WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.060 So, are you ready for Christmas? 00:00:04.459 --> 00:00:05.900 Oh, I heard a groan. 00:00:10.540 --> 00:00:14.720 Charles Dickens wrote in a Christmas carol, 00:00:15.040 --> 00:00:21.199 I will honour Christmas in my heart and I will try to keep it all of the year. 00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:25.339 I will live in the past, I will live in the present and the future. 00:00:25.859 --> 00:00:29.160 The spirits of all three will strive within me. 00:00:29.160 --> 00:00:33.380 I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. 00:00:34.299 --> 00:00:39.480 I think when it comes to Christmas, we have a lot of lessons that maybe we have learnt down the years. 00:00:39.880 --> 00:00:48.019 And what lessons maybe have we learnt this Advent as we're preparing in our journey about our relationship with Jesus? 00:00:48.280 --> 00:00:50.179 Because that's what Advent is all about. 00:00:50.280 --> 00:00:57.659 It's growing and deepening that relationship each and every one of us have with Jesus and others around us. 00:00:57.659 --> 00:01:04.579 We've lit our third Advent candle, a visual reminder of our Advent journey. 00:01:05.159 --> 00:01:10.640 One more candle to go before we light that final one on Christmas Day, 00:01:11.019 --> 00:01:15.400 the one that we have been preparing for, Jesus coming into the world. 00:01:16.120 --> 00:01:21.939 A meeting with Jesus is and always will be a life-changing experience. 00:01:21.939 --> 00:01:27.399 I hope you have, and I hope you are experiencing that. 00:01:27.739 --> 00:01:30.420 Because life with Jesus is exciting. 00:01:31.319 --> 00:01:37.239 We can look around at the doom and gloom of the world, but living life with Jesus is exciting. 00:01:38.420 --> 00:01:44.939 I met a young adult yesterday desperately, desperately seeking Jesus afresh in his life. 00:01:44.939 --> 00:01:53.459 The Jesus he knew so well in his childhood that was so real, so awesome, so wonderful. 00:01:53.859 --> 00:02:01.700 But somewhere along the way in life had lost the wonder and the zeal that Jesus brings. 00:02:03.200 --> 00:02:04.420 Where did we lose that? 00:02:04.420 --> 00:02:08.340 Maybe where have we lost that? 00:02:10.439 --> 00:02:15.719 It's Scout and Guide and Uniformed Services, the organisation this week, 00:02:16.140 --> 00:02:18.740 gathered in here all the uniformed organisations. 00:02:19.060 --> 00:02:19.900 It was amazing. 00:02:20.979 --> 00:02:26.020 But we spoke and focused on the Chief Scout, which is Bear Grylls. 00:02:26.719 --> 00:02:29.120 Bear Grylls is the Chief Scout. 00:02:29.120 --> 00:02:38.680 He has an influence over 40, I think it's 400,000 young people and their leaders. 00:02:39.719 --> 00:02:43.620 And he was baptised in the River Jordan in October. 00:02:44.819 --> 00:02:50.580 He wanted to tell the world and he wanted to show the world what it means to be a Christian 00:02:50.580 --> 00:02:52.599 in the setting in which he is. 00:02:52.599 --> 00:02:54.500 He said, 00:02:55.460 --> 00:03:00.039 The Jesus story is so amazing, it seems wherever Jesus went, 00:03:00.400 --> 00:03:04.959 that new birth, new life, a new vision followed. 00:03:05.959 --> 00:03:10.259 I hope that's been your experience, because it's certainly been mine. 00:03:11.120 --> 00:03:16.599 Jesus never ceases to amaze us and surprise us in that which he brings 00:03:16.599 --> 00:03:20.879 and that which he came to bring into each and every one of our lives 00:03:20.879 --> 00:03:23.199 and the lights in the people that we reach. 00:03:23.740 --> 00:03:28.759 And I hope like me as well, as we lit that third candle, 00:03:29.620 --> 00:03:35.560 we were reminded of the courageousness of what this Christian journey is all about. 00:03:36.340 --> 00:03:37.960 Because it takes courage. 00:03:38.780 --> 00:03:41.000 It takes courage, as Bear Grylls will know, 00:03:41.219 --> 00:03:44.219 to jump out of planes to do everything that he does. 00:03:44.579 --> 00:03:45.819 What's his motivation? 00:03:45.819 --> 00:03:50.340 I think it's about Jesus and he made that known in the River Jordan. 00:03:50.859 --> 00:03:52.120 What's our motivation? 00:03:52.560 --> 00:03:54.299 And what makes us courageous? 00:03:55.699 --> 00:03:57.680 Bear Grylls said, remember this, 00:03:58.840 --> 00:04:02.120 You have a light within you, the Holy Spirit, 00:04:02.780 --> 00:04:08.719 and wherever you go, you will bring a greater light than the darkness around you. 00:04:09.019 --> 00:04:10.120 I'm going to read that again, 00:04:10.199 --> 00:04:13.419 because I think that's a so important message for this season. 00:04:13.419 --> 00:04:17.579 You have a light within you, the Holy Spirit, 00:04:17.779 --> 00:04:21.399 and wherever you go, you will bring a light greater, 00:04:21.939 --> 00:04:24.759 greater than the darkness around you. 00:04:26.719 --> 00:04:29.079 Our scripture today reminds us of that, 00:04:29.159 --> 00:04:33.639 what it means to be a light carrier in the situations in which we bring. 00:04:34.759 --> 00:04:38.279 I remember the story of the starfish, you may have heard it before, 00:04:38.279 --> 00:04:41.879 of all these starfish that are washed up onto a beach, 00:04:42.019 --> 00:04:46.159 and they're likely to stay there and die as the tide goes out. 00:04:47.419 --> 00:04:48.759 And there's a boy that was there, 00:04:48.859 --> 00:04:52.799 and all he was doing is throwing one at a time back into the water. 00:04:53.839 --> 00:04:55.319 A guy came over to him and said, 00:04:55.419 --> 00:04:57.139 You know, it's futile. 00:04:57.379 --> 00:04:59.199 What difference are you making? 00:04:59.199 --> 00:05:02.439 And he said, I'm making a difference to that one, 00:05:03.039 --> 00:05:04.899 and I'm making a difference to that one. 00:05:05.800 --> 00:05:08.319 One by one by one by one, 00:05:08.500 --> 00:05:13.439 we can be light carriers into the darkness that people may be experiencing 00:05:13.439 --> 00:05:16.480 this Christmas and in the year to come. 00:05:16.759 --> 00:05:21.480 Our scripture today reminds us of the hope that we have in that Christ light 00:05:21.480 --> 00:05:23.579 that each and every one of us carries. 00:05:23.579 --> 00:05:29.060 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, 00:05:29.579 --> 00:05:31.620 for this is God's will for you. 00:05:32.779 --> 00:05:36.039 This is God's will for you in Jesus Christ. 00:05:36.339 --> 00:05:39.339 What do people see when they see us? 00:05:39.959 --> 00:05:42.199 What do people see when they see us? 00:05:42.319 --> 00:05:45.479 Are we carrying that light into the community? 00:05:46.259 --> 00:05:49.620 Are we carrying that light into the situations in which we bring? 00:05:49.620 --> 00:05:53.579 Are we carrying that light into our prayer life as well? 00:05:54.439 --> 00:05:57.379 Giving thanks and rejoicing for the small things, 00:05:57.860 --> 00:06:00.300 but the big things in eternity that happen. 00:06:01.139 --> 00:06:04.920 I've been so blessed this week with opportunities, 00:06:05.300 --> 00:06:09.420 opportunities that gave me to meet people that I haven't met before 00:06:09.420 --> 00:06:13.920 and have really, really light-centered conversations with people. 00:06:14.680 --> 00:06:16.639 It's a blessing that we can bring, 00:06:16.819 --> 00:06:18.759 and it's a blessing that comes to us. 00:06:18.759 --> 00:06:20.240 If you have met with Jesus, 00:06:20.399 --> 00:06:25.360 you will know how powerful that relationship with our Lord and Savior is, 00:06:25.659 --> 00:06:30.139 and how prayer is central to the closeness of that experience 00:06:30.139 --> 00:06:32.019 in the everyday conversation. 00:06:33.779 --> 00:06:38.199 Somebody asked me what my morning prayer was in the morning. 00:06:38.659 --> 00:06:41.199 What's the first thing that you pray about, Vicar? 00:06:42.500 --> 00:06:43.480 Where's the reply? 00:06:43.480 --> 00:06:46.360 I said, my basic prayer is, 00:06:46.520 --> 00:06:50.620 Lord, help me not to miss the opportunities you're going to show me today. 00:06:50.620 --> 00:06:53.340 That's my first prayer of the day. 00:06:54.300 --> 00:06:59.420 Lord, help me not to miss the opportunities that you're going to show me today. 00:06:59.420 --> 00:07:03.259 Isn't it awful when we know that we've missed those opportunities? 00:07:03.680 --> 00:07:04.620 We will know them. 00:07:04.680 --> 00:07:10.819 We will know them of maybe those opportunities where we know we should have just stepped in, 00:07:10.900 --> 00:07:12.900 maybe asked and prayed at that moment, 00:07:13.220 --> 00:07:14.240 Lord, give me the words. 00:07:14.360 --> 00:07:15.439 Give me the words to say. 00:07:15.520 --> 00:07:16.520 What do you want me to do? 00:07:16.740 --> 00:07:18.340 What do you want me to join in with, 00:07:18.340 --> 00:07:21.879 with what you're already doing in this person's life that I've met today? 00:07:21.879 --> 00:07:27.899 Show me because I'm ready, because the light is burning in me and I want to do that. 00:07:29.060 --> 00:07:33.219 That meeting with him day in and day out, 24-7. 00:07:33.639 --> 00:07:37.719 In that confidence of Jesus' words, I am with you always. 00:07:38.180 --> 00:07:42.100 I'm not just with you on a Sunday between 10.30 and 11.30. 00:07:42.300 --> 00:07:43.300 He is here. 00:07:43.939 --> 00:07:47.459 But as we know, it's 24-7 in what we do. 00:07:48.300 --> 00:07:48.839 Relationship. 00:07:48.839 --> 00:07:55.279 It's that relationship that Bear Grylls testifies to that gives him courage, boldness, trust and faithfulness 00:07:55.279 --> 00:08:05.859 to be an influencer to all those young people and the 100,000 leaders that they reach and looks after them each week. 00:08:08.679 --> 00:08:15.319 This conversation yesterday with this young man was very important. 00:08:15.319 --> 00:08:18.000 It was just such a blessing. 00:08:18.839 --> 00:08:28.279 And we had a wedding here yesterday where, again, it was such a blessing to see two young people committing to each other in their vows, 00:08:28.500 --> 00:08:35.439 promising before God to invest heavily in their lifelong commitment not only to one another but to Jesus, 00:08:35.799 --> 00:08:38.439 to keep Jesus at the centre of all they were doing, 00:08:38.740 --> 00:08:43.659 to keep that light burning brightly in their marriage and in their life. 00:08:43.659 --> 00:08:45.039 Investing in a relationship, 00:08:45.039 --> 00:08:48.139 investing in a relationship, as we all know, is so important. 00:08:48.819 --> 00:08:51.679 But it takes energy and it takes time. 00:08:52.500 --> 00:08:55.179 If you truly want to invest in a relationship, 00:08:55.939 --> 00:08:57.719 it doesn't just happen like that. 00:08:58.039 --> 00:08:59.319 We have to invest. 00:08:59.600 --> 00:09:01.039 It's the same with our Lord. 00:09:01.439 --> 00:09:02.959 We invest in that heavily. 00:09:03.419 --> 00:09:03.639 Why? 00:09:03.899 --> 00:09:06.139 Because he has invested so much in us. 00:09:06.379 --> 00:09:07.339 That's why he came. 00:09:07.340 --> 00:09:13.780 And I guess this scripture, this points out in our Advent journey, 00:09:14.180 --> 00:09:15.300 calls us to ask, 00:09:15.680 --> 00:09:18.820 how much have we invested in our relationship with Jesus? 00:09:19.780 --> 00:09:22.420 That's what I've been pondering on in this Advent journey. 00:09:22.639 --> 00:09:24.820 It's not a guilt trip, anything but. 00:09:25.360 --> 00:09:27.060 It's actually a huge encouragement. 00:09:27.600 --> 00:09:31.000 How much have we invested in our relationship with you, Lord? 00:09:31.000 --> 00:09:35.259 And what more, what more can I invest in this relationship 00:09:35.259 --> 00:09:40.000 that brings this light brighter to meet with other people in the community 00:09:40.000 --> 00:09:43.580 and make a difference, like the starfish, one at a time. 00:09:44.139 --> 00:09:46.279 One person at a time. 00:09:47.139 --> 00:09:48.259 Martin Luther said, 00:09:48.620 --> 00:09:51.259 prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance. 00:09:51.580 --> 00:09:54.000 It is laying hold of his willingness. 00:09:56.320 --> 00:09:58.860 And this is the God who longs, 00:09:58.960 --> 00:10:00.419 longs to connect with us. 00:10:00.419 --> 00:10:03.079 So much that he sent his only son 00:10:03.079 --> 00:10:05.659 that we've seen so marvelously this morning, 00:10:05.819 --> 00:10:06.699 portrayed, yeah. 00:10:07.000 --> 00:10:09.179 But so often we shut him out. 00:10:09.799 --> 00:10:11.599 We just close down, 00:10:11.699 --> 00:10:13.779 or at least when things are going well, 00:10:14.599 --> 00:10:15.639 we shut him out. 00:10:16.620 --> 00:10:20.399 We often forget that God is with us and for us in everything. 00:10:21.459 --> 00:10:22.399 Rejoice always. 00:10:23.059 --> 00:10:23.419 Pray continually. 00:10:24.559 --> 00:10:26.319 Give thanks in all circumstances. 00:10:26.839 --> 00:10:29.759 For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 00:10:29.759 --> 00:10:31.179 God's will for you and me. 00:10:31.500 --> 00:10:33.039 Emmanuel, God with us. 00:10:33.659 --> 00:10:38.120 It doesn't come any more awesome than that for this world, 00:10:38.600 --> 00:10:40.439 for what we're celebrating at the moment, 00:10:40.679 --> 00:10:44.299 and what we will celebrate with the world in a couple of weeks' time. 00:10:44.299 --> 00:10:47.959 Jesus coming again and all things being made new. 00:10:47.959 --> 00:10:48.279 Amen. 00:10:48.279 --> 00:10:49.539 Eternity with him. 00:10:50.059 --> 00:10:50.539 Amen. 00:10:51.079 --> 00:10:51.479 Amen. 00:10:52.019 --> 00:10:53.059 Eternity with him. 00:10:53.479 --> 00:10:54.740 But life with him now. 00:10:56.659 --> 00:10:58.059 And so Paul goes on then. 00:10:58.159 --> 00:10:59.240 It's no wonder he says, 00:10:59.379 --> 00:11:00.620 do not quench the spirit. 00:11:01.579 --> 00:11:02.959 Do not quench the spirit. 00:11:03.219 --> 00:11:05.240 Don't let the light grow dim. 00:11:05.240 --> 00:11:06.779 I have to tell you, friends, 00:11:06.940 --> 00:11:08.399 there have been Christians, 00:11:09.399 --> 00:11:11.480 and we maybe know that in life, 00:11:11.580 --> 00:11:13.019 maybe Christians and non-Christians, 00:11:13.159 --> 00:11:15.759 who have poured buckets of cold water on us. 00:11:16.639 --> 00:11:18.580 Don't know whether you've ever experienced that. 00:11:19.120 --> 00:11:22.060 People who will try to dampen the spirit in us, 00:11:22.440 --> 00:11:25.740 the zeal and excitement of the light that we carry. 00:11:25.740 --> 00:11:30.820 And so Paul says to a whole community, 00:11:31.820 --> 00:11:33.100 please, please, please, 00:11:33.159 --> 00:11:34.539 don't quench the spirit. 00:11:35.879 --> 00:11:39.139 Don't let cold-hearted, unkind words and actions 00:11:39.139 --> 00:11:43.159 in any attempt quench what the Lord is doing. 00:11:44.220 --> 00:11:45.899 Because the Lord is greater than that. 00:11:46.379 --> 00:11:47.419 Hold to that zeal. 00:11:47.580 --> 00:11:50.299 Maybe you are one who has been on the receiving end. 00:11:50.680 --> 00:11:51.720 Rejoice in that. 00:11:52.220 --> 00:11:53.740 Don't get drowned. 00:11:53.740 --> 00:11:54.299 Drowned. 00:11:54.539 --> 00:11:57.480 Don't get drowned in the lukewarm discouragement 00:11:57.480 --> 00:11:59.639 of others and of the news. 00:12:00.500 --> 00:12:02.159 Don't let it drown you 00:12:02.159 --> 00:12:04.960 in what the world wants to bring in darkness. 00:12:05.500 --> 00:12:08.240 Because the light has come into the world, 00:12:08.519 --> 00:12:11.100 and the world cannot stop it. 00:12:11.980 --> 00:12:12.740 It is there. 00:12:13.600 --> 00:12:15.779 Of those who seek to water down doctrine 00:12:15.779 --> 00:12:18.120 and beliefs that we've held down the ages, 00:12:18.560 --> 00:12:20.580 don't be drowned in that. 00:12:20.580 --> 00:12:23.159 Hold fast to what was given. 00:12:23.159 --> 00:12:24.659 As the light shines. 00:12:24.819 --> 00:12:27.339 Paul said, hold on to what is good 00:12:27.339 --> 00:12:29.639 and reject what is evil. 00:12:30.419 --> 00:12:31.919 And we know what that is, 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:34.339 because if we're walking closely with Jesus, 00:12:34.620 --> 00:12:35.519 we will know. 00:12:35.620 --> 00:12:38.799 That rabbinic phrase that comes to me again and again, 00:12:39.519 --> 00:12:42.019 may you be covered in the dust of your rabbi. 00:12:42.600 --> 00:12:45.000 You're walking so closely to Jesus 00:12:45.000 --> 00:12:47.039 that you will know what is good, 00:12:47.039 --> 00:12:49.339 but you will certainly know what is evil. 00:12:52.679 --> 00:12:54.039 So let's ground that. 00:12:54.219 --> 00:12:56.599 God's good and pleasing will for our lives 00:12:56.599 --> 00:12:58.419 in our Advent journey this year. 00:12:59.559 --> 00:13:01.459 So I'm going to ask you this week 00:13:01.459 --> 00:13:02.360 to go and reflect. 00:13:02.360 --> 00:13:05.320 What has encouraged you? 00:13:05.740 --> 00:13:07.840 What is encouraging you at the moment? 00:13:08.980 --> 00:13:10.240 And give thanks for that. 00:13:10.960 --> 00:13:13.419 Where have you seen the Holy Spirit at work? 00:13:14.580 --> 00:13:18.379 Where have you experienced the Holy Spirit at work 00:13:18.379 --> 00:13:19.560 in your life? 00:13:20.440 --> 00:13:22.840 Where have you encouraged others 00:13:22.840 --> 00:13:25.340 in what the Holy Spirit is doing? 00:13:25.340 --> 00:13:29.300 And have you shared the good news 00:13:29.300 --> 00:13:31.600 with others rejoicing 00:13:31.600 --> 00:13:34.759 in the good news that we have to share? 00:13:36.680 --> 00:13:39.100 You know, if you, like me, 00:13:39.220 --> 00:13:41.560 are still at that last moment of Christmas shopping 00:13:41.560 --> 00:13:44.360 and you are looking for the greatest gift, 00:13:45.740 --> 00:13:47.000 then give them Jesus 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:50.580 because it will be the greatest gift 00:13:50.580 --> 00:13:52.420 that you will give them 00:13:52.420 --> 00:13:54.340 to share with them. 00:13:55.340 --> 00:13:56.620 It's that, 00:13:57.200 --> 00:13:59.420 it's that beautiful. 00:14:04.820 --> 00:14:06.879 And I suppose the other question is, 00:14:07.080 --> 00:14:09.240 are you known and seen for rejoicing? 00:14:11.259 --> 00:14:13.800 Are we a people 00:14:13.800 --> 00:14:16.340 who people see the light shining 00:14:16.340 --> 00:14:19.100 and we can rejoice in amongst the darkness 00:14:19.100 --> 00:14:20.780 to be a beacon? 00:14:21.680 --> 00:14:23.860 I often think when I look at this place, 00:14:23.860 --> 00:14:25.160 wherever you go in Clevedon, 00:14:25.159 --> 00:14:26.219 you can see the church, 00:14:27.019 --> 00:14:28.899 a city on a hill cannot be hidden. 00:14:30.039 --> 00:14:31.379 You don't place it. 00:14:31.519 --> 00:14:33.699 You don't place the lights under a table, 00:14:33.819 --> 00:14:34.399 Jesus said. 00:14:34.579 --> 00:14:37.100 You place it on a stand where people can see. 00:14:37.939 --> 00:14:40.779 A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 00:14:41.299 --> 00:14:43.759 You can't miss this place when you walk past. 00:14:44.000 --> 00:14:45.319 You can't miss this place 00:14:45.319 --> 00:14:46.799 when you drive into Clevedon. 00:14:46.799 --> 00:14:49.679 You can't miss this place when you drive up the M5 00:14:49.679 --> 00:14:50.299 and you just think, 00:14:50.620 --> 00:14:51.199 I'm home. 00:14:52.479 --> 00:14:54.339 A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 00:14:54.539 --> 00:14:56.099 And we are those light carriers 00:14:56.099 --> 00:14:58.500 that go from here into the community 00:14:58.500 --> 00:15:00.459 that we reach each miss. 00:15:00.740 --> 00:15:01.339 Amazing. 00:15:02.139 --> 00:15:02.579 Amazing. 00:15:02.580 --> 00:15:06.320 The good news is, 00:15:06.320 --> 00:15:07.080 this week, 00:15:07.580 --> 00:15:09.320 is tomorrow in this church, 00:15:09.800 --> 00:15:11.120 we will commission 00:15:11.120 --> 00:15:13.400 pupil chaplains 00:15:13.400 --> 00:15:15.800 in St. Nicholas Chantry School. 00:15:15.799 --> 00:15:18.439 Six young people 00:15:18.439 --> 00:15:19.919 who will be light carriers 00:15:19.919 --> 00:15:21.299 in their community 00:15:21.299 --> 00:15:23.539 and in their school 00:15:23.539 --> 00:15:26.120 day by day by day by day 00:15:26.120 --> 00:15:27.299 as chaplains 00:15:27.299 --> 00:15:29.059 in the playground, 00:15:29.579 --> 00:15:30.459 in their class, 00:15:30.799 --> 00:15:31.599 wherever they go. 00:15:32.479 --> 00:15:33.240 And so here, 00:15:33.339 --> 00:15:35.599 as they meet in their carol service tomorrow, 00:15:35.939 --> 00:15:37.179 we will commission them 00:15:37.179 --> 00:15:38.979 in front of the whole school 00:15:38.979 --> 00:15:40.459 so they will know 00:15:40.459 --> 00:15:41.719 that they are light carriers 00:15:41.719 --> 00:15:42.899 for others. 00:15:42.899 --> 00:15:46.459 I'm so encouraged 00:15:46.459 --> 00:15:47.600 by the news 00:15:47.600 --> 00:15:48.539 that I hear. 00:15:49.519 --> 00:15:50.480 I'm so encouraged 00:15:50.480 --> 00:15:50.840 this week, 00:15:50.919 --> 00:15:51.959 even on the news, 00:15:52.019 --> 00:15:53.039 if you look for it, 00:15:53.240 --> 00:15:54.139 there is good news 00:15:54.139 --> 00:15:55.079 to rejoice about. 00:15:55.259 --> 00:15:56.259 A six-year-old 00:15:56.259 --> 00:15:57.279 who gets up 00:15:57.279 --> 00:15:58.240 early in the morning 00:15:58.240 --> 00:15:59.399 with his mum and dad 00:15:59.399 --> 00:16:00.879 and they make sandwiches 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:02.639 to go out 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:04.579 and give to homeless people 00:16:04.579 --> 00:16:06.179 who have slept rough 00:16:06.179 --> 00:16:07.079 on the street 00:16:07.079 --> 00:16:08.500 on his way to school 00:16:08.500 --> 00:16:10.379 because that was his heart 00:16:10.379 --> 00:16:11.059 to do that. 00:16:11.059 --> 00:16:12.579 That is a light 00:16:12.579 --> 00:16:13.619 shining in the darkness. 00:16:14.579 --> 00:16:15.939 What a difference that makes 00:16:15.939 --> 00:16:16.819 and what a difference 00:16:16.819 --> 00:16:18.199 that has made to me 00:16:18.199 --> 00:16:19.139 to rejoice 00:16:19.139 --> 00:16:20.459 and hear that good news 00:16:20.459 --> 00:16:22.279 one by one 00:16:22.279 --> 00:16:23.319 by one 00:16:23.319 --> 00:16:24.339 by one. 00:16:24.979 --> 00:16:25.839 Look at the darkness 00:16:25.839 --> 00:16:26.779 one by one. 00:16:26.839 --> 00:16:27.879 It makes the difference. 00:16:29.079 --> 00:16:30.000 Don't quench it. 00:16:30.559 --> 00:16:31.159 Rejoice 00:16:31.159 --> 00:16:32.439 because God 00:16:32.439 --> 00:16:33.559 is with us. 00:16:33.679 --> 00:16:34.759 Maybe this candle, 00:16:35.159 --> 00:16:36.139 this third candle 00:16:36.139 --> 00:16:37.079 that we've lit 00:16:37.079 --> 00:16:38.779 is a reminder today 00:16:38.779 --> 00:16:40.159 as we draw closer 00:16:40.159 --> 00:16:41.839 to draw near 00:16:41.839 --> 00:16:43.539 to that which has changed 00:16:43.539 --> 00:16:44.279 your life 00:16:44.279 --> 00:16:45.799 and has changed mine 00:16:45.799 --> 00:16:46.939 and will change 00:16:46.939 --> 00:16:48.199 hundreds of others 00:16:48.199 --> 00:16:49.939 if we allow 00:16:49.939 --> 00:16:51.419 and share that good news 00:16:51.419 --> 00:16:51.860 with them. 00:16:54.459 --> 00:16:55.939 May God himself, 00:16:56.100 --> 00:16:56.860 the God of peace, 00:16:57.059 --> 00:16:57.939 sanctify you, 00:16:58.339 --> 00:16:59.439 free you from sin 00:16:59.439 --> 00:17:00.299 through and through. 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:01.959 May your whole spirit, 00:17:02.179 --> 00:17:02.819 soul and body 00:17:02.819 --> 00:17:04.160 be left blameless 00:17:04.160 --> 00:17:04.799 at the coming 00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:06.299 of our Lord Jesus Christ 00:17:06.299 --> 00:17:07.940 because the one 00:17:07.940 --> 00:17:09.940 who is faithful, 00:17:10.359 --> 00:17:11.460 who calls you, 00:17:12.879 --> 00:17:13.980 is truly faithful 00:17:13.980 --> 00:17:16.319 and he will do it. 00:17:17.599 --> 00:17:18.579 The good thing 00:17:18.579 --> 00:17:19.379 about a light 00:17:19.379 --> 00:17:21.159 is it dispels doubt. 00:17:22.480 --> 00:17:24.180 I just want to encourage you 00:17:24.180 --> 00:17:25.099 as we go today, 00:17:25.559 --> 00:17:27.200 if you have any doubt 00:17:27.200 --> 00:17:28.680 in your mind at all, 00:17:28.720 --> 00:17:29.240 if you're listening 00:17:29.240 --> 00:17:30.019 to this podcast, 00:17:30.519 --> 00:17:32.180 if you have any doubt 00:17:32.180 --> 00:17:33.720 that what you do 00:17:33.720 --> 00:17:34.600 in eternity 00:17:34.600 --> 00:17:36.660 doesn't make a difference, 00:17:37.100 --> 00:17:38.200 dispel the doubt 00:17:38.200 --> 00:17:39.519 because the light 00:17:39.519 --> 00:17:41.140 dispels the darkness 00:17:41.140 --> 00:17:41.920 and the doubt. 00:17:43.500 --> 00:17:44.400 Believe you me, 00:17:44.600 --> 00:17:45.660 conversations that 00:17:45.660 --> 00:17:47.100 we have had with people, 00:17:47.519 --> 00:17:48.360 we don't know 00:17:48.360 --> 00:17:49.740 the seeds that we have sown. 00:17:50.680 --> 00:17:51.940 Have the conversations. 00:17:53.059 --> 00:17:54.720 Many of the young people here 00:17:54.720 --> 00:17:55.960 will have been here 00:17:55.960 --> 00:17:57.480 because you as parents 00:17:57.480 --> 00:17:58.180 and grandparents 00:17:58.180 --> 00:18:00.259 have shared that good news 00:18:00.259 --> 00:18:01.819 and lived the life 00:18:01.819 --> 00:18:02.740 in your homes. 00:18:03.720 --> 00:18:05.140 And it's made a difference 00:18:05.140 --> 00:18:06.380 for a generation 00:18:06.380 --> 00:18:07.039 that will grow 00:18:07.039 --> 00:18:08.400 and tell people about Jesus. 00:18:10.720 --> 00:18:12.240 The one who calls you 00:18:12.240 --> 00:18:13.220 is faithful 00:18:13.220 --> 00:18:14.220 and he will do it. 00:18:15.500 --> 00:18:16.500 Freed from sin 00:18:16.500 --> 00:18:17.299 through and through, 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:19.140 see our whole spirit, 00:18:19.339 --> 00:18:19.960 soul and body 00:18:19.960 --> 00:18:21.100 will be kept blameless 00:18:21.100 --> 00:18:22.019 for the coming 00:18:22.019 --> 00:18:23.600 of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:25.259 So the question is, 00:18:25.319 --> 00:18:25.839 are we ready? 00:18:26.839 --> 00:18:28.100 Are we expectant? 00:18:28.839 --> 00:18:30.059 Are we excited? 00:18:30.059 --> 00:18:30.200 Are we excited? 00:18:31.440 --> 00:18:33.079 Some people actually nodded 00:18:33.079 --> 00:18:34.119 there for the podcast. 00:18:34.679 --> 00:18:35.799 Are we nodded? 00:18:36.299 --> 00:18:37.539 Are we excited? 00:18:38.119 --> 00:18:39.519 Are we enthused? 00:18:39.859 --> 00:18:41.000 Are we encouraged? 00:18:41.099 --> 00:18:42.319 But most of all, 00:18:42.759 --> 00:18:44.000 most of all, 00:18:44.859 --> 00:18:45.539 is that light 00:18:45.539 --> 00:18:46.759 shining brightly in us. 00:18:47.119 --> 00:18:48.119 Are we filled 00:18:48.119 --> 00:18:49.559 with the Holy Spirit, 00:18:50.119 --> 00:18:52.379 ready in anticipation 00:18:52.379 --> 00:18:53.500 for his coming, 00:18:54.139 --> 00:18:55.859 for those that we will invite, 00:18:56.339 --> 00:18:57.079 for those people 00:18:57.079 --> 00:18:58.319 that we will go home now, 00:18:58.319 --> 00:18:59.899 and prompted to pick up the phone, 00:19:00.259 --> 00:19:01.579 to knock on a neighbour's door, 00:19:01.859 --> 00:19:02.339 to say, 00:19:02.779 --> 00:19:03.679 would you like to come 00:19:03.679 --> 00:19:05.059 to a carol service tonight? 00:19:05.879 --> 00:19:06.159 Why? 00:19:06.399 --> 00:19:07.539 Because we're going to come 00:19:07.539 --> 00:19:08.399 and we're going to celebrate 00:19:08.399 --> 00:19:09.539 and we're going to meet with Jesus. 00:19:11.700 --> 00:19:12.919 I think this scripture 00:19:12.919 --> 00:19:15.919 is for each and every one of us 00:19:15.919 --> 00:19:17.799 in the body of Christ today. 00:19:18.460 --> 00:19:20.500 I think it's such a timely scripture 00:19:20.500 --> 00:19:22.299 on this third Sunday of Advent. 00:19:23.559 --> 00:19:25.200 The one who calls you is faithful 00:19:25.200 --> 00:19:26.259 and he will do it. 00:19:26.259 --> 00:19:28.400 And we often go with a blessing 00:19:28.400 --> 00:19:29.839 and we say, 00:19:30.279 --> 00:19:31.039 send us out 00:19:31.039 --> 00:19:32.799 in the power of the Holy Spirit 00:19:32.799 --> 00:19:33.960 to live and work 00:19:33.960 --> 00:19:35.200 to your praise and glory. 00:19:36.660 --> 00:19:37.480 Maybe again, 00:19:37.559 --> 00:19:38.539 that should be our prayer 00:19:38.539 --> 00:19:40.619 for every day 00:19:40.619 --> 00:19:42.259 as we meet with him. 00:19:42.940 --> 00:19:43.299 Lord, 00:19:43.559 --> 00:19:44.099 today, 00:19:44.200 --> 00:19:45.279 would you send me out 00:19:45.279 --> 00:19:46.319 in the power 00:19:46.319 --> 00:19:47.339 of your Holy Spirit 00:19:47.339 --> 00:19:48.660 to live 00:19:48.660 --> 00:19:49.900 and to work 00:19:49.900 --> 00:19:51.660 to your praise and glory 00:19:51.660 --> 00:19:53.180 that people may see 00:19:53.180 --> 00:19:54.220 the nightlight, 00:19:54.599 --> 00:19:56.039 the light that's shining within me. 00:19:56.259 --> 00:19:59.420 I was thinking today 00:19:59.420 --> 00:20:00.059 about how, 00:20:00.299 --> 00:20:01.480 as you always do with a sermon, 00:20:01.579 --> 00:20:02.740 how do you end this off? 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:03.980 How do you end this message? 00:20:05.180 --> 00:20:06.339 And I just felt 00:20:06.339 --> 00:20:07.240 while I was praying 00:20:07.240 --> 00:20:09.099 that the third candle 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:10.819 for many people 00:20:10.819 --> 00:20:12.460 might be a prophetic sign. 00:20:13.400 --> 00:20:15.359 It might be a prophetic sign 00:20:15.359 --> 00:20:16.279 today 00:20:16.279 --> 00:20:18.279 as the Spirit's power 00:20:18.279 --> 00:20:20.660 refilling you afresh 00:20:20.660 --> 00:20:24.180 with that sense of courage, 00:20:24.880 --> 00:20:25.880 boldness, 00:20:26.640 --> 00:20:28.460 a fresh sense of zeal 00:20:28.460 --> 00:20:30.420 and a desire, 00:20:30.720 --> 00:20:31.340 a deep, 00:20:31.500 --> 00:20:32.779 deep desire, 00:20:32.980 --> 00:20:33.240 again, 00:20:33.460 --> 00:20:34.759 to make him known. 00:20:35.820 --> 00:20:37.700 A light that shines afresh 00:20:37.700 --> 00:20:39.140 in your life this Advent, 00:20:39.820 --> 00:20:41.420 a light that will shine out 00:20:41.420 --> 00:20:43.540 into the people's lives around you, 00:20:43.860 --> 00:20:44.660 a renewed expectation, 00:20:44.660 --> 00:20:47.100 maybe a new urgency 00:20:47.100 --> 00:20:48.560 to serve him 00:20:48.560 --> 00:20:49.420 and make him known, 00:20:50.019 --> 00:20:52.220 to deepen that relationship 00:20:52.220 --> 00:20:53.000 in the everyday 00:20:53.000 --> 00:20:54.580 that we have with him. 00:20:56.120 --> 00:20:57.779 But I'd invite you to stand. 00:20:57.900 --> 00:20:58.940 If you'd just like to stand 00:20:58.940 --> 00:20:59.860 with me this morning 00:20:59.860 --> 00:21:02.880 and I'm just going to pray 00:21:02.880 --> 00:21:04.540 a prayer over us 00:21:04.539 --> 00:21:09.559 just to invite him afresh 00:21:09.559 --> 00:21:10.480 into our lives, 00:21:11.299 --> 00:21:13.539 maybe that third candle for you 00:21:13.539 --> 00:21:15.339 is a prophetic sign today. 00:21:16.579 --> 00:21:18.039 A fresh sense and move 00:21:18.039 --> 00:21:19.079 of the Holy Spirit 00:21:19.079 --> 00:21:22.039 is we renounce anything at all, 00:21:22.839 --> 00:21:24.700 anything that has quenched 00:21:24.700 --> 00:21:26.619 the Spirit of God in our lives, 00:21:27.659 --> 00:21:28.839 anything at all 00:21:28.839 --> 00:21:30.240 that has deterred us 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:33.299 or dampened that lamp 00:21:33.299 --> 00:21:35.240 that shines within us. 00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:39.399 And we ask him now, 00:21:40.099 --> 00:21:41.639 Holy Spirit, 00:21:41.779 --> 00:21:42.740 would you come 00:21:42.740 --> 00:21:45.059 and would you refire 00:21:45.059 --> 00:21:46.700 that flame within us, 00:21:47.700 --> 00:21:51.139 that light of your Holy Spirit 00:21:51.139 --> 00:21:51.960 within us 00:21:51.960 --> 00:21:54.799 that would shine ever brighter 00:21:54.799 --> 00:21:57.759 in every setting, Lord? 00:21:58.460 --> 00:21:59.059 Holy Spirit, 00:21:59.119 --> 00:22:00.319 would you come and do that now? 00:22:01.139 --> 00:22:02.200 Lord, would you ask you, 00:22:02.299 --> 00:22:02.879 each of us, 00:22:02.880 --> 00:22:03.920 would we ask you now, 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:05.280 would you ask 00:22:05.280 --> 00:22:06.160 and would you pray, 00:22:06.320 --> 00:22:07.400 come Holy Spirit, 00:22:08.000 --> 00:22:10.760 come Holy Spirit, 00:22:10.860 --> 00:22:11.320 we pray. 00:22:14.140 --> 00:22:15.820 Grow that light within me. 00:22:18.020 --> 00:22:19.000 Sense for some, 00:22:19.100 --> 00:22:20.540 it's emboldening our bolding, 00:22:20.920 --> 00:22:22.280 emboldening our bolding 00:22:22.280 --> 00:22:23.640 and encouraging our courage. 00:22:23.640 --> 00:22:31.620 just sense a picture of maybe 00:22:31.620 --> 00:22:34.860 where cold water has been poured 00:22:34.860 --> 00:22:37.000 that actually the light 00:22:37.000 --> 00:22:38.880 burns even brighter through that 00:22:38.880 --> 00:22:39.860 because of the God 00:22:39.860 --> 00:22:40.820 that we know and love 00:22:40.820 --> 00:22:42.340 and he will do it. 00:22:42.340 --> 00:22:42.640 Amen. 00:22:42.640 --> 00:22:51.240 So as we just receive, 00:22:54.440 --> 00:22:56.180 let's just pray, 00:22:56.320 --> 00:22:57.140 prayer for us. 00:23:03.040 --> 00:23:05.020 Go forth into the world in peace. 00:23:05.019 --> 00:23:07.920 be of good courage. 00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:11.200 Hold fast to that which is good. 00:23:11.619 --> 00:23:13.700 Render no one evil for evil. 00:23:15.119 --> 00:23:16.680 Strengthen the faint-hearted. 00:23:17.900 --> 00:23:18.900 Support the weak. 00:23:19.859 --> 00:23:21.019 Help the afflicted. 00:23:22.139 --> 00:23:24.220 Show love to everyone. 00:23:24.220 --> 00:23:26.819 love, 00:23:27.380 --> 00:23:28.220 love 00:23:28.220 --> 00:23:30.200 and serve the Lord, 00:23:31.200 --> 00:23:32.640 rejoicing always 00:23:32.640 --> 00:23:34.539 in the power 00:23:34.539 --> 00:23:36.600 of the Holy Spirit. 00:23:39.600 --> 00:23:40.339 Thank you. 00:23:41.940 --> 00:23:43.120 Thank you, Jesus. 00:23:46.620 --> 00:23:47.100 Amen.