WEBVTT 00:00:00.240 --> 00:00:06.179 Well, good morning, Church. Would you open with me to the Gospel of John? That's page 833 in the 00:00:06.179 --> 00:00:13.359 Pew Bible. This Advent season, we're slowly unpacking the first 18 verses of John's Gospel, 00:00:13.480 --> 00:00:19.140 this famous prologue that comes to its climax in verse 14 when John says, 00:00:19.240 --> 00:00:26.879 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. That's what Christmas is all about. The Word, 00:00:26.879 --> 00:00:32.659 the eternal Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ becoming flesh for us. 00:00:33.839 --> 00:00:41.420 But just who is, who is this Word? That's what the opening verses of John's prologue try to show us. 00:00:41.899 --> 00:00:48.340 Last week we saw that, in the first two verses, last week we saw the Word's relationship to God. 00:00:48.980 --> 00:00:55.179 And what we saw was that from all eternity, the Word was with God, and indeed in the mystery of 00:00:55.179 --> 00:01:02.019 God's triune nature, the Word was God. And that meant for us something very profound. It meant that, 00:01:02.280 --> 00:01:08.780 you know, there's no God that we might try to find or know or discover behind or apart from the Word. 00:01:09.500 --> 00:01:15.099 It's not as if we can sort of get behind the Word to find the real God. No, if we want to know God at 00:01:15.099 --> 00:01:20.740 all, we must know Him through the Word, through Jesus, the One who became flesh on Christmas morning. 00:01:20.739 --> 00:01:26.439 This Word, John said in verses 1 and 2, is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, 00:01:27.140 --> 00:01:34.039 the timeless One who enters time for us. But if that is the Word's relationship with God, 00:01:35.479 --> 00:01:42.739 what about the Word's relationship with creation, with everything else? When we think of God, 00:01:42.739 --> 00:01:47.939 we must think of the Word made flesh. But what about when we think of creation, of stars and oceans, of 00:01:47.939 --> 00:01:55.799 forests and flowers, of sharks and sunsets? What about that? And what about when we think of us as humans? 00:01:56.259 --> 00:02:04.599 What's the relationship of this Word to us? Well, let's take a look together. Let's read John chapter 1. 00:02:05.459 --> 00:02:09.500 Now, we're going to focus on verses 3 through 5 this morning, but I'm going to pick up in verse 1. That 00:02:09.500 --> 00:02:15.500 might not be on the slides, but you can see it in front of you in the pew Bible. John 1, 1 through 5. 00:02:15.560 --> 00:02:21.000 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning 00:02:21.000 --> 00:02:26.879 with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. 00:02:27.740 --> 00:02:32.620 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, 00:02:33.039 --> 00:02:36.240 and the darkness has not overcome it. Let's pray together. 00:02:36.240 --> 00:02:43.780 Oh, Father, as we come now into Your Word, we pray that You would come, Emmanuel, and reveal 00:02:43.780 --> 00:02:49.960 Yourself to us. Oh, God, help us to see Your wonder and Your majesty and Your power, 00:02:50.879 --> 00:02:56.140 and help us to know Your grace and love this morning in a more rich way as we behold You, 00:02:56.879 --> 00:03:00.320 the incarnate Word. We pray this in Your name, Jesus. Amen. 00:03:00.319 --> 00:03:06.739 Amen. So these verses show us three things. They show us three things about the Word's relationship 00:03:06.739 --> 00:03:13.319 to creation. First, John's going to say that all things exist because of the Word, and then all 00:03:13.319 --> 00:03:20.780 things thrive because of the Word, and last, all things might hope because of the Word. So all things 00:03:20.780 --> 00:03:27.500 exist, thrive, and can hope because of the Word. So let's start with verse 3. All things exist 00:03:27.500 --> 00:03:33.120 because of this Word. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that 00:03:33.120 --> 00:03:38.000 was made. Now, John here is sort of saying basically the same thing twice, isn't he? He sort of says it 00:03:38.000 --> 00:03:42.639 positively at first. All things were made through Him, and then he sort of says, just in case you didn't 00:03:42.639 --> 00:03:47.180 get that, I'm going to turn it around and say it negatively. Without Him was not anything made that 00:03:47.180 --> 00:03:53.780 was made. Just as in Genesis, where everything came into being, everything that came into being did so 00:03:53.780 --> 00:03:59.900 because of God's spoken Word, and remember in Proverbs 3 and 8, where wisdom is the personified 00:03:59.900 --> 00:04:08.520 means by which all exists, so here God's Word, now revealed to be the person of the Son, created 00:04:08.520 --> 00:04:15.979 everything. And you know, this is actually a pretty common theme in the New Testament. This isn't 00:04:15.979 --> 00:04:23.300 something that's sort of an innovation by John, that the pre-existent Christ created all things 00:04:23.300 --> 00:04:29.519 is found throughout the New Testament. Consider Colossians chapter 1 verse 16. For by Him, that is 00:04:29.519 --> 00:04:35.180 Christ, all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or 00:04:35.180 --> 00:04:41.519 dominions or rulers or authorities, all things were created through Him and for Him. Or think about 00:04:41.519 --> 00:04:47.719 1 Corinthians chapter 8 verse 6, where Paul brings out the Trinitarian work of creation. He says, 00:04:47.859 --> 00:04:53.060 for us there's one God the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, 00:04:53.439 --> 00:04:58.399 again another name for the one true God, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through 00:04:58.399 --> 00:05:04.459 whom we exist, Father and Son at one in the work of creation. Again, we saw the same thing in the book 00:05:04.459 --> 00:05:09.599 of Hebrews, in Hebrews chapter 1 verse 2 that we read earlier, where the writer of Hebrews says, 00:05:09.600 --> 00:05:15.480 in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, 00:05:15.939 --> 00:05:19.640 through whom also He created the world. 00:05:22.500 --> 00:05:27.620 Now, you'll notice that John isn't interested so much here in telling us how the Word created all 00:05:27.620 --> 00:05:33.760 things, or how long the Word took to create all things. Rather, John wants to drive home the point 00:05:33.760 --> 00:05:39.080 that no matter your view of how or how long, whether it took the Word six days, or whether it took the 00:05:39.079 --> 00:05:44.839 Word 13 and a half billion years, the Word, the pre-incarnate Son, is the One who made all things. 00:05:47.479 --> 00:05:48.939 Now, what difference does this make? 00:05:50.719 --> 00:05:54.399 Well, you know, if we believe that all things exist 00:05:54.399 --> 00:05:58.199 because of the purposeful intention 00:05:58.199 --> 00:06:06.360 of a personal God, if all things were made through the Word, the Son of the Father, 00:06:07.699 --> 00:06:12.420 then that means the universe is not an accident, but a gift. 00:06:14.360 --> 00:06:22.219 Think about it. You see, if matter simply is, if all things exist just because they do and are a product 00:06:22.220 --> 00:06:26.560 of blind time and chance, then life is just an accident. 00:06:28.900 --> 00:06:32.260 But that's a deeply unsatisfying view of the world, isn't it? 00:06:33.640 --> 00:06:36.880 I mean, don't we start to ask a lot of questions in light of that? After all, 00:06:36.980 --> 00:06:39.940 why is there something and not nothing? 00:06:41.500 --> 00:06:43.580 And why is this something 00:06:43.580 --> 00:06:47.800 seemingly perfectly calibrated to bring forth life? 00:06:47.800 --> 00:06:53.020 And why are there some living things in this universe, namely you and me, 00:06:53.360 --> 00:06:57.040 who seem to have such an indelible sense 00:06:57.040 --> 00:06:59.740 of transcendence, of right and wrong, 00:06:59.900 --> 00:07:02.340 of beauty and goodness, of reason and truth? 00:07:03.680 --> 00:07:05.340 That no matter how hard we tell ourselves 00:07:05.340 --> 00:07:07.580 we're just the matter, we're just the product 00:07:07.580 --> 00:07:09.920 of time and matter and chance, that sort of sense 00:07:09.920 --> 00:07:11.639 of the transcendent, it never goes away. 00:07:12.699 --> 00:07:13.819 We go on loving, 00:07:13.980 --> 00:07:15.560 and we go on reasoning, and we go 00:07:15.560 --> 00:07:18.139 we go on caring about justice all the same, 00:07:18.319 --> 00:07:20.180 even though if we were just the product 00:07:20.180 --> 00:07:22.120 of time and matter and chance, all those things 00:07:22.120 --> 00:07:22.800 would be an illusion. 00:07:26.139 --> 00:07:27.600 You know, it's funny, it's easy to say 00:07:27.600 --> 00:07:29.660 that all of life is just an accident. 00:07:30.019 --> 00:07:32.180 It's much, much harder to actually live that way. 00:07:36.040 --> 00:07:37.920 But what Christianity holds forth 00:07:37.920 --> 00:07:40.399 is that creation is not an accident, 00:07:41.100 --> 00:07:42.000 but a gift. 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:45.199 Think about it. 00:07:45.240 --> 00:07:47.259 The triune God did not have to 00:07:47.259 --> 00:07:48.439 create the world. 00:07:49.540 --> 00:07:51.660 God, Father, Son, and Spirit 00:07:51.660 --> 00:07:54.199 existed from all eternity 00:07:54.199 --> 00:07:56.199 in perfect love and glory. 00:07:57.560 --> 00:07:59.259 If you want to see a little glimpse 00:07:59.259 --> 00:08:01.399 of that glory and love 00:08:01.399 --> 00:08:02.019 that existed 00:08:02.019 --> 00:08:04.420 before creation and eternity, 00:08:04.579 --> 00:08:06.500 read the first five or six verses 00:08:06.500 --> 00:08:07.819 of John chapter 17. 00:08:07.819 --> 00:08:11.360 God needed nothing 00:08:11.360 --> 00:08:12.920 to be utterly perfect, 00:08:13.540 --> 00:08:14.279 utterly happy. 00:08:15.019 --> 00:08:16.240 God was all that in himself 00:08:16.240 --> 00:08:17.399 and will be forevermore. 00:08:18.439 --> 00:08:19.860 So the act of creation 00:08:19.860 --> 00:08:21.860 wasn't coming from a place of need 00:08:21.860 --> 00:08:22.560 or dependence 00:08:22.560 --> 00:08:23.839 or loneliness in God. 00:08:23.879 --> 00:08:24.680 The act of creation 00:08:24.680 --> 00:08:27.139 was not necessary at all. 00:08:28.079 --> 00:08:29.639 It didn't have to happen. 00:08:31.019 --> 00:08:34.240 It was a sheer gift of God. 00:08:35.439 --> 00:08:36.879 Sheer grace. 00:08:37.820 --> 00:08:42.060 Now, if the universe is an accident, 00:08:42.200 --> 00:08:44.240 it puts us in a posture of despair, 00:08:44.400 --> 00:08:44.879 doesn't it? 00:08:45.700 --> 00:08:46.640 Perhaps at times, 00:08:46.879 --> 00:08:47.860 defiant despair, 00:08:48.120 --> 00:08:49.160 shaking our fist against 00:08:49.160 --> 00:08:50.180 the nihilistic nothing 00:08:50.180 --> 00:08:52.860 that we've thought we are. 00:08:53.320 --> 00:08:54.680 But it's despair nonetheless. 00:08:56.680 --> 00:08:58.300 But if the universe is a gift, 00:08:58.980 --> 00:09:02.180 it puts us in a posture of gratitude. 00:09:02.179 --> 00:09:02.359 gratitude. 00:09:04.859 --> 00:09:06.819 We did not have to be, 00:09:07.620 --> 00:09:09.299 but God in his infinite love 00:09:09.299 --> 00:09:10.599 willed it to be so. 00:09:12.839 --> 00:09:13.859 And because of that, 00:09:13.919 --> 00:09:15.219 we can live not in despair, 00:09:15.439 --> 00:09:16.339 but in thanksgiving 00:09:16.339 --> 00:09:17.639 and gratitude. 00:09:20.059 --> 00:09:20.699 And you know, 00:09:20.739 --> 00:09:21.559 here's the beautiful thing. 00:09:22.559 --> 00:09:23.419 As Christians, 00:09:23.819 --> 00:09:25.579 the object of our gratitude 00:09:25.579 --> 00:09:27.399 has a face. 00:09:27.399 --> 00:09:29.539 I mean, 00:09:29.679 --> 00:09:29.919 look, 00:09:29.959 --> 00:09:31.059 you can go on your smartphone 00:09:31.059 --> 00:09:33.179 and look for 101 different 00:09:33.179 --> 00:09:34.139 gratitude apps, 00:09:34.279 --> 00:09:34.539 right? 00:09:35.039 --> 00:09:35.899 Matthew McConaughey 00:09:35.899 --> 00:09:37.079 can read you a nice story 00:09:37.079 --> 00:09:37.779 to put you to bed 00:09:37.779 --> 00:09:38.559 and tell you to be thankful 00:09:38.559 --> 00:09:39.179 for the universe. 00:09:41.980 --> 00:09:43.100 But as Christians, 00:09:43.100 --> 00:09:46.580 we actually know the one 00:09:46.580 --> 00:09:48.779 that we ought to thank. 00:09:49.879 --> 00:09:51.420 The giver of this great gift 00:09:51.420 --> 00:09:53.320 of all that we see 00:09:53.320 --> 00:09:55.159 of creation of ourselves 00:09:55.159 --> 00:09:56.259 is God the Son, 00:09:56.820 --> 00:09:57.399 the Word, 00:09:57.960 --> 00:09:58.860 who became flesh 00:09:58.860 --> 00:09:59.860 and dwelled among us. 00:10:00.159 --> 00:10:00.879 He made it all. 00:10:03.100 --> 00:10:04.100 And so the proper response 00:10:04.100 --> 00:10:04.720 to verse 3 00:10:04.720 --> 00:10:06.259 isn't just praise 00:10:06.259 --> 00:10:07.940 of the Son's mighty power 00:10:07.940 --> 00:10:08.620 and majesty 00:10:08.620 --> 00:10:09.779 that he's able 00:10:09.779 --> 00:10:10.800 to create all things. 00:10:11.120 --> 00:10:12.100 The proper response 00:10:12.100 --> 00:10:13.440 is also personal, 00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:15.200 heartfelt gratitude 00:10:15.200 --> 00:10:16.700 that he has. 00:10:17.700 --> 00:10:18.980 That he has created 00:10:18.980 --> 00:10:19.659 all things, 00:10:20.500 --> 00:10:21.220 including you. 00:10:23.639 --> 00:10:25.139 Your life is not an accident. 00:10:25.659 --> 00:10:26.340 It's a gift. 00:10:29.279 --> 00:10:30.279 But John doesn't 00:10:30.279 --> 00:10:31.600 just want us to see 00:10:31.600 --> 00:10:32.879 that all things exist 00:10:32.879 --> 00:10:33.899 because of the Word. 00:10:34.800 --> 00:10:35.659 He goes on to say 00:10:35.659 --> 00:10:37.379 that all things thrive 00:10:37.379 --> 00:10:38.779 because of the Word. 00:10:38.960 --> 00:10:39.879 Look again at verse 4. 00:10:39.879 --> 00:10:42.500 In him was life 00:10:42.500 --> 00:10:44.240 and the life 00:10:44.240 --> 00:10:45.360 was the light 00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:46.179 of men. 00:10:47.480 --> 00:10:47.860 You know, 00:10:47.919 --> 00:10:49.080 part of what John's saying here 00:10:49.080 --> 00:10:49.519 is that 00:10:49.519 --> 00:10:50.620 the universe 00:10:50.620 --> 00:10:51.980 is not a sort of 00:10:51.980 --> 00:10:53.360 cosmic crockpot. 00:10:53.939 --> 00:10:54.240 You know? 00:10:54.879 --> 00:10:55.539 Anyone here 00:10:55.539 --> 00:10:56.519 like to use crockpots 00:10:56.519 --> 00:10:58.059 for holiday cooking? 00:10:58.200 --> 00:10:58.519 Yes. 00:10:59.899 --> 00:11:00.059 Well, 00:11:00.059 --> 00:11:00.580 what's the beauty 00:11:00.580 --> 00:11:01.139 of a crockpot? 00:11:01.220 --> 00:11:01.899 You just fix it 00:11:01.899 --> 00:11:02.419 and forget it. 00:11:02.460 --> 00:11:03.279 You throw in the ingredients, 00:11:03.399 --> 00:11:03.879 you turn it on, 00:11:03.899 --> 00:11:04.500 and you walk away. 00:11:04.500 --> 00:11:05.340 And the thing 00:11:05.340 --> 00:11:06.139 just makes itself. 00:11:07.580 --> 00:11:08.720 But is that creation? 00:11:09.120 --> 00:11:10.320 Is that God's relationship 00:11:10.320 --> 00:11:10.919 to the world? 00:11:12.639 --> 00:11:13.120 No. 00:11:13.320 --> 00:11:14.419 Verse 5 tells us 00:11:14.419 --> 00:11:15.240 that the Word 00:11:15.240 --> 00:11:16.779 has remained 00:11:16.779 --> 00:11:18.500 intimately involved 00:11:18.500 --> 00:11:19.700 with all he has made. 00:11:20.120 --> 00:11:21.860 Not just creating things, 00:11:22.120 --> 00:11:23.120 but sustaining 00:11:23.120 --> 00:11:25.179 and enlivening things. 00:11:25.899 --> 00:11:26.879 The Word, 00:11:27.580 --> 00:11:28.100 because he 00:11:28.100 --> 00:11:29.799 is one with God, 00:11:30.440 --> 00:11:32.179 shares the self-generating 00:11:32.179 --> 00:11:33.120 life of God, 00:11:33.439 --> 00:11:34.659 dependent on no one. 00:11:35.759 --> 00:11:36.979 And he sustains 00:11:36.979 --> 00:11:37.659 all things. 00:11:38.959 --> 00:11:39.739 Remember what we read 00:11:39.739 --> 00:11:40.799 earlier in Hebrews 1? 00:11:41.439 --> 00:11:42.379 Hebrews 1.3, 00:11:43.059 --> 00:11:44.000 he's the radiance 00:11:44.000 --> 00:11:44.939 of the glory of God 00:11:44.939 --> 00:11:46.000 and the exact imprint 00:11:46.000 --> 00:11:46.819 of his nature. 00:11:47.679 --> 00:11:48.639 And he upholds 00:11:48.639 --> 00:11:49.299 the universe 00:11:49.299 --> 00:11:50.620 by the Word 00:11:50.620 --> 00:11:51.359 of his power. 00:11:51.359 --> 00:11:52.719 That is his powerful 00:11:52.719 --> 00:11:53.639 Word. 00:11:54.479 --> 00:11:54.939 Or again, 00:11:55.039 --> 00:11:56.039 in Colossians chapter 1, 00:11:56.079 --> 00:11:56.639 verse 17, 00:11:57.039 --> 00:11:58.099 he's before all things, 00:11:58.219 --> 00:11:58.799 and in him 00:11:58.799 --> 00:12:00.399 all things 00:12:00.399 --> 00:12:01.679 hold together. 00:12:03.179 --> 00:12:04.259 He spoke the universe 00:12:04.259 --> 00:12:05.000 into existence, 00:12:05.000 --> 00:12:06.599 and then he goes on 00:12:06.599 --> 00:12:08.539 enlivening this creation 00:12:08.539 --> 00:12:10.419 in all of its manifold beauty. 00:12:10.539 --> 00:12:12.419 In him was life, 00:12:12.899 --> 00:12:13.539 John says. 00:12:15.139 --> 00:12:15.459 Do you remember 00:12:15.459 --> 00:12:16.259 the creation account 00:12:16.259 --> 00:12:17.120 in Genesis 1? 00:12:17.899 --> 00:12:19.359 How on each successive 00:12:19.359 --> 00:12:20.779 day of creation, 00:12:21.079 --> 00:12:22.219 especially days 4 00:12:22.219 --> 00:12:23.459 and 5 and 6, 00:12:23.779 --> 00:12:25.279 creation through God's Word 00:12:25.279 --> 00:12:27.120 just teems with life. 00:12:28.159 --> 00:12:29.279 Plants and birds 00:12:29.279 --> 00:12:29.879 and fish 00:12:29.879 --> 00:12:30.740 and animals 00:12:30.740 --> 00:12:32.480 and not just one or two, 00:12:32.559 --> 00:12:33.980 but there are all kinds 00:12:33.980 --> 00:12:36.659 thriving and flourishing 00:12:36.659 --> 00:12:37.659 in their vast array, 00:12:37.820 --> 00:12:38.700 and God delights 00:12:38.700 --> 00:12:40.139 in the diversity of it all 00:12:40.139 --> 00:12:40.980 and calls it good. 00:12:44.559 --> 00:12:45.279 But the Word 00:12:45.279 --> 00:12:46.559 doesn't just enliven, 00:12:47.159 --> 00:12:48.379 the Word 00:12:48.379 --> 00:12:49.580 enlightens. 00:12:50.779 --> 00:12:51.659 In him was life, 00:12:52.159 --> 00:12:53.240 and the life 00:12:53.240 --> 00:12:54.220 was the light of men. 00:12:54.220 --> 00:12:56.779 humanity arrives 00:12:56.779 --> 00:12:57.240 on the scene 00:12:57.240 --> 00:12:58.379 at the end of day 6 00:12:58.379 --> 00:12:59.320 in the creation week 00:12:59.320 --> 00:13:00.139 of Genesis 1, 00:13:00.879 --> 00:13:02.240 and humanity 00:13:02.240 --> 00:13:03.000 shares not just 00:13:03.000 --> 00:13:03.600 the life 00:13:03.600 --> 00:13:05.019 of this creative Word, 00:13:06.019 --> 00:13:06.960 but upon them 00:13:06.960 --> 00:13:08.720 shines his light. 00:13:10.899 --> 00:13:12.279 They are God's image bearers, 00:13:13.240 --> 00:13:14.420 set apart from creation 00:13:14.420 --> 00:13:15.519 to resemble God, 00:13:16.259 --> 00:13:17.540 to represent God 00:13:17.540 --> 00:13:18.500 in the midst of creation, 00:13:18.500 --> 00:13:19.560 and also to reflect 00:13:19.560 --> 00:13:20.860 the praises of creation 00:13:20.860 --> 00:13:21.759 back to God. 00:13:23.899 --> 00:13:24.840 So the Word 00:13:24.840 --> 00:13:26.100 is creation's life 00:13:26.100 --> 00:13:27.680 and light. 00:13:27.899 --> 00:13:29.460 He enlivens all things, 00:13:30.139 --> 00:13:31.240 and he enlightens 00:13:31.240 --> 00:13:31.840 all things. 00:13:32.639 --> 00:13:33.600 All things thrive 00:13:33.600 --> 00:13:34.419 because of the Word. 00:13:36.200 --> 00:13:37.399 Now we can apply this 00:13:37.399 --> 00:13:38.500 in many, many ways, 00:13:39.080 --> 00:13:40.019 but consider maybe 00:13:40.019 --> 00:13:40.919 two things this morning 00:13:40.919 --> 00:13:41.519 that this means 00:13:41.519 --> 00:13:42.379 for us as Christians. 00:13:42.379 --> 00:13:44.720 First, it means 00:13:44.720 --> 00:13:46.659 that the pursuit, 00:13:47.019 --> 00:13:48.460 the pursuit of the arts 00:13:48.460 --> 00:13:49.259 and the sciences 00:13:49.259 --> 00:13:51.919 is a properly Christian 00:13:51.919 --> 00:13:52.799 thing to do. 00:13:53.840 --> 00:13:55.600 As we consider creation 00:13:55.600 --> 00:13:56.779 teeming with life, 00:13:57.139 --> 00:13:58.759 wonderful in its complexity 00:13:58.759 --> 00:13:59.439 and beauty, 00:13:59.639 --> 00:14:00.379 and as we feel 00:14:00.379 --> 00:14:01.779 as humans drawn 00:14:01.779 --> 00:14:03.299 to understand its depths 00:14:03.299 --> 00:14:04.899 and unfold its beauties 00:14:04.899 --> 00:14:06.120 to discover meaning 00:14:06.120 --> 00:14:07.679 and to make meaning, 00:14:09.220 --> 00:14:09.940 in all of this, 00:14:10.019 --> 00:14:11.539 we're not pursuing something 00:14:11.539 --> 00:14:13.079 apart from God in Christ. 00:14:13.219 --> 00:14:13.939 Indeed, in faith, 00:14:14.079 --> 00:14:15.019 we're drawing near 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:16.059 to God in Christ. 00:14:16.579 --> 00:14:17.519 For He is the one 00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:18.559 in whom this life 00:14:18.559 --> 00:14:19.339 and light 00:14:19.339 --> 00:14:20.379 find their source. 00:14:21.379 --> 00:14:22.159 Whether it's delving 00:14:22.159 --> 00:14:23.099 into the intricacies 00:14:23.099 --> 00:14:24.759 of molecular biology 00:14:24.759 --> 00:14:26.539 or composing a symphony, 00:14:27.799 --> 00:14:28.899 the pursuit of the sciences 00:14:28.899 --> 00:14:29.500 and the arts 00:14:29.500 --> 00:14:30.379 are for the Christian 00:14:30.379 --> 00:14:31.639 means of worshiping 00:14:31.639 --> 00:14:33.139 the incarnate Word, 00:14:33.919 --> 00:14:34.899 in whom is the life 00:14:34.899 --> 00:14:35.559 of creation 00:14:35.559 --> 00:14:36.959 and the light 00:14:36.959 --> 00:14:37.539 of humanity. 00:14:37.539 --> 00:14:40.980 these need not be 00:14:40.980 --> 00:14:42.219 God-less pursuits, 00:14:42.799 --> 00:14:45.299 but God-saturated pursuits. 00:14:47.219 --> 00:14:48.299 So if we believe 00:14:48.299 --> 00:14:48.839 that all things 00:14:48.839 --> 00:14:49.779 don't just exist 00:14:49.779 --> 00:14:50.679 but thrive 00:14:50.679 --> 00:14:51.959 because of the Word, 00:14:52.980 --> 00:14:53.699 then as Christians, 00:14:53.839 --> 00:14:54.439 we will pursue 00:14:54.439 --> 00:14:55.419 the arts and the sciences 00:14:55.419 --> 00:14:56.319 as a properly 00:14:56.319 --> 00:14:57.799 worshipful thing to do. 00:15:00.399 --> 00:15:01.120 But second, 00:15:01.219 --> 00:15:01.639 if all things 00:15:01.639 --> 00:15:02.360 not only exist 00:15:02.360 --> 00:15:03.059 but thrive 00:15:03.059 --> 00:15:04.019 because of the Word, 00:15:05.079 --> 00:15:05.639 then that means 00:15:05.639 --> 00:15:07.120 we must pursue Christ. 00:15:07.539 --> 00:15:08.719 in all our pursuits. 00:15:10.360 --> 00:15:11.620 If He is life 00:15:11.620 --> 00:15:12.259 and light, 00:15:12.339 --> 00:15:13.279 if Christ is not just 00:15:13.279 --> 00:15:14.240 the enlivener 00:15:14.240 --> 00:15:15.679 but also the enlightener, 00:15:16.319 --> 00:15:17.259 then ultimately 00:15:17.259 --> 00:15:18.199 we must seek 00:15:18.199 --> 00:15:19.500 to know and understand 00:15:19.500 --> 00:15:20.939 not just the gift 00:15:20.939 --> 00:15:21.599 of creation 00:15:21.599 --> 00:15:22.620 but the giver, 00:15:22.799 --> 00:15:23.779 the Creator Himself. 00:15:25.659 --> 00:15:27.319 If we desire life 00:15:27.319 --> 00:15:28.019 and light, 00:15:28.519 --> 00:15:29.539 if we desire enlivening 00:15:30.399 --> 00:15:31.620 and enlightenment, 00:15:32.059 --> 00:15:33.019 then knowing Him 00:15:33.019 --> 00:15:34.259 must be our highest aim. 00:15:34.939 --> 00:15:36.099 And when anything else 00:15:36.099 --> 00:15:36.980 takes His place, 00:15:36.980 --> 00:15:37.800 we've fallen 00:15:37.800 --> 00:15:38.840 into idolatry. 00:15:39.899 --> 00:15:40.039 You know, 00:15:40.060 --> 00:15:40.720 it's very interesting 00:15:40.720 --> 00:15:41.399 when you look at 00:15:41.399 --> 00:15:42.779 just the history 00:15:42.779 --> 00:15:43.840 in the West anyway 00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:45.720 of the last few hundred years, 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:47.899 you see that so much 00:15:47.899 --> 00:15:48.580 has been driven 00:15:48.580 --> 00:15:49.779 by these twin pursuits. 00:15:50.720 --> 00:15:52.200 A desire for life. 00:15:52.379 --> 00:15:52.740 So you have 00:15:52.740 --> 00:15:53.800 the romantic movement 00:15:53.800 --> 00:15:54.800 that's seeking life 00:15:54.800 --> 00:15:55.879 and creativity 00:15:55.879 --> 00:15:57.139 and emotion 00:15:57.139 --> 00:15:58.159 and depth 00:15:58.159 --> 00:15:59.460 and yet doing it 00:15:59.460 --> 00:16:00.340 in a way 00:16:00.340 --> 00:16:01.259 that's without God. 00:16:01.259 --> 00:16:03.159 and then, 00:16:03.259 --> 00:16:03.480 of course, 00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:04.299 you have the enlightenment 00:16:04.299 --> 00:16:05.159 which is seeking 00:16:05.159 --> 00:16:06.480 understanding 00:16:06.480 --> 00:16:07.179 and reasoning 00:16:07.179 --> 00:16:08.059 and trying to throw off 00:16:08.059 --> 00:16:09.159 the shackles of tradition 00:16:09.159 --> 00:16:09.879 and religion, 00:16:10.460 --> 00:16:11.340 seeking light 00:16:11.340 --> 00:16:13.659 and yet doing it 00:16:13.659 --> 00:16:14.580 apart from Christ. 00:16:14.580 --> 00:16:18.620 You know, 00:16:18.660 --> 00:16:19.340 if art is only 00:16:19.340 --> 00:16:20.200 for art's sake, 00:16:20.440 --> 00:16:21.060 if science 00:16:21.060 --> 00:16:21.920 is only 00:16:21.920 --> 00:16:23.020 for science's sake, 00:16:23.660 --> 00:16:24.960 then both become 00:16:24.960 --> 00:16:26.440 an endless labyrinth, 00:16:26.980 --> 00:16:28.220 an empty echo chamber. 00:16:29.540 --> 00:16:30.920 But if these are pursued 00:16:30.920 --> 00:16:31.960 for Christ's sake, 00:16:33.040 --> 00:16:35.139 then they can be swept up 00:16:35.139 --> 00:16:36.540 into the worship 00:16:36.540 --> 00:16:37.360 of our Creator 00:16:37.360 --> 00:16:39.100 and God can then 00:16:39.100 --> 00:16:40.399 use these human pursuits 00:16:40.399 --> 00:16:41.060 to advance 00:16:41.060 --> 00:16:42.259 His healing of the world. 00:16:45.720 --> 00:16:46.600 And that brings us 00:16:46.600 --> 00:16:47.379 to our last point. 00:16:48.700 --> 00:16:49.419 All things exist 00:16:49.419 --> 00:16:50.279 because of the Word. 00:16:51.139 --> 00:16:52.320 All things thrive 00:16:52.320 --> 00:16:53.379 because of the Word. 00:16:54.419 --> 00:16:55.060 But lastly, 00:16:55.519 --> 00:16:56.899 all things may hope 00:16:56.899 --> 00:16:58.440 because of the Word. 00:16:59.039 --> 00:16:59.580 In verse 5, 00:16:59.639 --> 00:17:00.019 John writes, 00:17:00.120 --> 00:17:00.899 the light shines 00:17:00.899 --> 00:17:01.560 in the darkness 00:17:01.560 --> 00:17:02.860 and the darkness 00:17:02.860 --> 00:17:04.200 has not overcome it. 00:17:05.099 --> 00:17:05.519 Of course, 00:17:05.559 --> 00:17:05.920 at first, 00:17:05.980 --> 00:17:06.599 this seems to be 00:17:06.599 --> 00:17:07.299 simply an allusion 00:17:07.299 --> 00:17:08.339 to Genesis 1, right? 00:17:08.559 --> 00:17:09.279 And God said, 00:17:09.419 --> 00:17:10.079 let there be light 00:17:10.079 --> 00:17:11.240 and there was light. 00:17:12.200 --> 00:17:13.019 But in the context 00:17:13.019 --> 00:17:14.279 of the entire prologue 00:17:14.279 --> 00:17:14.839 and in the context 00:17:14.839 --> 00:17:15.919 of John's whole gospel, 00:17:16.139 --> 00:17:17.180 we realize that John 00:17:17.180 --> 00:17:18.519 has more in mind. 00:17:19.220 --> 00:17:20.279 The light shining 00:17:20.279 --> 00:17:21.019 in the darkness 00:17:21.019 --> 00:17:22.460 is not just an allusion 00:17:22.460 --> 00:17:24.139 to the Word's work 00:17:24.139 --> 00:17:24.980 in creation, 00:17:25.799 --> 00:17:28.399 but to the Word's work 00:17:28.399 --> 00:17:29.440 in redemption. 00:17:31.940 --> 00:17:32.720 After all, 00:17:33.000 --> 00:17:34.099 all things 00:17:34.099 --> 00:17:36.359 are not the way 00:17:36.359 --> 00:17:37.220 they're supposed to be. 00:17:37.299 --> 00:17:37.680 Are they? 00:17:39.680 --> 00:17:40.639 The triune God 00:17:40.639 --> 00:17:41.519 created all things 00:17:41.519 --> 00:17:42.000 in love 00:17:42.000 --> 00:17:42.680 to participate 00:17:42.680 --> 00:17:43.619 in His life 00:17:43.619 --> 00:17:44.339 and light. 00:17:45.680 --> 00:17:46.379 But is that 00:17:46.379 --> 00:17:46.879 what we see 00:17:46.879 --> 00:17:47.500 in the world? 00:17:48.500 --> 00:17:49.259 That's not how 00:17:49.259 --> 00:17:50.039 things are now. 00:17:51.180 --> 00:17:51.960 Instead of a world 00:17:51.960 --> 00:17:52.759 filled with gratitude 00:17:52.759 --> 00:17:53.559 and generosity, 00:17:53.559 --> 00:17:54.460 we see a world 00:17:54.460 --> 00:17:56.299 filled with grasping 00:17:56.299 --> 00:17:56.919 and taking. 00:17:57.759 --> 00:17:58.879 Whole economies 00:17:58.879 --> 00:18:00.039 driven by profit 00:18:00.039 --> 00:18:00.720 and greed 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:01.619 and consumption. 00:18:03.619 --> 00:18:04.680 Instead of a world 00:18:04.680 --> 00:18:05.480 filled with life 00:18:05.480 --> 00:18:05.920 and light, 00:18:06.019 --> 00:18:06.700 we see darkness 00:18:06.700 --> 00:18:07.400 and decay, 00:18:07.599 --> 00:18:08.480 senseless violence, 00:18:09.140 --> 00:18:10.039 human arrogance, 00:18:10.299 --> 00:18:10.680 and little, 00:18:10.819 --> 00:18:11.039 if any, 00:18:11.099 --> 00:18:11.400 hope. 00:18:12.920 --> 00:18:13.940 It seems like creation 00:18:13.940 --> 00:18:15.460 is simply winding down 00:18:15.460 --> 00:18:16.880 like a top, 00:18:17.380 --> 00:18:18.620 spinning its last few 00:18:18.620 --> 00:18:19.299 rotations, 00:18:20.099 --> 00:18:20.880 ready to topple. 00:18:20.880 --> 00:18:24.400 Now, 00:18:24.440 --> 00:18:25.320 for many in the ancient world, 00:18:25.380 --> 00:18:25.840 this was just 00:18:25.840 --> 00:18:26.560 the way of things. 00:18:27.220 --> 00:18:27.940 Good and evil, 00:18:28.300 --> 00:18:29.020 light and darkness, 00:18:29.200 --> 00:18:30.080 they were just two 00:18:30.080 --> 00:18:31.660 equal opposite forces, 00:18:32.120 --> 00:18:33.140 eternally at war, 00:18:33.660 --> 00:18:34.860 neither one bound to win. 00:18:36.520 --> 00:18:37.800 It was a pretty bleak view. 00:18:40.300 --> 00:18:41.280 But the biblical view 00:18:41.280 --> 00:18:41.900 is much, 00:18:42.040 --> 00:18:42.580 much different. 00:18:44.580 --> 00:18:45.700 Creation's not the product 00:18:45.700 --> 00:18:46.540 of two equal 00:18:46.540 --> 00:18:47.920 but opposite forces, 00:18:48.800 --> 00:18:49.660 battling it out. 00:18:49.660 --> 00:18:52.180 God is God 00:18:52.180 --> 00:18:54.519 and he has no rival. 00:18:55.820 --> 00:18:56.740 Evil is not some 00:18:56.740 --> 00:18:58.220 eternal principle 00:18:58.220 --> 00:19:00.519 but the deprivation, 00:19:00.700 --> 00:19:01.220 the twisting 00:19:01.220 --> 00:19:02.700 of God's good creation. 00:19:02.900 --> 00:19:03.440 It's a rebellion 00:19:03.440 --> 00:19:04.259 against God. 00:19:06.320 --> 00:19:07.100 And so, 00:19:07.220 --> 00:19:08.180 what does the creator do? 00:19:09.100 --> 00:19:10.400 He created everything. 00:19:10.680 --> 00:19:11.600 He would certainly 00:19:11.600 --> 00:19:12.840 be within his rights 00:19:12.840 --> 00:19:14.080 to uncreate it, 00:19:14.120 --> 00:19:14.380 right? 00:19:15.080 --> 00:19:15.840 In judgment 00:19:15.840 --> 00:19:16.800 to simply let 00:19:16.800 --> 00:19:18.340 the top 00:19:18.340 --> 00:19:19.500 spin and fall. 00:19:19.660 --> 00:19:20.660 God 00:19:20.660 --> 00:19:23.259 but instead, 00:19:24.620 --> 00:19:25.220 the creator 00:19:25.220 --> 00:19:25.960 chooses again 00:19:25.960 --> 00:19:26.580 to say, 00:19:27.300 --> 00:19:27.920 let there be light. 00:19:29.240 --> 00:19:30.080 When the world 00:19:30.080 --> 00:19:31.220 was yet uncreated, 00:19:31.340 --> 00:19:31.840 God spoke 00:19:31.840 --> 00:19:32.519 and there was light. 00:19:32.980 --> 00:19:33.320 Now, 00:19:33.440 --> 00:19:34.160 when the world 00:19:34.160 --> 00:19:34.800 has fallen 00:19:34.800 --> 00:19:35.900 and headed back 00:19:35.900 --> 00:19:36.420 to darkness, 00:19:36.560 --> 00:19:37.560 God speaks again 00:19:37.560 --> 00:19:37.920 and says, 00:19:38.100 --> 00:19:39.060 let there be light. 00:19:39.059 --> 00:19:40.059 light. 00:19:40.059 --> 00:19:42.419 But this time 00:19:42.419 --> 00:19:42.960 when the light 00:19:42.960 --> 00:19:43.619 shines 00:19:43.619 --> 00:19:44.940 in the darkness, 00:19:45.099 --> 00:19:45.960 when the light 00:19:45.960 --> 00:19:46.460 comes, 00:19:46.539 --> 00:19:47.099 that light 00:19:47.099 --> 00:19:47.700 that shines 00:19:47.700 --> 00:19:48.240 in the darkness 00:19:48.240 --> 00:19:49.000 wouldn't be a 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:49.740 created light 00:19:49.740 --> 00:19:50.559 from sun and moon 00:19:50.559 --> 00:19:51.099 and stars. 00:19:53.299 --> 00:19:54.240 But it would be 00:19:54.240 --> 00:19:55.399 the uncreated light, 00:19:56.119 --> 00:19:56.779 the word, 00:19:57.440 --> 00:19:58.319 God the sun, 00:19:59.579 --> 00:20:00.319 the creator 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:01.859 entering creation 00:20:01.859 --> 00:20:03.379 to redeem it. 00:20:03.380 --> 00:20:05.660 the one who made 00:20:05.660 --> 00:20:06.600 all things 00:20:06.600 --> 00:20:08.320 becoming one 00:20:08.320 --> 00:20:09.220 with a thing 00:20:09.220 --> 00:20:11.160 to redeem us. 00:20:11.160 --> 00:20:15.019 You see, 00:20:15.080 --> 00:20:15.860 if God has created 00:20:15.860 --> 00:20:16.259 the world 00:20:16.259 --> 00:20:16.980 through his sun, 00:20:17.120 --> 00:20:17.779 through the word, 00:20:19.040 --> 00:20:19.880 then all things 00:20:19.880 --> 00:20:20.700 may have hope. 00:20:22.019 --> 00:20:22.480 Why? 00:20:24.259 --> 00:20:25.040 Because God 00:20:25.040 --> 00:20:25.540 has sent 00:20:25.540 --> 00:20:26.759 this same sun 00:20:26.759 --> 00:20:27.460 into the world 00:20:27.460 --> 00:20:28.120 to save it. 00:20:29.180 --> 00:20:29.759 He did not 00:20:29.759 --> 00:20:30.320 leave the world 00:20:30.320 --> 00:20:30.920 to collapse 00:20:30.920 --> 00:20:31.860 into its own darkness 00:20:31.860 --> 00:20:32.720 but rather went 00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:34.080 himself into the darkness. 00:20:35.240 --> 00:20:35.840 And because he 00:20:35.840 --> 00:20:36.519 is the creator, 00:20:36.660 --> 00:20:37.100 the darkness 00:20:37.100 --> 00:20:38.420 cannot overcome him. 00:20:41.160 --> 00:20:42.120 But you know, 00:20:42.160 --> 00:20:42.640 as we'll see 00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:43.800 in the following verses 00:20:43.800 --> 00:20:44.720 of John's prologue 00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:45.240 next week, 00:20:45.779 --> 00:20:45.960 you know, 00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:46.519 this hope 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:47.820 that the creator brings, 00:20:47.920 --> 00:20:48.920 that the word brings, 00:20:49.440 --> 00:20:50.300 this hope doesn't come 00:20:50.300 --> 00:20:50.840 into our lives 00:20:50.840 --> 00:20:51.360 automatically. 00:20:53.340 --> 00:20:53.820 Tragically, 00:20:53.960 --> 00:20:54.779 you can choose 00:20:54.779 --> 00:20:55.759 to close your eyes 00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:56.320 to the light. 00:20:57.160 --> 00:20:57.779 You can choose 00:20:57.779 --> 00:20:58.360 to stay 00:20:58.360 --> 00:20:58.980 in despair 00:20:58.980 --> 00:20:59.580 and darkness. 00:21:01.640 --> 00:21:02.460 But you don't 00:21:02.460 --> 00:21:02.980 have to. 00:21:04.880 --> 00:21:05.580 The word 00:21:05.580 --> 00:21:06.279 became flesh 00:21:06.279 --> 00:21:07.080 and dwelt among us. 00:21:07.160 --> 00:21:07.480 The light 00:21:07.480 --> 00:21:08.400 shined in the darkness 00:21:08.400 --> 00:21:09.960 so we don't have 00:21:09.960 --> 00:21:10.420 to remain 00:21:10.420 --> 00:21:10.920 in darkness. 00:21:11.160 --> 00:21:11.779 So we can come 00:21:11.779 --> 00:21:12.320 into the light. 00:21:14.460 --> 00:21:15.100 But how do you 00:21:15.100 --> 00:21:15.800 make that move? 00:21:15.860 --> 00:21:16.540 How do you step 00:21:16.540 --> 00:21:17.340 out of darkness 00:21:17.340 --> 00:21:18.320 into light? 00:21:18.380 --> 00:21:19.080 How do you enter 00:21:19.080 --> 00:21:20.360 into this hope? 00:21:22.560 --> 00:21:22.920 Well, 00:21:22.960 --> 00:21:23.519 first you have 00:21:23.519 --> 00:21:24.019 to admit 00:21:24.019 --> 00:21:25.620 that the darkness 00:21:25.620 --> 00:21:26.460 isn't just a problem 00:21:26.460 --> 00:21:26.980 out there, 00:21:27.800 --> 00:21:29.320 sort of out there 00:21:29.320 --> 00:21:29.900 in the world, 00:21:30.019 --> 00:21:30.680 but it's a problem 00:21:30.680 --> 00:21:31.180 in here 00:21:31.180 --> 00:21:32.940 as well. 00:21:34.019 --> 00:21:34.720 Later in John's 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:35.000 gospel, 00:21:35.120 --> 00:21:35.620 Jesus says, 00:21:35.779 --> 00:21:36.400 this is the verdict. 00:21:37.040 --> 00:21:37.640 Light has come 00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:38.279 into the world, 00:21:38.759 --> 00:21:39.779 but people loved 00:21:39.779 --> 00:21:40.560 darkness instead 00:21:40.560 --> 00:21:41.019 of light. 00:21:41.160 --> 00:21:41.960 Because their deeds 00:21:41.960 --> 00:21:42.480 were evil. 00:21:44.779 --> 00:21:45.480 If you're going 00:21:45.480 --> 00:21:46.060 to come into 00:21:46.060 --> 00:21:46.500 the light, 00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:47.360 you first have 00:21:47.360 --> 00:21:48.220 to admit the darkness 00:21:48.220 --> 00:21:49.400 of your own selfishness 00:21:49.400 --> 00:21:49.940 and pride. 00:21:51.900 --> 00:21:52.540 But second, 00:21:52.640 --> 00:21:53.340 you have to see 00:21:53.340 --> 00:21:53.980 what this word, 00:21:54.060 --> 00:21:54.900 what Jesus has done 00:21:54.900 --> 00:21:55.300 for you. 00:21:56.140 --> 00:21:56.540 Specifically, 00:21:56.540 --> 00:21:57.340 you have to see 00:21:57.340 --> 00:21:58.140 that there was 00:21:58.140 --> 00:21:58.880 a moment actually 00:21:58.880 --> 00:22:00.320 in Jesus' life 00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:02.299 when he allowed 00:22:02.299 --> 00:22:02.319 when he allowed 00:22:02.319 --> 00:22:02.939 the darkness 00:22:02.939 --> 00:22:04.319 to overcome. 00:22:06.119 --> 00:22:06.939 As Jesus hung 00:22:06.939 --> 00:22:07.399 on the cross 00:22:07.399 --> 00:22:08.159 in Mark's gospel, 00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:08.519 it says, 00:22:08.919 --> 00:22:09.299 darkness came 00:22:09.299 --> 00:22:10.279 over the whole land 00:22:10.279 --> 00:22:11.299 until three 00:22:11.299 --> 00:22:11.899 in the afternoon. 00:22:13.599 --> 00:22:14.200 The light 00:22:14.200 --> 00:22:14.659 of the world 00:22:14.659 --> 00:22:15.299 in that moment 00:22:15.299 --> 00:22:16.099 was covered 00:22:16.099 --> 00:22:16.720 by darkness 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:18.019 and the light 00:22:18.019 --> 00:22:18.859 was extinguished. 00:22:20.159 --> 00:22:20.919 You have to see, 00:22:21.039 --> 00:22:21.099 friend, 00:22:21.139 --> 00:22:21.879 that Jesus died 00:22:21.879 --> 00:22:22.339 in darkness 00:22:22.339 --> 00:22:23.359 to pay for your sins 00:22:23.359 --> 00:22:24.319 so you could be forgiven. 00:22:24.319 --> 00:22:26.679 If you're going 00:22:26.679 --> 00:22:27.159 to come into 00:22:27.159 --> 00:22:27.899 the light of hope, 00:22:27.960 --> 00:22:28.519 you need to see 00:22:28.519 --> 00:22:29.419 that Jesus loved you 00:22:29.419 --> 00:22:30.139 that much 00:22:30.139 --> 00:22:31.460 and died for you. 00:22:33.399 --> 00:22:33.980 But third, 00:22:34.039 --> 00:22:34.519 you need to see 00:22:34.519 --> 00:22:35.039 that ultimately 00:22:35.039 --> 00:22:35.579 the darkness 00:22:35.579 --> 00:22:36.899 did not overcome him. 00:22:38.539 --> 00:22:39.460 All the gospel 00:22:39.460 --> 00:22:40.379 witnesses proclaim 00:22:40.379 --> 00:22:41.919 that Jesus rose again 00:22:41.919 --> 00:22:43.099 on the third day 00:22:43.099 --> 00:22:44.379 and as the light 00:22:44.379 --> 00:22:45.799 of a new day broke, 00:22:46.119 --> 00:22:46.819 so the light 00:22:46.819 --> 00:22:48.159 of a new age dawned. 00:22:48.859 --> 00:22:49.879 Jesus says in John 12, 00:22:50.019 --> 00:22:50.500 I've come into 00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:51.279 the world as light 00:22:51.279 --> 00:22:52.379 so that no one 00:22:52.379 --> 00:22:53.099 who believes in me 00:22:53.099 --> 00:22:54.299 should stay in darkness. 00:22:54.319 --> 00:22:57.379 And if you believe 00:22:57.379 --> 00:22:58.399 that God raised Jesus 00:22:58.399 --> 00:22:59.019 from the dead 00:22:59.019 --> 00:22:59.819 and you put your trust 00:22:59.819 --> 00:23:00.059 in him, 00:23:00.099 --> 00:23:01.220 then you can be sure 00:23:01.220 --> 00:23:02.399 that your sins 00:23:02.399 --> 00:23:02.899 are forgiven 00:23:02.899 --> 00:23:04.159 and your hope 00:23:04.159 --> 00:23:04.679 is secure. 00:23:05.939 --> 00:23:06.899 The light shines 00:23:06.899 --> 00:23:07.500 in the darkness 00:23:07.500 --> 00:23:08.179 and the darkness 00:23:08.179 --> 00:23:09.779 has not overcome it. 00:23:11.379 --> 00:23:12.220 And the darkness 00:23:12.220 --> 00:23:13.339 will not overcome you 00:23:13.339 --> 00:23:16.299 because you're united 00:23:16.299 --> 00:23:16.740 to him, 00:23:17.159 --> 00:23:18.059 the incarnate word, 00:23:18.460 --> 00:23:18.960 the creator, 00:23:19.079 --> 00:23:20.099 the risen son of God. 00:23:22.720 --> 00:23:23.700 So when we say 00:23:23.700 --> 00:23:24.200 that the word 00:23:24.200 --> 00:23:24.980 became flesh 00:23:24.980 --> 00:23:25.960 and dwelt among us, 00:23:26.200 --> 00:23:28.340 we're saying nothing less 00:23:28.340 --> 00:23:30.799 than that the creator 00:23:30.799 --> 00:23:32.340 entered creation 00:23:32.340 --> 00:23:34.360 for our sake. 00:23:36.120 --> 00:23:37.360 All things exist 00:23:37.360 --> 00:23:38.100 because of him. 00:23:38.740 --> 00:23:39.940 All things thrive 00:23:39.940 --> 00:23:40.779 because of him. 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:42.000 But now, 00:23:42.799 --> 00:23:44.400 because of his incarnation, 00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:46.860 all things may hope 00:23:46.860 --> 00:23:47.720 because of him. 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:49.519 let's pray. 00:23:49.519 --> 00:23:49.539 Let's pray. 00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:56.000 Lord Jesus, 00:23:56.160 --> 00:23:57.620 we praise and thank you 00:23:57.620 --> 00:23:58.140 this morning 00:23:58.140 --> 00:24:00.980 for making us. 00:24:02.640 --> 00:24:04.100 And we ask for your forgiveness 00:24:04.100 --> 00:24:04.700 this morning 00:24:04.700 --> 00:24:08.079 that there have been many ways 00:24:08.079 --> 00:24:09.259 in which we have not thanked you 00:24:09.259 --> 00:24:09.799 as we ought. 00:24:09.799 --> 00:24:13.440 but Jesus, 00:24:13.559 --> 00:24:14.019 we thank you 00:24:14.019 --> 00:24:14.700 that despite 00:24:14.700 --> 00:24:16.299 our ingratitude 00:24:16.299 --> 00:24:17.299 and despite our sin, 00:24:17.399 --> 00:24:18.339 you came nonetheless 00:24:18.339 --> 00:24:20.159 and shone your light 00:24:20.159 --> 00:24:21.399 into the darkness. 00:24:22.379 --> 00:24:22.839 The darkness 00:24:22.839 --> 00:24:23.899 has not overcome it. 00:24:23.960 --> 00:24:24.960 You are the victor, 00:24:25.099 --> 00:24:25.319 Jesus. 00:24:26.980 --> 00:24:28.259 And we praise you. 00:24:29.579 --> 00:24:30.559 Help us to praise you 00:24:30.559 --> 00:24:31.500 this Advent season 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:32.980 as our life 00:24:32.980 --> 00:24:34.339 and as our light. 00:24:34.339 --> 00:24:35.659 Amen. 00:24:35.660 --> 00:24:35.820 Amen.