WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.560 Everybody here, you may have heard that we're going into Tier 4 as of Boxing Day, 00:00:06.640 --> 00:00:12.820 which means this is actually going to be our last in-person service until those restrictions ease, 00:00:12.900 --> 00:00:16.820 so at least until, I guess, the first couple of weeks in January. 00:00:17.740 --> 00:00:20.080 So this week will be the last one in person. 00:00:20.699 --> 00:00:25.800 To remind us that we have our Carols by Candlelight service on tonight, 00:00:25.800 --> 00:00:32.700 beginning at 5.30, we're really grateful to Kellen and for Ben for all the work that they've done 00:00:32.700 --> 00:00:34.840 and putting that together for us, really excited for that. 00:00:35.299 --> 00:00:38.100 A good chance to invite friends to tune in as well. 00:00:38.780 --> 00:00:45.820 And then this evening at 8 o'clock, we got a chance to come back together on Zoom to catch up a little and to pray, 00:00:46.380 --> 00:00:54.519 in particular perhaps to pray that God would use the various things that have been happening over Advent for His glory. 00:00:54.520 --> 00:01:00.280 Some of us had a chance to deliver gift bags to international students around the city. 00:01:00.340 --> 00:01:04.540 It was really interesting to see how grateful so many were for the kindness of the church 00:01:04.540 --> 00:01:10.760 and also how interested a good number were in checking out the church, tuning in to the Carol service. 00:01:10.800 --> 00:01:14.060 So we can pray that God will use all these efforts. 00:01:14.060 --> 00:01:25.000 Now, as we gather to worship, we're going to begin reading together one of our basic statements of faith, 00:01:25.600 --> 00:01:29.400 the Apostles' Creed, which we'll see up on our screen. 00:01:29.480 --> 00:01:35.719 So we can read this together to remind ourselves of what stands at the core of our faith. 00:01:35.719 --> 00:01:42.920 I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 00:01:43.879 --> 00:01:48.980 I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, 00:01:49.579 --> 00:01:54.460 who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. 00:01:55.060 --> 00:02:01.140 He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. 00:02:01.140 --> 00:02:03.340 He descended to hell. 00:02:03.939 --> 00:02:07.040 The third day He rose again from the dead. 00:02:07.500 --> 00:02:13.900 He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. 00:02:14.620 --> 00:02:18.800 From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. 00:02:18.800 --> 00:02:27.180 I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, 00:02:27.719 --> 00:02:34.439 the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. 00:02:35.180 --> 00:02:35.700 Amen. 00:02:36.720 --> 00:02:39.540 And now for folks at home, you'll have a chance to sing. 00:02:39.620 --> 00:02:44.680 For the rest of us, we can reflect together on the words of Psalm 2 00:02:44.680 --> 00:02:50.960 that remind us that Jesus came as both Son of God and promised King. 00:02:51.420 --> 00:02:52.599 So we'll hear that now. 00:02:52.599 --> 00:02:52.659 Amen. 00:03:03.480 --> 00:03:11.819 Why do the heathen nations rage? 00:03:11.819 --> 00:03:19.340 Why do the peoples glut in vain? 00:03:19.340 --> 00:03:25.859 Earth's kings combine in enmity. 00:03:26.859 --> 00:03:34.599 Her rulers join against God's reign. 00:03:34.599 --> 00:03:50.719 They take their stand against the Lord and challenge His anointed one. 00:03:50.719 --> 00:03:58.039 Let us break off their chains from us. 00:03:58.039 --> 00:04:06.799 With their restraints let us be done. 00:04:06.799 --> 00:04:15.479 The one enthroned in heaven laughs. 00:04:16.199 --> 00:04:23.279 The Lord on high derides them all. 00:04:23.279 --> 00:04:30.559 Then he rebukes them in his wrath. 00:04:30.559 --> 00:04:39.419 His rage and terror on them fall. 00:04:39.419 --> 00:04:47.959 The Lord has made it known to them. 00:04:47.959 --> 00:04:55.959 My chosen king I have installed. 00:04:55.959 --> 00:05:03.560 On Zion my own holy hill. 00:05:03.560 --> 00:05:12.199 He is the one whom I have called. 00:05:12.199 --> 00:05:21.139 The king then solemnly declares, 00:05:21.139 --> 00:05:28.199 I will proclaim the Lord's decree. 00:05:28.199 --> 00:05:36.339 Today your father I've become. 00:05:36.339 --> 00:05:40.339 You are my son. 00:05:40.339 --> 00:05:44.339 He said to me. 00:05:44.339 --> 00:05:53.620 Pay homage to the royal son. 00:05:53.620 --> 00:06:01.559 Lest you in wrath the side are thrust. 00:06:01.560 --> 00:06:09.120 For swiftly can his anger blaze. 00:06:09.120 --> 00:06:19.240 Blessed are all who in him trust. 00:06:23.240 --> 00:06:25.779 Let's stand so we can pray together. 00:06:25.779 --> 00:06:25.860 Amen. 00:06:31.560 --> 00:06:33.560 Lord we come before you. 00:06:33.560 --> 00:06:34.560 Lord we come before you. 00:06:34.560 --> 00:06:38.560 The eternal unchanging God. 00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:40.560 And we are so thankful. 00:06:40.560 --> 00:06:42.560 For who you are. 00:06:42.560 --> 00:06:45.560 As father, son and Holy Spirit. 00:06:45.560 --> 00:06:50.560 We are so often taken by surprise. 00:06:50.560 --> 00:06:58.560 We are so often disappointed and confused by what's happening. 00:06:58.560 --> 00:07:02.560 And so we thank you that we can turn to you. 00:07:02.560 --> 00:07:06.319 The one who knows the end from the beginning. 00:07:07.319 --> 00:07:13.420 The one whose ways and purposes are never thwarted. 00:07:13.980 --> 00:07:16.199 Whose wisdom is complete. 00:07:17.259 --> 00:07:22.439 Lord we thank you this day for your eternal plan of redemption. 00:07:22.439 --> 00:07:31.759 At this time of year we remember that just as you promised in your mercy and grace to us. 00:07:31.759 --> 00:07:39.759 You sent your one and only son Jesus into our world to be our mediator. 00:07:40.439 --> 00:07:43.120 To be our substitute. 00:07:43.120 --> 00:07:49.500 To take our place by taking on the cross. 00:07:50.120 --> 00:07:53.540 The sin and its punishment that is ours. 00:07:54.120 --> 00:07:57.060 So that by looking to him with faith. 00:07:57.500 --> 00:07:59.300 We might be forgiven. 00:08:00.300 --> 00:08:01.420 And be called. 00:08:02.340 --> 00:08:03.500 Children of God. 00:08:04.660 --> 00:08:05.540 We thank you. 00:08:06.399 --> 00:08:08.459 That you sent your son Jesus. 00:08:08.980 --> 00:08:11.439 To be that sin offering for us. 00:08:11.439 --> 00:08:16.439 That we acknowledge before you our own sin and guilt. 00:08:17.199 --> 00:08:19.600 That in our words and our deeds and our actions. 00:08:20.379 --> 00:08:23.720 That we have failed to meet our own standards. 00:08:24.019 --> 00:08:27.019 Never mind your own perfect standards. 00:08:28.259 --> 00:08:32.299 That we recognize that you demand perfect obedience. 00:08:33.299 --> 00:08:36.100 And we have failed to keep your law. 00:08:36.740 --> 00:08:39.179 And we have failed to love as we ought. 00:08:39.179 --> 00:08:44.899 Lord that that would cause us to look to the Lord Jesus. 00:08:44.899 --> 00:08:48.500 And to be thankful for his life of perfect obedience. 00:08:49.500 --> 00:08:56.319 To be so grateful for the fact that though sinlessly perfect. 00:08:56.659 --> 00:09:00.919 He would take the place of a sinner. 00:09:00.919 --> 00:09:01.919 Lord that we are. 00:09:01.919 --> 00:09:05.219 So that as he takes our sin. 00:09:06.019 --> 00:09:09.639 That he might give us his perfect righteousness. 00:09:10.919 --> 00:09:13.599 So that you can look on us and be pleased. 00:09:14.120 --> 00:09:17.579 So that in him we can come into your presence. 00:09:18.000 --> 00:09:21.799 With confidence rather than fearing our condemnation. 00:09:21.799 --> 00:09:23.799 Lord we thank you for Christmas. 00:09:23.799 --> 00:09:25.919 Lord we thank you for Christmas. 00:09:26.359 --> 00:09:28.059 And the incarnation. 00:09:28.319 --> 00:09:31.099 The coming in flesh of the Lord Jesus. 00:09:31.279 --> 00:09:33.059 And for what that represents. 00:09:33.679 --> 00:09:38.079 In terms of your love and kindness and mercy. 00:09:38.519 --> 00:09:40.339 Shown to the world. 00:09:41.079 --> 00:09:44.579 And Lord we pray that that message would be heard today. 00:09:45.699 --> 00:09:47.259 For many who are hurting. 00:09:47.500 --> 00:09:50.279 For many who are confused or disappointed. 00:09:50.279 --> 00:09:53.860 For those who are lonely or anxious. 00:09:54.500 --> 00:09:56.679 Lord that they would look to Jesus. 00:09:57.419 --> 00:10:00.600 And find hope and rest and peace and life. 00:10:01.139 --> 00:10:02.720 In and with him. 00:10:03.799 --> 00:10:05.279 He is your son. 00:10:05.459 --> 00:10:08.120 And he is the one true king. 00:10:09.000 --> 00:10:10.779 And we pray that you would help us. 00:10:11.179 --> 00:10:12.519 To bow our knee. 00:10:12.980 --> 00:10:13.899 To pay homage. 00:10:14.079 --> 00:10:15.860 To show honour to Jesus. 00:10:15.860 --> 00:10:19.039 And that your spirit would be with us today. 00:10:19.159 --> 00:10:20.620 To enable us to worship. 00:10:21.019 --> 00:10:23.019 In spirit and in truth. 00:10:23.919 --> 00:10:26.440 And we pray that you would take your word. 00:10:26.759 --> 00:10:29.100 And apply it to our hearts and lives. 00:10:29.720 --> 00:10:32.379 We pray that you would raise our eyes. 00:10:33.060 --> 00:10:34.440 To see once again. 00:10:34.820 --> 00:10:36.300 The glory of Jesus. 00:10:36.899 --> 00:10:37.600 The saviour. 00:10:38.240 --> 00:10:40.519 We ask this in his name. 00:10:41.180 --> 00:10:41.480 Amen. 00:10:41.480 --> 00:10:48.080 Now we'll read together. 00:10:48.899 --> 00:10:51.279 First of all in the Old Testament. 00:10:51.700 --> 00:10:53.440 From the book of Hosea. 00:10:54.720 --> 00:10:57.159 We will see in Matthew chapter 2. 00:10:57.279 --> 00:10:59.600 That Matthew refers back to Hosea. 00:11:00.300 --> 00:11:05.320 So we'll read the whole chapter together. 00:11:05.759 --> 00:11:07.019 It will be up on the screen. 00:11:07.080 --> 00:11:07.960 Or you can look it up. 00:11:07.960 --> 00:11:09.879 In your Bible or your device. 00:11:09.879 --> 00:11:11.559 Hosea chapter 11. 00:11:11.659 --> 00:11:13.379 Let's hear God's word. 00:11:14.580 --> 00:11:16.460 When Israel was a child. 00:11:16.860 --> 00:11:17.879 I loved him. 00:11:18.620 --> 00:11:20.759 And out of Egypt I called my son. 00:11:21.679 --> 00:11:23.740 But the more I called Israel. 00:11:24.100 --> 00:11:26.179 The further they went from me. 00:11:26.840 --> 00:11:28.779 They sacrificed to the Baals. 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:30.659 And they burned incense to images. 00:11:31.799 --> 00:11:33.860 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk. 00:11:34.299 --> 00:11:35.720 Taking them by the arms. 00:11:36.620 --> 00:11:37.980 But they did not realise. 00:11:37.980 --> 00:11:39.379 It was I who healed them. 00:11:39.879 --> 00:11:42.700 I led them with cords of human kindness. 00:11:43.120 --> 00:11:44.820 With ties of love. 00:11:45.360 --> 00:11:47.820 I lifted the yoke from their neck. 00:11:48.000 --> 00:11:49.559 And bent down to feed them. 00:11:50.980 --> 00:11:52.779 Will they not return to Egypt? 00:11:52.919 --> 00:11:54.899 And will not Assyria rule over them? 00:11:54.939 --> 00:11:56.519 Because they refuse to repent. 00:11:57.519 --> 00:11:59.740 Swords will flash in their cities. 00:12:00.120 --> 00:12:02.659 Will destroy the bars of their gates. 00:12:02.659 --> 00:12:04.379 And put an end to their plans. 00:12:04.379 --> 00:12:07.860 My people are determined to turn from me. 00:12:08.500 --> 00:12:10.480 Even if they call to the Most High. 00:12:10.580 --> 00:12:12.580 He will by no means exalt them. 00:12:13.360 --> 00:12:15.360 How can I give you up Ephraim? 00:12:15.779 --> 00:12:18.000 How can I hand you over Israel? 00:12:18.539 --> 00:12:20.620 How can I treat you like Adma? 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:23.320 How can I make you like Zeboim? 00:12:23.320 --> 00:12:26.740 My heart is changed within me. 00:12:27.340 --> 00:12:29.760 All my compassion is aroused. 00:12:30.400 --> 00:12:33.200 I will not carry out my fierce anger. 00:12:33.520 --> 00:12:36.300 Nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim. 00:12:36.820 --> 00:12:39.200 For I am God and not man. 00:12:39.840 --> 00:12:41.280 The Holy One among you. 00:12:41.840 --> 00:12:43.560 I will not come in wrath. 00:12:44.480 --> 00:12:45.980 They will follow the Lord. 00:12:46.620 --> 00:12:48.240 He will roar like a lion. 00:12:48.240 --> 00:12:53.159 When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. 00:12:53.680 --> 00:12:56.519 They will come trembling like birds from Egypt. 00:12:56.840 --> 00:12:58.560 Like doves from Assyria. 00:12:59.360 --> 00:13:02.039 I will settle them in their homes. 00:13:02.680 --> 00:13:04.240 Declares the Lord. 00:13:05.220 --> 00:13:05.940 Amen. 00:13:06.600 --> 00:13:09.080 Now we'll bow our heads once more. 00:13:09.419 --> 00:13:10.820 For a time of prayer. 00:13:10.820 --> 00:13:22.160 Lord, we thank you that we come to you as a loving Father in heaven. 00:13:23.020 --> 00:13:28.940 We thank you that we come to you as one who invites us to pray to you. 00:13:28.940 --> 00:13:35.640 To bring our own needs and concerns and the needs and burdens of others to you. 00:13:35.639 --> 00:13:41.659 We thank you for your power. 00:13:42.379 --> 00:13:44.480 And we thank you for your love. 00:13:45.019 --> 00:13:48.720 And that you make those available for your children. 00:13:50.500 --> 00:13:58.860 Lord, we think today of the many among us and in our families and around the nation 00:13:58.860 --> 00:14:09.539 who will be left hurt and disappointed because of the changes to restrictions 00:14:09.539 --> 00:14:13.320 and what that will mean for family gatherings. 00:14:14.580 --> 00:14:17.779 Lord, we pray that you would provide comfort. 00:14:18.820 --> 00:14:27.460 We pray that you would keep your people from responding in ways that would lead us into sin. 00:14:27.460 --> 00:14:31.320 Keep us from anger and bitterness. 00:14:32.100 --> 00:14:40.540 Lord, give us soft hearts that will hear your words even as we have to wrestle with 00:14:40.540 --> 00:14:44.259 disappointments in a whole range of levels. 00:14:45.740 --> 00:14:51.879 Lord, we thank you that we have been called and we have the opportunity to pray 00:14:51.879 --> 00:14:58.480 for those who are in responsibility over us, who have decisions to make. 00:14:59.159 --> 00:15:06.820 Because we recognize the burden that they have been carrying and have carried for so many months. 00:15:07.799 --> 00:15:11.220 We ask that you would give them rest. 00:15:11.899 --> 00:15:17.500 We ask that you would give them humility to bow their knee before you, 00:15:17.500 --> 00:15:23.600 to recognize their own limits and to trust in you and your wisdom. 00:15:24.340 --> 00:15:28.259 Lord, we pray that you would uphold our government. 00:15:30.159 --> 00:15:39.600 That you would also be with those who are still on the front line in the battle against the pandemic. 00:15:40.419 --> 00:15:44.299 Lord, we pray again for our NHS staff. 00:15:44.299 --> 00:15:55.059 Some who have been working relentlessly for so many months and face with fear the prospect of this coming winter. 00:15:55.719 --> 00:15:57.159 Lord, we pray mercy. 00:15:58.079 --> 00:16:03.379 Lord, we pray for our schools with all the changes that are being made. 00:16:03.379 --> 00:16:12.639 We ask that you would be with teachers and with headteachers and give them wisdom as to how to carry out their tasks 00:16:12.639 --> 00:16:22.139 and to enable education to continue in a safe way with the various new restrictions and protocols in place. 00:16:23.539 --> 00:16:28.940 Lord, we see our public servants spending themselves time and again, 00:16:28.940 --> 00:16:34.300 and we are thankful for them and we pray that you might grant to them rest. 00:16:35.120 --> 00:16:38.300 We pray that in their need they might turn to you. 00:16:39.120 --> 00:16:41.640 Lord, we pray for ourselves as a nation, 00:16:42.440 --> 00:16:48.580 that you might use this time as a spiritual wake-up call for us. 00:16:48.580 --> 00:16:49.580 Lord, we pray for us. 00:16:49.580 --> 00:16:49.860 Lord, we pray for us. 00:16:49.860 --> 00:16:51.759 That seeing our own frailty, 00:16:52.000 --> 00:16:56.280 seeing all that we would ordinarily place our hopes in, 00:16:56.680 --> 00:17:01.820 proving so ineffective in maintaining our life and our hope, 00:17:02.500 --> 00:17:05.220 that there would be many men and women and boys and girls 00:17:05.220 --> 00:17:08.600 turning to put their trust in the Lord Jesus, 00:17:09.420 --> 00:17:13.819 confessing their sin and trusting in Jesus as Lord and Saviour. 00:17:13.819 --> 00:17:24.019 We thank you that you are able to bring good out of the most dark of situations, 00:17:24.460 --> 00:17:27.319 and we pray that we would see that again. 00:17:28.139 --> 00:17:31.039 Lord, we pray for the church in the UK, 00:17:31.679 --> 00:17:35.379 as the vast majority of churches will find themselves again 00:17:35.379 --> 00:17:40.599 having to cope with being largely online. 00:17:40.599 --> 00:17:44.619 We think of Christians who feel really isolated, 00:17:44.799 --> 00:17:47.679 who haven't been able to worship publicly, 00:17:48.219 --> 00:17:50.139 who miss Christian fellowship. 00:17:50.939 --> 00:17:53.139 Lord, we ask that by your Spirit, 00:17:53.279 --> 00:17:55.980 you would sustain them in word and prayer. 00:17:56.719 --> 00:18:02.179 Help us as a church to be aware of our members 00:18:02.179 --> 00:18:06.980 and to think about those who may be finding this time particularly difficult. 00:18:06.980 --> 00:18:14.039 Lord, we pray that this would be a time where you would remind us of what is truly important, 00:18:14.839 --> 00:18:19.640 that we would rally around the good news of the gospel, 00:18:20.160 --> 00:18:23.019 that our hope would be in the Lord Jesus, 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:30.880 that you would enable us to be salt and light in a hurting and confused world. 00:18:30.880 --> 00:18:39.660 Father, we thank you for the opportunities that we have to bring a little bit of light and hope. 00:18:40.180 --> 00:18:43.960 We again thank you for the chance to partner with Friends International, 00:18:44.600 --> 00:18:50.020 to care for international students far from home and family. 00:18:50.720 --> 00:18:56.260 We pray that as they received those expressions of kindness and care, 00:18:56.259 --> 00:19:01.819 that you would cause them to think on why strangers would do that. 00:19:02.420 --> 00:19:09.359 We ask that it might open doors where people are willing to explore the Christian faith, 00:19:09.779 --> 00:19:12.440 that it might remove barriers to the gospel, 00:19:13.119 --> 00:19:20.339 that we might hear in coming days of students coming to read their Bible, 00:19:20.339 --> 00:19:22.539 attending church services, 00:19:22.539 --> 00:19:27.839 of coming to faith because of these simple acts. 00:19:28.879 --> 00:19:32.859 Lord, we pray for our city today. 00:19:33.419 --> 00:19:43.539 Thank you for every church today that will be communicating the good news of Jesus as our Lord and Savior. 00:19:44.439 --> 00:19:49.339 Lord, we, in our mind's eye, look around the communities that we come from. 00:19:49.339 --> 00:19:56.279 We think about the area around our church and we see massive needs facing people, 00:19:56.839 --> 00:19:59.839 mentally and emotionally, economically. 00:20:00.759 --> 00:20:07.159 Lord, above all, help us to see spiritual needs and to pray and to work 00:20:07.159 --> 00:20:12.899 so that your name would be known, that you would be praised, 00:20:13.279 --> 00:20:19.279 that we would see revival and renewal happening in these days. 00:20:19.339 --> 00:20:23.919 Lord, again, as we come to consider your word together, 00:20:24.019 --> 00:20:27.359 we pray that you would use it in our lives. 00:20:28.220 --> 00:20:31.139 Help us to see more of Jesus, we pray. 00:20:31.959 --> 00:20:32.359 Amen. 00:20:34.359 --> 00:20:39.919 Now, let's turn together to Matthew chapter 2. 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:42.899 Matthew chapter 2. 00:20:42.900 --> 00:20:43.900 Matthew chapter 2. 00:20:43.900 --> 00:20:48.400 And we're going to be reading from verse 13. 00:20:52.780 --> 00:20:59.000 Matthew chapter 2 at verse 13 to the end of the chapter. 00:20:59.580 --> 00:21:02.200 And again, let's hear God's word together. 00:21:02.200 --> 00:21:03.200 Matthew chapter 3. 00:21:03.200 --> 00:21:03.700 Matthew chapter 3. 00:21:03.700 --> 00:21:07.900 When they'd gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. 00:21:08.620 --> 00:21:12.680 Get up, he said, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. 00:21:13.400 --> 00:21:18.960 Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him. 00:21:19.519 --> 00:21:24.279 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 00:21:24.819 --> 00:21:26.920 where he stayed until the death of Herod. 00:21:26.920 --> 00:21:31.039 And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet. 00:21:31.580 --> 00:21:34.140 Out of Egypt I called my son. 00:21:35.060 --> 00:21:38.880 When Herod realized that he'd been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious. 00:21:39.300 --> 00:21:43.100 And he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity 00:21:43.100 --> 00:21:45.259 who were two years old and under, 00:21:45.820 --> 00:21:48.420 in accordance with the time he'd learned from the Magi. 00:21:49.100 --> 00:21:52.300 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled. 00:21:52.299 --> 00:21:56.819 A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping in great mourning, 00:21:57.480 --> 00:22:00.859 Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted 00:22:00.859 --> 00:22:03.099 because they are no more. 00:22:03.919 --> 00:22:08.119 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 00:22:08.119 --> 00:22:12.339 and said, get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel. 00:22:12.879 --> 00:22:15.519 For those who are trying to take the child's life are dead. 00:22:16.079 --> 00:22:20.599 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 00:22:20.599 --> 00:22:25.639 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, 00:22:25.679 --> 00:22:26.879 he was afraid to go there. 00:22:27.519 --> 00:22:31.139 Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 00:22:31.599 --> 00:22:34.259 And he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. 00:22:34.819 --> 00:22:37.959 So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets. 00:22:38.419 --> 00:22:41.099 He will be called a Nazarene. 00:22:42.000 --> 00:22:42.379 Amen. 00:22:43.419 --> 00:22:46.939 So we're thinking today about Jesus, the Son of God. 00:22:46.940 --> 00:22:51.660 But we're thinking too about the hidden journeys of Christmas. 00:22:52.900 --> 00:23:00.420 Now I know some of us are facing the sadness and the disappointment of journeys that we can't take. 00:23:01.460 --> 00:23:03.100 Restrictions to our gatherings. 00:23:03.680 --> 00:23:06.720 Not being able to see parts of our family. 00:23:07.380 --> 00:23:10.880 And that means a lot to us because that's a huge part of our Christmas. 00:23:10.880 --> 00:23:20.780 We've also been seeing, haven't we, that as we've thought about how Matthew and Luke indeed present the story of the coming of Jesus into the world, 00:23:21.160 --> 00:23:24.220 it's full of the theme of journeys. 00:23:24.900 --> 00:23:27.900 Each journey teaching us more about Jesus. 00:23:28.800 --> 00:23:31.820 For example, we have Mary going to visit Elizabeth. 00:23:31.819 --> 00:23:39.359 And when John the Baptist still in the womb hears Jesus' arrival, he jumps for joy. 00:23:40.179 --> 00:23:45.419 And Elizabeth declares that Jesus is her Lord, though he is still not born. 00:23:46.159 --> 00:23:52.720 Or we think about the shepherds traveling to Bethlehem, having heard the message and the song of the angels. 00:23:52.720 --> 00:24:03.420 Because they want to go and meet the Savior, God's Messiah, the one who will bring peace to all who know the favor of God. 00:24:03.940 --> 00:24:07.000 Or we think of the wise men traveling from the east. 00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:11.539 Because it has been revealed to them that God's king has come. 00:24:11.860 --> 00:24:12.900 This global king. 00:24:13.059 --> 00:24:14.920 And they want to worship. 00:24:15.920 --> 00:24:20.920 So journey is everywhere in the story of the coming of Jesus. 00:24:20.920 --> 00:24:29.580 But these journeys, the ones that we've just read, they're not the ones that typically feature in our nativity stories. 00:24:30.160 --> 00:24:33.560 They are, in a sense, the hidden journeys of Christmas. 00:24:34.300 --> 00:24:35.500 But they're important. 00:24:36.580 --> 00:24:42.220 We have Herod on his journey, marching to destroy the child Jesus. 00:24:43.300 --> 00:24:50.259 We have the family of Jesus on a journey, fleeing from Herod into Egypt. 00:24:50.920 --> 00:24:58.880 And in those journeys, we also have this little gift from God to us. 00:24:59.000 --> 00:25:05.019 This reminder of who Jesus is in verse 15, where we read, 00:25:05.019 --> 00:25:08.420 And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet, 00:25:09.019 --> 00:25:13.079 Out of Egypt I called my son. 00:25:13.779 --> 00:25:17.779 And so we're going to see together what it means that Jesus is the son of God. 00:25:17.980 --> 00:25:22.119 See what Matthew reveals about that. 00:25:22.119 --> 00:25:31.359 But before we do that, we need to recognize Jesus as God's protected son here, 00:25:31.419 --> 00:25:32.979 And the significance of that. 00:25:33.399 --> 00:25:39.759 Again, hidden Christmas, not the parts that we typically read at our carol services, 00:25:40.179 --> 00:25:43.619 Don't typically make our nativity stories. 00:25:44.339 --> 00:25:46.859 We speak of Jesus being a light in the darkness, 00:25:46.859 --> 00:25:49.699 And here we see some of that darkness. 00:25:51.219 --> 00:25:54.559 Now we see the darkness of Herod's furious rage. 00:25:55.359 --> 00:25:58.119 We see his intent on murder. 00:25:59.039 --> 00:26:02.939 We see that battle that rages between good and evil, 00:26:03.240 --> 00:26:09.319 That was there from the moment that the serpent came to tempt Adam and Eve in the garden. 00:26:09.319 --> 00:26:14.539 Here we see an attempt to destroy the son of God. 00:26:15.819 --> 00:26:20.139 And we see murder in Bethlehem. 00:26:22.939 --> 00:26:27.859 And I think it's important for us to recognize that what drives Herod 00:26:27.859 --> 00:26:31.339 Are some of the same impulses we find in our own hearts. 00:26:31.839 --> 00:26:34.779 Tim Keller says there's a little King Herod in all of our hearts. 00:26:35.179 --> 00:26:37.039 We want to resist his claims. 00:26:37.039 --> 00:26:40.740 Jesus comes demanding our complete allegiance and loyalty. 00:26:41.319 --> 00:26:43.059 And instantly there is resistance. 00:26:43.299 --> 00:26:45.480 There are pockets of resistance. 00:26:45.740 --> 00:26:48.539 And it exposes us to our own hearts, 00:26:48.619 --> 00:26:51.859 Even as we see the darkness of Herod. 00:26:52.480 --> 00:26:56.059 We see darkness too in the fact that here is the infant Jesus, 00:26:56.259 --> 00:26:59.359 And he becomes one of the displaced people. 00:27:00.079 --> 00:27:03.619 He becomes, as it were, a child refugee. 00:27:03.619 --> 00:27:10.779 I was reading this week in my prayer notes about displaced children, 00:27:11.299 --> 00:27:13.479 Christian children in Iraq. 00:27:13.899 --> 00:27:16.659 And they were having a worship service for Christmas. 00:27:16.959 --> 00:27:21.000 And the pastor was asking them what their wishes were for Christmas. 00:27:21.000 --> 00:27:24.759 And some wished that they could go home. 00:27:25.859 --> 00:27:28.880 Some wished for an end to terrorism. 00:27:29.880 --> 00:27:34.539 And some wished they would have the peace that they know other children have, 00:27:34.859 --> 00:27:35.900 But they've never seen. 00:27:35.900 --> 00:27:40.220 It's heartbreaking to think of. 00:27:40.920 --> 00:27:44.180 But the reality is Jesus knows by experience. 00:27:45.200 --> 00:27:49.920 And Jesus, our Lord, sympathizes in the pain and the darkness 00:27:49.920 --> 00:27:52.280 That people like those kids experience. 00:27:53.680 --> 00:27:56.220 But in that darkness, we also see God's hand. 00:27:56.300 --> 00:27:58.900 We see God acting to protect his son. 00:27:58.900 --> 00:28:01.120 And so verse 13, where we read, 00:28:01.700 --> 00:28:04.180 When they'd gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, 00:28:04.360 --> 00:28:07.120 Get up, take the child and his mother, and escape to Egypt. 00:28:07.800 --> 00:28:13.300 So God sends the angel who will bring the child Jesus out of Israel to Egypt. 00:28:13.540 --> 00:28:17.120 And then in verse 20, verse 19, 00:28:17.480 --> 00:28:20.980 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 00:28:21.060 --> 00:28:24.840 And said, Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel. 00:28:24.839 --> 00:28:28.959 So God will bring his son back to Israel. 00:28:31.679 --> 00:28:34.240 Again, these journeys are significant. 00:28:34.939 --> 00:28:38.099 We're being reminded that from his infancy, 00:28:38.939 --> 00:28:42.019 Jesus has come to be our suffering servant. 00:28:43.519 --> 00:28:46.980 We're being reminded that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, 00:28:47.039 --> 00:28:49.679 Ultimately, to die at Calvary. 00:28:49.680 --> 00:28:58.180 From eternity, God's plan has been established. 00:28:58.840 --> 00:29:04.279 That Jesus would be sent to take our place to bear our sin. 00:29:04.779 --> 00:29:07.920 That by looking to him, we might have eternal life. 00:29:08.019 --> 00:29:10.080 And the good news that we're reminded of here 00:29:10.080 --> 00:29:15.940 Is that no one and nothing can stop God's plan of salvation from being effective. 00:29:16.380 --> 00:29:17.160 Herod tries. 00:29:17.279 --> 00:29:18.259 We read the Gospels. 00:29:18.259 --> 00:29:19.559 The devil tries. 00:29:19.640 --> 00:29:20.980 We see Judas conspiring. 00:29:21.099 --> 00:29:23.579 We see soldiers and officials conspiring. 00:29:23.680 --> 00:29:26.839 But nothing stops God's plan of salvation. 00:29:28.839 --> 00:29:31.960 Jesus is protected so that God's Son will, 00:29:32.119 --> 00:29:33.720 In the fullness of God's timing, 00:29:34.559 --> 00:29:37.200 Redeem his people from their sin. 00:29:37.879 --> 00:29:43.839 Jesus, God's Son, will take the place and the punishment of his people on the cross. 00:29:43.879 --> 00:29:45.660 And nothing is going to stop that. 00:29:45.660 --> 00:29:54.140 Jesus will be involved in that great exchange where he will take my sin and clothe me in his righteousness. 00:29:55.220 --> 00:30:00.060 Jesus, God's Son, will show the full extent of God's love to the world. 00:30:00.100 --> 00:30:04.340 And that while we were sinners, Christ would come to die for us. 00:30:05.000 --> 00:30:09.140 Jesus, God's Son, will save all who will look to him in faith. 00:30:09.140 --> 00:30:13.340 He will reconcile and adopt his people. 00:30:13.860 --> 00:30:21.380 Because God is making sure that that journey to the cross is going to take place. 00:30:21.800 --> 00:30:26.140 Because he sent his Son to save his people. 00:30:26.140 --> 00:30:31.840 So these journeys fit into the storyline of the life of Jesus. 00:30:32.259 --> 00:30:35.860 They're part of his journey to the cross. 00:30:36.940 --> 00:30:38.680 So Jesus is a protected son. 00:30:39.020 --> 00:30:45.440 But we're also told in verse 15 that Jesus is God's true son. 00:30:46.400 --> 00:30:50.540 And that's the bit where Matthew quotes from Hosea. 00:30:50.539 --> 00:30:57.379 And just as a wee sidebar, it's interesting to see how Matthew reads the Old Testament. 00:30:58.220 --> 00:31:05.899 So remember, Matthew is writing his gospel after Jesus has lived and died and risen and ascended to heaven. 00:31:07.059 --> 00:31:12.200 And Matthew is writing after that Emmaus road principle has been established. 00:31:12.200 --> 00:31:17.240 So remember that first Easter, Jesus walking with two disciples on the road to Emmaus. 00:31:17.240 --> 00:31:21.000 And he explained that all of the Old Testament was speaking about him. 00:31:21.599 --> 00:31:23.839 And so the disciples understand this. 00:31:23.880 --> 00:31:30.460 So now they're reading the Old Testament and they're looking to see how what's promised there is fulfilled in Jesus. 00:31:30.460 --> 00:31:39.220 So Matthew can look at Hosea, Hosea chapter 11, verse 1, which is focusing on the journeys of Israel, 00:31:39.819 --> 00:31:43.099 which is thinking about exodus and exile and promised return and rest. 00:31:43.160 --> 00:31:45.259 And he can say, it's about Jesus. 00:31:45.259 --> 00:31:47.599 He applies it straight to Jesus. 00:31:47.740 --> 00:31:49.039 He is true Israel. 00:31:49.200 --> 00:31:52.119 He is the true son of God. 00:31:53.279 --> 00:31:56.879 And it's really important for us when we read the Old Testament, 00:31:57.440 --> 00:32:03.140 that we too should be looking for those pointers to the Lord Jesus in the stories, 00:32:03.240 --> 00:32:10.480 in the characters that we meet to see those Jesus connections, those gospel connections. 00:32:10.480 --> 00:32:17.579 But it's also important for us to recognize here is Matthew presenting Jesus to us as true Israel, 00:32:17.700 --> 00:32:23.259 true son of God, to show that Jesus will succeed where Israel has failed. 00:32:23.720 --> 00:32:27.599 Jesus will accomplish what Israel was intended to. 00:32:28.880 --> 00:32:33.200 So maybe if you've got your Bible, you can turn back with me to the book of Hosea, 00:32:33.720 --> 00:32:36.519 because we need to look at that a little together. 00:32:36.519 --> 00:32:42.180 This isn't the first place where Israel is called God's son. 00:32:42.839 --> 00:32:45.720 You find that language in the book of Exodus. 00:32:46.500 --> 00:32:51.279 So, for example, God speaking to Pharaoh through Moses, 00:32:51.680 --> 00:32:53.599 Israel is my firstborn son. 00:32:54.279 --> 00:32:56.980 Let my son go that he may worship me. 00:32:57.059 --> 00:33:00.139 So the nation of Israel pictured as God's son, 00:33:00.400 --> 00:33:03.420 God's son who should be set free to worship. 00:33:03.420 --> 00:33:08.160 And that's the language that Hosea uses. 00:33:08.320 --> 00:33:17.980 So Hosea 11, the message that we find here is the story of three different journeys of God's people. 00:33:18.680 --> 00:33:23.000 So the first journey, and they all connect with Egypt, which is important for Matthew 2. 00:33:23.880 --> 00:33:25.920 Hosea 11, verse 1. 00:33:25.920 --> 00:33:31.920 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 00:33:33.000 --> 00:33:37.080 There Hosea is calling to mind the story of the Exodus. 00:33:38.279 --> 00:33:45.100 God sending Moses to save his people that they might become the worshiping people of God, 00:33:45.360 --> 00:33:47.920 the nation that God had chosen. 00:33:47.920 --> 00:33:54.660 But then Hosea goes on that though he loved his people, they chose to resist his love. 00:33:55.039 --> 00:33:58.880 Rather than worshiping the true God, they turned to idols. 00:34:00.140 --> 00:34:04.279 God was a father to them, but they were like prodigal sons. 00:34:05.640 --> 00:34:09.740 With the result that another journey was coming. 00:34:10.619 --> 00:34:14.420 Hosea gives a warning in verse 5 from God. 00:34:14.420 --> 00:34:21.180 Will they not return to Egypt because they refused to repent? 00:34:21.960 --> 00:34:29.480 Judgment in the form of exile, being sent away from the promised land, would come. 00:34:30.900 --> 00:34:34.500 And yet, that wasn't the end of the story. 00:34:34.619 --> 00:34:42.420 Though they were sinful, disobedient, rebellious, God promises mercy and steadfast love. 00:34:42.420 --> 00:34:44.260 How can I give you up, Ephraim? 00:34:44.599 --> 00:34:46.500 How can I hand you over? 00:34:47.059 --> 00:34:49.780 All my compassion is aroused. 00:34:49.840 --> 00:34:55.139 And then in verse 10 and 11, we see what God does. 00:34:55.720 --> 00:35:00.400 God calls effectively and his people come. 00:35:01.340 --> 00:35:03.000 Verse 10, they will follow the Lord. 00:35:03.240 --> 00:35:04.559 He will roar like a lion. 00:35:05.220 --> 00:35:08.519 When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. 00:35:08.519 --> 00:35:12.519 They will come trembling like birds from Egypt. 00:35:13.420 --> 00:35:16.900 And I will settle them in their homes. 00:35:17.039 --> 00:35:18.559 His people will follow. 00:35:19.259 --> 00:35:26.000 They will return from exile to enjoy life with him once more. 00:35:27.159 --> 00:35:34.219 Matthew intends us to think about that chapter as we read the quotation there in verse 15. 00:35:34.219 --> 00:35:39.739 So the question is, what do those journeys, what does that chapter have to do with the story of Jesus 00:35:39.739 --> 00:35:44.419 and the journeys of Jesus that are in view in Matthew chapter 2? 00:35:45.539 --> 00:35:52.179 Well, surely what Matthew is trying to do is to say to us that Jesus, as God's true son, 00:35:52.439 --> 00:35:54.459 will lead a new exodus. 00:35:54.460 --> 00:36:03.199 So Moses was sent to set the people free from political slavery, but also spiritual slavery, 00:36:03.199 --> 00:36:08.320 so that they might know and worship the one true God and live with him. 00:36:09.539 --> 00:36:16.579 Jesus has come to set his people free from slavery to sin leading to death, 00:36:17.500 --> 00:36:21.199 setting us free to enjoy life with God. 00:36:21.539 --> 00:36:23.519 Jesus comes on that new exodus. 00:36:24.460 --> 00:36:28.260 And Matthew also wants us to recognize Jesus as God's true son. 00:36:28.340 --> 00:36:31.559 He will restore and he will reconcile. 00:36:31.699 --> 00:36:33.940 The promise there at the end of Hosea 11, 00:36:35.300 --> 00:36:39.460 that as people look to him in faith, as we see the glory of Jesus, 00:36:39.780 --> 00:36:43.000 that's where the power comes to turn from idols to the true God. 00:36:43.900 --> 00:36:46.220 Instead of being content with false worship, 00:36:46.220 --> 00:36:49.880 to want to worship the true and living God as we see his glory in Jesus. 00:36:49.880 --> 00:37:01.539 Jesus comes on that restoring work. 00:37:01.539 --> 00:37:07.440 And that work will take place because of the journeys of Jesus. 00:37:09.500 --> 00:37:12.779 Because of that great journey Jesus made in coming, 00:37:13.019 --> 00:37:15.759 leaving the glory of heaven to come to the earth, 00:37:15.840 --> 00:37:20.699 to become one of us in order to die for us. 00:37:20.699 --> 00:37:27.799 That's the great journey that gives us hope. 00:37:27.799 --> 00:37:30.799 How can we enjoy friendship with God? 00:37:31.179 --> 00:37:34.079 How can we see the glory of God? 00:37:34.419 --> 00:37:40.019 How can we live under the rule of God and know his blessing as true Israel was supposed to, 00:37:40.079 --> 00:37:40.899 but never managed? 00:37:40.900 --> 00:37:45.440 As we are in Christ, as we're trusting in Jesus, 00:37:46.160 --> 00:37:49.460 as we become children of God by faith in him, 00:37:49.980 --> 00:37:53.480 then those gifts, those blessings are ours. 00:37:58.440 --> 00:38:02.900 Let's apply this to our own lives and experience. 00:38:04.139 --> 00:38:08.619 Because here we see Jesus, God's son, and we see his journeys, 00:38:08.619 --> 00:38:12.400 and he makes us think about the journey of salvation. 00:38:13.440 --> 00:38:19.319 Let's think about Jesus, God's son, and our own journey of faith. 00:38:21.000 --> 00:38:24.359 We've been thinking here about hidden journeys, 00:38:24.519 --> 00:38:27.779 about the hidden side of Christmas. 00:38:29.739 --> 00:38:32.039 But each one of us, we need to be so careful 00:38:32.039 --> 00:38:34.859 that we don't let the truth, the wonderful truth, 00:38:34.860 --> 00:38:39.300 that Jesus has come as the son of God to be hidden in our lives, 00:38:39.300 --> 00:38:43.200 to be hidden from view for whatever reason. 00:38:43.340 --> 00:38:45.380 We all need this. 00:38:46.200 --> 00:38:49.220 Today, as much as ever, we need this. 00:38:49.300 --> 00:38:54.320 We need Jesus as son of God, and we need to worship him. 00:38:54.320 --> 00:39:00.180 So if you're here and you're not a Christian, 00:39:00.260 --> 00:39:03.160 if you're listening online and you're not a Christian, 00:39:03.440 --> 00:39:08.160 you need to see Jesus, the son of God, 00:39:08.240 --> 00:39:11.580 as the perfect savior for sinners, 00:39:12.080 --> 00:39:15.980 to recognize that you cannot save yourself, 00:39:16.640 --> 00:39:19.039 that there is no other way to God 00:39:19.039 --> 00:39:22.720 other than through what Jesus has done. 00:39:22.719 --> 00:39:26.519 look to Jesus, the son of God, 00:39:26.579 --> 00:39:32.319 who was punished and who was abandoned at the cross, 00:39:32.319 --> 00:39:37.839 so that all who repent and believe will be saved. 00:39:40.159 --> 00:39:43.459 That you would look to him and be saved. 00:39:46.219 --> 00:39:48.159 What about if you're here today 00:39:48.159 --> 00:39:50.639 and you feel as a Christian you're drifting, 00:39:52.019 --> 00:39:53.319 distracted, 00:39:54.440 --> 00:39:57.879 perhaps sensing disobedience? 00:39:58.759 --> 00:40:02.899 Maybe pandemic has not been good for you spiritually. 00:40:05.359 --> 00:40:06.539 Look to Jesus. 00:40:07.500 --> 00:40:09.359 What's going to change your heart 00:40:09.359 --> 00:40:12.039 is recognizing his heart for you. 00:40:12.199 --> 00:40:14.859 Recognize the depth of his love. 00:40:14.860 --> 00:40:17.860 Look at his suffering, saving love. 00:40:17.960 --> 00:40:23.039 Look at his commitment to make you a child of God. 00:40:24.180 --> 00:40:26.720 To recharge your own love for God, 00:40:26.800 --> 00:40:30.099 you need to see that God first loved you 00:40:30.099 --> 00:40:32.440 and sent his son Jesus 00:40:32.440 --> 00:40:36.640 to be the propitiation for your sin. 00:40:36.960 --> 00:40:39.680 To be the one who in his own body 00:40:39.680 --> 00:40:43.300 will take on himself the holy, just anger of God 00:40:43.300 --> 00:40:45.160 for sins that we have committed, 00:40:45.900 --> 00:40:48.760 so that in Jesus, trusting in him, 00:40:49.039 --> 00:40:50.400 we may never be condemned 00:40:50.400 --> 00:40:52.940 and only know God's love. 00:40:53.160 --> 00:40:55.080 Look to Jesus and recognize 00:40:55.080 --> 00:40:57.960 there's restoring grace for us 00:40:57.960 --> 00:41:00.780 if we find that we've been drifting 00:41:00.780 --> 00:41:02.680 or distracted. 00:41:02.679 --> 00:41:06.679 What about if you're here today 00:41:06.679 --> 00:41:08.259 and you're suffering? 00:41:08.919 --> 00:41:10.339 May you feel you're really hurting 00:41:10.339 --> 00:41:11.599 as a Christian? 00:41:11.719 --> 00:41:14.299 This season has been hard. 00:41:15.919 --> 00:41:17.859 Again, look to Jesus. 00:41:18.000 --> 00:41:20.179 Look to Jesus as Emmanuel. 00:41:20.480 --> 00:41:23.619 He has come to be God with us. 00:41:24.119 --> 00:41:26.119 Come to be that suffering servant 00:41:26.119 --> 00:41:30.239 from infancy all the way to the cross. 00:41:30.239 --> 00:41:35.099 And to recognize that Jesus is still our mediator. 00:41:35.239 --> 00:41:37.379 He is still the one who prays for us, 00:41:37.419 --> 00:41:38.659 who pleads our cause. 00:41:39.059 --> 00:41:41.719 He is both a sympathetic high priest 00:41:41.719 --> 00:41:44.679 and the one who promises always 00:41:44.679 --> 00:41:46.759 to be with his people. 00:41:47.619 --> 00:41:48.359 Run to him. 00:41:49.139 --> 00:41:51.979 Make him your rock and your refuge 00:41:51.979 --> 00:41:55.399 in your suffering and in your tears. 00:41:55.400 --> 00:41:59.760 What about if you're a struggling 00:41:59.760 --> 00:42:02.119 or a doubting Christian today? 00:42:02.500 --> 00:42:03.860 What about if this pandemic 00:42:03.860 --> 00:42:06.240 has really rocked your faith? 00:42:07.700 --> 00:42:09.780 What if you're beginning to question 00:42:09.780 --> 00:42:12.360 in ways that you maybe never did before? 00:42:12.440 --> 00:42:15.680 Again, fix your eyes on Jesus. 00:42:16.480 --> 00:42:17.860 What you need to see 00:42:17.860 --> 00:42:20.200 is that his life, his death, 00:42:20.400 --> 00:42:23.180 his resurrection are your hope. 00:42:23.179 --> 00:42:25.819 Go to the gospel. 00:42:26.519 --> 00:42:27.739 See the loving commitment 00:42:27.739 --> 00:42:30.119 of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit 00:42:30.119 --> 00:42:32.919 to save you and to keep you. 00:42:34.460 --> 00:42:37.059 As Robert Murray McShane wisely said, 00:42:37.139 --> 00:42:38.559 for every one look at yourself, 00:42:38.659 --> 00:42:40.879 take ten looks at Jesus. 00:42:42.419 --> 00:42:44.879 We need to see him and see him 00:42:44.879 --> 00:42:46.039 and see him again, 00:42:46.139 --> 00:42:48.519 to see his saving love. 00:42:48.519 --> 00:42:52.000 Every child of God, 00:42:52.259 --> 00:42:54.440 however we find ourselves today, 00:42:54.739 --> 00:42:55.480 whether we're here, 00:42:55.619 --> 00:42:56.759 whether we're at home, 00:42:57.059 --> 00:43:00.320 we need to worship Jesus 00:43:00.320 --> 00:43:02.179 as the Son of God 00:43:02.179 --> 00:43:06.380 to recognize the journeys he makes 00:43:06.380 --> 00:43:09.759 are for you and for me. 00:43:11.119 --> 00:43:13.519 Here we saw Jesus being protected 00:43:13.519 --> 00:43:17.380 protected from King Herod's unrighteous anger. 00:43:18.980 --> 00:43:20.880 But skip ahead to the cross 00:43:20.880 --> 00:43:22.400 and what we see there 00:43:22.400 --> 00:43:24.900 is that Jesus is not spared 00:43:24.900 --> 00:43:28.619 from the holy, righteous anger of God 00:43:28.619 --> 00:43:31.900 as he stood in the place of sinners, 00:43:32.900 --> 00:43:35.500 taking our place and punishment 00:43:35.500 --> 00:43:37.000 so that looking to him, 00:43:37.760 --> 00:43:38.940 we might know forgiveness 00:43:38.940 --> 00:43:41.139 and eternal life 00:43:41.139 --> 00:43:43.900 and peace with God. 00:43:45.400 --> 00:43:48.400 So as we find ourselves perhaps 00:43:48.400 --> 00:43:51.820 wrestling with a whole host of feelings 00:43:51.820 --> 00:43:54.079 about cancel journeys, 00:43:54.239 --> 00:43:55.559 about missed gatherings, 00:43:56.079 --> 00:43:58.739 loneliness and fear and frustration, 00:43:59.039 --> 00:43:59.500 we must, 00:44:00.380 --> 00:44:03.239 we must fix our eyes on Jesus. 00:44:03.239 --> 00:44:07.759 We must settle our attention on him 00:44:07.759 --> 00:44:10.539 to have our hope in Jesus 00:44:10.539 --> 00:44:14.459 and his journeys to save us, 00:44:15.059 --> 00:44:19.679 to remember him exchanging the glory of heaven 00:44:19.679 --> 00:44:21.039 to become our Emmanuel, 00:44:21.579 --> 00:44:23.819 to be the God who saves us at Calvary, 00:44:24.239 --> 00:44:26.579 to remember that Jesus left the tomb 00:44:26.579 --> 00:44:27.679 and returned to glory 00:44:27.679 --> 00:44:29.899 and is now ruling over us 00:44:29.899 --> 00:44:32.059 and is now interceding for us. 00:44:32.059 --> 00:44:34.900 And we wait for that last journey. 00:44:35.039 --> 00:44:36.559 We wait for his return. 00:44:36.920 --> 00:44:39.659 We wait for his return as judge 00:44:39.659 --> 00:44:41.920 and also the one who will make everything new. 00:44:43.320 --> 00:44:44.759 That we would remember 00:44:44.759 --> 00:44:47.360 the final goal of our faith, 00:44:47.860 --> 00:44:50.779 the final goal in our journey of faith 00:44:50.779 --> 00:44:53.820 is that we would see Jesus, 00:44:54.480 --> 00:44:56.860 that we would be with our God 00:44:56.860 --> 00:44:59.039 and our Savior forever. 00:44:59.039 --> 00:45:04.739 We need to fix our hope on him today. 00:45:05.559 --> 00:45:07.139 Let's pray together.