WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.240 Well, thanks, Katie. Lovely to see you this morning, folks. 00:00:03.339 --> 00:00:06.360 Particularly if this is your first time with us, you are so welcome today. 00:00:07.299 --> 00:00:09.740 And it's a great joy to get into God's Word together. 00:00:09.859 --> 00:00:11.640 So if you've got a Bible, please grab it. 00:00:11.900 --> 00:00:15.400 If you want to do that on your phone, you can do that as well. 00:00:15.599 --> 00:00:17.660 If there's one in the pews in front of you, grab that. 00:00:17.820 --> 00:00:21.179 The verses, I'm sure, will be going through them as they go on the screen. 00:00:21.300 --> 00:00:27.120 So I did a quick count this morning on my two hands, and it's eight sleeps to Christmas. 00:00:27.120 --> 00:00:33.760 So I thought with that in mind, it was a good time to get something off my chest that really annoys me at the time of Advent. 00:00:33.859 --> 00:00:34.579 You ready for it? 00:00:35.560 --> 00:00:36.760 It's time to come clean. 00:00:37.200 --> 00:00:39.539 Here is who I've got beef with. 00:00:40.500 --> 00:00:42.100 And it's this guy. 00:00:43.560 --> 00:00:46.859 Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the red suit and the hat. 00:00:47.380 --> 00:00:50.359 Big fan of the belly laugh and everything that goes with Santa Claus. 00:00:50.439 --> 00:00:54.880 But what gets me every single year is what he's holding in his hand. 00:00:55.620 --> 00:00:56.159 Do you see it? 00:00:56.159 --> 00:00:58.259 What's he holding in his hand, Innes? 00:00:59.619 --> 00:01:02.259 The good or the naughty list. 00:01:02.259 --> 00:01:03.439 The good or the naughty list. 00:01:03.539 --> 00:01:05.659 Gets me every time it's that list. 00:01:05.799 --> 00:01:07.000 You know the one that he's keeping? 00:01:07.620 --> 00:01:09.239 The one that he's checking twice? 00:01:09.359 --> 00:01:11.920 He's trying to work out who's been naughty and nice. 00:01:12.019 --> 00:01:15.299 Now, notwithstanding the GDPR implications of his data keeping, 00:01:15.799 --> 00:01:18.500 here's the beef that I've got with him. 00:01:19.840 --> 00:01:23.679 I've got no idea where I stand with him. 00:01:23.680 --> 00:01:28.000 I have got no idea if I've been good enough for Santa. 00:01:29.100 --> 00:01:29.940 That's a stress. 00:01:30.020 --> 00:01:32.180 I think you'll agree that you don't need this time of year. 00:01:32.340 --> 00:01:33.840 Added stress to your life. 00:01:34.020 --> 00:01:36.320 You see, Santa's character may be entertaining, 00:01:36.500 --> 00:01:38.120 but if we take in his message, 00:01:39.320 --> 00:01:40.680 quite frankly, it's exhausting. 00:01:40.680 --> 00:01:42.100 Because here's the crux of it. 00:01:42.240 --> 00:01:49.400 His present giving is intrinsically connected to our performance keeping. 00:01:50.780 --> 00:01:54.800 And honestly, I used to think that the God of the Bible ran a similar kind of setup. 00:01:55.460 --> 00:01:56.680 So it worked with him. 00:01:56.780 --> 00:01:59.340 He was like some kind of Santa in the sky. 00:01:59.460 --> 00:02:01.640 He was out to reward our good behavior. 00:02:01.640 --> 00:02:04.040 He was out to punish our bad behavior. 00:02:04.140 --> 00:02:08.840 It's how the gods of our imagination and our construction work, isn't it? 00:02:09.939 --> 00:02:14.159 And if we think God works like that, maybe that's you here today, 00:02:14.939 --> 00:02:18.620 then I've loved hanging out with this man, Zechariah, this week in his song, 00:02:18.740 --> 00:02:22.000 because his song blows our minds, 00:02:22.860 --> 00:02:28.180 blows all our misconceptions of what the God of the Bible is like out of the water, 00:02:28.180 --> 00:02:31.480 because his song is all about how the God of the Bible works. 00:02:32.080 --> 00:02:34.819 It's all about how good the God of the Bible is. 00:02:35.020 --> 00:02:38.020 And it is so refreshingly good. 00:02:38.920 --> 00:02:41.260 So before we go inside his song, though, 00:02:41.360 --> 00:02:43.960 we've got to spend some time outside his song, 00:02:44.020 --> 00:02:45.900 which helps us understand it. 00:02:45.939 --> 00:02:46.960 If you've got a Bible there, 00:02:47.780 --> 00:02:51.140 come with me to verse 5 of Luke's gospel. 00:02:51.300 --> 00:02:53.280 See, we meet this man, Zechariah, 00:02:54.879 --> 00:02:57.480 and we get his job straight off the bat. 00:02:57.480 --> 00:02:58.140 What is he? 00:02:58.180 --> 00:02:58.680 Do you see it? 00:02:58.760 --> 00:03:01.040 He is a priest. 00:03:01.140 --> 00:03:01.980 That's his job. 00:03:03.640 --> 00:03:09.980 And he's married to this lady called Elizabeth. 00:03:10.219 --> 00:03:11.080 And straight off the bat, 00:03:11.180 --> 00:03:15.219 Luke wants us to know certain details about their lives. 00:03:15.319 --> 00:03:15.980 Do you see? 00:03:17.060 --> 00:03:22.120 Verse 6, the two of them are blameless when it comes to living for God. 00:03:23.040 --> 00:03:25.300 There are a couple who want to honor him with their lives. 00:03:25.300 --> 00:03:29.420 They want to live for the worship of this God. 00:03:29.520 --> 00:03:30.460 And we think to ourselves, 00:03:30.540 --> 00:03:33.240 if ever there was a couple to make it onto Santa's good list, 00:03:33.740 --> 00:03:36.820 surely it was this couple we meet right here in Luke chapter 1. 00:03:36.819 --> 00:03:39.500 Do they have rewards in store? 00:03:39.500 --> 00:03:41.680 Is life going to go swimmingly for them? 00:03:41.780 --> 00:03:45.199 Well, again, if it was according to Santa, that's a straight line that would go. 00:03:45.199 --> 00:03:52.099 But not really for this couple here, for there's a massive source of pain that's in their lives. 00:03:52.179 --> 00:03:53.339 Do you see it there? 00:03:53.340 --> 00:03:58.560 The massive source of pain is that they are old and they can't have a child. 00:03:59.900 --> 00:04:02.560 Some of us here, I'm sure, will know the pain of that. 00:04:04.319 --> 00:04:06.219 There's a lovely truth about the God of the Bible. 00:04:06.360 --> 00:04:07.580 He sees every pain. 00:04:07.759 --> 00:04:09.200 He knows every tear. 00:04:11.280 --> 00:04:12.480 Disappointment after disappointment. 00:04:12.840 --> 00:04:15.780 Hope followed by heartache. 00:04:15.780 --> 00:04:19.040 That has been the life story of this two devout couple here. 00:04:19.540 --> 00:04:21.339 And to compound it all in this day, 00:04:21.420 --> 00:04:26.199 it was thought that childlessness was a sign of sinfulness. 00:04:27.480 --> 00:04:30.660 And Luke's helping us see that that simply can't be the case. 00:04:32.519 --> 00:04:33.920 There's pain in their life. 00:04:35.300 --> 00:04:36.899 And yet when it comes to his day job, though, 00:04:36.980 --> 00:04:39.920 do you see things start to take an upswing for Zechariah? 00:04:40.100 --> 00:04:42.120 He hits the jackpot. 00:04:42.120 --> 00:04:49.780 He's drawn at Lot, not just to minister, do you notice, at the temple, but in the temple. 00:04:51.280 --> 00:04:56.199 Verse 9, he enters and he is within feet of the most holy place. 00:04:56.280 --> 00:04:58.800 That is the very place where God dwells. 00:04:59.220 --> 00:05:04.100 This is a once-in-a-lifetime privilege for Zechariah. 00:05:04.199 --> 00:05:07.199 This is the pinnacle, if you like, of his professional career. 00:05:08.660 --> 00:05:09.560 And notice the details. 00:05:09.560 --> 00:05:12.800 He's at the right side of the altar of incense. 00:05:13.120 --> 00:05:14.139 Now, why does that matter? 00:05:14.839 --> 00:05:19.459 It matters because in this day, this is the place where the prayers go up. 00:05:20.339 --> 00:05:22.000 Prayers of the people, they go up. 00:05:23.199 --> 00:05:25.420 And he's there at the hour of incense. 00:05:25.560 --> 00:05:26.300 Do you see that? 00:05:26.420 --> 00:05:27.519 Again, why is that important? 00:05:27.639 --> 00:05:29.480 It's important because at this point, 00:05:30.139 --> 00:05:33.180 he and those who gathered outwith to pray, 00:05:33.620 --> 00:05:35.939 they're praying particularly for the nation. 00:05:35.939 --> 00:05:38.699 They're praying for their people. 00:05:39.279 --> 00:05:41.279 And they're praying really simply this, 00:05:41.879 --> 00:05:43.379 God, would you come and save us? 00:05:44.759 --> 00:05:46.360 God, would you come and save us? 00:05:48.560 --> 00:05:50.120 And Gabriel appears to him, 00:05:50.259 --> 00:05:51.279 God's heard your prayer. 00:05:51.439 --> 00:05:53.939 Elizabeth will have a son and his name will be John. 00:05:55.500 --> 00:05:57.040 He'll be set apart from the Lord. 00:05:57.180 --> 00:05:57.620 Do you see that? 00:05:57.659 --> 00:05:58.860 We don't just get his name. 00:05:59.279 --> 00:06:01.740 We get his job description, if you like. 00:06:01.839 --> 00:06:03.459 We don't just get his lifestyle. 00:06:03.459 --> 00:06:04.979 We get his life purpose. 00:06:05.419 --> 00:06:09.239 He's going to be the one to get the people ready for the coming of the Savior. 00:06:09.359 --> 00:06:10.279 And you think, wow. 00:06:13.279 --> 00:06:16.699 And yet Zechariah doesn't believe it at first. 00:06:16.779 --> 00:06:17.099 I don't know. 00:06:17.180 --> 00:06:20.979 Maybe it's too painful a reality for him to get his head around. 00:06:21.139 --> 00:06:22.439 Please don't get my hopes up again. 00:06:23.519 --> 00:06:24.379 Of a child. 00:06:24.639 --> 00:06:25.659 How will this be? 00:06:25.740 --> 00:06:27.000 He says, verse 18. 00:06:27.000 --> 00:06:30.120 Which we're to interpret, Luke says, 00:06:31.300 --> 00:06:32.740 As disbelief. 00:06:34.319 --> 00:06:36.379 Again, if this were up to Santa, 00:06:36.500 --> 00:06:39.180 At this point, Zechariah makes a huge mistake. 00:06:39.759 --> 00:06:41.899 He would be on Santa's naughty list. 00:06:42.879 --> 00:06:43.939 So you think to yourself, 00:06:44.019 --> 00:06:45.259 Is God going to move on? 00:06:46.259 --> 00:06:50.100 Is God going to pick someone or somewhere else? 00:06:50.100 --> 00:06:52.220 Or is even God just going to take him out 00:06:52.220 --> 00:06:54.340 Because of his disobedience. 00:06:54.480 --> 00:06:57.820 Well, God in classic Zoom call style, 00:06:59.080 --> 00:07:01.320 In wonderful grace, make no mistake, 00:07:01.980 --> 00:07:03.480 He makes him mute. 00:07:04.900 --> 00:07:06.340 Now, have you ever wondered why 00:07:06.340 --> 00:07:08.660 God put him on mute? 00:07:10.840 --> 00:07:12.020 I've thought about it this week. 00:07:12.060 --> 00:07:13.460 I've never actually thought about that before. 00:07:13.560 --> 00:07:16.240 Have you ever wondered why God made him silent? 00:07:16.240 --> 00:07:17.720 Of all the things that God could have done. 00:07:17.720 --> 00:07:22.200 Well, I take it that Zechariah 00:07:22.200 --> 00:07:24.480 Watches everything unfold in front of him, 00:07:24.580 --> 00:07:25.520 Unable to speak. 00:07:26.780 --> 00:07:28.280 I wonder if this just leaves him 00:07:28.280 --> 00:07:29.920 With a lot of thinking time. 00:07:31.320 --> 00:07:33.400 God needs to do some work in his heart. 00:07:34.240 --> 00:07:36.060 Imagine him going home, verse 24. 00:07:36.220 --> 00:07:39.500 He sees Elizabeth become pregnant. 00:07:40.380 --> 00:07:41.460 Notice the little detail there. 00:07:41.480 --> 00:07:42.340 He goes home. 00:07:42.340 --> 00:07:45.340 This birth is, pregnancy rather, is marvellous. 00:07:45.339 --> 00:07:48.459 It's not miraculous like Jesus' was. 00:07:48.539 --> 00:07:49.399 He goes home. 00:07:49.779 --> 00:07:52.299 But imagine these two, this old couple. 00:07:52.759 --> 00:07:54.599 I'd love to have been in that antenatal class, 00:07:54.659 --> 00:07:56.539 Would you not, as that couple walked in there? 00:07:56.560 --> 00:07:57.599 Are you here for your grandson? 00:07:57.779 --> 00:07:58.279 No, no, no, no. 00:07:58.979 --> 00:08:00.620 My wife here is having a baby. 00:08:00.679 --> 00:08:01.299 Are you sure? 00:08:02.979 --> 00:08:04.699 On their Zimmer frames, in they go. 00:08:05.039 --> 00:08:06.739 Imagine him hearing from Elizabeth 00:08:06.739 --> 00:08:08.939 That when Mary came to visit them, 00:08:09.319 --> 00:08:10.479 At verse 39, 00:08:11.279 --> 00:08:12.479 Elizabeth reports to him 00:08:12.480 --> 00:08:13.920 How Jesus in her womb, 00:08:14.140 --> 00:08:15.140 In Mary's womb rather, 00:08:15.660 --> 00:08:17.280 Rejoices at Jesus. 00:08:17.879 --> 00:08:20.360 John in her womb rejoices at Jesus 00:08:20.360 --> 00:08:22.340 In Mary's womb. 00:08:22.580 --> 00:08:23.720 He leaped for joy. 00:08:24.100 --> 00:08:26.740 I love the sense of wondrous anticipation 00:08:26.740 --> 00:08:28.060 There in that scene. 00:08:28.140 --> 00:08:28.879 Don't miss that. 00:08:30.379 --> 00:08:31.660 And it's all about the names. 00:08:31.939 --> 00:08:32.860 All about the names. 00:08:33.060 --> 00:08:35.920 John, whose name means God is gracious, 00:08:35.919 --> 00:08:40.159 Is wonderfully and joyfully celebrating in this moment 00:08:40.159 --> 00:08:41.419 The presence of Jesus, 00:08:41.419 --> 00:08:43.360 Whose name means God saves. 00:08:44.719 --> 00:08:47.479 God is gracious meets God saves. 00:08:47.740 --> 00:08:49.539 What about those two things have in common? 00:08:52.799 --> 00:08:54.639 John's got a lot of thinking time. 00:08:55.759 --> 00:08:57.399 Zechariah's got a lot of thinking time. 00:08:58.059 --> 00:08:59.319 Has Zechariah got it? 00:08:59.320 --> 00:09:02.600 Well, it comes to the names. 00:09:03.420 --> 00:09:06.180 Tradition of the day says that the son takes the father's name. 00:09:06.260 --> 00:09:08.540 But the suggestion comes from left field from Elizabeth. 00:09:08.720 --> 00:09:09.220 Do you see it? 00:09:10.660 --> 00:09:11.640 To go for John. 00:09:13.480 --> 00:09:16.080 Will the silent Zechariah say the same? 00:09:16.879 --> 00:09:17.960 But it's bigger than that. 00:09:18.080 --> 00:09:21.120 Will he, having had time to think deeply on these things, 00:09:22.060 --> 00:09:25.140 Will he begin to walk by faith 00:09:25.139 --> 00:09:28.500 And not by sight? 00:09:30.419 --> 00:09:32.639 Grabbing a writing tablet, verse 63. 00:09:34.019 --> 00:09:36.460 Love how tablets aren't a modern day invention. 00:09:38.439 --> 00:09:40.100 Verse 63, really simply. 00:09:40.220 --> 00:09:42.379 We'd love to have thought of him writing this. 00:09:42.860 --> 00:09:45.080 His name is John. 00:09:45.779 --> 00:09:47.399 And his charades days are over. 00:09:47.539 --> 00:09:49.939 He's off mute and his mouth is opened. 00:09:50.259 --> 00:09:53.000 And again, notice what he's singing about. 00:09:53.000 --> 00:09:56.240 What is it that makes him sing now? 00:09:56.320 --> 00:09:58.759 It's not simply that he's having a child. 00:09:58.879 --> 00:10:00.379 As glorious as that is. 00:10:00.840 --> 00:10:03.279 Because God has been at work in his heart. 00:10:03.399 --> 00:10:06.840 What grabs him now is what God is doing 00:10:06.840 --> 00:10:08.679 In this moment. 00:10:09.039 --> 00:10:10.840 In the arrival of his son. 00:10:11.860 --> 00:10:12.759 And on a side note, 00:10:12.879 --> 00:10:15.100 Isn't it interesting how Luke lets us know 00:10:15.100 --> 00:10:17.000 Just how much this whole episode 00:10:17.000 --> 00:10:19.220 It grabbed the attention of the neighbours? 00:10:20.399 --> 00:10:21.139 Do you not love that? 00:10:21.139 --> 00:10:24.539 As they looked in and they saw 00:10:24.539 --> 00:10:26.960 That God was up to something. 00:10:27.500 --> 00:10:29.100 God was breaking in here. 00:10:29.179 --> 00:10:30.980 He was working in marvellous ways 00:10:30.980 --> 00:10:33.240 In the hearts and the lives 00:10:33.240 --> 00:10:34.799 Of those who were faithful to him 00:10:34.799 --> 00:10:35.639 In this household. 00:10:36.139 --> 00:10:37.939 And as they saw the worship and wonder 00:10:37.939 --> 00:10:38.919 That filled 00:10:38.919 --> 00:10:41.720 Zechariah and Elizabeth's house. 00:10:42.600 --> 00:10:44.759 And as they hear Zechariah praising God 00:10:44.759 --> 00:10:46.740 Like he's never praised him before. 00:10:46.819 --> 00:10:48.340 Do you think that made an impact on them? 00:10:48.340 --> 00:10:51.639 Verse 65 00:10:51.639 --> 00:10:52.420 You bet it did. 00:10:52.500 --> 00:10:53.759 They were filled with awe. 00:10:55.160 --> 00:10:56.540 It really made me think this week 00:10:56.540 --> 00:10:58.379 About my neighbours 00:10:58.379 --> 00:10:59.560 Both physically 00:10:59.560 --> 00:11:03.019 But also those who I rub shoulders with every day. 00:11:04.420 --> 00:11:06.440 Do they see me celebrating Christmas 00:11:06.440 --> 00:11:08.300 With the joy of this household here? 00:11:08.299 --> 00:11:12.979 So we step inside this man's song 00:11:12.979 --> 00:11:14.359 This old man 00:11:14.359 --> 00:11:17.500 Whose heart has been so deeply captured by grace 00:11:17.500 --> 00:11:21.399 And it's a lovely picture of what the gospel does 00:11:21.399 --> 00:11:23.699 Do you see how we've got Mary, this young girl? 00:11:25.139 --> 00:11:27.599 Her song is a deeply personal one 00:11:27.599 --> 00:11:32.039 And yet we also have Zechariah, this old priest 00:11:32.039 --> 00:11:35.179 His song is a beautifully corporate one 00:11:35.179 --> 00:11:38.599 Even there do you see how this gospel 00:11:38.599 --> 00:11:41.059 This good news of good joy 00:11:41.059 --> 00:11:42.259 Is for everyone 00:11:42.259 --> 00:11:44.019 It's all strata of society 00:11:44.019 --> 00:11:47.379 As this priest 00:11:47.379 --> 00:11:49.839 He maybe reflects on the mess 00:11:49.839 --> 00:11:51.799 That he and his people have made of things 00:11:51.799 --> 00:11:52.659 Over the years 00:11:52.659 --> 00:11:55.819 By their foolish choices and their sin 00:11:55.820 --> 00:11:58.500 And the wonder that this God 00:11:58.500 --> 00:11:59.460 He acts 00:11:59.460 --> 00:12:01.100 Not like Santa 00:12:01.100 --> 00:12:04.480 He doesn't reward performance 00:12:04.480 --> 00:12:05.600 He doesn't 00:12:05.600 --> 00:12:08.500 Act on the basis of our performance 00:12:08.500 --> 00:12:09.000 No, no, no 00:12:09.000 --> 00:12:12.200 He works according to his promise 00:12:12.200 --> 00:12:16.260 A promise that snowballs down the ages 00:12:16.260 --> 00:12:17.980 With prophet after prophet 00:12:17.980 --> 00:12:19.460 That centres on a king 00:12:19.460 --> 00:12:22.100 And that's what's implied there 00:12:22.100 --> 00:12:23.740 By, if you're wondering about that language 00:12:23.740 --> 00:12:24.920 The horn of salvation 00:12:24.919 --> 00:12:25.860 Verse 69 00:12:25.860 --> 00:12:26.799 That's what that means 00:12:26.799 --> 00:12:29.099 It means God's going to raise up a king 00:12:29.099 --> 00:12:31.139 What is it about this king 00:12:31.139 --> 00:12:32.599 That gets Zechariah singing? 00:12:33.500 --> 00:12:34.240 Really quickly 00:12:34.240 --> 00:12:35.159 It's two things 00:12:35.159 --> 00:12:37.159 Firstly, that he is a king of might 00:12:37.159 --> 00:12:41.879 He will save us from our enemies 00:12:41.879 --> 00:12:43.199 Now, Zechariah at that point 00:12:43.199 --> 00:12:44.219 May well have been thinking about 00:12:44.219 --> 00:12:47.159 The occupying Romans in his mind 00:12:47.159 --> 00:12:49.899 But equally, given that he mentions 00:12:49.899 --> 00:12:52.259 The forgiveness of sin at verse 77 00:12:52.259 --> 00:12:55.379 There must be a sense in which he realises 00:12:55.379 --> 00:12:58.439 That the biggest problem for him and his people in life 00:12:58.439 --> 00:12:59.960 By a country mile 00:12:59.960 --> 00:13:02.639 Is their failings 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:04.620 Their sin against this God 00:13:04.620 --> 00:13:08.519 The sin, that defiance that starts 00:13:08.519 --> 00:13:10.200 In the attitude of our hearts 00:13:10.200 --> 00:13:12.159 Against our creator 00:13:12.159 --> 00:13:13.819 This holy God 00:13:13.819 --> 00:13:17.019 The sin that's turned us in on ourselves 00:13:17.019 --> 00:13:20.419 That is seen in so much of the selfishness 00:13:20.419 --> 00:13:22.120 That pervades our actions 00:13:22.120 --> 00:13:24.360 That's our biggest problem in life 00:13:24.360 --> 00:13:27.819 Bigger than climate change 00:13:27.819 --> 00:13:28.899 Bigger than economic uncertainty 00:13:29.559 --> 00:13:30.899 Bigger than political instability 00:13:30.899 --> 00:13:33.419 Our biggest problem in life 00:13:33.419 --> 00:13:35.360 Is our sin against this holy God 00:13:35.360 --> 00:13:38.139 You know, spiritually speaking 00:13:38.139 --> 00:13:39.559 We are like those workers 00:13:39.559 --> 00:13:41.259 Who were trapped in that mine in India 00:13:41.259 --> 00:13:42.139 A few weeks ago 00:13:42.139 --> 00:13:46.019 Imagine their sense of utter helplessness 00:13:46.019 --> 00:13:49.079 And that's how the Bible speaks 00:13:49.079 --> 00:13:51.059 Of our situation out with Jesus 00:13:51.059 --> 00:13:52.259 We are lost 00:13:52.259 --> 00:13:53.240 We are helpless 00:13:53.240 --> 00:13:55.960 You know, I've got a good friend Andy 00:13:55.960 --> 00:13:58.480 Who works as a pastor down in Nidri 00:13:58.480 --> 00:14:02.300 One of those economically deprived areas 00:14:02.300 --> 00:14:02.920 Of our city 00:14:02.920 --> 00:14:04.139 And he always says this 00:14:04.139 --> 00:14:07.379 After 12 or 15 years of working there 00:14:07.379 --> 00:14:08.759 He says the biggest problem we have 00:14:08.759 --> 00:14:10.519 In our community here is not poverty 00:14:10.519 --> 00:14:11.920 As big as that is 00:14:11.920 --> 00:14:12.740 It's not poverty 00:14:12.740 --> 00:14:14.320 It's pride 00:14:14.320 --> 00:14:18.320 See the language here 00:14:18.320 --> 00:14:20.100 From the slave market 00:14:20.100 --> 00:14:21.019 Verse 68 00:14:21.019 --> 00:14:22.940 That God is going to redeem us 00:14:22.940 --> 00:14:25.620 He's going to buy us back 00:14:25.620 --> 00:14:28.519 The language from the gladiators 00:14:28.519 --> 00:14:28.860 Arena 00:14:28.860 --> 00:14:29.779 Verse 71 00:14:29.779 --> 00:14:32.600 This God is going to deliver us 00:14:32.600 --> 00:14:35.480 You see, this king has come 00:14:35.480 --> 00:14:36.600 To deal with the penalty 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:38.500 That is due to us 00:14:38.500 --> 00:14:40.440 Because of our rebellion against him 00:14:40.440 --> 00:14:42.320 That's the language the Bible uses 00:14:42.320 --> 00:14:43.659 To help us understand 00:14:43.659 --> 00:14:46.980 What this child would grow up to be 00:14:46.980 --> 00:14:50.340 As he heads towards the cross 00:14:50.340 --> 00:14:52.240 You know, the crucifixion 00:14:52.240 --> 00:14:56.519 Was not the sad anticlimax 00:14:56.519 --> 00:14:58.460 To a life that promised so much 00:14:58.460 --> 00:15:01.840 No, actually the cross of Christ 00:15:01.840 --> 00:15:03.320 Is the very crown and glory 00:15:03.320 --> 00:15:04.440 Of this king's mission 00:15:04.440 --> 00:15:07.080 And for what purpose 00:15:07.080 --> 00:15:08.660 And I love seeing this in the passage 00:15:08.660 --> 00:15:09.379 Please see it 00:15:09.379 --> 00:15:10.100 Verse 75 00:15:10.100 --> 00:15:11.879 What is the purpose of all this? 00:15:13.560 --> 00:15:15.540 That we might serve him 00:15:15.540 --> 00:15:18.240 Without fear 00:15:18.240 --> 00:15:22.080 Because of this king 00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:23.279 When you accept him 00:15:23.279 --> 00:15:24.740 There is no sense of dread 00:15:24.740 --> 00:15:25.759 And nervousness 00:15:25.759 --> 00:15:27.259 As we come before this God 00:15:27.259 --> 00:15:28.019 No, no, no, no 00:15:28.019 --> 00:15:30.500 He doesn't have a Jekyll and Hyde 00:15:30.500 --> 00:15:31.200 Kind of heart 00:15:31.200 --> 00:15:32.139 Towards his people 00:15:32.139 --> 00:15:34.399 He acts to take away our sin 00:15:34.399 --> 00:15:37.080 As we say sorry 00:15:37.080 --> 00:15:37.840 And as we turn 00:15:37.840 --> 00:15:38.940 As we run to him 00:15:38.940 --> 00:15:40.419 Forgiveness means 00:15:40.419 --> 00:15:41.879 That we can call him father 00:15:41.879 --> 00:15:44.539 Adoption 00:15:44.539 --> 00:15:45.560 Being adopted 00:15:45.560 --> 00:15:46.560 As a son and daughter 00:15:46.560 --> 00:15:47.500 Of the living God 00:15:47.500 --> 00:15:48.740 Adoption means 00:15:48.740 --> 00:15:49.879 We can call him Abba 00:15:49.879 --> 00:15:52.100 There is no fear now 00:15:52.100 --> 00:15:52.940 Because of Jesus 00:15:52.940 --> 00:15:54.740 As we come before our God 00:15:54.740 --> 00:15:58.480 Jesus will save us 00:15:58.480 --> 00:15:59.480 From our sin 00:15:59.480 --> 00:16:00.259 For himself 00:16:00.259 --> 00:16:01.360 And that is why 00:16:01.360 --> 00:16:03.539 We will serve him 00:16:03.539 --> 00:16:04.879 As Zechariah says here 00:16:04.879 --> 00:16:06.320 In holiness and righteousness 00:16:06.320 --> 00:16:07.480 All our days 00:16:07.480 --> 00:16:08.600 With this God 00:16:08.600 --> 00:16:09.500 It's not a case of 00:16:09.500 --> 00:16:10.740 We have to serve him 00:16:10.740 --> 00:16:11.980 You come to see 00:16:11.980 --> 00:16:13.480 The beauty of Jesus 00:16:13.480 --> 00:16:14.340 And quickly 00:16:14.340 --> 00:16:15.879 Your hearts come to see 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:16.939 Wow 00:16:16.939 --> 00:16:18.320 I get to serve him 00:16:18.320 --> 00:16:20.860 In the words 00:16:20.860 --> 00:16:22.600 Of Charles Spurgeon 00:16:22.600 --> 00:16:26.179 Jesus is the most 00:16:26.179 --> 00:16:28.559 Magnanimous of captains 00:16:28.559 --> 00:16:32.519 He's a king of might 00:16:32.519 --> 00:16:34.259 Is this Jesus 00:16:34.259 --> 00:16:35.360 And really quick 00:16:35.360 --> 00:16:36.480 He's a king of light 00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:38.419 See verse 76 00:16:38.419 --> 00:16:39.159 It's almost like 00:16:39.159 --> 00:16:40.279 Zechariah at this point 00:16:40.279 --> 00:16:42.600 Spontaneous praise 00:16:42.600 --> 00:16:43.620 For what this God 00:16:43.620 --> 00:16:44.300 Is doing at the minute 00:16:44.300 --> 00:16:44.820 It's almost like 00:16:44.820 --> 00:16:45.779 He pauses at this point 00:16:45.779 --> 00:16:46.700 And he turns to his son 00:16:46.700 --> 00:16:49.279 He thinks about the boy 00:16:49.279 --> 00:16:49.899 Who is holding 00:16:49.899 --> 00:16:50.740 Probably in his 00:16:50.740 --> 00:16:51.879 Rickety bony arms 00:16:51.879 --> 00:16:54.740 And he says 00:16:54.740 --> 00:16:55.179 You son 00:16:55.179 --> 00:16:56.340 Your role will be 00:16:56.340 --> 00:16:57.220 To prepare the way 00:16:57.220 --> 00:16:58.480 For this saviour to come 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:59.899 Because of the 00:16:59.899 --> 00:17:01.960 Tender mercy of our God 00:17:01.960 --> 00:17:02.500 Do you not love 00:17:02.500 --> 00:17:03.279 Those two words? 00:17:06.099 --> 00:17:06.920 Not harsh 00:17:06.920 --> 00:17:08.740 Discipline 00:17:08.740 --> 00:17:10.660 No the tender mercy 00:17:10.660 --> 00:17:11.460 Of our God 00:17:11.460 --> 00:17:13.440 Zechariah here 00:17:13.440 --> 00:17:14.240 He's tapping into 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:15.140 The language of 00:17:15.140 --> 00:17:16.000 The reading that we 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:16.619 Started with 00:17:16.619 --> 00:17:17.420 Archie read from us 00:17:17.420 --> 00:17:18.700 From Isaiah chapter 9 00:17:18.700 --> 00:17:19.840 Of this light 00:17:19.840 --> 00:17:20.680 That will shine 00:17:20.680 --> 00:17:21.940 Into the darkness 00:17:21.940 --> 00:17:23.600 This light 00:17:23.600 --> 00:17:24.299 That will shine 00:17:24.299 --> 00:17:25.059 To those who are 00:17:25.059 --> 00:17:26.100 In the shadow of death 00:17:26.100 --> 00:17:27.000 Do you hear what he's saying 00:17:27.000 --> 00:17:27.840 Verse 79 00:17:27.840 --> 00:17:29.840 This sunrise will visit us 00:17:29.840 --> 00:17:31.140 It will give light 00:17:31.140 --> 00:17:32.000 To those who are 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:33.120 Sitting in darkness 00:17:33.120 --> 00:17:34.000 And that's the thing 00:17:34.000 --> 00:17:34.740 About the Bible 00:17:34.740 --> 00:17:38.160 There's a lot of darkness 00:17:38.160 --> 00:17:38.860 At this point 00:17:38.860 --> 00:17:39.559 In the journey 00:17:39.559 --> 00:17:41.980 And yet here is 00:17:41.980 --> 00:17:43.920 Luke declaring to us 00:17:43.920 --> 00:17:44.799 That this light 00:17:44.799 --> 00:17:46.360 Is about to burst into 00:17:46.360 --> 00:17:47.779 And is smashing into 00:17:47.779 --> 00:17:48.480 Our darkness 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:49.440 To conquer it 00:17:49.440 --> 00:17:51.160 So do you hear 00:17:51.160 --> 00:17:52.180 Zechariah's song 00:17:52.180 --> 00:17:54.240 He's saying that 00:17:54.240 --> 00:17:55.319 The heart of this God 00:17:55.319 --> 00:17:57.200 Isn't like Santa's 00:17:57.200 --> 00:17:57.920 That this God 00:17:57.920 --> 00:17:59.000 Does not come 00:17:59.000 --> 00:17:59.839 To deal with us 00:17:59.839 --> 00:18:01.220 According to our performance 00:18:01.220 --> 00:18:02.279 No this God 00:18:02.279 --> 00:18:03.680 Acts for his glory 00:18:03.680 --> 00:18:05.720 In accordance with 00:18:05.720 --> 00:18:06.680 His promises 00:18:06.680 --> 00:18:08.839 To save us 00:18:08.839 --> 00:18:11.180 So let me just ask you 00:18:11.180 --> 00:18:11.660 As we close 00:18:11.660 --> 00:18:12.319 Have you entered 00:18:12.319 --> 00:18:13.319 Into the joy 00:18:13.319 --> 00:18:15.460 Of knowing the salvation 00:18:15.460 --> 00:18:16.920 That God offers to us 00:18:16.920 --> 00:18:17.980 In the person 00:18:17.980 --> 00:18:18.680 Of his son 00:18:18.680 --> 00:18:19.740 Do you know 00:18:19.740 --> 00:18:21.220 The burden lifted 00:18:21.220 --> 00:18:22.660 Of your sins forgiven 00:18:22.660 --> 00:18:24.320 Do you know 00:18:24.320 --> 00:18:24.980 The peace 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:25.940 Of your conscience 00:18:25.940 --> 00:18:26.920 Cleansed 00:18:26.920 --> 00:18:28.279 Do you know 00:18:28.279 --> 00:18:29.580 Life to the full 00:18:29.580 --> 00:18:30.700 With the God 00:18:30.700 --> 00:18:31.800 Who created you 00:18:31.800 --> 00:18:32.680 All of that 00:18:32.680 --> 00:18:33.500 Is on offer 00:18:33.500 --> 00:18:35.539 In the person 00:18:35.539 --> 00:18:36.259 Of Jesus 00:18:36.259 --> 00:18:38.720 You know 00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:39.720 Just as we wrap this up 00:18:39.720 --> 00:18:40.300 Let me tell you 00:18:40.300 --> 00:18:41.259 About my Friday morning 00:18:41.259 --> 00:18:44.920 It's 8.30am 00:18:44.920 --> 00:18:47.700 I'm beginning the school run 00:18:47.700 --> 00:18:48.759 The kids are dressed 00:18:48.759 --> 00:18:49.720 We're out the door 00:18:49.720 --> 00:18:53.279 It's beginning to get light 00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:54.519 I put the alarm on 00:18:54.519 --> 00:18:55.379 I close the door 00:18:55.379 --> 00:18:56.279 I lock the lock 00:18:56.279 --> 00:18:57.180 And I look out 00:18:57.180 --> 00:18:59.299 And I'm tired 00:18:59.299 --> 00:19:01.140 But I'm pretty sure 00:19:01.140 --> 00:19:02.180 I've seen a firework 00:19:02.180 --> 00:19:03.160 Go across the sky 00:19:03.160 --> 00:19:06.000 And I think to myself 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:07.299 Surely I can't be 00:19:07.299 --> 00:19:07.940 The only one 00:19:07.940 --> 00:19:09.019 That just saw that 00:19:09.019 --> 00:19:11.160 Before I grass up 00:19:11.160 --> 00:19:11.559 The neighbours 00:19:11.559 --> 00:19:12.359 And call the police 00:19:12.359 --> 00:19:13.079 Who's setting off 00:19:13.079 --> 00:19:14.079 Fireworks at that time 00:19:14.079 --> 00:19:14.539 In the morning 00:19:14.539 --> 00:19:16.680 I turn to the kids 00:19:16.680 --> 00:19:17.960 Kids did you see anything 00:19:17.960 --> 00:19:19.700 Did you see anything 00:19:19.700 --> 00:19:20.879 Did daddy just imagine that 00:19:20.879 --> 00:19:21.980 We saw nothing dad 00:19:21.980 --> 00:19:24.259 So cross the road 00:19:24.259 --> 00:19:25.539 Make him away to the school 00:19:25.539 --> 00:19:26.420 Meet some other parents 00:19:26.420 --> 00:19:27.180 On the school run 00:19:27.180 --> 00:19:28.180 Did anyone else 00:19:28.180 --> 00:19:29.299 See something in the sky 00:19:29.299 --> 00:19:29.839 This morning 00:19:29.839 --> 00:19:31.099 Didn't see anything 00:19:31.099 --> 00:19:32.059 In the sky this morning 00:19:32.059 --> 00:19:34.579 I must be thinking 00:19:34.579 --> 00:19:35.440 I'm really tired 00:19:35.440 --> 00:19:37.500 Beginning to lose it 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:39.700 Then another parent 00:19:39.700 --> 00:19:40.779 Came at me this time 00:19:40.779 --> 00:19:41.220 She said 00:19:41.220 --> 00:19:41.700 Listen listen 00:19:41.700 --> 00:19:43.180 Did you see something 00:19:43.180 --> 00:19:43.859 In the sky 00:19:43.859 --> 00:19:45.680 Yes I saw something 00:19:45.680 --> 00:19:46.440 In the sky 00:19:46.440 --> 00:19:48.160 And we worked it out 00:19:48.160 --> 00:19:48.920 We went on Google 00:19:48.920 --> 00:19:49.660 As you do 00:19:49.660 --> 00:19:50.720 Modern parents 00:19:50.720 --> 00:19:52.480 Did anyone else 00:19:52.480 --> 00:19:53.079 See the meteor 00:19:53.079 --> 00:19:55.539 No 00:19:55.539 --> 00:19:57.400 No one saw 00:19:57.400 --> 00:19:58.380 Anyway 00:19:58.380 --> 00:19:59.759 Three seconds 00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:00.279 It lasted 00:20:00.279 --> 00:20:00.880 This meteor 00:20:00.880 --> 00:20:01.720 Just went across 00:20:01.720 --> 00:20:02.259 The sky 00:20:02.259 --> 00:20:04.039 Wonderful thing 00:20:04.039 --> 00:20:05.140 Full of colour 00:20:05.140 --> 00:20:05.920 And light 00:20:05.920 --> 00:20:08.020 And it was absolutely 00:20:08.020 --> 00:20:08.900 Incredible when we 00:20:08.900 --> 00:20:10.040 Worked out what it was 00:20:10.040 --> 00:20:11.240 But here's the thing 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:12.000 About the meteor 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:14.440 The meteor was wonderful 00:20:14.440 --> 00:20:16.000 For three seconds 00:20:16.000 --> 00:20:17.759 It was purple 00:20:17.759 --> 00:20:18.480 It was green 00:20:18.480 --> 00:20:19.120 It was blue 00:20:19.120 --> 00:20:19.880 It had a tail 00:20:19.880 --> 00:20:20.780 It was lovely 00:20:20.780 --> 00:20:22.940 And then it disappeared 00:20:22.940 --> 00:20:26.280 And it struck me 00:20:26.280 --> 00:20:26.600 As I 00:20:26.600 --> 00:20:28.680 I've hung out with Zechariah 00:20:28.680 --> 00:20:29.740 This week in his song 00:20:29.740 --> 00:20:31.480 And do you see 00:20:31.480 --> 00:20:32.720 How he mentions there 00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:33.600 He sings about 00:20:33.599 --> 00:20:34.299 What God is doing 00:20:34.299 --> 00:20:34.819 In this moment 00:20:34.819 --> 00:20:35.899 And he references 00:20:35.899 --> 00:20:38.139 Verse 69 00:20:38.139 --> 00:20:40.399 The house of David 00:20:40.399 --> 00:20:43.759 What that is code for 00:20:43.759 --> 00:20:47.879 Is God's forever king 00:20:47.879 --> 00:20:50.279 And it struck me 00:20:50.279 --> 00:20:51.359 That he is celebrating 00:20:51.359 --> 00:20:52.659 The fact that the life 00:20:52.659 --> 00:20:53.259 Of God's king 00:20:53.259 --> 00:20:54.279 Will be the opposite 00:20:54.279 --> 00:20:55.139 Of that meteor 00:20:55.139 --> 00:20:57.740 What will start 00:20:57.740 --> 00:20:59.199 Really humbly 00:20:59.199 --> 00:21:00.799 With an unspectacular 00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:02.139 Beginning in Bethlehem 00:21:02.140 --> 00:21:04.480 What will end 00:21:04.480 --> 00:21:05.660 With him on the cross 00:21:05.660 --> 00:21:06.759 In his earthly life 00:21:06.759 --> 00:21:09.140 What will happen 00:21:09.140 --> 00:21:09.620 Will it be 00:21:09.620 --> 00:21:10.720 Forever glorious 00:21:10.720 --> 00:21:11.259 And mighty 00:21:11.259 --> 00:21:11.980 The reign of this 00:21:11.980 --> 00:21:12.540 King Jesus 00:21:12.540 --> 00:21:14.759 He's the opposite 00:21:14.759 --> 00:21:15.480 Of the meteor 00:21:15.480 --> 00:21:17.520 And that is why 00:21:17.520 --> 00:21:18.660 I love the invitation 00:21:18.660 --> 00:21:19.900 To come to this king 00:21:19.900 --> 00:21:20.400 This morning 00:21:20.400 --> 00:21:21.120 Who we're still 00:21:21.120 --> 00:21:22.120 Speaking about 00:21:22.120 --> 00:21:22.940 And celebrating 00:21:22.940 --> 00:21:23.620 And who's still 00:21:23.620 --> 00:21:24.440 Changing hearts 00:21:24.440 --> 00:21:25.259 The world over 00:21:25.259 --> 00:21:27.520 Some 2000 odd 00:21:27.520 --> 00:21:28.160 Years later 00:21:28.160 --> 00:21:28.620 What would have been 00:21:28.620 --> 00:21:29.500 The odds on that 00:21:29.500 --> 00:21:31.480 How do you explain that 00:21:31.480 --> 00:21:33.480 It's because this king 00:21:33.480 --> 00:21:34.720 His reign will have no end 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:35.640 This king is not like 00:21:35.640 --> 00:21:36.160 The meteor 00:21:36.160 --> 00:21:36.680 Who will be 00:21:36.680 --> 00:21:37.440 Three seconds 00:21:37.440 --> 00:21:38.000 Have his moment 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:38.559 In the sun 00:21:38.559 --> 00:21:39.859 And he will be 00:21:39.859 --> 00:21:40.819 Forever banished 00:21:40.819 --> 00:21:41.539 To folklore 00:21:41.539 --> 00:21:43.720 No this king 00:21:43.720 --> 00:21:44.759 Is an everlasting king 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:45.559 Who really does 00:21:45.559 --> 00:21:47.059 Transform lights 00:21:47.059 --> 00:21:49.299 John would write this 00:21:49.299 --> 00:21:49.759 At the beginning 00:21:49.759 --> 00:21:50.579 Of his gospel 00:21:50.579 --> 00:21:52.099 The light shines 00:21:52.099 --> 00:21:52.819 In the darkness 00:21:52.819 --> 00:21:53.859 And then get this 00:21:53.859 --> 00:21:55.599 And the darkness 00:21:55.599 --> 00:21:57.740 Has not overcome it 00:21:57.740 --> 00:22:00.139 Two giveaways 00:22:00.139 --> 00:22:00.919 We'd love to give you 00:22:00.919 --> 00:22:01.719 Just before we sing 00:22:01.719 --> 00:22:02.439 And we wrap this up 00:22:02.439 --> 00:22:02.839 This morning 00:22:02.839 --> 00:22:03.439 That you can get 00:22:03.439 --> 00:22:04.039 On your way out 00:22:04.039 --> 00:22:05.479 One is just a really 00:22:05.479 --> 00:22:07.079 Nicely decorated 00:22:07.079 --> 00:22:07.979 Christmas version 00:22:07.979 --> 00:22:09.039 Of Luke's gospel 00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:10.119 If you're wondering 00:22:10.119 --> 00:22:10.859 What all this has been 00:22:10.859 --> 00:22:11.579 About this morning 00:22:11.579 --> 00:22:12.319 If you've been wondering 00:22:12.319 --> 00:22:13.319 What I've been speaking about 00:22:13.319 --> 00:22:14.299 That is something for you 00:22:14.299 --> 00:22:15.439 To take away this morning 00:22:15.439 --> 00:22:16.740 It's our gift to you 00:22:16.740 --> 00:22:17.500 Please grab it 00:22:17.500 --> 00:22:18.479 On your way out today 00:22:18.479 --> 00:22:19.479 And another one 00:22:19.479 --> 00:22:20.119 Is just a giveaway 00:22:20.119 --> 00:22:21.019 For you as well 00:22:21.019 --> 00:22:23.200 This book by a guy 00:22:23.200 --> 00:22:24.200 Called Bob Lapine 00:22:24.200 --> 00:22:25.599 Called The Four Emotions 00:22:25.599 --> 00:22:26.160 Of Christmas 00:22:26.160 --> 00:22:27.680 Just might connect 00:22:27.680 --> 00:22:28.500 With what's going on 00:22:28.500 --> 00:22:29.440 In your life just now 00:22:29.440 --> 00:22:30.400 The different emotions 00:22:30.400 --> 00:22:31.139 That we feel 00:22:31.139 --> 00:22:32.639 But it's going to connect you 00:22:32.639 --> 00:22:33.180 And tell you about 00:22:33.180 --> 00:22:34.160 The good news of Jesus 00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:36.079 Grab those two this morning 00:22:36.079 --> 00:22:36.639 As you go 00:22:36.639 --> 00:22:37.500 We'd love to be 00:22:37.500 --> 00:22:38.539 Our gift to you 00:22:38.539 --> 00:22:40.460 Why don't we pray 00:22:40.460 --> 00:22:42.359 And let's pray 00:22:42.359 --> 00:22:43.180 To this God 00:22:43.180 --> 00:22:44.839 Of light 00:22:44.839 --> 00:22:49.960 And so Father 00:22:49.960 --> 00:22:50.940 We thank you so much 00:22:50.940 --> 00:22:51.759 For this morning 00:22:51.759 --> 00:22:53.900 Lord on all the fun 00:22:53.900 --> 00:22:55.460 And all the festivity 00:22:55.460 --> 00:22:56.420 And all the laughing 00:22:56.420 --> 00:22:56.759 Lord 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:57.820 We thank you 00:22:57.820 --> 00:22:59.299 For the serious news 00:22:59.299 --> 00:23:00.080 The wonderful 00:23:00.080 --> 00:23:01.480 Life transforming 00:23:01.480 --> 00:23:02.340 Good news 00:23:02.340 --> 00:23:04.519 Of the coming of Jesus 00:23:04.519 --> 00:23:06.279 So Father 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:06.900 I pray 00:23:06.900 --> 00:23:07.920 That in all the busyness 00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:08.720 Of this season 00:23:08.720 --> 00:23:09.820 That you would meet us 00:23:09.820 --> 00:23:10.700 Where we're at 00:23:10.700 --> 00:23:11.640 Lord I pray for those 00:23:11.640 --> 00:23:12.519 In this room today 00:23:12.519 --> 00:23:13.140 For whom this is 00:23:13.140 --> 00:23:14.019 Really difficult 00:23:14.019 --> 00:23:16.820 A really hard time of year 00:23:16.820 --> 00:23:17.980 Remembering the 00:23:17.980 --> 00:23:18.700 Maybe the death 00:23:18.700 --> 00:23:20.600 Of loved ones 00:23:20.599 --> 00:23:23.799 Maybe the stresses 00:23:23.799 --> 00:23:24.599 Of some of the things 00:23:24.599 --> 00:23:25.240 We've been thinking 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:26.000 About today 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:27.299 Lord I pray 00:23:27.299 --> 00:23:28.379 That the Prince of Peace 00:23:28.379 --> 00:23:28.879 Your Son 00:23:28.879 --> 00:23:29.679 By your Spirit 00:23:29.679 --> 00:23:30.259 Would meet them 00:23:30.259 --> 00:23:30.980 Where they're at 00:23:30.980 --> 00:23:32.819 Father for those of us 00:23:32.819 --> 00:23:33.500 Perhaps who are just 00:23:33.500 --> 00:23:34.299 Really tired 00:23:34.299 --> 00:23:34.980 And weary 00:23:34.980 --> 00:23:36.819 I pray that we would be 00:23:36.819 --> 00:23:38.240 Greatly strengthened 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:39.279 By the King of Light 00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:42.380 Father we pray as well 00:23:42.380 --> 00:23:42.880 As those 00:23:42.880 --> 00:23:43.920 For those of us 00:23:43.920 --> 00:23:45.640 Who are doing well 00:23:45.640 --> 00:23:46.500 Father we pray 00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:47.480 That you would help us 00:23:47.480 --> 00:23:48.380 To have joy 00:23:48.380 --> 00:23:49.240 In this King 00:23:49.240 --> 00:23:50.359 Lord help us 00:23:50.359 --> 00:23:51.680 Just this Christmas 00:23:51.680 --> 00:23:52.620 To make time 00:23:52.620 --> 00:23:55.160 To do what Zechariah did 00:23:55.160 --> 00:23:56.640 Just to take time 00:23:56.640 --> 00:23:57.620 To reflect 00:23:57.620 --> 00:23:58.200 And would you do 00:23:58.200 --> 00:23:59.299 Some deep work 00:23:59.299 --> 00:23:59.900 In our hearts 00:23:59.900 --> 00:24:00.299 Father 00:24:00.299 --> 00:24:01.799 Help us to see 00:24:01.799 --> 00:24:02.640 The beauty 00:24:02.640 --> 00:24:04.140 Of what you're doing 00:24:04.140 --> 00:24:05.059 In this moment 00:24:05.059 --> 00:24:06.379 So Lord we just 00:24:06.379 --> 00:24:07.159 Thank you for today 00:24:07.159 --> 00:24:08.119 Thank you for everything 00:24:08.119 --> 00:24:08.859 That's gone on 00:24:08.859 --> 00:24:09.799 Father be with us 00:24:09.799 --> 00:24:11.039 As we finish this morning 00:24:11.039 --> 00:24:12.399 In Jesus' wonderful 00:24:12.399 --> 00:24:14.379 And in his strong name 00:24:14.379 --> 00:24:14.879 We pray 00:24:14.879 --> 00:24:15.759 Amen