WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.040 To the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2. 00:00:04.860 --> 00:00:06.160 The Gospel of Luke, chapter 2. 00:00:06.219 --> 00:00:08.939 It's really great to have you all here with us this morning. 00:00:10.620 --> 00:00:14.280 I'm thankful to be part of a church that can 00:00:14.280 --> 00:00:17.420 ! and is willing to meet together on Christmas Day. 00:00:18.339 --> 00:00:20.240 It can be a bit of an odd thing. 00:00:20.320 --> 00:00:22.800 And for many churches, it's an impossibility to meet. 00:00:22.920 --> 00:00:26.100 The setup and the teardown and all that is encompassed. 00:00:26.100 --> 00:00:28.519 The churches that don't have meeting spaces, 00:00:28.519 --> 00:00:31.960 it'd be difficult to pare things down the way that we can do 00:00:31.960 --> 00:00:33.320 on a Christmas morning. 00:00:33.799 --> 00:00:36.740 So I'm glad that we're able to and that people are willing to. 00:00:36.820 --> 00:00:38.299 So thank you all of you for being here today. 00:00:38.820 --> 00:00:42.500 I hope that our time together will bless your Christmas Day. 00:00:43.539 --> 00:00:44.600 Thankful for the kids. 00:00:44.659 --> 00:00:47.280 I know we have some guests with kiddos with us that don't normally do this. 00:00:47.340 --> 00:00:49.560 We're glad to have children in the service with us. 00:00:49.679 --> 00:00:52.719 So let them be loud to a point. It's okay. 00:00:53.620 --> 00:00:56.280 I'm still mic'd as I normally am. 00:00:56.280 --> 00:00:59.380 So if the micing confuses you with such a small crowd, 00:00:59.780 --> 00:01:02.439 we do have video and sound across the hall. 00:01:02.500 --> 00:01:04.159 I think it's turned on across the hall anyway. 00:01:04.260 --> 00:01:07.120 If you are having a catastrophe and you need to escape 00:01:07.120 --> 00:01:09.640 but still would like to hear the preaching and the music, 00:01:09.879 --> 00:01:11.040 you're welcome to do that. 00:01:11.219 --> 00:01:13.319 It's now being turned on for across the hall. 00:01:13.319 --> 00:01:16.199 So Merry Christmas. 00:01:16.879 --> 00:01:21.979 Merry Christmas is a thing that we say many, many times in the month leading up to 00:01:21.979 --> 00:01:23.139 and to today. 00:01:23.239 --> 00:01:25.179 I think last night I said it a hundred times 00:01:25.179 --> 00:01:28.219 and this morning I've said it many, many more. 00:01:29.299 --> 00:01:33.539 To be merry is to be full of cheer or good feelings. 00:01:34.399 --> 00:01:39.039 Merry Christmas is a wish of joy for you for the Christmas season. 00:01:39.040 --> 00:01:45.000 But for a lot of people, the experience of this holiday is not an experience of joy. 00:01:46.040 --> 00:01:51.160 That's largely because we often measure our joy in terms of happiness 00:01:51.160 --> 00:01:53.219 based on our circumstances. 00:01:54.219 --> 00:01:56.860 Lots of things that make us happy this time of year. 00:01:57.719 --> 00:01:59.840 Sam gets up and makes from scratch. 00:02:00.300 --> 00:02:02.880 Bless her on Christmas morning. 00:02:02.879 --> 00:02:05.299 My brain just went blank. 00:02:05.439 --> 00:02:06.039 Cinnamon rolls. 00:02:07.239 --> 00:02:08.680 And they're wonderful, right? 00:02:08.740 --> 00:02:09.379 From scratch. 00:02:09.460 --> 00:02:12.759 And they're allergy free for my sake and for the sake of the boys. 00:02:12.840 --> 00:02:13.960 And they're fantastic. 00:02:14.159 --> 00:02:16.219 And we get to see family that we haven't seen for a while. 00:02:16.259 --> 00:02:17.879 And of course we get to open presents. 00:02:18.659 --> 00:02:21.359 So lots of circumstantial things that make us joyful. 00:02:21.599 --> 00:02:25.719 And there's lots of circumstantial things that can rob the joy from such a holiday. 00:02:25.719 --> 00:02:33.400 People experiencing loss or tough family situations or food that doesn't turn out so great. 00:02:34.620 --> 00:02:39.840 I was reflecting on the joy that our kids experience this time of year. 00:02:39.939 --> 00:02:45.259 I have a six-year-old and a four-year-old and now a seven-month-old who has no idea what's going on. 00:02:45.620 --> 00:02:49.000 But the six-year-old and the four-year-old have been counting down the days. 00:02:49.479 --> 00:02:50.599 I've seen children do this. 00:02:50.659 --> 00:02:51.599 They're so expecting. 00:02:51.599 --> 00:02:56.439 You may remember being a child and feeling like Christmas would never come. 00:02:56.539 --> 00:02:58.460 It's two weeks away. 00:02:59.639 --> 00:03:05.699 And then considering that the way I feel now about Christmas often is that it can't come late enough. 00:03:05.879 --> 00:03:10.079 Like just put it off for another couple of weeks because there's so much to do. 00:03:10.199 --> 00:03:13.079 And we've been running around and getting all the preparations done. 00:03:13.280 --> 00:03:15.340 And I went to bed at midnight last night. 00:03:15.439 --> 00:03:20.039 And I was up at 5 a.m. this morning trying to get everything done for today. 00:03:20.039 --> 00:03:21.840 And I want to put it off. 00:03:22.679 --> 00:03:24.659 But I think the opposite should be true. 00:03:25.419 --> 00:03:29.219 If we're looking to the circumstantial things, that's the normal experience. 00:03:29.319 --> 00:03:30.759 Kids, it's all about the toys. 00:03:30.879 --> 00:03:34.379 It's all about the joy and the cookies and all the stuff that's coming in those regards. 00:03:34.500 --> 00:03:38.259 But for adults, it's this work that we have to go through to get ready for this day. 00:03:38.579 --> 00:03:42.319 Some of you have probably experienced adding a service to your Christmas morning. 00:03:42.780 --> 00:03:44.840 Added some stress to the day. 00:03:44.899 --> 00:03:46.519 I know it did for me. 00:03:46.520 --> 00:03:52.660 But if our joy comes from where it should come from, I think the opposite should be true. 00:03:53.680 --> 00:03:58.500 I think that the experience that my kids have of the joy of Christmas coming, right? 00:03:58.500 --> 00:04:03.860 Because as much as we try to pump this is all about Christ, they're still really looking forward to the presents. 00:04:04.860 --> 00:04:06.460 To the temporal things. 00:04:07.080 --> 00:04:09.939 But we have an eternal thing that we're rejoicing in together. 00:04:10.400 --> 00:04:14.219 I think if our minds are set right towards this holiday, right? 00:04:14.219 --> 00:04:15.620 Our joy should be increasing. 00:04:15.800 --> 00:04:18.600 We should be as adults longing for the day to come. 00:04:19.000 --> 00:04:22.139 That we can celebrate the birth of Christ. 00:04:22.360 --> 00:04:31.500 And so, it's my intention this morning that we would set our minds and find joy in an enduring reality. 00:04:31.500 --> 00:04:35.279 That God has loved us in Christ. 00:04:35.279 --> 00:04:43.759 My hope as we take a look at the first bit of Luke chapter 2 is that we will marvel at the arrival of God incarnate. 00:04:44.199 --> 00:04:48.039 That our affections for Jesus Christ will be warmed this morning. 00:04:48.539 --> 00:04:52.299 And that those affections will flavor the rest of this day. 00:04:53.299 --> 00:04:55.579 So, our text for today is Luke chapter 2. 00:04:56.199 --> 00:04:58.939 And I will read verses 1 through 14. 00:04:58.939 --> 00:05:07.420 In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 00:05:08.060 --> 00:05:11.519 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 00:05:12.160 --> 00:05:15.060 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 00:05:15.699 --> 00:05:23.159 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem. 00:05:23.160 --> 00:05:29.920 Because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 00:05:30.780 --> 00:05:33.760 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 00:05:34.280 --> 00:05:39.980 And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, 00:05:40.420 --> 00:05:42.760 because there was no place for them in the inn. 00:05:43.680 --> 00:05:48.040 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 00:05:48.040 --> 00:05:55.200 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 00:05:56.140 --> 00:06:05.360 And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 00:06:06.040 --> 00:06:11.800 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord. 00:06:12.439 --> 00:06:13.900 And this will be a sign for you. 00:06:13.899 --> 00:06:18.259 You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. 00:06:19.060 --> 00:06:24.519 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 00:06:25.099 --> 00:06:31.359 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased. 00:06:32.500 --> 00:06:34.759 Beloved, this is God's word to us. 00:06:35.279 --> 00:06:38.199 It was written for his glory and our good. 00:06:38.199 --> 00:06:44.800 We would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises and obey its commands. 00:06:46.180 --> 00:06:51.240 In the hope of marveling at Jesus' coming and warming our affections this morning, 00:06:51.699 --> 00:06:55.800 I just want us to make two observations from this text. 00:06:55.899 --> 00:06:57.719 There's much that can be said about the text. 00:06:57.800 --> 00:07:00.060 We're going to try to compress it and keep it short this morning. 00:07:00.199 --> 00:07:02.599 So just two observations from the text. 00:07:02.600 --> 00:07:06.320 Number one, the humility of Jesus Christ's coming. 00:07:07.220 --> 00:07:11.700 And number two, the glory of Jesus Christ's coming. 00:07:12.439 --> 00:07:16.900 So firstly, let's look at the humility of Jesus Christ's coming. 00:07:17.120 --> 00:07:20.180 Jesus had a humble beginning. 00:07:20.540 --> 00:07:23.220 The first seven verses are about that, right? 00:07:23.560 --> 00:07:30.280 We can note and try to understand the circumstance of Joseph and Mary's travels. 00:07:30.279 --> 00:07:37.619 This is the first year I ever really stopped to really consider what it would be like to be newly married, 00:07:38.379 --> 00:07:44.019 very newly married, and have a wife who is pregnant and to pick up and take a journey. 00:07:45.159 --> 00:07:50.379 Silas was five months old and we went to Memphis, right, which is a seven-hour drive. 00:07:51.079 --> 00:07:52.039 Not that big a deal. 00:07:52.479 --> 00:07:55.239 It took us nine hours and it was miserable. 00:07:56.259 --> 00:07:57.319 Absolutely miserable. 00:07:57.319 --> 00:08:00.740 This was a much more epic journey that they took. 00:08:00.819 --> 00:08:04.219 And they did it because there was a census going on. 00:08:04.579 --> 00:08:12.139 But it's important to understand that this census was a census that was put in place in order for there to be a poll tax. 00:08:12.240 --> 00:08:17.860 And a poll tax was simply a tax put on the Jewish people by Rome, 00:08:18.259 --> 00:08:25.379 a denarius per person per year that had to be paid just for the privilege of being a Roman citizen. 00:08:25.379 --> 00:08:31.339 And so Caesar Augustus wanted to count up how much would be paid in that year. 00:08:31.860 --> 00:08:38.939 And the Jews and other people that had been conquered by the Roman Empire saw the poll tax as a particularly offensive tax 00:08:38.939 --> 00:08:41.240 because it was a way that Rome said to them, 00:08:41.519 --> 00:08:43.360 We own you, right? 00:08:43.679 --> 00:08:50.820 Come to the town that you were born in and be counted so that we can be sure that you pay to us what is due to us 00:08:50.820 --> 00:08:54.460 just because you're now part of the Roman Empire. 00:08:55.340 --> 00:08:58.540 In fact, not long after this census takes place, 00:08:58.700 --> 00:09:03.540 there's a revolt, a major uprising in Israel that was, of course, squashed. 00:09:03.620 --> 00:09:04.980 But it was about this issue. 00:09:05.060 --> 00:09:09.620 This was the issue that enraged the Jewish population to revolt. 00:09:10.160 --> 00:09:13.020 And so it wasn't a pleasant thing they were going to do. 00:09:13.080 --> 00:09:15.060 It wasn't the normal thing. 00:09:15.059 --> 00:09:20.459 It wasn't like, well, time to go for the census again to take our regular trip back to Bethlehem. 00:09:20.539 --> 00:09:23.459 This was something that was being imposed upon them. 00:09:24.439 --> 00:09:27.719 And in fact, the decree had actually gone out. 00:09:27.819 --> 00:09:32.359 It feels like from the text that it had gone out that week or that month. 00:09:32.500 --> 00:09:35.319 And so they said, oh, gosh, we weren't expecting this, but we have to go. 00:09:35.579 --> 00:09:37.799 But it had actually gone out four years prior. 00:09:37.799 --> 00:09:43.339 It seems that Joseph and Mary were procrastinators and were holding out. 00:09:43.459 --> 00:09:44.879 There may have even been a deadline, 00:09:45.039 --> 00:09:51.079 and they had to get to Bethlehem to be counted to find themselves in good standing with Rome. 00:09:51.259 --> 00:09:54.319 So this is the circumstance of their traveling. 00:09:54.519 --> 00:09:56.319 It's an oppressive trip. 00:09:56.539 --> 00:10:01.579 It's a trip they do not want to take back to the town of Bethlehem. 00:10:02.539 --> 00:10:06.159 Bethlehem itself is a seemingly insignificant town. 00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:08.759 A minor on the map. 00:10:09.600 --> 00:10:14.679 Micah 5.2, which is where the prophet predicts where the Christ will come from, says, 00:10:14.860 --> 00:10:20.899 But you, O Bethlehem, Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, 00:10:21.259 --> 00:10:24.679 from you shall come forth the one who is to be ruler in Israel, 00:10:24.919 --> 00:10:29.480 whose coming forth is from old, from ancient days. 00:10:29.519 --> 00:10:34.159 So they're taking a journey they don't want to take to a seemingly insignificant town. 00:10:34.159 --> 00:10:37.120 It is humble in every respect. 00:10:37.259 --> 00:10:38.539 And it was a journey. 00:10:38.659 --> 00:10:39.620 It was an arduous journey. 00:10:39.759 --> 00:10:42.559 Eighty-five to ninety miles. 00:10:43.159 --> 00:10:46.159 The text says that they went down to Bethlehem. 00:10:47.059 --> 00:10:47.879 What does it say up to? 00:10:48.120 --> 00:10:50.019 I'm getting my head flipped in my mind. 00:10:50.219 --> 00:10:51.659 It is Christmas morning, isn't it? 00:10:53.259 --> 00:10:53.959 Someone help me. 00:10:55.139 --> 00:10:56.500 Up to. 00:10:56.600 --> 00:10:56.740 Okay. 00:10:57.019 --> 00:10:57.379 That's right. 00:10:57.860 --> 00:11:00.100 Because I'm looking at the map in my brain because it is south. 00:11:00.100 --> 00:11:04.480 They went up because they had to actually climb in elevation to that place. 00:11:04.560 --> 00:11:09.720 So it would have been an uphill journey to the town of Bethlehem, just south of Jerusalem. 00:11:09.720 --> 00:11:13.379 And they're in the northern part of the kingdom in Nazareth. 00:11:13.500 --> 00:11:17.960 So a humble beginning to arrive in such a place. 00:11:18.159 --> 00:11:19.960 And when they get there, and we know the story, right? 00:11:19.980 --> 00:11:22.139 We get there and there is no place for them to stay. 00:11:22.560 --> 00:11:24.740 The town, this tiny town, is overrun. 00:11:25.160 --> 00:11:27.000 The inns are packed full. 00:11:27.000 --> 00:11:29.179 People are staying with family members. 00:11:29.480 --> 00:11:35.320 There would have likely been more Roman guards in the town helping take the census out. 00:11:36.059 --> 00:11:42.279 We get this picture in our mind, at least I do at times, of the quaint, stable environment 00:11:42.279 --> 00:11:44.220 that they go to, that they get turned away. 00:11:44.399 --> 00:11:48.200 And some kind innkeeper says to them, well, I've got this place. 00:11:48.639 --> 00:11:51.799 This place that's nice and warm. 00:11:52.000 --> 00:11:53.820 And the animals are there and they're happy. 00:11:53.820 --> 00:11:56.960 You guys have the nativity set up in your house and it just seems so cute. 00:11:57.000 --> 00:11:59.120 And beautiful in that way. 00:11:59.960 --> 00:12:05.899 What was more likely is that these inns would have had stables as part of the grounds. 00:12:06.519 --> 00:12:08.820 And people would have gone upstairs and stayed above. 00:12:08.940 --> 00:12:10.519 They would have kept their animals there. 00:12:10.600 --> 00:12:12.440 Their donkeys would have been dropped off. 00:12:12.500 --> 00:12:17.720 And this would have been a cold and dreary and smelly, miserable place. 00:12:18.059 --> 00:12:19.320 It's a humble place. 00:12:19.320 --> 00:12:23.759 It's not a place set out on the hill with the beautiful stars in the background. 00:12:24.179 --> 00:12:26.659 And what a beautiful, quaint place to have a child. 00:12:26.659 --> 00:12:29.500 This was not that at all. 00:12:29.500 --> 00:12:36.600 I am convinced that just because Jesus lived a sinless life that Mary gave birth to him 00:12:36.600 --> 00:12:40.799 in the way that women give birth, that she was affected by the fall as well. 00:12:41.480 --> 00:12:45.679 Luke's record of her giving birth is one sentence and she gave birth. 00:12:45.720 --> 00:12:49.340 And I'm thankful that he spared us the details of how that came to pass. 00:12:49.460 --> 00:12:51.179 But I'm sure it was not an easy thing. 00:12:51.440 --> 00:12:53.659 I'm sure it was a frightening thing for her. 00:12:53.659 --> 00:13:01.159 I'm sure people staying in the inn were not pleased that someone was giving birth to a baby downstairs in the stable. 00:13:01.759 --> 00:13:04.000 It's humble in all respects. 00:13:05.360 --> 00:13:09.199 Jesus also had a humble societal standing. 00:13:09.919 --> 00:13:13.279 He was not born to a king and a queen. 00:13:13.379 --> 00:13:16.219 He was born to a man and a woman. 00:13:16.220 --> 00:13:18.600 A man who was a carpenter. 00:13:19.139 --> 00:13:21.580 A woman who married a carpenter. 00:13:22.320 --> 00:13:25.340 Seemingly insignificant parents. 00:13:26.519 --> 00:13:29.879 Joseph was a carpenter in the tiny town of Nazareth. 00:13:30.279 --> 00:13:32.920 To add to the fact that he was a carpenter. 00:13:33.000 --> 00:13:36.660 He was a carpenter in the tiny town of Nazareth. 00:13:36.779 --> 00:13:40.879 And we find this out in the biblical narrative when Jesus was rejected in his hometown in Matthew 13. 00:13:40.879 --> 00:13:44.659 They say, isn't this Jesus, the son of the carpenter? 00:13:44.820 --> 00:13:47.879 They find him insignificant in that way. 00:13:48.779 --> 00:13:51.360 Now the word that's translated for carpenter can mean a lot of things. 00:13:51.460 --> 00:13:53.299 It can mean craftsman. 00:13:53.419 --> 00:13:56.620 He may have been a fine builder of homes. 00:13:57.240 --> 00:14:00.279 But we know that Joseph was not a wealthy carpenter. 00:14:00.480 --> 00:14:05.659 If we look later in Luke chapter 2, Jesus is presented in the temple as he was meant to be. 00:14:05.659 --> 00:14:12.480 And a sacrifice is made for Mary's purification as was ordered by God in our Old Testament. 00:14:13.159 --> 00:14:16.699 If you look at verse 24 of chapter 2, it says, 00:14:16.899 --> 00:14:21.980 And to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord. 00:14:22.059 --> 00:14:25.959 A pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons. 00:14:26.519 --> 00:14:29.419 This is a citation from Leviticus 12.8. 00:14:29.519 --> 00:14:31.659 And if you don't go and look at Leviticus chapter 12, 00:14:31.659 --> 00:14:35.319 you wouldn't know that the proper sacrifice to be given, 00:14:35.559 --> 00:14:39.639 the primary way in which purification was made for a woman who had a child, 00:14:40.240 --> 00:14:40.939 was a lamb. 00:14:41.419 --> 00:14:43.360 That was the way they were meant to do it. 00:14:43.539 --> 00:14:47.740 But God made a provision if you couldn't afford to buy a lamb. 00:14:47.879 --> 00:14:56.539 And that was that you could give this lesser sacrifice of a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons. 00:14:56.539 --> 00:15:01.219 So there's some evidence right in our text today that Joseph was a carpenter 00:15:01.219 --> 00:15:06.079 and not a wealthy carpenter in the little town of Bethlehem. 00:15:06.159 --> 00:15:10.159 Jesus' societal standing was nothing impressive. 00:15:11.459 --> 00:15:14.339 Jesus had a humble ministry. 00:15:15.199 --> 00:15:16.559 He had a humble ministry. 00:15:16.719 --> 00:15:21.399 In our text today, we get introduced to a group just called the shepherds. 00:15:21.599 --> 00:15:22.759 Verse 8. 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:26.399 He has humble admirers. 00:15:27.480 --> 00:15:29.080 Shepherds, shepherd keepers. 00:15:29.179 --> 00:15:32.419 These were not people of high standing in the society. 00:15:32.580 --> 00:15:33.720 This was the night shift. 00:15:34.740 --> 00:15:36.360 These people drew the short straw. 00:15:36.779 --> 00:15:40.620 They were out in the field sleeping with the sheep to keep them safe 00:15:40.620 --> 00:15:43.939 because they were not of high standing. 00:15:44.379 --> 00:15:47.580 His admirers on the night of his birth were humble. 00:15:47.860 --> 00:15:50.220 He ended up with humble followers. 00:15:50.220 --> 00:15:53.779 Jesus called apostles to himself. 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:55.899 They were largely made up of fishermen. 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:57.820 We know at least seven of them were fishermen. 00:15:58.080 --> 00:15:59.480 That's likely that more of them were. 00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:03.820 We know one was a tax collector being Matthew. 00:16:03.960 --> 00:16:09.759 These were people that were not seen as illustrious and valuable in the society. 00:16:10.139 --> 00:16:15.920 Matthew would have been hated by the Jews as a traitor in the collecting of taxes. 00:16:15.919 --> 00:16:19.639 And Jesus had a humble goal. 00:16:20.699 --> 00:16:22.839 Mark chapter 10 verse 45 says, 00:16:24.219 --> 00:16:32.019 The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. 00:16:33.899 --> 00:16:41.480 Christmas should be the most joyous of Christian holidays except Easter. 00:16:41.480 --> 00:16:48.639 Easter should be the most joyous of Christian holidays second only to Easter. 00:16:49.200 --> 00:16:52.759 Wes has said it well this morning and we've been saying it for the last month. 00:16:52.940 --> 00:17:00.159 The celebration of Christmas should set our minds to the sacrifice of Christ and his resurrection on Easter. 00:17:01.039 --> 00:17:03.899 Sam has challenged me, which is a challenge I think I'll take up, 00:17:03.899 --> 00:17:11.400 to write a kid's advent that begins after Thanksgiving, works us up to Christmas, and then takes us through Easter. 00:17:11.759 --> 00:17:14.579 So we don't stop celebrating Christ. 00:17:14.940 --> 00:17:19.480 He comes and then we keep pressing on to this great high calling. 00:17:19.559 --> 00:17:21.139 The very reason that he came. 00:17:21.500 --> 00:17:24.700 Christmas is aimed at Easter. 00:17:24.980 --> 00:17:28.519 That's the point of Christmas is Easter. 00:17:29.359 --> 00:17:30.920 He came and he had a humble goal. 00:17:30.920 --> 00:17:36.060 A humble ministry, a humble societal standing, a humble beginning. 00:17:37.039 --> 00:17:40.519 Isn't it peculiar the way God works in the world? 00:17:40.779 --> 00:17:43.880 It's an odd economy that he works with. 00:17:44.580 --> 00:17:49.279 God seems to accomplish everything in his kingdom in an upside down fashion. 00:17:49.820 --> 00:17:51.120 I am so thankful for that. 00:17:51.300 --> 00:17:57.220 I'm thankful that I am insignificant and yet God can use me. 00:17:57.220 --> 00:18:04.259 Augustine, when he called St. Augustine or Augustine, if you prefer, I don't, but if you prefer, 00:18:05.700 --> 00:18:06.019 wrote, 00:18:06.140 --> 00:18:13.299 Man's maker was made man that he, ruler of the stars, might nurse at his mother's breast. 00:18:14.039 --> 00:18:23.740 That the bread might hunger, the fountain thirst, the light sleep, the way be tired on its journey. 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:26.920 That truth might be accused of false witnesses. 00:18:27.279 --> 00:18:30.019 The teacher be beaten with whips. 00:18:30.220 --> 00:18:33.559 The foundation be suspended on wood. 00:18:33.720 --> 00:18:36.039 That strength might grow weak. 00:18:36.160 --> 00:18:38.259 That the healer might be wounded. 00:18:38.579 --> 00:18:40.940 That life might die. 00:18:42.160 --> 00:18:44.859 God has a strange way of working. 00:18:44.859 --> 00:18:53.479 And we should marvel at the way that the Savior of the world came, lived, and died. 00:18:54.679 --> 00:19:02.179 In Philippians 2, verses 5-11, Paul exhorts us to humility in this way. 00:19:03.339 --> 00:19:07.879 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 00:19:07.880 --> 00:19:14.140 who, though he was in the form of God, he was God on earth, 00:19:14.920 --> 00:19:19.940 did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 00:19:20.220 --> 00:19:26.380 but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 00:19:26.420 --> 00:19:28.600 We call this the hypostatic union, right? 00:19:28.700 --> 00:19:32.180 Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man. 00:19:32.180 --> 00:19:33.140 Again, 200%. 00:19:33.140 --> 00:19:36.340 It's the only time it's okay to say more than 100%. 00:19:36.340 --> 00:19:37.820 200%. 00:19:37.820 --> 00:19:40.019 Verse 8, 00:19:40.080 --> 00:19:41.600 And being found in human form, 00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:46.019 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, 00:19:46.680 --> 00:19:49.080 even death on a cross, 00:19:49.200 --> 00:19:51.120 the worst kind of death. 00:19:52.519 --> 00:19:54.460 But it doesn't stop there, right? 00:19:54.740 --> 00:19:55.420 Praise God. 00:19:57.019 --> 00:19:59.259 Jesus Christ comes as a servant. 00:19:59.480 --> 00:20:01.299 He's a suffering servant. 00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:04.220 But it doesn't stop there. 00:20:04.419 --> 00:20:04.940 Verse 9, 00:20:05.059 --> 00:20:07.319 Therefore, because of this, 00:20:07.440 --> 00:20:09.639 because of the way that Christ emptied himself, 00:20:09.899 --> 00:20:13.419 therefore, God has highly exalted him 00:20:13.419 --> 00:20:17.139 and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 00:20:17.619 --> 00:20:19.359 so that at the name of Jesus, 00:20:20.039 --> 00:20:25.019 one day, every knee should bow in heaven and on earth 00:20:25.019 --> 00:20:26.460 and under the earth, 00:20:26.460 --> 00:20:31.099 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. 00:20:31.299 --> 00:20:33.279 to the glory of God the Father. 00:20:34.220 --> 00:20:37.039 Which brings us to our next observation. 00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:41.200 So we observe the humility of Jesus Christ coming. 00:20:41.659 --> 00:20:42.919 Let's observe together, secondly, 00:20:43.079 --> 00:20:46.139 the glory of Jesus Christ coming. 00:20:48.139 --> 00:20:51.460 Glory is one of those churchy words. 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:54.100 Not knowing who would be here this morning. 00:20:54.180 --> 00:20:56.900 I'm not sure if you wrap your mind around what that means, 00:20:56.940 --> 00:20:58.480 because we use it in a lot of different ways. 00:20:58.600 --> 00:21:00.400 We use it in different tenses, 00:21:01.240 --> 00:21:02.799 different parts of speech. 00:21:03.740 --> 00:21:07.819 To glory in something means to praise or to honor something. 00:21:08.220 --> 00:21:09.600 When we're speaking of God, 00:21:09.700 --> 00:21:11.319 when we're talking about glorifying God, 00:21:11.420 --> 00:21:14.240 it's not that we add to him more worth. 00:21:14.380 --> 00:21:17.200 It's that he is worthy of our praise. 00:21:17.200 --> 00:21:20.340 So we're doing the thing that is right and proper, 00:21:20.340 --> 00:21:25.480 because God is worthy of being glorified in that way. 00:21:26.299 --> 00:21:29.160 So when I say the glory of Jesus Christ coming, 00:21:29.740 --> 00:21:33.680 I mean the praiseworthiness of his coming. 00:21:34.180 --> 00:21:37.200 The praiseworthiness of his coming. 00:21:37.200 --> 00:21:40.420 On the evening of the birth of our Lord, 00:21:40.539 --> 00:21:43.480 an announcement is made by an angel. 00:21:44.140 --> 00:21:45.900 Verses 9-12. 00:21:46.059 --> 00:21:47.539 And then in a broadening sense, 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:49.120 the announcement goes out, 00:21:49.279 --> 00:21:54.380 it gets bigger by angels in verse 13-14. 00:21:55.539 --> 00:21:58.880 There's a lot of notions about angels, 00:21:59.059 --> 00:22:01.720 what they are and what they do in the world. 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:04.740 And I'm not negating much of that 00:22:04.740 --> 00:22:05.660 by what I'm about to say, 00:22:05.660 --> 00:22:09.519 but primarily the way that angels work in the world 00:22:09.519 --> 00:22:11.500 is they serve as messengers. 00:22:11.860 --> 00:22:13.180 They get a message from God, 00:22:13.279 --> 00:22:15.800 and they come and they deliver that message 00:22:15.800 --> 00:22:18.000 from God to a particular individual. 00:22:18.300 --> 00:22:19.360 Familiar with the Christmas story, 00:22:19.720 --> 00:22:22.420 both Joseph and Mary and God's good mercy to them 00:22:22.420 --> 00:22:24.900 explains to them exactly what's happening 00:22:24.900 --> 00:22:27.779 as Jesus is conceived immaculate. 00:22:29.400 --> 00:22:30.580 It's a virgin birth, 00:22:31.180 --> 00:22:32.220 immaculently. 00:22:32.220 --> 00:22:35.720 It's Christmas. 00:22:36.819 --> 00:22:37.960 I told you what time I went to bed 00:22:37.960 --> 00:22:38.759 and what time I got up, right? 00:22:39.880 --> 00:22:41.839 So angels are messengers of God. 00:22:41.920 --> 00:22:44.079 John Piper, I like this in a very Piperian way, 00:22:44.180 --> 00:22:47.940 say angels were created for Christ's everlasting glory 00:22:47.940 --> 00:22:51.039 and for our everlasting joy. 00:22:51.860 --> 00:22:54.500 The angel of the Lord appears to these shepherds, 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:55.819 these lowly shepherds in the field. 00:22:56.000 --> 00:22:56.539 Verse 9. 00:22:56.539 --> 00:23:00.799 And the glory of the Lord shines around them. 00:23:00.859 --> 00:23:03.460 I don't fully comprehend what that means. 00:23:04.299 --> 00:23:05.779 If you see this illustrated, 00:23:05.960 --> 00:23:07.240 it's bright light. 00:23:08.420 --> 00:23:10.099 I think there's some hint of that in the Scripture, 00:23:10.200 --> 00:23:13.500 that that's what the glory of God will look like. 00:23:15.899 --> 00:23:17.879 In Revelation 21-23, 00:23:18.039 --> 00:23:19.839 John writes of his vision of the new Jerusalem 00:23:19.839 --> 00:23:20.539 and says this, 00:23:20.539 --> 00:23:23.579 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, 00:23:23.599 --> 00:23:25.720 for the glory of God gives it light, 00:23:25.879 --> 00:23:28.139 and its lamp is the Lamb. 00:23:28.259 --> 00:23:29.379 It's Christ Himself. 00:23:29.960 --> 00:23:31.740 The glory of God is Christ, 00:23:31.819 --> 00:23:34.139 and He lights up the new Jerusalem. 00:23:34.399 --> 00:23:36.980 So the glory of the Lord shining 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:39.220 could have just been bright, bright light, 00:23:39.399 --> 00:23:40.500 but whatever it is, 00:23:40.559 --> 00:23:42.740 it's a tangible glory, right? 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:45.899 This praiseworthiness now, 00:23:45.980 --> 00:23:47.799 this noun being used, right? 00:23:47.799 --> 00:23:51.599 This thing that's meant to call attention to, 00:23:51.819 --> 00:23:54.119 the greatness of God. 00:23:54.819 --> 00:23:56.639 The shepherds see this physically, 00:23:56.799 --> 00:23:58.659 the glory of God. 00:23:59.659 --> 00:24:01.440 And so, have we? 00:24:03.079 --> 00:24:03.519 How? 00:24:04.279 --> 00:24:05.720 Have any of you had an angel visit you 00:24:05.720 --> 00:24:06.460 with bright white light? 00:24:06.500 --> 00:24:08.319 I'd love to talk to you about that. 00:24:08.440 --> 00:24:11.879 How have we seen the glory of God? 00:24:11.960 --> 00:24:13.359 2 Corinthians 4-6, Paul says, 00:24:13.359 --> 00:24:14.159 For God who said, 00:24:14.700 --> 00:24:16.099 Let light shine out of darkness 00:24:16.099 --> 00:24:17.579 has shone in our hearts 00:24:17.579 --> 00:24:20.019 to give the light of the knowledge 00:24:20.019 --> 00:24:21.659 of the glory of God 00:24:21.659 --> 00:24:24.379 in the face of Jesus Christ. 00:24:25.699 --> 00:24:27.720 Christ Himself, right? 00:24:27.859 --> 00:24:31.159 God made manifest on earth. 00:24:31.819 --> 00:24:34.039 We have not been with Christ, 00:24:34.619 --> 00:24:35.779 but we have the Word of God 00:24:35.779 --> 00:24:36.759 that attests to Christ. 00:24:36.879 --> 00:24:38.059 We get to open its pages, 00:24:38.220 --> 00:24:39.299 its inspired pages, 00:24:39.500 --> 00:24:41.579 and have our hearts illuminated 00:24:41.579 --> 00:24:42.779 by peering in 00:24:42.779 --> 00:24:44.000 and seeing Christ 00:24:44.000 --> 00:24:45.819 and all of His work, 00:24:46.079 --> 00:24:47.819 the effect of it. 00:24:49.099 --> 00:24:50.079 But you can imagine 00:24:50.079 --> 00:24:51.779 if you saw glory in this way, 00:24:52.200 --> 00:24:54.059 that rightly so, 00:24:54.420 --> 00:24:55.759 the shepherds are filled with fear. 00:24:55.839 --> 00:24:58.220 I think we would have been as well. 00:24:58.220 --> 00:24:59.860 And the angel says to them, 00:24:59.920 --> 00:25:00.400 verse 10, 00:25:00.519 --> 00:25:01.200 Fear not, 00:25:01.660 --> 00:25:02.460 fear not, 00:25:03.100 --> 00:25:03.700 because, 00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:04.799 for behold, 00:25:04.920 --> 00:25:05.620 because, 00:25:06.620 --> 00:25:07.900 I bring you good news, 00:25:08.420 --> 00:25:09.240 great joy, 00:25:09.860 --> 00:25:11.180 that will be for all peoples. 00:25:12.640 --> 00:25:13.759 Proclamation of the angel 00:25:13.759 --> 00:25:15.000 was good news. 00:25:15.100 --> 00:25:15.799 Same word here, 00:25:15.920 --> 00:25:17.120 Greek word that we use 00:25:17.120 --> 00:25:17.900 for gospel. 00:25:18.860 --> 00:25:19.740 Good news. 00:25:20.259 --> 00:25:21.200 Gospel news. 00:25:22.000 --> 00:25:23.319 Most commonly used 00:25:23.319 --> 00:25:25.380 in speaking of battle, 00:25:25.380 --> 00:25:27.120 people would stay back in a city 00:25:27.120 --> 00:25:28.540 and an army would go out to battle, 00:25:28.820 --> 00:25:29.840 and whatever the outcome 00:25:29.840 --> 00:25:30.860 of the battle was, 00:25:30.940 --> 00:25:32.400 a runner would be sent back 00:25:32.400 --> 00:25:33.380 to proclaim to the city 00:25:33.380 --> 00:25:34.060 what had happened. 00:25:34.680 --> 00:25:35.560 We were defeated. 00:25:36.080 --> 00:25:36.800 Hang on tight. 00:25:37.020 --> 00:25:38.040 The army's going to come. 00:25:38.940 --> 00:25:39.380 Or, 00:25:40.100 --> 00:25:40.860 good news, 00:25:41.080 --> 00:25:41.320 right? 00:25:41.460 --> 00:25:42.580 We were victorious. 00:25:43.320 --> 00:25:44.320 You are safe. 00:25:44.380 --> 00:25:45.400 This is the way this word 00:25:45.400 --> 00:25:46.500 was commonly used 00:25:46.500 --> 00:25:47.640 in this day. 00:25:48.560 --> 00:25:49.840 Proclaim good news. 00:25:49.920 --> 00:25:52.000 It's a victory declaration. 00:25:53.620 --> 00:25:55.200 And it's good news 00:25:55.200 --> 00:25:58.799 of great joy. 00:25:59.559 --> 00:26:00.059 It's good news 00:26:00.059 --> 00:26:01.980 of great joy. 00:26:03.299 --> 00:26:03.819 Beloved, 00:26:03.860 --> 00:26:05.160 this is why 00:26:05.160 --> 00:26:06.519 we don't do Santa 00:26:06.519 --> 00:26:07.380 at our house. 00:26:10.039 --> 00:26:11.140 The celebration, 00:26:11.460 --> 00:26:13.180 I would suggest to you, 00:26:13.819 --> 00:26:14.200 of Santa 00:26:14.200 --> 00:26:15.340 is a lesser joy. 00:26:16.279 --> 00:26:18.940 It's a temporal joy. 00:26:19.580 --> 00:26:21.920 It's an imaginative joy. 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:23.500 We have fun imagining stuff 00:26:23.500 --> 00:26:24.500 with our kids, right? 00:26:24.500 --> 00:26:25.259 We do, 00:26:25.359 --> 00:26:26.180 and we play games, 00:26:26.240 --> 00:26:27.539 and we goof around. 00:26:27.640 --> 00:26:28.000 That's great. 00:26:28.059 --> 00:26:30.279 But that's temporal joy. 00:26:31.259 --> 00:26:32.539 Jesus Christ brings 00:26:32.539 --> 00:26:33.940 great joy. 00:26:34.420 --> 00:26:35.259 Jesus Christ brings 00:26:35.259 --> 00:26:37.599 eternal joy, right? 00:26:37.740 --> 00:26:39.440 Something that we can hang on to 00:26:39.440 --> 00:26:40.519 for forever. 00:26:40.920 --> 00:26:42.180 That's what we want to give 00:26:42.180 --> 00:26:43.019 our kids. 00:26:43.539 --> 00:26:44.619 That's why we don't do it. 00:26:44.779 --> 00:26:45.779 We feel like we're not 00:26:45.779 --> 00:26:47.380 robbing the magic of Christmas 00:26:47.380 --> 00:26:48.599 when we take 00:26:48.599 --> 00:26:50.440 those things out. 00:26:50.440 --> 00:26:52.299 We want to maximize 00:26:52.299 --> 00:26:53.420 the great joy 00:26:53.420 --> 00:26:54.779 that is Christ. 00:26:55.380 --> 00:26:56.600 So all the things we do, 00:26:56.759 --> 00:26:57.759 the food that we eat, 00:26:57.820 --> 00:26:58.559 and the gifts that we give, 00:26:58.600 --> 00:26:59.559 and all of those things 00:26:59.559 --> 00:27:01.259 need to be pointing us 00:27:01.259 --> 00:27:03.059 to the great joy 00:27:03.059 --> 00:27:04.259 that the angels 00:27:04.259 --> 00:27:05.500 are proclaiming here. 00:27:06.200 --> 00:27:07.420 It's a great joy, 00:27:07.500 --> 00:27:08.340 and praise God, 00:27:09.059 --> 00:27:11.240 for all the people. 00:27:12.700 --> 00:27:13.920 All throughout the Scripture, 00:27:13.920 --> 00:27:15.759 God has said 00:27:15.759 --> 00:27:17.060 to the nation of Israel, 00:27:17.160 --> 00:27:17.980 His chosen people, 00:27:18.460 --> 00:27:21.240 My glory is not just for you. 00:27:21.440 --> 00:27:22.220 And He makes these 00:27:22.220 --> 00:27:23.480 merciful extensions 00:27:23.480 --> 00:27:24.900 to peoples of the earth. 00:27:25.840 --> 00:27:26.500 We're preaching 00:27:26.500 --> 00:27:27.600 through Acts right now, 00:27:27.820 --> 00:27:28.920 the life of Christ 00:27:28.920 --> 00:27:29.360 family church, 00:27:29.460 --> 00:27:29.820 Jalaneke, 00:27:30.019 --> 00:27:31.019 and we're seeing 00:27:31.019 --> 00:27:33.160 this global glory 00:27:33.160 --> 00:27:34.060 go out, right? 00:27:34.140 --> 00:27:35.860 Just from Jerusalem, 00:27:36.200 --> 00:27:37.100 turning from the Jews 00:27:37.100 --> 00:27:37.779 and going out 00:27:37.779 --> 00:27:38.600 to the Gentiles. 00:27:38.740 --> 00:27:39.700 We're the beneficiaries 00:27:39.700 --> 00:27:40.680 of that, beloved. 00:27:41.500 --> 00:27:42.340 Any of you are of 00:27:42.340 --> 00:27:42.940 Jewish descent, 00:27:43.039 --> 00:27:43.600 you may be. 00:27:43.920 --> 00:27:45.300 You may be of that bloodline. 00:27:45.380 --> 00:27:46.039 I'm not. 00:27:46.620 --> 00:27:48.000 Praise God, right? 00:27:48.039 --> 00:27:48.740 That the good news 00:27:48.740 --> 00:27:49.380 of great joy 00:27:49.380 --> 00:27:52.039 is for all the people. 00:27:52.480 --> 00:27:53.140 What a proclamation. 00:27:55.300 --> 00:27:55.840 Verse 11 00:27:55.840 --> 00:27:57.800 kind of is the crux 00:27:57.800 --> 00:27:58.539 of all of this. 00:27:58.880 --> 00:28:00.380 For unto you 00:28:00.380 --> 00:28:01.519 is born this day 00:28:01.519 --> 00:28:03.560 in the city of David 00:28:03.560 --> 00:28:04.519 a Savior, 00:28:04.980 --> 00:28:05.800 who is Christ, 00:28:05.920 --> 00:28:06.880 who is the Messiah, 00:28:07.039 --> 00:28:09.440 the long-awaited Messiah, 00:28:10.220 --> 00:28:10.620 the Lord. 00:28:11.900 --> 00:28:12.920 So right here 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:13.800 in the proclamation, 00:28:13.920 --> 00:28:14.560 of the angels, 00:28:14.700 --> 00:28:15.440 they're saying 00:28:15.440 --> 00:28:16.360 this birth 00:28:16.360 --> 00:28:17.920 is ultimately aimed 00:28:17.920 --> 00:28:19.340 at salvation 00:28:19.340 --> 00:28:20.600 for God's people. 00:28:21.160 --> 00:28:22.259 This is the direction 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:22.860 it's going. 00:28:23.019 --> 00:28:24.460 Christmas points 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:25.840 to Easter. 00:28:26.000 --> 00:28:26.820 Luke 19.10, 00:28:26.880 --> 00:28:27.519 For the Son of Man 00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:29.160 came to seek 00:28:29.160 --> 00:28:30.779 and to save 00:28:30.779 --> 00:28:31.820 the lost. 00:28:33.460 --> 00:28:34.480 The angel then 00:28:34.480 --> 00:28:36.400 gets really practical. 00:28:36.720 --> 00:28:37.360 This will be a sign 00:28:37.360 --> 00:28:37.720 for you. 00:28:37.759 --> 00:28:38.220 Verse 12 00:28:38.220 --> 00:28:38.920 is how you're going 00:28:38.920 --> 00:28:39.440 to find Him. 00:28:39.440 --> 00:28:41.240 He'll be wrapped up 00:28:41.240 --> 00:28:41.600 as a baby 00:28:41.600 --> 00:28:42.440 should be wrapped up, 00:28:42.759 --> 00:28:43.620 but He'll be lying 00:28:43.620 --> 00:28:45.120 in a manger. 00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:45.559 It gives them 00:28:45.559 --> 00:28:46.160 what they need 00:28:46.160 --> 00:28:46.720 to go find Him. 00:28:46.740 --> 00:28:47.400 We find out later 00:28:47.400 --> 00:28:48.200 that they do in fact 00:28:48.200 --> 00:28:49.660 go find Him 00:28:49.660 --> 00:28:51.980 and worship Him. 00:28:52.220 --> 00:28:53.039 Before they do, 00:28:53.160 --> 00:28:54.279 a heavenly host 00:28:54.279 --> 00:28:55.980 joins the purpose 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:56.740 of this angel, 00:28:56.880 --> 00:28:57.680 this proclamation 00:28:57.680 --> 00:28:59.180 of good news, 00:28:59.240 --> 00:28:59.980 of great joy 00:28:59.980 --> 00:29:01.180 for all the peoples. 00:29:01.860 --> 00:29:02.240 Suddenly, 00:29:02.380 --> 00:29:03.039 verse 13, 00:29:03.039 --> 00:29:04.500 with the angel 00:29:04.500 --> 00:29:05.619 a multitude. 00:29:06.460 --> 00:29:07.159 Multitude is 00:29:07.159 --> 00:29:08.720 most often used 00:29:08.720 --> 00:29:09.139 in the Bible 00:29:09.139 --> 00:29:10.039 to speak of a number 00:29:10.039 --> 00:29:11.420 too great to count. 00:29:12.500 --> 00:29:13.659 I have a felt board 00:29:13.659 --> 00:29:14.339 and I'm felt boarding 00:29:14.339 --> 00:29:14.799 this morning 00:29:14.799 --> 00:29:15.399 and I only had 00:29:15.399 --> 00:29:17.019 five extra angels. 00:29:17.139 --> 00:29:18.159 It was a sad multitude. 00:29:18.359 --> 00:29:19.019 This is not that 00:29:19.019 --> 00:29:19.779 kind of multitude. 00:29:20.059 --> 00:29:22.319 It's a massive number 00:29:22.319 --> 00:29:23.539 of heavenly hosts 00:29:23.539 --> 00:29:24.819 praising God 00:29:24.819 --> 00:29:25.339 and saying, 00:29:25.940 --> 00:29:27.039 Glory to God 00:29:27.039 --> 00:29:27.920 in the highest 00:29:27.920 --> 00:29:28.539 and on earth 00:29:28.539 --> 00:29:30.659 peace among those 00:29:30.659 --> 00:29:31.119 with whom 00:29:31.119 --> 00:29:32.119 He is pleased. 00:29:33.039 --> 00:29:34.099 The angels 00:29:34.099 --> 00:29:35.379 glorify God 00:29:35.379 --> 00:29:37.599 because of the peace 00:29:37.599 --> 00:29:39.240 that Christ brings. 00:29:39.779 --> 00:29:40.879 They're looking forward 00:29:40.879 --> 00:29:42.000 to the resurrection 00:29:42.000 --> 00:29:42.960 of Christ. 00:29:43.440 --> 00:29:44.680 They're joining in 00:29:44.680 --> 00:29:45.779 this song, 00:29:45.859 --> 00:29:46.599 this proclamation 00:29:46.599 --> 00:29:47.559 of good news 00:29:47.559 --> 00:29:48.519 that a Savior 00:29:48.519 --> 00:29:50.779 has been born. 00:29:51.480 --> 00:29:52.119 This peace 00:29:52.119 --> 00:29:52.940 they're speaking of 00:29:52.940 --> 00:29:54.019 is not good 00:29:54.019 --> 00:29:54.920 and happy feeling. 00:29:55.339 --> 00:29:57.099 It's not circumstantial stuff. 00:29:57.159 --> 00:29:58.240 It's not getting along 00:29:58.240 --> 00:29:58.819 with your parents 00:29:58.819 --> 00:30:00.139 when you go home 00:30:00.139 --> 00:30:02.139 or your estranged kids 00:30:02.139 --> 00:30:02.559 that come 00:30:02.559 --> 00:30:03.579 and visit. 00:30:03.960 --> 00:30:05.659 It's not a circumstantial peace. 00:30:05.720 --> 00:30:07.039 It's a peace with God 00:30:07.039 --> 00:30:08.339 that they're speaking of. 00:30:09.579 --> 00:30:10.619 Christ seeks 00:30:10.619 --> 00:30:11.759 to glorify God 00:30:11.759 --> 00:30:12.619 by saving 00:30:12.619 --> 00:30:14.480 His people. 00:30:15.200 --> 00:30:17.019 Peace among those 00:30:17.019 --> 00:30:18.619 with whom He is pleased. 00:30:19.460 --> 00:30:20.359 How do we please God? 00:30:21.119 --> 00:30:22.179 Faith in Christ. 00:30:22.700 --> 00:30:24.539 Put on Christ's righteousness. 00:30:24.759 --> 00:30:26.139 We have our penalty 00:30:26.139 --> 00:30:26.839 for our sin 00:30:26.839 --> 00:30:28.299 paid by Christ 00:30:28.299 --> 00:30:29.759 on the cross. 00:30:29.759 --> 00:30:31.660 Christ seeks 00:30:31.660 --> 00:30:32.480 to glorify God 00:30:32.480 --> 00:30:33.799 by saving 00:30:33.799 --> 00:30:34.379 His people. 00:30:35.460 --> 00:30:36.599 John 18, 37 00:30:36.599 --> 00:30:37.279 when Jesus 00:30:37.279 --> 00:30:38.559 is on trial 00:30:38.559 --> 00:30:39.500 with Pilate 00:30:39.500 --> 00:30:40.240 for the first time 00:30:40.240 --> 00:30:41.680 and Pilate says to Him 00:30:41.680 --> 00:30:42.299 verse 37, 00:30:42.500 --> 00:30:43.779 so you are a king? 00:30:44.779 --> 00:30:45.680 Jesus answered, 00:30:45.859 --> 00:30:47.240 you say that I am a king. 00:30:47.779 --> 00:30:48.799 For this purpose 00:30:48.799 --> 00:30:49.680 I was born 00:30:49.680 --> 00:30:51.160 and for this purpose 00:30:51.160 --> 00:30:51.900 I have come 00:30:51.900 --> 00:30:52.799 into the world 00:30:52.799 --> 00:30:54.279 to bear witness 00:30:54.279 --> 00:30:55.859 to the truth. 00:30:55.859 --> 00:30:58.039 everyone who is 00:30:58.039 --> 00:30:59.279 of the truth 00:30:59.279 --> 00:31:01.039 listens to my voice. 00:31:01.119 --> 00:31:01.679 What is the truth 00:31:01.679 --> 00:31:02.539 that He's talking about? 00:31:03.459 --> 00:31:04.379 It's the good news 00:31:04.379 --> 00:31:05.699 of great joy 00:31:05.699 --> 00:31:07.159 that He's referring to. 00:31:07.539 --> 00:31:08.740 It's the message 00:31:08.740 --> 00:31:10.039 of the kingdom of God 00:31:10.039 --> 00:31:11.059 that He had gone around 00:31:11.059 --> 00:31:11.659 and preached 00:31:11.659 --> 00:31:13.240 up to this point. 00:31:13.740 --> 00:31:16.339 It's this great high point 00:31:16.339 --> 00:31:17.139 in redemptive history 00:31:17.139 --> 00:31:18.659 that He's about to fulfill 00:31:18.659 --> 00:31:19.579 as He's having 00:31:19.579 --> 00:31:20.299 this conversation 00:31:20.299 --> 00:31:21.659 with Pilate. 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:23.559 John 8, 47 00:31:23.559 --> 00:31:24.259 so previously 00:31:24.259 --> 00:31:25.379 in John's Gospel 00:31:25.380 --> 00:31:26.380 whoever is of God 00:31:26.380 --> 00:31:27.120 this is Jesus speaking 00:31:27.120 --> 00:31:28.680 hears the words of God. 00:31:29.040 --> 00:31:30.000 Here's the truth. 00:31:30.540 --> 00:31:31.160 The reason why 00:31:31.160 --> 00:31:32.220 you do not hear them 00:31:32.220 --> 00:31:33.900 is that you are not 00:31:33.900 --> 00:31:35.920 of God. 00:31:37.640 --> 00:31:38.120 So, 00:31:38.520 --> 00:31:39.800 peace among those 00:31:39.800 --> 00:31:40.460 with whom 00:31:40.460 --> 00:31:41.920 He is pleased. 00:31:42.140 --> 00:31:43.600 Christ seeks to glorify God 00:31:43.600 --> 00:31:45.520 by saving His people. 00:31:46.720 --> 00:31:47.760 And the result of this 00:31:47.760 --> 00:31:50.500 Philippians 2, 9-11 00:31:50.500 --> 00:31:51.340 Therefore God 00:31:51.340 --> 00:31:54.000 has highly exalted Him 00:31:54.000 --> 00:31:54.740 and bestowed on Him 00:31:54.740 --> 00:31:56.140 the name that is above 00:31:56.140 --> 00:31:56.859 every name 00:31:56.859 --> 00:31:57.980 so that at the name of Jesus 00:31:57.980 --> 00:31:58.799 every knee should bow 00:31:58.799 --> 00:31:59.500 in heaven and on earth 00:31:59.500 --> 00:32:00.220 and under the earth 00:32:00.220 --> 00:32:01.960 and every tongue confess 00:32:01.960 --> 00:32:03.359 that Jesus Christ 00:32:03.359 --> 00:32:03.960 is Lord 00:32:03.960 --> 00:32:05.740 to the glory of God the Father. 00:32:07.480 --> 00:32:08.720 So I hope this morning 00:32:08.720 --> 00:32:10.099 that a short look 00:32:10.099 --> 00:32:10.660 at this text 00:32:10.660 --> 00:32:11.640 has aided you 00:32:11.640 --> 00:32:12.660 in marveling 00:32:12.660 --> 00:32:13.240 at the arrival 00:32:13.240 --> 00:32:14.120 of God incarnate 00:32:14.120 --> 00:32:16.019 and that your affections 00:32:16.019 --> 00:32:16.640 for Jesus Christ 00:32:16.640 --> 00:32:17.480 have been warmed 00:32:17.480 --> 00:32:18.240 this morning 00:32:18.240 --> 00:32:19.519 and that those affections 00:32:19.519 --> 00:32:20.380 will flavor 00:32:20.380 --> 00:32:22.299 the rest of your day. 00:32:22.960 --> 00:32:23.720 Let's pray together 00:32:23.720 --> 00:32:24.319 to that end.