WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.419 I'm going to start tonight where I normally end in the cow series. 00:00:03.980 --> 00:00:04.179 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:30.500 I'm going to start with you witnesses. 00:00:31.940 --> 00:00:33.579 And it always amazes me. 00:00:33.899 --> 00:00:37.740 The number of people who reject Christianity out of hand. 00:00:38.219 --> 00:00:39.120 And they dismiss it. 00:00:39.200 --> 00:00:40.519 They won't give it a second thought. 00:00:41.060 --> 00:00:45.340 But they've never actually engaged with the first hand sources. 00:00:46.240 --> 00:00:47.700 We wouldn't do that with anything else. 00:00:48.460 --> 00:00:50.820 But people will dismiss the Lord Jesus. 00:00:52.179 --> 00:00:54.500 Without having read the people who were there at the time. 00:00:55.560 --> 00:00:57.299 And we've got loads of these gospels. 00:00:57.299 --> 00:00:58.019 They're on a table. 00:00:58.020 --> 00:01:00.260 With a sign saying please take one. 00:01:00.320 --> 00:01:00.980 So you won't miss it. 00:01:01.580 --> 00:01:03.600 And we'd love you to take one and read it. 00:01:03.660 --> 00:01:05.100 Don't take my word for it. 00:01:05.480 --> 00:01:06.799 Tonight you go home. 00:01:06.859 --> 00:01:07.299 You read it. 00:01:07.359 --> 00:01:09.340 You engage with the sources. 00:01:10.420 --> 00:01:12.180 And then you'll also find in the little grey pockets. 00:01:12.340 --> 00:01:13.100 And by your seats. 00:01:13.500 --> 00:01:14.659 You'll find contact cards. 00:01:15.659 --> 00:01:17.379 If you want to find out more about our church. 00:01:17.460 --> 00:01:18.260 We'd love to tell you. 00:01:18.820 --> 00:01:19.760 About what we do. 00:01:20.460 --> 00:01:23.859 Or maybe you're interested in finding out more about Christianity. 00:01:24.240 --> 00:01:27.859 And we run a course imaginatively called Christianity Explorers. 00:01:28.019 --> 00:01:28.299 Lord. 00:01:29.299 --> 00:01:32.219 And it's a chance for you to look at one of these gospels. 00:01:32.619 --> 00:01:34.619 And to ask any questions you like. 00:01:35.299 --> 00:01:36.140 It's six sessions. 00:01:37.000 --> 00:01:38.780 Or maybe it's that you just want to meet up with someone. 00:01:38.920 --> 00:01:39.599 Over a coffee. 00:01:40.239 --> 00:01:40.619 But anyway. 00:01:40.719 --> 00:01:41.599 Do fill in a card. 00:01:41.699 --> 00:01:42.719 We'll even give you a pen. 00:01:43.219 --> 00:01:44.439 And drop it in the box. 00:01:44.679 --> 00:01:45.459 At the back. 00:01:45.819 --> 00:01:46.759 On your way out. 00:01:47.179 --> 00:01:48.019 And we'll be in touch. 00:01:48.019 --> 00:01:49.739 So do stick them in there. 00:01:50.340 --> 00:01:51.099 And fill them out. 00:01:51.099 --> 00:01:55.799 And my message tonight is a really simple one. 00:01:57.479 --> 00:02:01.579 And the title for the talk is a simple one. 00:02:02.060 --> 00:02:02.280 Okay. 00:02:02.659 --> 00:02:03.179 Here it is. 00:02:04.179 --> 00:02:05.799 The title of my talk tonight is this. 00:02:05.959 --> 00:02:08.459 Don't believe in fairy tales. 00:02:08.460 --> 00:02:13.240 Don't believe in fairy tales. 00:02:14.360 --> 00:02:16.939 I've got three reasons why I want to say that to you tonight. 00:02:18.100 --> 00:02:18.600 First of all. 00:02:18.960 --> 00:02:20.620 Don't believe in fairy tales. 00:02:21.780 --> 00:02:22.400 Because they. 00:02:23.200 --> 00:02:24.400 Because of the way they start. 00:02:26.420 --> 00:02:27.719 And how do fairy tales start? 00:02:27.879 --> 00:02:28.060 Children. 00:02:28.219 --> 00:02:29.340 How do fairy tales start? 00:02:31.100 --> 00:02:31.920 How do they start? 00:02:33.140 --> 00:02:33.420 Noah. 00:02:33.419 --> 00:02:35.439 Is that right? 00:02:35.659 --> 00:02:36.379 Are you going to say that right? 00:02:36.579 --> 00:02:37.179 Once upon a time. 00:02:37.280 --> 00:02:37.939 That's how they start. 00:02:39.280 --> 00:02:40.119 Once upon a time. 00:02:41.319 --> 00:02:42.699 And it's not real. 00:02:44.259 --> 00:02:46.379 It's a fictional beginning isn't it? 00:02:47.459 --> 00:02:49.560 Fairy tales are a fictional world. 00:02:49.560 --> 00:02:52.739 Where people believe in mythical beings. 00:02:53.179 --> 00:02:53.699 Beginnings. 00:02:54.519 --> 00:02:55.179 Never allowed. 00:02:55.579 --> 00:02:55.899 Myth. 00:02:57.359 --> 00:02:58.939 The magic of Christmas. 00:03:00.699 --> 00:03:03.060 Don't believe in fairy tales because of the way they start. 00:03:04.419 --> 00:03:06.539 Of course the Christmas story. 00:03:06.780 --> 00:03:07.739 Which is why we're here tonight. 00:03:07.879 --> 00:03:08.979 Is completely different. 00:03:10.079 --> 00:03:10.939 Let me give you. 00:03:11.299 --> 00:03:13.099 What the New Testament writers. 00:03:13.459 --> 00:03:15.679 Particularly Luke do when they speak about Jesus. 00:03:17.179 --> 00:03:18.719 They ground it in history. 00:03:19.919 --> 00:03:21.019 So let me read to you. 00:03:21.179 --> 00:03:22.759 The first four verses. 00:03:23.279 --> 00:03:24.419 Of Luke's gospel. 00:03:24.560 --> 00:03:25.479 This is how he begins. 00:03:26.019 --> 00:03:26.359 He says. 00:03:26.439 --> 00:03:28.259 Inasmuch as many have undertaken. 00:03:29.299 --> 00:03:30.959 To compile a narrative. 00:03:30.959 --> 00:03:33.019 Of the things that have accomplished among us. 00:03:33.419 --> 00:03:36.539 Just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses. 00:03:36.919 --> 00:03:39.339 And ministers of the word have delivered them to us. 00:03:39.579 --> 00:03:40.500 It seemed good to me. 00:03:41.280 --> 00:03:41.979 And here's the key. 00:03:42.299 --> 00:03:45.479 Having followed all things closely for some times past. 00:03:45.979 --> 00:03:47.359 To write an. 00:03:48.279 --> 00:03:49.199 Ausele account. 00:03:50.379 --> 00:03:50.839 For you. 00:03:51.919 --> 00:03:53.079 Most excellent Theophilus. 00:03:53.279 --> 00:03:55.379 That you may have certainty concerning the things. 00:03:55.699 --> 00:03:56.879 That you've been taught. 00:03:56.879 --> 00:03:59.299 And then in verse 5. 00:03:59.419 --> 00:03:59.960 He says. 00:04:00.120 --> 00:04:01.199 In the days. 00:04:01.699 --> 00:04:03.620 Of Herod the king of Judea. 00:04:04.699 --> 00:04:05.699 And a little bit later. 00:04:05.859 --> 00:04:06.180 In the chapter. 00:04:06.259 --> 00:04:06.699 In verse 16. 00:04:06.759 --> 00:04:06.960 He says. 00:04:07.019 --> 00:04:07.879 In the sixth month. 00:04:08.919 --> 00:04:09.659 In verse 39. 00:04:09.799 --> 00:04:10.039 He says. 00:04:10.120 --> 00:04:11.079 In those days. 00:04:11.460 --> 00:04:12.579 In verse 57. 00:04:12.879 --> 00:04:13.139 He says. 00:04:13.340 --> 00:04:14.879 Now the time came. 00:04:15.879 --> 00:04:16.339 Chapter 2. 00:04:16.420 --> 00:04:16.680 Verse 1. 00:04:16.740 --> 00:04:16.899 He says. 00:04:17.040 --> 00:04:17.800 In those days. 00:04:17.800 --> 00:04:18.560 A decree. 00:04:18.939 --> 00:04:19.660 Went out. 00:04:19.840 --> 00:04:21.759 From Caesar Augustus. 00:04:22.740 --> 00:04:23.660 He wants to make it. 00:04:23.840 --> 00:04:24.180 Very. 00:04:24.420 --> 00:04:25.060 Very clear. 00:04:25.400 --> 00:04:25.860 To you. 00:04:26.160 --> 00:04:27.360 That the Christmas story. 00:04:28.300 --> 00:04:28.900 Isn't. 00:04:29.480 --> 00:04:29.960 Nostalgic. 00:04:31.220 --> 00:04:32.340 It isn't myth. 00:04:33.439 --> 00:04:34.720 It isn't a fairy tale. 00:04:35.000 --> 00:04:36.379 It is grounded in history. 00:04:37.600 --> 00:04:38.840 And as you go through the New Testament. 00:04:39.240 --> 00:04:39.960 You'll find that. 00:04:40.060 --> 00:04:40.699 Each of the writers. 00:04:40.819 --> 00:04:41.300 From the New Testament. 00:04:41.460 --> 00:04:42.639 Want to point this out to you. 00:04:43.040 --> 00:04:44.160 So Romans 5 says. 00:04:44.280 --> 00:04:46.060 At just the right time. 00:04:46.060 --> 00:04:48.839 The letters of the Galatians. 00:04:48.939 --> 00:04:49.899 Later on in the New Testament. 00:04:50.060 --> 00:04:50.280 It says. 00:04:50.560 --> 00:04:52.060 In the fullness of time. 00:04:52.379 --> 00:04:52.819 And so. 00:04:52.939 --> 00:04:53.800 In a certain time. 00:04:54.199 --> 00:04:55.100 In a certain place. 00:04:55.899 --> 00:04:56.899 At a certain point. 00:04:57.680 --> 00:04:58.899 In a certain time. 00:05:00.199 --> 00:05:01.660 There was a child who was born. 00:05:03.040 --> 00:05:04.079 Jesus of Nazareth. 00:05:04.259 --> 00:05:04.579 Was born. 00:05:05.759 --> 00:05:07.939 And if you had been alive at the time. 00:05:08.759 --> 00:05:09.579 You could have met him. 00:05:10.620 --> 00:05:11.680 You could have shaken his hand. 00:05:12.639 --> 00:05:13.639 You could have talked to his mother. 00:05:13.639 --> 00:05:14.039 But. 00:05:14.939 --> 00:05:16.759 The claim of Christianity of course. 00:05:16.879 --> 00:05:18.000 Is that this child. 00:05:18.899 --> 00:05:20.180 Is God. 00:05:20.959 --> 00:05:22.479 Who became man. 00:05:23.860 --> 00:05:25.180 The Christmas story. 00:05:26.019 --> 00:05:27.719 Is not a fairy tale. 00:05:29.099 --> 00:05:31.500 It is not once upon a time. 00:05:31.879 --> 00:05:33.639 It is at one point. 00:05:33.879 --> 00:05:34.860 In time. 00:05:35.959 --> 00:05:36.879 God entered. 00:05:37.319 --> 00:05:38.019 His world. 00:05:39.519 --> 00:05:40.159 It's history. 00:05:40.160 --> 00:05:42.760 Don't believe in fairy tales. 00:05:42.760 --> 00:05:43.820 Because of how they begin. 00:05:44.820 --> 00:05:45.200 But secondly. 00:05:45.300 --> 00:05:46.439 Don't believe in fairy tales. 00:05:46.640 --> 00:05:47.580 Because of what they are. 00:05:49.540 --> 00:05:50.640 Don't believe in fairy tales. 00:05:50.720 --> 00:05:51.260 Because of what they are. 00:05:51.280 --> 00:05:52.080 What are fairy tales? 00:05:52.440 --> 00:05:53.140 They're great aren't they? 00:05:54.380 --> 00:05:55.580 But they're escapists. 00:05:57.200 --> 00:05:57.760 They are escapists. 00:05:58.900 --> 00:05:59.260 Escapism. 00:06:00.620 --> 00:06:01.220 The words. 00:06:01.680 --> 00:06:02.760 That start every fairy tale. 00:06:02.940 --> 00:06:03.700 Once upon a time. 00:06:03.780 --> 00:06:04.180 Tell us. 00:06:04.540 --> 00:06:05.940 That what is about to come. 00:06:06.100 --> 00:06:06.760 Is not fact. 00:06:06.759 --> 00:06:07.219 Fact. 00:06:08.120 --> 00:06:08.740 But fiction. 00:06:10.219 --> 00:06:11.620 You turn on the news. 00:06:12.060 --> 00:06:12.599 And Hugh Edwards. 00:06:12.680 --> 00:06:13.560 On the news at ten. 00:06:14.279 --> 00:06:15.000 He doesn't begin. 00:06:15.099 --> 00:06:15.300 Does he. 00:06:15.399 --> 00:06:15.839 And say. 00:06:15.959 --> 00:06:17.019 Once upon a time. 00:06:17.099 --> 00:06:17.579 He doesn't. 00:06:19.039 --> 00:06:19.860 Because we know. 00:06:19.899 --> 00:06:20.560 That those words. 00:06:20.659 --> 00:06:21.219 Tell us. 00:06:21.519 --> 00:06:22.620 That what we're about to read. 00:06:22.659 --> 00:06:23.259 Is fiction. 00:06:24.199 --> 00:06:25.099 It's a warning. 00:06:25.199 --> 00:06:26.759 That we're about to enter a world. 00:06:27.159 --> 00:06:28.180 A magical world. 00:06:28.259 --> 00:06:29.259 Of tall tales. 00:06:29.259 --> 00:06:30.099 And the unbelievable. 00:06:31.240 --> 00:06:32.759 In deepest winter. 00:06:33.939 --> 00:06:34.740 And fairy tales. 00:06:34.860 --> 00:06:35.539 Are to be read. 00:06:35.639 --> 00:06:36.579 And to be enjoyed. 00:06:37.279 --> 00:06:38.180 And they take you. 00:06:38.279 --> 00:06:39.379 Into another world. 00:06:39.680 --> 00:06:40.860 By their very nature. 00:06:40.980 --> 00:06:41.519 There are other worlds. 00:06:41.599 --> 00:06:41.759 There are other. 00:06:42.399 --> 00:06:43.420 There are elves. 00:06:43.500 --> 00:06:44.199 There are goblins. 00:06:44.399 --> 00:06:45.279 There are talking beasts. 00:06:45.420 --> 00:06:46.240 There are fairies. 00:06:46.300 --> 00:06:47.240 There are mermaids. 00:06:47.659 --> 00:06:48.639 Another world. 00:06:48.920 --> 00:06:49.519 A world. 00:06:49.519 --> 00:06:50.740 A world that does not. 00:06:51.399 --> 00:06:51.879 Exist. 00:06:54.759 --> 00:06:55.740 And you know it. 00:06:58.199 --> 00:06:59.339 But the Christmas story. 00:06:59.459 --> 00:06:59.939 Isn't like that. 00:07:01.399 --> 00:07:02.500 The Christmas story. 00:07:02.699 --> 00:07:03.539 Is about a God. 00:07:03.659 --> 00:07:04.139 Who entered. 00:07:04.579 --> 00:07:05.240 This world. 00:07:05.240 --> 00:07:07.579 And the Bible. 00:07:07.780 --> 00:07:08.220 Describes. 00:07:08.220 --> 00:07:08.879 The Lord Jesus. 00:07:08.879 --> 00:07:10.100 As a man. 00:07:10.100 --> 00:07:11.319 Of sorrows. 00:07:12.600 --> 00:07:13.540 And acquainted. 00:07:13.740 --> 00:07:14.519 Familiar with grief. 00:07:16.340 --> 00:07:17.100 And so Jesus knew. 00:07:17.199 --> 00:07:18.019 What it was to be lonely. 00:07:19.600 --> 00:07:20.660 He knew what it was. 00:07:20.720 --> 00:07:21.939 To be heartbroken. 00:07:23.939 --> 00:07:24.860 Jesus knew. 00:07:25.019 --> 00:07:25.540 What it was. 00:07:25.620 --> 00:07:26.480 To sob. 00:07:27.120 --> 00:07:28.120 At the grave. 00:07:28.199 --> 00:07:28.960 Of friends. 00:07:28.959 --> 00:07:31.560 Jesus knew. 00:07:31.560 --> 00:07:32.060 What it was. 00:07:32.060 --> 00:07:33.060 To be misunderstood. 00:07:33.819 --> 00:07:34.219 Completely. 00:07:35.819 --> 00:07:36.539 Jesus knew. 00:07:36.539 --> 00:07:37.000 What it was. 00:07:37.079 --> 00:07:38.279 To have family issues. 00:07:38.599 --> 00:07:38.919 He knew. 00:07:39.039 --> 00:07:39.539 The joy. 00:07:39.620 --> 00:07:40.500 Of family too. 00:07:41.000 --> 00:07:41.419 He knew. 00:07:41.539 --> 00:07:42.539 The deep pleasure. 00:07:42.699 --> 00:07:43.339 Of friendship. 00:07:43.839 --> 00:07:44.319 But also. 00:07:44.439 --> 00:07:45.019 The pain. 00:07:45.099 --> 00:07:46.139 Of when it breaks down. 00:07:46.539 --> 00:07:46.899 He knew. 00:07:47.000 --> 00:07:47.319 What it was. 00:07:47.379 --> 00:07:48.179 To be betrayed. 00:07:48.759 --> 00:07:49.179 He knew. 00:07:49.240 --> 00:07:49.620 What it was. 00:07:49.659 --> 00:07:50.439 To be let down. 00:07:50.759 --> 00:07:51.159 He knew. 00:07:51.219 --> 00:07:51.699 What it was. 00:07:51.779 --> 00:07:52.259 To look. 00:07:52.339 --> 00:07:53.439 And have compassion. 00:07:53.439 --> 00:07:54.179 On people. 00:07:54.599 --> 00:07:54.979 He knew. 00:07:55.079 --> 00:07:55.439 What it was. 00:07:55.500 --> 00:07:56.179 To be hungry. 00:07:56.180 --> 00:07:57.699 He knew. 00:07:57.699 --> 00:07:58.340 Exactly. 00:07:58.340 --> 00:07:59.060 What it was like. 00:07:59.220 --> 00:08:00.199 To have no time. 00:08:00.340 --> 00:08:00.939 For yourself. 00:08:01.160 --> 00:08:01.819 And to have people. 00:08:01.939 --> 00:08:02.740 Disturb you. 00:08:03.120 --> 00:08:04.019 All the time. 00:08:05.540 --> 00:08:06.680 The Christmas story. 00:08:06.900 --> 00:08:07.480 And Christianity. 00:08:07.480 --> 00:08:09.160 Is not escapist. 00:08:09.500 --> 00:08:09.900 In fact. 00:08:09.939 --> 00:08:10.879 It's the exact opposite. 00:08:12.439 --> 00:08:13.259 It's not. 00:08:13.860 --> 00:08:14.500 Otherworldly. 00:08:14.819 --> 00:08:15.759 It is the God. 00:08:15.840 --> 00:08:17.100 Who made this world. 00:08:17.280 --> 00:08:17.879 Entering. 00:08:18.040 --> 00:08:18.939 Into this world. 00:08:20.060 --> 00:08:20.620 Entering. 00:08:20.840 --> 00:08:21.160 Fully. 00:08:21.379 --> 00:08:22.480 Into our humanity. 00:08:23.800 --> 00:08:24.980 It is the God. 00:08:24.980 --> 00:08:25.939 Who gave. 00:08:25.939 --> 00:08:26.779 The law. 00:08:28.040 --> 00:08:28.519 Living. 00:08:28.719 --> 00:08:29.360 Under the law. 00:08:31.459 --> 00:08:32.159 He knew. 00:08:32.419 --> 00:08:32.879 What it was. 00:08:32.940 --> 00:08:33.500 To live. 00:08:33.740 --> 00:08:34.559 In this world. 00:08:34.679 --> 00:08:35.700 With all its pain. 00:08:36.039 --> 00:08:36.879 And all its. 00:08:37.139 --> 00:08:37.620 Suffering. 00:08:37.779 --> 00:08:38.679 And all its frustration. 00:08:39.980 --> 00:08:40.799 The Christmas story. 00:08:40.899 --> 00:08:42.080 Is not a fairy tale. 00:08:42.340 --> 00:08:43.779 It is not escapist. 00:08:44.039 --> 00:08:44.580 It is. 00:08:44.779 --> 00:08:45.940 About a real baby. 00:08:46.799 --> 00:08:47.399 Who became. 00:08:47.480 --> 00:08:48.419 A real man. 00:08:48.419 --> 00:08:49.000 Who lived. 00:08:49.159 --> 00:08:50.220 In a real world. 00:08:51.659 --> 00:08:52.659 It's about a God. 00:08:52.740 --> 00:08:53.220 Who cares. 00:08:53.220 --> 00:08:55.680 It's not a God. 00:08:55.740 --> 00:08:56.340 Who has entered. 00:08:56.340 --> 00:08:57.779 Into our pain. 00:08:58.100 --> 00:08:58.899 Who has entered. 00:08:58.899 --> 00:09:00.560 Into this world. 00:09:01.000 --> 00:09:01.740 His world. 00:09:04.320 --> 00:09:04.519 And so. 00:09:04.600 --> 00:09:05.759 Don't believe in fairy tales. 00:09:05.759 --> 00:09:06.800 Because of how they begin. 00:09:08.399 --> 00:09:10.200 And don't believe in fairy tales. 00:09:10.740 --> 00:09:12.000 Because of what they are. 00:09:13.580 --> 00:09:14.440 But thirdly. 00:09:14.500 --> 00:09:15.759 Don't believe in fairy tales. 00:09:15.759 --> 00:09:16.940 Because of how they end. 00:09:16.940 --> 00:09:20.520 Because how do fairy tales end. 00:09:22.280 --> 00:09:23.600 How do fairy tales end. 00:09:24.760 --> 00:09:25.100 Ethan. 00:09:26.160 --> 00:09:26.760 Say that again. 00:09:28.420 --> 00:09:29.400 They all live. 00:09:29.480 --> 00:09:29.740 Don't they. 00:09:29.860 --> 00:09:30.900 Happily ever after. 00:09:33.220 --> 00:09:34.080 Everything's perfect. 00:09:35.420 --> 00:09:36.340 The baddies. 00:09:36.480 --> 00:09:36.800 Defeated. 00:09:38.280 --> 00:09:39.620 The hero triumphs. 00:09:39.660 --> 00:09:40.280 He gets the grill. 00:09:41.120 --> 00:09:42.380 They ride off. 00:09:42.500 --> 00:09:43.180 In the sunset. 00:09:43.600 --> 00:09:44.200 And they all live. 00:09:44.280 --> 00:09:45.320 Happily ever after. 00:09:45.320 --> 00:09:48.400 But the Christmas story. 00:09:48.500 --> 00:09:48.980 Isn't like that. 00:09:51.120 --> 00:09:51.780 The Bible. 00:09:52.020 --> 00:09:52.640 Again and again. 00:09:52.800 --> 00:09:53.879 Gives you the reason. 00:09:54.060 --> 00:09:54.680 For his coming. 00:09:56.640 --> 00:09:57.500 The angels. 00:09:57.660 --> 00:09:58.560 Tell Joseph. 00:09:59.160 --> 00:09:59.580 They say. 00:09:59.640 --> 00:10:00.640 You shall call his name. 00:10:00.840 --> 00:10:01.120 Jesus. 00:10:01.260 --> 00:10:01.860 For he will. 00:10:02.240 --> 00:10:03.140 Save his people. 00:10:03.879 --> 00:10:05.020 From their sins. 00:10:06.940 --> 00:10:07.720 The angels. 00:10:07.860 --> 00:10:08.940 Tell the shepherds. 00:10:09.740 --> 00:10:10.200 Fear not. 00:10:10.280 --> 00:10:10.620 For behold. 00:10:10.700 --> 00:10:11.540 I bring you good news. 00:10:11.580 --> 00:10:12.380 Of great joy. 00:10:13.020 --> 00:10:14.120 That will be for all people. 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:15.600 For unto you is born. 00:10:15.679 --> 00:10:15.960 This day. 00:10:16.039 --> 00:10:16.560 In the city. 00:10:16.879 --> 00:10:17.440 Of David. 00:10:17.659 --> 00:10:18.679 A saviour. 00:10:18.759 --> 00:10:19.379 A rescuer. 00:10:20.399 --> 00:10:21.639 Who is Christ the Lord. 00:10:23.560 --> 00:10:24.799 Jesus himself says. 00:10:25.080 --> 00:10:25.860 That the reason he came. 00:10:25.919 --> 00:10:26.299 Was not. 00:10:26.960 --> 00:10:28.100 To be served. 00:10:29.100 --> 00:10:30.299 But to serve. 00:10:32.139 --> 00:10:33.679 And to give his life. 00:10:33.820 --> 00:10:34.240 Away. 00:10:34.399 --> 00:10:35.460 As a ransom for money. 00:10:35.460 --> 00:10:38.560 If. 00:10:38.560 --> 00:10:39.160 The Apostle Paul says. 00:10:39.240 --> 00:10:39.740 Christ Jesus. 00:10:39.879 --> 00:10:40.600 Came into the world. 00:10:40.740 --> 00:10:41.540 To save. 00:10:42.300 --> 00:10:42.740 Sinners. 00:10:45.060 --> 00:10:45.820 That is. 00:10:46.420 --> 00:10:47.080 The reason. 00:10:47.180 --> 00:10:47.720 Why he came. 00:10:47.840 --> 00:10:48.639 He came. 00:10:48.920 --> 00:10:49.019 He. 00:10:49.420 --> 00:10:49.860 God. 00:10:49.980 --> 00:10:50.480 Became. 00:10:50.660 --> 00:10:51.500 A man. 00:10:52.940 --> 00:10:53.820 And he became. 00:10:53.940 --> 00:10:54.160 Man. 00:10:54.220 --> 00:10:55.180 In order to die. 00:10:57.500 --> 00:10:58.240 And so. 00:10:58.379 --> 00:10:59.340 His birth. 00:10:59.580 --> 00:10:59.900 Points. 00:11:00.019 --> 00:11:00.460 For us. 00:11:00.540 --> 00:11:01.420 To his death. 00:11:01.419 --> 00:11:03.839 He was literally. 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:04.719 Born to die. 00:11:06.839 --> 00:11:07.599 The story. 00:11:07.759 --> 00:11:08.819 You may know it. 00:11:09.099 --> 00:11:10.159 It culminates. 00:11:11.479 --> 00:11:12.439 The climax. 00:11:12.539 --> 00:11:13.519 Of each of the gospels. 00:11:13.679 --> 00:11:13.979 Is. 00:11:14.159 --> 00:11:15.039 Jesus Christ. 00:11:15.259 --> 00:11:15.879 The man. 00:11:15.979 --> 00:11:16.799 The God man. 00:11:17.979 --> 00:11:18.419 Hanging. 00:11:18.539 --> 00:11:19.240 On a Roman cross. 00:11:19.339 --> 00:11:20.000 Being executed. 00:11:20.559 --> 00:11:21.079 Publicly. 00:11:21.080 --> 00:11:23.460 And the question. 00:11:23.540 --> 00:11:24.000 Is why. 00:11:25.440 --> 00:11:26.280 It's not just. 00:11:26.379 --> 00:11:26.840 The story. 00:11:28.160 --> 00:11:28.740 The Bible. 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:29.080 Says. 00:11:29.139 --> 00:11:29.700 That the Lord Jesus. 00:11:29.860 --> 00:11:30.500 Loved men. 00:11:30.560 --> 00:11:30.840 And women. 00:11:30.920 --> 00:11:31.240 And boys. 00:11:31.300 --> 00:11:31.620 And girls. 00:11:31.720 --> 00:11:32.060 So much. 00:11:32.120 --> 00:11:32.480 That he. 00:11:32.580 --> 00:11:33.040 Entered. 00:11:33.040 --> 00:11:34.060 Into this world. 00:11:34.160 --> 00:11:34.700 Into time. 00:11:34.820 --> 00:11:35.320 And space. 00:11:35.840 --> 00:11:36.480 He took on. 00:11:36.540 --> 00:11:37.180 Human flesh. 00:11:37.180 --> 00:11:37.800 To deal with. 00:11:37.980 --> 00:11:38.980 Our biggest problem. 00:11:40.460 --> 00:11:41.420 Which is sin. 00:11:43.900 --> 00:11:44.520 And sin. 00:11:44.620 --> 00:11:45.720 You don't like the word. 00:11:47.440 --> 00:11:48.340 But the reality. 00:11:48.440 --> 00:11:49.060 Behind the world. 00:11:49.160 --> 00:11:49.740 That we live in. 00:11:49.800 --> 00:11:50.640 Is that we've lived. 00:11:50.639 --> 00:11:51.740 In defiance. 00:11:51.919 --> 00:11:52.319 Of God. 00:11:52.419 --> 00:11:53.220 Maybe you've not even. 00:11:53.399 --> 00:11:54.000 Realised it. 00:11:54.039 --> 00:11:54.460 You've not even. 00:11:54.600 --> 00:11:55.199 Thought about it. 00:11:57.039 --> 00:11:58.100 You thought that sin. 00:11:58.179 --> 00:11:59.519 Was terrible things. 00:11:59.659 --> 00:11:59.879 You know. 00:12:00.879 --> 00:12:01.399 Abuse. 00:12:02.019 --> 00:12:02.819 And murder. 00:12:02.819 --> 00:12:04.019 And lust. 00:12:04.199 --> 00:12:04.879 And theft. 00:12:05.100 --> 00:12:06.039 But the alarming. 00:12:06.220 --> 00:12:06.620 Reality. 00:12:06.759 --> 00:12:07.539 The dark side. 00:12:07.659 --> 00:12:08.439 Behind Christmas. 00:12:08.960 --> 00:12:09.779 Is that sin. 00:12:09.899 --> 00:12:10.639 Is actually. 00:12:11.939 --> 00:12:13.799 Not loving God. 00:12:15.179 --> 00:12:16.819 And not living. 00:12:17.299 --> 00:12:18.019 For him. 00:12:18.600 --> 00:12:19.500 In his world. 00:12:20.639 --> 00:12:21.319 Sin. 00:12:21.319 --> 00:12:22.199 And sin. 00:12:22.199 --> 00:12:24.259 Is a falling short. 00:12:24.600 --> 00:12:25.539 Of what you and I. 00:12:25.659 --> 00:12:26.580 Were meant to be. 00:12:26.740 --> 00:12:27.220 It is. 00:12:27.539 --> 00:12:28.679 Active rebellion. 00:12:28.819 --> 00:12:29.399 Against God. 00:12:29.519 --> 00:12:30.319 Saying no. 00:12:30.939 --> 00:12:31.759 I want to be in charge. 00:12:31.819 --> 00:12:32.419 Of my life. 00:12:35.299 --> 00:12:36.360 But maybe tonight. 00:12:36.559 --> 00:12:38.059 It's time to admit. 00:12:39.360 --> 00:12:40.600 And to acknowledge. 00:12:41.980 --> 00:12:42.939 That the guilt. 00:12:43.139 --> 00:12:44.179 That your conscience. 00:12:44.580 --> 00:12:45.500 Sometimes feels. 00:12:45.639 --> 00:12:46.139 Is right. 00:12:46.139 --> 00:12:48.799 And that there is. 00:12:48.860 --> 00:12:49.419 Something wrong. 00:12:50.919 --> 00:12:51.879 And that you and I. 00:12:52.240 --> 00:12:53.240 Don't just need. 00:12:53.319 --> 00:12:54.319 A helping hand. 00:12:55.720 --> 00:12:56.980 And don't just need. 00:12:56.980 --> 00:12:58.419 To be better organised. 00:12:58.980 --> 00:12:59.639 But actually. 00:12:59.919 --> 00:13:00.779 What I need. 00:13:00.879 --> 00:13:01.620 And what you need. 00:13:01.699 --> 00:13:02.340 Is rescue. 00:13:04.559 --> 00:13:05.419 And we can't. 00:13:05.480 --> 00:13:06.039 Help ourselves. 00:13:06.039 --> 00:13:09.059 You see. 00:13:09.120 --> 00:13:09.719 The Christmas story. 00:13:09.719 --> 00:13:10.839 Isn't a fairy tale. 00:13:11.039 --> 00:13:11.759 It is about a moment. 00:13:11.819 --> 00:13:12.179 In history. 00:13:12.279 --> 00:13:12.759 When God. 00:13:12.839 --> 00:13:13.839 Entered into the world. 00:13:13.879 --> 00:13:14.419 He created. 00:13:14.679 --> 00:13:15.599 It's not sentimental. 00:13:16.059 --> 00:13:16.899 It is earth. 00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:17.740 In reality. 00:13:18.839 --> 00:13:19.860 Read his life. 00:13:19.980 --> 00:13:21.079 Look at how he lived. 00:13:23.000 --> 00:13:23.959 It's not all about. 00:13:24.019 --> 00:13:24.759 A happy ending. 00:13:24.939 --> 00:13:26.360 It's a rescue story. 00:13:27.719 --> 00:13:28.620 With God. 00:13:28.620 --> 00:13:29.620 As the rescuer. 00:13:31.159 --> 00:13:31.980 And you. 00:13:33.419 --> 00:13:34.000 As the one. 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:34.620 Need a rescue. 00:13:37.200 --> 00:13:37.840 I don't know. 00:13:37.879 --> 00:13:38.360 If you read. 00:13:38.399 --> 00:13:38.720 The story. 00:13:38.840 --> 00:13:39.500 Of Rob Howes. 00:13:39.539 --> 00:13:40.139 Last year. 00:13:41.299 --> 00:13:41.820 Rob Howes. 00:13:41.860 --> 00:13:42.899 Was a British tourist. 00:13:43.100 --> 00:13:43.840 In New Zealand. 00:13:44.080 --> 00:13:44.539 And he went. 00:13:44.759 --> 00:13:45.200 Swimming. 00:13:45.820 --> 00:13:46.700 In the sea. 00:13:46.820 --> 00:13:47.720 Off the North Island. 00:13:47.840 --> 00:13:48.440 Of New Zealand. 00:13:49.580 --> 00:13:50.399 He went into the water. 00:13:50.519 --> 00:13:51.820 With his daughter. 00:13:52.019 --> 00:13:52.440 Nicky. 00:13:52.779 --> 00:13:54.139 And two of her friends. 00:13:55.580 --> 00:13:56.799 And as Rob Howes. 00:13:56.799 --> 00:13:57.379 And his daughter. 00:13:57.480 --> 00:13:57.700 Nicky. 00:13:57.759 --> 00:13:58.519 And two of her friends. 00:13:58.720 --> 00:13:59.700 Were swimming. 00:13:59.940 --> 00:14:00.899 Off the North Sea. 00:14:01.279 --> 00:14:02.899 In the North Island. 00:14:03.019 --> 00:14:03.559 In New Zealand. 00:14:03.559 --> 00:14:04.399 And dolphins. 00:14:04.759 --> 00:14:05.459 Suddenly appeared. 00:14:06.659 --> 00:14:07.779 It was the most magical. 00:14:08.179 --> 00:14:09.879 And remarkable experience. 00:14:09.919 --> 00:14:10.279 He said. 00:14:11.500 --> 00:14:12.379 And we thought the mammals. 00:14:12.519 --> 00:14:14.119 Were just being playful. 00:14:15.439 --> 00:14:16.079 And the dolphins. 00:14:16.239 --> 00:14:17.519 Started to herd us. 00:14:17.599 --> 00:14:19.479 They pushed the four of us. 00:14:19.879 --> 00:14:20.379 Together. 00:14:20.539 --> 00:14:21.259 The dolphins. 00:14:21.639 --> 00:14:23.059 Swam around us. 00:14:23.239 --> 00:14:24.359 In tight circles. 00:14:25.519 --> 00:14:27.079 Rob tried to drift away. 00:14:27.339 --> 00:14:27.899 From the group. 00:14:28.199 --> 00:14:29.199 But two of the bigger dolphins. 00:14:29.379 --> 00:14:30.379 Herded him back. 00:14:30.379 --> 00:14:33.799 And it was when he got back. 00:14:33.799 --> 00:14:34.259 To the beach. 00:14:34.360 --> 00:14:35.059 That he found out. 00:14:35.179 --> 00:14:35.820 That the dolphins. 00:14:36.639 --> 00:14:38.059 Were actually protecting him. 00:14:38.639 --> 00:14:39.879 From a great white shark. 00:14:42.879 --> 00:14:43.620 Rob Howes. 00:14:43.840 --> 00:14:44.240 Thought. 00:14:44.399 --> 00:14:45.240 That what he was having. 00:14:45.320 --> 00:14:45.679 In the sea. 00:14:45.759 --> 00:14:47.120 Was just a magical. 00:14:47.759 --> 00:14:48.240 Experience. 00:14:50.480 --> 00:14:51.620 But on second. 00:14:53.080 --> 00:14:53.480 Look. 00:14:54.000 --> 00:14:54.779 It turned out. 00:14:54.860 --> 00:14:55.139 To be. 00:14:55.340 --> 00:14:56.419 A life saving rescue. 00:14:56.419 --> 00:14:59.539 There's going to be people. 00:14:59.639 --> 00:15:00.399 In this room tonight. 00:15:01.779 --> 00:15:02.860 And you think Christmas. 00:15:03.099 --> 00:15:04.439 Is just a magic experience. 00:15:06.059 --> 00:15:07.059 Just like swimming. 00:15:07.219 --> 00:15:07.759 With dolphins. 00:15:09.219 --> 00:15:10.120 Some kind of. 00:15:10.120 --> 00:15:11.299 Otherworldly. 00:15:12.079 --> 00:15:13.000 Fairy time. 00:15:15.059 --> 00:15:15.899 The magic. 00:15:16.019 --> 00:15:16.659 Of Christmas. 00:15:18.339 --> 00:15:19.539 When all the time. 00:15:19.799 --> 00:15:20.120 Christmas. 00:15:20.299 --> 00:15:21.639 Is a life saving rescue. 00:15:23.719 --> 00:15:24.199 And so. 00:15:24.319 --> 00:15:25.019 Take a gospel. 00:15:25.019 --> 00:15:26.679 We'd love you to do that. 00:15:28.139 --> 00:15:29.159 Fill out a card. 00:15:29.379 --> 00:15:30.639 And find out more. 00:15:32.539 --> 00:15:33.799 Bend your knee. 00:15:35.299 --> 00:15:36.639 And cry out to God. 00:15:36.740 --> 00:15:37.579 And ask him. 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:38.699 To rescue you. 00:15:38.799 --> 00:15:39.659 From your rebellion. 00:15:39.779 --> 00:15:40.360 Against him. 00:15:42.159 --> 00:15:43.879 But don't believe in fairy tales. 00:15:44.000 --> 00:15:44.379 This Christmas. 00:15:45.419 --> 00:15:46.039 Let's pray. 00:15:46.039 --> 00:15:46.100 Let's pray.