06.699 --> 01:00:07.679 And we thank you. 01:00:07.759 --> 01:00:09.559 That you will continue to do this. 01:00:10.299 --> 01:00:11.619 Until the last of your own. 01:00:11.679 --> 01:00:12.199 Are brought home. 01:00:13.539 --> 01:00:14.500 We pray tonight. 01:00:14.599 --> 01:00:14.799 Father. 01:00:14.900 --> 01:00:15.139 Therefore. 01:00:15.239 --> 01:00:16.119 That you would bless us. 01:00:17.380 --> 01:00:18.599 To be able to see. 01:00:19.000 --> 01:00:19.880 To magnify. 01:00:19.880 --> 01:00:21.000 To look through that. 01:00:22.360 --> 01:00:23.320 Intensifying image. 01:00:23.320 --> 01:00:24.400 Of Christ. 01:00:24.559 --> 01:00:25.579 To see the wonder. 01:00:25.579 --> 01:00:26.400 Of what he has done. 01:00:26.480 --> 01:00:27.820 And for us to display that. 01:00:28.599 --> 01:00:29.539 And show it. 01:00:29.700 --> 01:00:30.480 In our lives. 01:00:30.700 --> 01:00:31.440 This coming week. 01:00:32.559 --> 01:00:33.840 Help us to be able to tell. 01:00:33.920 --> 01:00:34.800 Of what Jesus has done. 01:00:35.800 --> 01:00:36.740 And to rejoice. 01:00:36.900 --> 01:00:37.440 That Christmas. 01:00:37.440 --> 01:00:38.980 Is not simply a memorial. 01:00:38.980 --> 01:00:39.619 To something. 01:00:39.740 --> 01:00:40.680 Two thousand years ago. 01:00:40.679 --> 01:00:42.960 But it is a story. 01:00:43.079 --> 01:00:43.619 Of salvation. 01:00:43.799 --> 01:00:44.279 And redemption. 01:00:45.000 --> 01:00:46.419 That is going to go on. 01:00:48.000 --> 01:00:48.919 And be shown. 01:00:49.019 --> 01:00:49.440 In the fullness. 01:00:49.579 --> 01:00:50.159 Of eternity. 01:00:51.219 --> 01:00:52.779 As being your great work. 01:00:53.980 --> 01:00:54.739 Bless us. 01:00:54.879 --> 01:00:55.940 And help us to see Christ. 01:00:56.559 --> 01:00:57.539 In his name we pray. 01:00:58.319 --> 01:00:58.659 Amen. 01:01:05.219 --> 01:01:06.139 We're going to sing. 01:01:06.239 --> 01:01:06.779 In conclusion. 01:01:07.339 --> 01:01:08.519 In Psalm 24. 01:01:08.859 --> 01:01:09.719 In the Scottish Psalter. 01:01:09.719 --> 01:01:11.459 Page 320. 01:01:12.759 --> 01:01:13.019 Sorry. 01:01:13.099 --> 01:01:13.799 Page 230. 01:01:14.659 --> 01:01:15.419 My numbers mix up. 01:01:15.899 --> 01:01:16.459 Page 230. 01:01:19.539 --> 01:01:20.179 We're going to sing. 01:01:20.279 --> 01:01:20.899 From verse 7. 01:01:21.459 --> 01:01:22.579 Through to the end of the Psalm. 01:01:22.679 --> 01:01:23.579 You gates lift up. 01:01:23.619 --> 01:01:24.339 Your heads on high. 01:01:24.419 --> 01:01:25.919 You doors that last foray. 01:01:26.579 --> 01:01:27.359 Be lifted up. 01:01:27.359 --> 01:01:28.859 That so the King of glory. 01:01:29.279 --> 01:01:29.699 Enter me. 01:01:29.980 --> 01:01:31.319 But who of glory is the King? 01:01:31.839 --> 01:01:33.159 The mighty Lord is this. 01:01:33.500 --> 01:01:34.519 Even that same Lord. 01:01:34.679 --> 01:01:35.619 That great in might. 01:01:36.079 --> 01:01:37.879 And strong in battle is. 01:01:37.919 --> 01:01:38.559 This is a song of. 01:01:38.559 --> 01:01:40.139 The incarnation. 01:01:40.699 --> 01:01:41.079 Certainly. 01:01:41.880 --> 01:01:43.000 The victory of Jesus. 01:01:43.500 --> 01:01:44.759 A song that will one day be sung. 01:01:44.820 --> 01:01:45.639 I believe by the church. 01:01:45.799 --> 01:01:47.799 And in glory as well. 01:01:48.340 --> 01:01:50.619 Christ's triumphal return to this world. 01:01:51.119 --> 01:01:51.880 When he comes. 01:01:52.440 --> 01:01:53.239 In the last day. 01:01:53.940 --> 01:01:54.799 We're going to sing to the tune. 01:01:54.799 --> 01:01:55.579 St. George's Edinburgh. 01:01:55.579 --> 01:01:56.519 We'll start to sing. 01:01:56.259 --> 01:01:56.519 We'll start to sing. 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.819 --> 01:01:58.819 01:01:58.820 --> 01:02:28.800 Let's go. 01:02:28.820 --> 01:02:58.800 Let's go. 01:02:58.820 --> 01:03:00.820 Let's go. 01:03:28.820 --> 01:03:30.820 Let's go. 01:03:58.820 --> 01:04:00.820 Let's go. 01:04:00.820 --> 01:04:02.820 Let's go. 01:04:02.820 --> 01:04:04.820 Let's go. 01:04:04.820 --> 01:04:06.820 Alleluia. 01:04:06.820 --> 01:04:10.820 Alleluia. 01:04:10.820 --> 01:04:14.820 Alleluia. 01:04:14.820 --> 01:04:18.820 Alleluia. 01:04:18.820 --> 01:04:22.820 Amen. 01:04:22.820 --> 01:04:24.820 Amen. 01:04:24.820 --> 01:04:26.820 Amen. 01:04:26.820 --> 01:04:28.820 Amen. 01:04:28.820 --> 01:04:30.820 Amen. 01:04:30.820 --> 01:04:32.820 Amen. 01:04:33.820 --> 01:04:34.820 Amen. 01:04:36.820 --> 01:04:44.800 Now the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, the Father, and the fellowship of God, the Holy Spirit, be with each one of us now and always. 01:04:44.800 --> 01:04:44.800 01:04:44.800 --> 01:04:45.700 Amen