WEBVTT 00:00:00.100 --> 00:00:07.919 Well, good morning everyone. It is 14 days until Christmas time. As Bing Crosby said, it's beginning to feel an awful lot like Christmas. 00:00:08.720 --> 00:00:13.160 Who's excited? Put your hands up. A bit of excitement this morning. Excellent. 00:00:13.980 --> 00:00:19.080 Here's what I want you to do. I want you to take that excitement and I want you to turn to Luke chapter 1. 00:00:19.480 --> 00:00:23.320 Take that excitement to Luke chapter 1 and we'll get into this story this morning. 00:00:24.059 --> 00:00:31.100 It's really exciting. This morning we're getting into the events that Luke describes leading up to the Christmas story. 00:00:31.920 --> 00:00:37.179 And as Paul said, just to mix it up just a little bit, what we're going to do, instead of one sermon, we're going to have three little sermons. 00:00:37.439 --> 00:00:39.920 That terrifies you by the look of things, but we'll get there. 00:00:40.179 --> 00:00:43.579 We're going to have three mini sermons and in between each we're going to sing a carol. 00:00:44.159 --> 00:00:48.159 And hopefully this will help us to get into this story because it is fantastic. 00:00:48.159 --> 00:00:55.579 So Luke chapter 1 and we're going to look at these characters that we've already read about, Zechariah and Elizabeth. 00:00:55.839 --> 00:01:00.959 So let's pray and let's ask for God's help as we turn to this chapter of Scripture this morning. 00:01:01.099 --> 00:01:05.259 Father, we thank you. We thank you so much for our time together this morning. 00:01:06.400 --> 00:01:08.039 And we thank you for your word. 00:01:09.379 --> 00:01:10.979 And we thank you for Christmas. 00:01:12.039 --> 00:01:15.359 And we thank you for everything that it represents to us. 00:01:15.359 --> 00:01:20.280 So, Father, we ask that this morning these perhaps familiar verses. 00:01:21.500 --> 00:01:23.939 Father, would you help us to grasp them anew? 00:01:24.060 --> 00:01:31.379 Would you help us to see their mind-blowing significance and their meaning in your plan, your grand plan of salvation? 00:01:32.599 --> 00:01:35.560 So would you come and would you teach us by your Holy Spirit? 00:01:36.239 --> 00:01:39.219 May he make your holy word alive to us, we pray. 00:01:39.659 --> 00:01:41.219 In Jesus' name. Amen. 00:01:41.219 --> 00:01:41.379 Amen. 00:01:42.980 --> 00:01:45.959 So I wonder what your favourite Christmas tradition is. 00:01:47.159 --> 00:01:50.039 I heard mine already from one of the children. 00:01:50.120 --> 00:01:50.920 I couldn't remember who it is. 00:01:50.980 --> 00:01:53.500 One of my favourite Christmas tradition is the Advent calendar. 00:01:54.219 --> 00:01:56.459 I don't know if anyone else is really into Advent calendars. 00:01:56.900 --> 00:01:58.239 I must add, it's got to be chocolate. 00:01:58.519 --> 00:02:01.200 And if I'm being really expensive, it's got to be Lindor. 00:02:01.259 --> 00:02:02.579 But we've gone for Cadbury's this year. 00:02:02.939 --> 00:02:04.500 So I love my Advent calendar. 00:02:05.560 --> 00:02:08.680 Reduced to clear at Tesco if anybody fancies coming late to the Advent party. 00:02:09.540 --> 00:02:13.700 I'm loving introducing my eldest daughter, Chloe, to the idea of an Advent calendar. 00:02:14.300 --> 00:02:17.159 And what we're doing, we're helping her opening the doors each morning. 00:02:17.240 --> 00:02:20.159 She seems to be a lot more interested in the chocolate than anything else. 00:02:20.200 --> 00:02:22.480 But she's getting into this idea of Advent as well. 00:02:23.400 --> 00:02:26.560 It's this thing we do, isn't it, as we build up to Christmas. 00:02:26.560 --> 00:02:28.120 This thing called Advent. 00:02:29.080 --> 00:02:33.300 And it helps us count down the days to the 25th of December. 00:02:33.420 --> 00:02:35.620 The day that we've all been looking forward to. 00:02:35.620 --> 00:02:38.620 Each morning we open a door. 00:02:39.599 --> 00:02:41.680 And then we get up the next morning, we open another door. 00:02:41.780 --> 00:02:44.580 And then we get up the next morning, we open another door. 00:02:44.680 --> 00:02:45.819 And you can feel it, can't you? 00:02:45.860 --> 00:02:49.099 That sense of excitement and anticipation. 00:02:49.640 --> 00:02:53.240 As you're counting down the days to the 25th, you see the doors fly open. 00:02:54.060 --> 00:02:55.200 Before you know it, there you are. 00:02:55.240 --> 00:02:56.860 Your whole thing is open. 00:02:56.920 --> 00:02:58.599 And you're at the 25th. 00:02:58.599 --> 00:03:02.599 But here's what I want you to picture this morning and imagine. 00:03:04.699 --> 00:03:07.439 Imagine how you would feel, consider how you would feel, 00:03:07.840 --> 00:03:12.780 if you didn't know when the end date of your Advent calendar was. 00:03:13.759 --> 00:03:15.099 You didn't know when that date was. 00:03:15.560 --> 00:03:20.680 What if day after day you woke and you opened your Advent calendar and you said, 00:03:20.759 --> 00:03:21.459 Is this the day? 00:03:22.379 --> 00:03:23.240 No, it's not today. 00:03:23.240 --> 00:03:26.520 And you got up the next day and you opened your calendar and you said, 00:03:26.600 --> 00:03:27.340 Is this the day? 00:03:28.300 --> 00:03:29.120 No, it's not today. 00:03:29.879 --> 00:03:33.800 And you did the same thing day after day after day. 00:03:33.900 --> 00:03:37.560 In fact, what if that waiting, it started as days? 00:03:38.719 --> 00:03:40.700 And then it turned into years. 00:03:41.680 --> 00:03:43.660 And then it turned into 10 years. 00:03:44.379 --> 00:03:46.540 And then it turned into 100 years. 00:03:46.539 --> 00:03:50.060 And then it turned into 400 years. 00:03:50.359 --> 00:03:52.620 And you still didn't know when that day was coming. 00:03:54.139 --> 00:03:56.219 How would you feel in the waiting? 00:03:56.939 --> 00:03:57.739 How would you feel? 00:03:59.099 --> 00:04:03.000 Because as we enter these events leading up to the first Christmas story, 00:04:03.259 --> 00:04:04.379 the Christmas morning, 00:04:05.060 --> 00:04:07.680 Luke introduces us to a people who are waiting. 00:04:09.060 --> 00:04:10.019 They're waiting. 00:04:10.399 --> 00:04:13.780 A people who have been waiting for 400 years. 00:04:13.780 --> 00:04:20.699 It's been 400 years since God last spoke through the last of the Old Testament prophets. 00:04:20.819 --> 00:04:24.220 Now, an awful lot has gone on in the world since then. 00:04:25.120 --> 00:04:27.899 But God speaking, not one of them. 00:04:28.939 --> 00:04:32.180 400 years of silence. 00:04:32.319 --> 00:04:37.459 Here in Luke chapter 1 are people who are waiting on God to act. 00:04:38.860 --> 00:04:40.259 Waiting for what? 00:04:40.259 --> 00:04:43.259 For God to do what he said he would do. 00:04:44.519 --> 00:04:46.199 And what did God say he would do? 00:04:46.279 --> 00:04:49.180 He said he would rescue his people from their enemies. 00:04:50.860 --> 00:04:53.099 And he said he would comfort his people. 00:04:54.120 --> 00:04:56.959 And he said he would be merciful to his people. 00:04:58.339 --> 00:05:01.759 And he said he would make his people a holy people. 00:05:02.639 --> 00:05:05.039 And he said he would bring people, others, 00:05:05.180 --> 00:05:09.039 from outside our people into our people to be part of our people. 00:05:09.040 --> 00:05:13.520 And our number would grow and grow and grow and we would worship this God in his presence together. 00:05:15.000 --> 00:05:17.319 And he said he would deal with our sin problem. 00:05:19.060 --> 00:05:22.200 But they've been waiting and they've been waiting and they've been waiting. 00:05:22.300 --> 00:05:26.080 And that day, that day has not yet come. 00:05:26.140 --> 00:05:31.400 And all the while, here are people who are living their lives in darkness. 00:05:31.399 --> 00:05:37.079 And so Luke chapter 1, he introduces us to two people. 00:05:38.120 --> 00:05:39.199 Firstly, to a priest. 00:05:39.839 --> 00:05:41.279 Verse 5 of chapter 1. 00:05:41.659 --> 00:05:42.359 We've got it there. 00:05:43.319 --> 00:05:43.759 Zechariah. 00:05:44.699 --> 00:05:46.779 And to his wife, Elizabeth. 00:05:47.879 --> 00:05:50.259 Now this came up in little Chloe's calendar this morning. 00:05:50.399 --> 00:05:51.279 Zechariah and Elizabeth. 00:05:51.539 --> 00:05:54.519 She, we're kind of doing the whole one syllable name thing just now. 00:05:54.620 --> 00:05:55.799 So we went for Zech and Liz. 00:05:56.599 --> 00:05:58.139 So here are Zech and Liz. 00:05:58.139 --> 00:05:58.539 Zechariah. 00:05:58.539 --> 00:06:00.000 And what are they doing? 00:06:00.099 --> 00:06:01.579 They are waiting. 00:06:02.159 --> 00:06:04.199 And do you see how Luke describes them in that chapter? 00:06:05.639 --> 00:06:08.039 They are righteous in the things of God. 00:06:09.139 --> 00:06:11.860 They are people who are diligent in keeping God's law. 00:06:12.959 --> 00:06:16.039 They are a couple who love and who trust God. 00:06:17.159 --> 00:06:22.000 But in their waiting and in their working, they are no doubt asking, 00:06:22.000 --> 00:06:24.439 When is our God coming? 00:06:25.300 --> 00:06:26.139 When is he coming? 00:06:27.259 --> 00:06:28.540 We've heard the prophecies. 00:06:28.680 --> 00:06:32.519 We've had them passed down to us generation after generation after generation. 00:06:32.600 --> 00:06:33.759 We've heard the prophecies. 00:06:34.160 --> 00:06:35.240 We've heard our God. 00:06:35.519 --> 00:06:37.040 Our God, he makes promises. 00:06:38.660 --> 00:06:40.899 But will our God keep his promises? 00:06:40.899 --> 00:06:47.179 So as we pause just there, let's stand and let's sing this great carol that's going to help us, 00:06:47.560 --> 00:06:49.439 I think, just reflect a lot of those sentiments. 00:06:49.599 --> 00:06:52.060 O come, O come, Emmanuel. 00:06:52.239 --> 00:06:53.479 Let's stand and sing this together. 00:06:55.759 --> 00:06:56.819 So here we are. 00:06:57.339 --> 00:06:59.459 Zech and Liz, they're playing the waiting game. 00:07:00.779 --> 00:07:05.899 But little do they know that God is about to shake things up in hugely unexpected ways. 00:07:05.899 --> 00:07:11.279 And we have to say that this passage is full of the unexpected, isn't it? 00:07:11.739 --> 00:07:12.899 It's full of the unexpected. 00:07:13.639 --> 00:07:17.799 Firstly, did you notice, do you see that there's an unexpected plan? 00:07:19.099 --> 00:07:23.019 So here are an elderly and faithful and godly couple. 00:07:23.139 --> 00:07:24.039 But what are we told? 00:07:24.719 --> 00:07:26.319 They're unable to have a child. 00:07:27.839 --> 00:07:31.819 That can't be in the script for how they saw their lives going, can it? 00:07:32.620 --> 00:07:33.759 I mean, that's painful. 00:07:35.899 --> 00:07:40.159 And that, in that culture, that's got to be, that is, that's shameful for them. 00:07:40.919 --> 00:07:45.039 So here are a couple wondering in their own lives, where is God in all of this? 00:07:46.359 --> 00:07:47.560 But God has his plan. 00:07:48.599 --> 00:07:51.839 For secondly, do you notice that there's an unexpected job? 00:07:53.239 --> 00:07:57.339 Zechariah, if you see it, verse 5, his day job, well, he's a priest. 00:07:58.179 --> 00:08:03.560 And he normally serves somewhere in the Judean hills, but twice a year for one week, 00:08:03.560 --> 00:08:07.519 his division are on duty in Jerusalem at the temple. 00:08:08.300 --> 00:08:12.060 And within his division, there would have been something like 800 priests. 00:08:13.220 --> 00:08:17.259 And we're told, Luke tells us, that Zechariah, he hits the jackpot. 00:08:19.040 --> 00:08:22.379 He's selected by, what are we told, random lot, 00:08:22.379 --> 00:08:27.240 to be the priest who tends the altar of incense. 00:08:27.439 --> 00:08:28.480 Where is that? 00:08:29.000 --> 00:08:30.480 Well, it's right in the temple. 00:08:31.360 --> 00:08:34.919 He is going to get within feet of the most holy place, 00:08:34.980 --> 00:08:37.679 the place where God dwells. 00:08:38.019 --> 00:08:39.980 What a privilege for Zechariah. 00:08:40.799 --> 00:08:42.379 What an honor for this man. 00:08:42.679 --> 00:08:45.419 And make no mistake, this inner temple visit 00:08:45.419 --> 00:08:48.299 would have been the absolute highlight. 00:08:48.299 --> 00:08:51.899 It would have been the absolute pinnacle of his professional career. 00:08:53.639 --> 00:08:55.759 And I just think about, in your own line of work, 00:08:55.839 --> 00:08:57.459 what is it you do day on day? 00:08:57.519 --> 00:08:59.779 What would that look like for you to reach the pinnacle? 00:09:00.439 --> 00:09:01.599 What does it look like? 00:09:02.299 --> 00:09:03.139 Where would you go? 00:09:04.059 --> 00:09:04.939 What would you do? 00:09:05.899 --> 00:09:06.779 Who would you meet? 00:09:08.039 --> 00:09:09.019 How would you feel? 00:09:10.399 --> 00:09:14.479 Because this is Zechariah's pinnacle moment right here. 00:09:14.480 --> 00:09:18.940 In fact, so prestigious was this honor, 00:09:19.420 --> 00:09:22.360 we're told that once you had your turn, 00:09:22.440 --> 00:09:24.820 it's likely that that was you for your lifetime. 00:09:25.019 --> 00:09:25.519 Never again. 00:09:25.600 --> 00:09:27.360 This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 00:09:28.500 --> 00:09:30.879 And it's on this unexpected job that, 00:09:31.360 --> 00:09:33.759 thirdly, Zechariah gets an unexpected visit. 00:09:34.920 --> 00:09:35.879 So there he is. 00:09:35.940 --> 00:09:36.899 He's in the temple. 00:09:37.019 --> 00:09:38.000 He's going about his duties. 00:09:38.420 --> 00:09:39.960 He's offering incense. 00:09:40.620 --> 00:09:41.600 There he is praying. 00:09:41.600 --> 00:09:44.639 He's probably praying for his nation. 00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:46.639 He's praying for his people. 00:09:47.399 --> 00:09:49.279 And there he encounters an angel. 00:09:50.200 --> 00:09:51.879 Verse 12, how does he react? 00:09:52.399 --> 00:09:53.480 Cute and cuddly angel? 00:09:54.120 --> 00:09:54.440 No. 00:09:54.580 --> 00:09:55.920 Verse 12, how does he feel? 00:09:55.980 --> 00:09:56.940 He is terrified. 00:09:59.580 --> 00:10:01.159 Oh, what a panic in thy bristy. 00:10:01.300 --> 00:10:02.220 This is how he's feeling. 00:10:03.620 --> 00:10:04.820 What does this mean? 00:10:05.519 --> 00:10:06.420 What does this mean? 00:10:06.639 --> 00:10:07.639 Why are you here? 00:10:08.019 --> 00:10:08.899 What have I done? 00:10:08.899 --> 00:10:12.299 What does the angel Gabriel tell him? 00:10:12.659 --> 00:10:15.459 Fourthly, he tells him about an unexpected boy. 00:10:16.579 --> 00:10:18.799 Now, this couple may be getting on in life, 00:10:19.179 --> 00:10:20.399 but here is Gabriel, 00:10:20.860 --> 00:10:23.199 and he's telling Zechariah, 00:10:23.299 --> 00:10:26.439 there's a child on the way for you and Elizabeth. 00:10:28.620 --> 00:10:30.360 Now, I wonder, I was thinking about it this week. 00:10:30.419 --> 00:10:34.620 Why did God wait until Zechariah and Elizabeth 00:10:34.620 --> 00:10:37.939 were really old before he sent them a child? 00:10:37.940 --> 00:10:40.820 You wondered that as you've read this passage before, perhaps? 00:10:41.320 --> 00:10:42.480 Why does God wait? 00:10:43.900 --> 00:10:45.440 I'm just trying to picture it this week. 00:10:45.540 --> 00:10:48.400 Imagine an aging Zechariah trying to play catch 00:10:48.400 --> 00:10:49.740 with John the Baptist in the backyard. 00:10:50.440 --> 00:10:51.220 He's old. 00:10:51.420 --> 00:10:53.400 Why is God waiting until they're old? 00:10:55.180 --> 00:10:56.600 Well, surely it's to teach them, 00:10:57.780 --> 00:11:01.080 and it's to teach us that our God is God over all, 00:11:01.080 --> 00:11:05.379 that our God, he is God who is in control, 00:11:06.600 --> 00:11:08.900 that our God is sovereign, 00:11:09.100 --> 00:11:11.900 and he's purposeful in what he does and in his ways, 00:11:12.500 --> 00:11:14.940 and our God has a plan that will unfold 00:11:14.940 --> 00:11:17.480 in his perfect timing for his glory, 00:11:18.480 --> 00:11:19.780 and for his glory alone. 00:11:19.779 --> 00:11:24.199 And so Liz and Zech, what are we told? 00:11:24.299 --> 00:11:25.720 They're reunited, he comes home, 00:11:25.759 --> 00:11:26.720 and as they come together, 00:11:26.839 --> 00:11:28.559 here is a heavenly guarantee 00:11:28.559 --> 00:11:31.600 that Liz, against all the odds, 00:11:31.659 --> 00:11:32.759 is going to conceive. 00:11:35.000 --> 00:11:36.100 And they're not going to have to wait 00:11:36.100 --> 00:11:38.179 to the 20-week scan to find out the gender. 00:11:38.439 --> 00:11:39.139 Do you notice that? 00:11:39.519 --> 00:11:40.059 It's a boy. 00:11:41.519 --> 00:11:43.639 And they are going to have to go through that process 00:11:43.639 --> 00:11:45.819 of trying to write down every possible name 00:11:45.820 --> 00:11:47.060 for a boy and a girl 00:11:47.060 --> 00:11:49.200 until actually the birth happens. 00:11:49.440 --> 00:11:50.640 What is he going to be called? 00:11:50.720 --> 00:11:52.040 He's going to be called John. 00:11:53.020 --> 00:11:53.920 Verse 13. 00:11:54.320 --> 00:11:55.780 And you see, immediately we see 00:11:55.780 --> 00:11:56.780 that there's a plan 00:11:56.780 --> 00:11:58.660 and there's a purpose for this bairn. 00:11:59.820 --> 00:12:01.580 And they're not left to wonder 00:12:01.580 --> 00:12:04.340 and to think about what he's going to grow up to become. 00:12:05.740 --> 00:12:07.400 Is he going to grow up to be a physician, 00:12:07.520 --> 00:12:08.140 do you think, Liz? 00:12:09.360 --> 00:12:10.840 Do you think he's going to grow up 00:12:10.840 --> 00:12:11.820 and he's going to be a musician? 00:12:12.920 --> 00:12:14.080 Do you think he's going to grow up 00:12:14.080 --> 00:12:15.340 and he's going to play center forward 00:12:15.340 --> 00:12:15.960 for a united? 00:12:17.320 --> 00:12:18.560 Do you see how there's a plan 00:12:18.560 --> 00:12:21.340 and there's a purpose from heaven for this boy? 00:12:22.440 --> 00:12:23.399 There's a plan. 00:12:24.379 --> 00:12:26.220 He's already been assigned his job 00:12:26.220 --> 00:12:27.180 from heaven's quarters. 00:12:27.340 --> 00:12:28.639 And do you notice the language 00:12:28.639 --> 00:12:30.139 that Gabriel uses here? 00:12:30.879 --> 00:12:33.320 It's language from the prophet Malachi 00:12:33.320 --> 00:12:35.580 about one who will come 00:12:35.580 --> 00:12:36.980 before the day of the Lord, 00:12:37.080 --> 00:12:38.980 before he comes to his temple. 00:12:39.560 --> 00:12:41.480 And he will come in the spirit of Elijah. 00:12:42.100 --> 00:12:43.400 That's how John is described. 00:12:43.399 --> 00:12:45.679 That is who John is going to be. 00:12:45.740 --> 00:12:46.500 And what will he do? 00:12:46.699 --> 00:12:47.899 Look at verse 17. 00:12:49.079 --> 00:12:52.399 He will prepare the way of the Lord. 00:12:53.980 --> 00:12:54.899 And if you're on the ball, 00:12:54.980 --> 00:12:57.019 you'll notice in the surrounding verses there, 00:12:57.100 --> 00:12:59.179 the word turn used twice. 00:13:00.179 --> 00:13:00.899 Look at it there. 00:13:00.980 --> 00:13:01.879 See if you can see it. 00:13:02.079 --> 00:13:02.840 Use twice. 00:13:03.480 --> 00:13:05.379 Because that's John's role here 00:13:05.379 --> 00:13:07.320 in salvation history. 00:13:07.439 --> 00:13:10.000 To turn people from their sin 00:13:10.000 --> 00:13:12.840 and to turn them back 00:13:12.840 --> 00:13:14.000 to the Lord their God. 00:13:14.059 --> 00:13:14.919 He's a turner. 00:13:16.179 --> 00:13:18.480 And he's going to get people sensitized. 00:13:18.600 --> 00:13:19.860 He's going to get people ready. 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:21.279 He's going to get people prepared 00:13:21.279 --> 00:13:23.860 for the coming of Jesus. 00:13:24.700 --> 00:13:26.200 And John will be great. 00:13:26.200 --> 00:13:31.140 It sounds brilliant, doesn't it? 00:13:33.180 --> 00:13:34.000 Verse 18. 00:13:34.120 --> 00:13:36.480 How does Zechariah react? 00:13:38.480 --> 00:13:40.879 He doubts Gabriel's message. 00:13:40.960 --> 00:13:43.640 I think specifically we're intended to understand 00:13:43.640 --> 00:13:45.080 that he wants some kind of sign. 00:13:46.160 --> 00:13:48.100 He wants to know that God will actually do this. 00:13:48.140 --> 00:13:48.840 How does he know? 00:13:48.840 --> 00:13:53.480 And so he's temporarily sentenced to muteness. 00:13:54.980 --> 00:13:56.139 And so Zechariah, there he is. 00:13:56.180 --> 00:13:58.139 He serves the rest of his time at the temple 00:13:58.139 --> 00:14:00.340 and then he returns home to the hill country. 00:14:01.220 --> 00:14:02.899 He returns home to his wife. 00:14:03.580 --> 00:14:05.540 Now I would think about it this week. 00:14:05.759 --> 00:14:06.800 I love getting into passages 00:14:06.800 --> 00:14:07.700 and trying to imagine them. 00:14:08.560 --> 00:14:09.940 I'd love to have been a fly on the wall 00:14:09.940 --> 00:14:11.519 when Zechariah returned home to Elizabeth. 00:14:12.360 --> 00:14:12.860 Would you not? 00:14:12.940 --> 00:14:14.519 Presumably she knows nothing of the fact, 00:14:14.660 --> 00:14:15.860 firstly, that he's been selected 00:14:15.860 --> 00:14:16.940 for that temple duty. 00:14:17.440 --> 00:14:18.060 And second of all, 00:14:18.059 --> 00:14:18.939 what he's actually seen 00:14:18.939 --> 00:14:20.179 when he was in the temple. 00:14:21.019 --> 00:14:22.659 Imagine that scene as they get home. 00:14:22.859 --> 00:14:24.059 Zechariah can't speak. 00:14:24.679 --> 00:14:26.279 I like to think that what happened 00:14:26.279 --> 00:14:27.379 as he returned to the house 00:14:27.379 --> 00:14:30.219 was the most energetic game of charades 00:14:30.219 --> 00:14:31.159 the world has ever seen. 00:14:31.659 --> 00:14:33.000 As he tries to describe, 00:14:33.199 --> 00:14:34.119 communicate to Elizabeth 00:14:34.119 --> 00:14:34.919 what he's seen 00:14:34.919 --> 00:14:36.000 and what's happened to him. 00:14:36.879 --> 00:14:38.459 Kind of angel, baby, right? 00:14:38.839 --> 00:14:39.159 Do you see? 00:14:39.259 --> 00:14:40.319 He's trying to communicate this, 00:14:40.379 --> 00:14:41.139 but he can't. 00:14:41.719 --> 00:14:42.819 But this is what's going on 00:14:42.819 --> 00:14:43.799 in this man's life. 00:14:44.279 --> 00:14:45.339 This couple's life. 00:14:45.459 --> 00:14:46.219 God is moving 00:14:46.219 --> 00:14:47.319 and God is acting. 00:14:48.059 --> 00:14:49.619 And so fast forward 00:14:49.619 --> 00:14:50.439 nine months or so 00:14:50.439 --> 00:14:51.579 to verse 57 00:14:51.579 --> 00:14:53.059 and we read the actual birth 00:14:53.059 --> 00:14:53.759 of this boy. 00:14:54.899 --> 00:14:56.259 And we see fifthly 00:14:56.259 --> 00:14:57.539 to the gathering 00:14:57.539 --> 00:14:59.279 and the watching crowd at least 00:14:59.279 --> 00:15:00.639 that he's given 00:15:00.639 --> 00:15:02.259 an unexpected name. 00:15:03.799 --> 00:15:05.199 Now local custom of the day 00:15:05.199 --> 00:15:06.119 was that the son 00:15:06.119 --> 00:15:07.099 would be named after 00:15:07.099 --> 00:15:08.179 either the father 00:15:08.179 --> 00:15:08.839 or the grandfather. 00:15:09.619 --> 00:15:10.939 So the bookies favorite here 00:15:10.939 --> 00:15:11.639 for this boy 00:15:11.639 --> 00:15:12.679 is that he will be called 00:15:12.679 --> 00:15:13.659 Zechariah. 00:15:13.659 --> 00:15:16.939 And so when you can understand 00:15:16.939 --> 00:15:18.159 as Elizabeth suggests 00:15:18.159 --> 00:15:18.679 that no, no, no, 00:15:18.679 --> 00:15:19.860 he will be called John, 00:15:20.539 --> 00:15:22.500 that the surrounding crowd 00:15:22.500 --> 00:15:23.639 are puzzled 00:15:23.639 --> 00:15:24.500 and they're questioning 00:15:24.500 --> 00:15:25.299 her choice 00:15:25.299 --> 00:15:27.179 and they turn to Zechariah 00:15:27.179 --> 00:15:27.980 and what are we told? 00:15:28.059 --> 00:15:29.219 They motion to him. 00:15:30.179 --> 00:15:31.939 Again, two-way charades here. 00:15:32.500 --> 00:15:33.659 They motion to him 00:15:33.659 --> 00:15:34.100 and they say, 00:15:34.179 --> 00:15:35.120 are you going to step in 00:15:35.120 --> 00:15:36.399 and do something about this? 00:15:36.399 --> 00:15:38.799 And Zechariah, 00:15:38.879 --> 00:15:40.899 the man who doubted 00:15:40.899 --> 00:15:42.720 as he's thought upon 00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:43.620 the things of God 00:15:43.620 --> 00:15:44.539 over the time period 00:15:44.539 --> 00:15:45.740 before the birth of his boy, 00:15:45.819 --> 00:15:46.860 as he thinks about it, 00:15:47.120 --> 00:15:48.039 what do we see? 00:15:48.620 --> 00:15:49.779 That he is a man 00:15:49.779 --> 00:15:52.620 who now trusts in God 00:15:52.620 --> 00:15:53.919 and his plan 00:15:53.919 --> 00:15:55.100 and he now sees 00:15:55.100 --> 00:15:56.059 what God is up to 00:15:56.059 --> 00:15:57.019 in these events, 00:15:57.360 --> 00:15:58.600 that God has come 00:15:58.600 --> 00:16:00.100 to visit his people. 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:01.620 And what are we told? 00:16:01.699 --> 00:16:02.600 He takes his tablet, 00:16:04.159 --> 00:16:04.699 that's where Apple 00:16:04.699 --> 00:16:05.939 got the idea from presumably, 00:16:05.940 --> 00:16:06.960 he takes his tablet 00:16:06.960 --> 00:16:07.780 and what does he write? 00:16:07.860 --> 00:16:08.980 You can feel the drama. 00:16:09.960 --> 00:16:10.380 John. 00:16:11.100 --> 00:16:13.580 His name will be John. 00:16:14.120 --> 00:16:14.840 John's name, 00:16:14.920 --> 00:16:15.560 what does it mean? 00:16:15.720 --> 00:16:17.700 The Lord is gracious. 00:16:19.400 --> 00:16:20.860 He is gracious. 00:16:21.120 --> 00:16:21.860 So fitting 00:16:21.860 --> 00:16:23.540 for what's going on here. 00:16:24.720 --> 00:16:26.560 That's exactly what Zechariah, 00:16:26.660 --> 00:16:27.980 he understands 00:16:27.980 --> 00:16:28.860 to be going on 00:16:28.860 --> 00:16:29.720 in these events. 00:16:30.740 --> 00:16:31.900 The Advent calendar 00:16:31.900 --> 00:16:33.420 that he's been opening 00:16:33.420 --> 00:16:35.140 day after day 00:16:35.139 --> 00:16:36.379 is today the day 00:16:36.379 --> 00:16:37.199 God's going to come? 00:16:37.360 --> 00:16:37.500 No. 00:16:37.639 --> 00:16:38.480 Is today the day 00:16:38.480 --> 00:16:39.179 God's going to come? 00:16:39.279 --> 00:16:39.519 No. 00:16:39.840 --> 00:16:41.259 And now he understands 00:16:41.259 --> 00:16:42.620 that God is coming 00:16:42.620 --> 00:16:44.840 and God is going to make good 00:16:44.840 --> 00:16:45.620 on the promises 00:16:45.620 --> 00:16:46.419 that he made 00:16:46.419 --> 00:16:47.100 to his people. 00:16:47.240 --> 00:16:47.779 That day 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:49.120 is on the horizon. 00:16:51.240 --> 00:16:52.279 And on a side note, 00:16:52.360 --> 00:16:52.860 isn't it 00:16:52.860 --> 00:16:54.419 interesting 00:16:54.419 --> 00:16:57.539 that we're told here, 00:16:57.620 --> 00:16:58.240 Luke tells us 00:16:58.240 --> 00:16:58.980 just how much 00:16:58.980 --> 00:17:00.059 this whole episode, 00:17:00.059 --> 00:17:01.939 it grabbed the attention 00:17:01.940 --> 00:17:02.680 of their neighbors 00:17:02.680 --> 00:17:04.380 in passing. 00:17:04.539 --> 00:17:05.120 Do you notice that? 00:17:05.180 --> 00:17:05.840 They looked in 00:17:05.840 --> 00:17:07.000 and they looked 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:07.799 into this couple, 00:17:07.880 --> 00:17:08.940 they looked into this house 00:17:08.940 --> 00:17:09.720 and they saw 00:17:09.720 --> 00:17:12.160 that God was up to something. 00:17:12.840 --> 00:17:13.640 They looked in 00:17:13.640 --> 00:17:14.759 and they saw 00:17:14.759 --> 00:17:16.400 that God was working 00:17:16.400 --> 00:17:17.360 in marvelous 00:17:17.360 --> 00:17:18.740 and mysterious ways. 00:17:19.880 --> 00:17:20.759 And as they saw 00:17:20.759 --> 00:17:21.740 that the worship 00:17:21.740 --> 00:17:22.640 and the wonder 00:17:22.640 --> 00:17:23.360 that filled 00:17:23.360 --> 00:17:24.299 that household, 00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:27.340 and as they hear 00:17:27.340 --> 00:17:29.340 Zechariah now unmuted 00:17:29.339 --> 00:17:30.859 and with his tongue 00:17:30.859 --> 00:17:31.459 unloosed, 00:17:31.619 --> 00:17:32.399 praising God 00:17:32.399 --> 00:17:33.139 like he's never 00:17:33.139 --> 00:17:34.299 praised God before, 00:17:35.159 --> 00:17:35.899 what are we told 00:17:35.899 --> 00:17:37.000 at verse 65? 00:17:38.779 --> 00:17:40.399 The people were filled 00:17:40.399 --> 00:17:42.139 with awe. 00:17:43.159 --> 00:17:44.359 And the news 00:17:44.359 --> 00:17:45.599 of what God was doing 00:17:45.599 --> 00:17:46.379 in these events, 00:17:46.459 --> 00:17:48.899 it spread wide. 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:51.299 It spread everywhere. 00:17:52.799 --> 00:17:54.139 Now it made me think. 00:17:57.079 --> 00:17:58.559 What do my neighbors think? 00:17:59.339 --> 00:18:00.859 As they look into my life? 00:18:01.439 --> 00:18:02.839 As they look into our house? 00:18:03.500 --> 00:18:04.059 Or flat? 00:18:04.839 --> 00:18:06.019 Neighbors both physically 00:18:06.019 --> 00:18:06.899 up in the stairwell, 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:07.220 yes, 00:18:07.319 --> 00:18:08.039 but neighbors, 00:18:08.139 --> 00:18:08.779 the people who we rub 00:18:08.779 --> 00:18:09.939 shoulders with every day, 00:18:10.039 --> 00:18:11.279 what do they see 00:18:11.279 --> 00:18:12.619 as they look into our lives? 00:18:14.759 --> 00:18:16.139 Does the joy 00:18:16.139 --> 00:18:17.119 of this couple, 00:18:17.220 --> 00:18:17.939 of this family, 00:18:18.039 --> 00:18:19.299 about what God is doing 00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:20.839 at Christmas, 00:18:21.339 --> 00:18:22.299 do I share 00:18:22.299 --> 00:18:24.059 that thrill and joy? 00:18:25.299 --> 00:18:26.419 Is that joy 00:18:26.419 --> 00:18:27.339 my joy? 00:18:27.339 --> 00:18:28.139 Is I understand 00:18:28.139 --> 00:18:29.559 what God is doing here? 00:18:30.500 --> 00:18:31.759 And does that joy, 00:18:31.819 --> 00:18:32.779 does it spill out 00:18:32.779 --> 00:18:33.220 from me 00:18:33.220 --> 00:18:34.019 to the rest 00:18:34.019 --> 00:18:34.819 of this community? 00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:36.439 It's a big challenge 00:18:36.439 --> 00:18:36.799 for us, 00:18:36.839 --> 00:18:37.159 isn't it? 00:18:38.039 --> 00:18:38.599 I wonder how 00:18:38.599 --> 00:18:39.659 you feel 00:18:39.659 --> 00:18:40.039 as you feel 00:18:40.039 --> 00:18:40.539 that challenge 00:18:40.539 --> 00:18:41.019 this morning. 00:18:41.519 --> 00:18:42.339 Wouldn't it be great 00:18:42.339 --> 00:18:44.139 as we look forward 00:18:44.139 --> 00:18:44.939 to next Sunday 00:18:44.939 --> 00:18:46.119 or our Christmas events? 00:18:46.899 --> 00:18:47.619 Wouldn't it be fantastic 00:18:47.619 --> 00:18:48.179 if we all took 00:18:48.179 --> 00:18:48.740 the opportunity 00:18:48.740 --> 00:18:49.559 to try and share 00:18:49.559 --> 00:18:50.419 something this week? 00:18:51.480 --> 00:18:52.000 Share something, 00:18:52.059 --> 00:18:52.639 just maybe to one 00:18:52.640 --> 00:18:53.100 or two people 00:18:53.100 --> 00:18:54.000 share something, 00:18:54.280 --> 00:18:55.120 maybe share an invite, 00:18:55.240 --> 00:18:56.300 but particularly share 00:18:56.300 --> 00:18:57.860 something of the joy 00:18:57.860 --> 00:18:58.360 of what Christmas 00:18:58.360 --> 00:18:59.060 means to you? 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:01.160 I was really challenged 00:19:01.160 --> 00:19:01.780 on that this week. 00:19:01.840 --> 00:19:02.600 How often do I just 00:19:02.600 --> 00:19:03.620 never think about that? 00:19:04.500 --> 00:19:05.520 Here are a couple 00:19:05.520 --> 00:19:06.420 and they are filled 00:19:06.420 --> 00:19:07.140 with joy. 00:19:08.400 --> 00:19:09.820 Here is Zechariah 00:19:09.820 --> 00:19:11.300 filled with joy. 00:19:11.360 --> 00:19:11.740 His tongue 00:19:11.740 --> 00:19:13.100 loosened to employ 00:19:13.100 --> 00:19:13.759 the praises 00:19:13.759 --> 00:19:14.580 of his God. 00:19:15.020 --> 00:19:15.540 Why? 00:19:15.540 --> 00:19:15.600 Why? 00:19:17.020 --> 00:19:17.700 Because God 00:19:17.700 --> 00:19:18.700 makes promises 00:19:18.700 --> 00:19:18.840 promises 00:19:18.840 --> 00:19:20.299 and God 00:19:20.299 --> 00:19:21.420 keeps promises 00:19:21.420 --> 00:19:23.080 and prays him 00:19:23.080 --> 00:19:23.880 that that is true. 00:19:25.440 --> 00:19:26.059 So let's stand 00:19:26.059 --> 00:19:26.580 once more. 00:19:26.680 --> 00:19:27.120 This is the 00:19:27.120 --> 00:19:28.460 last hymn 00:19:28.460 --> 00:19:29.180 of this section here. 00:19:29.240 --> 00:19:30.039 Let's stand once more 00:19:30.039 --> 00:19:30.539 and let's sing 00:19:30.539 --> 00:19:32.019 this great Charles Wesley hymn 00:19:32.019 --> 00:19:32.740 that picks up 00:19:32.740 --> 00:19:33.660 in a lot of these things. 00:19:33.799 --> 00:19:34.180 Come, 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:36.180 thou long-expected Jesus, 00:19:36.440 --> 00:19:37.799 born to set 00:19:37.799 --> 00:19:38.779 thy people free. 00:19:39.620 --> 00:19:40.140 Let's stand 00:19:40.140 --> 00:19:40.880 and sing this together. 00:19:43.819 --> 00:19:44.740 And we've already 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:46.080 thought about the fact 00:19:46.080 --> 00:19:46.980 that so much 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:48.080 of this account here 00:19:48.079 --> 00:19:48.980 in Luke chapter 1 00:19:48.980 --> 00:19:50.059 is unexpected. 00:19:51.699 --> 00:19:52.259 Unexpected. 00:19:52.919 --> 00:19:53.960 But as we come 00:19:53.960 --> 00:19:55.199 to verse 68, 00:19:56.639 --> 00:19:58.419 we actually see 00:19:58.419 --> 00:19:59.159 that everything 00:19:59.159 --> 00:20:00.419 that is happening here, 00:20:00.559 --> 00:20:01.319 everything that is 00:20:01.319 --> 00:20:02.039 going down, 00:20:02.859 --> 00:20:03.679 is going down 00:20:03.679 --> 00:20:04.500 exactly 00:20:04.500 --> 00:20:05.859 as God said 00:20:05.859 --> 00:20:06.579 it would go down. 00:20:07.259 --> 00:20:08.220 We might look at this 00:20:08.220 --> 00:20:08.839 and think everything 00:20:08.839 --> 00:20:09.779 is unexpected, 00:20:10.419 --> 00:20:11.240 but actually 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:11.819 as we look 00:20:11.819 --> 00:20:12.539 beyond 00:20:12.539 --> 00:20:13.399 and above, 00:20:13.599 --> 00:20:14.019 everything 00:20:14.019 --> 00:20:15.359 is going down 00:20:15.359 --> 00:20:16.859 as expected. 00:20:17.079 --> 00:20:17.419 Why? 00:20:18.079 --> 00:20:19.179 Because God 00:20:19.179 --> 00:20:20.139 makes promises 00:20:20.139 --> 00:20:21.679 and God 00:20:21.679 --> 00:20:22.399 keeps 00:20:22.399 --> 00:20:23.460 his promises. 00:20:24.519 --> 00:20:25.599 And it's here 00:20:25.599 --> 00:20:26.899 as we read 00:20:26.899 --> 00:20:28.339 of Zechariah's, 00:20:28.339 --> 00:20:29.419 his spirit-filled, 00:20:29.559 --> 00:20:30.859 burst into praise, 00:20:31.319 --> 00:20:32.079 that we begin 00:20:32.079 --> 00:20:32.960 to see the true 00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:33.740 significance 00:20:33.740 --> 00:20:35.419 of what is unfolding 00:20:35.419 --> 00:20:35.740 here, 00:20:35.779 --> 00:20:36.500 of what is happening. 00:20:37.579 --> 00:20:37.819 Now, 00:20:37.859 --> 00:20:38.319 what is he 00:20:38.319 --> 00:20:39.879 praising God for 00:20:39.879 --> 00:20:40.699 in these verses? 00:20:40.919 --> 00:20:41.460 Scan your eyes 00:20:41.460 --> 00:20:41.939 over it. 00:20:42.419 --> 00:20:42.839 What is he 00:20:42.839 --> 00:20:43.859 praising God for? 00:20:43.859 --> 00:20:45.619 What does he 00:20:45.619 --> 00:20:46.559 understand 00:20:46.559 --> 00:20:47.139 that God 00:20:47.139 --> 00:20:47.599 is doing 00:20:47.599 --> 00:20:48.659 in these events 00:20:48.659 --> 00:20:49.500 in his life, 00:20:49.539 --> 00:20:49.979 in the life 00:20:49.979 --> 00:20:50.659 of his people? 00:20:52.559 --> 00:20:53.519 I think the big 00:20:53.519 --> 00:20:54.459 theme of his 00:20:54.459 --> 00:20:55.799 prophecy, 00:20:55.979 --> 00:20:57.019 his words of praise, 00:20:57.099 --> 00:20:58.539 is salvation. 00:21:00.539 --> 00:21:01.539 You'll see him 00:21:01.539 --> 00:21:02.059 mention it 00:21:02.059 --> 00:21:03.119 in verse 69, 00:21:04.279 --> 00:21:04.819 that God 00:21:04.819 --> 00:21:06.259 has raised up 00:21:06.259 --> 00:21:06.899 a horn 00:21:06.899 --> 00:21:08.039 of salvation. 00:21:08.039 --> 00:21:08.980 That's language 00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:09.659 representative 00:21:09.659 --> 00:21:10.659 of God 00:21:10.659 --> 00:21:11.420 raising up 00:21:11.420 --> 00:21:12.339 a strong king 00:21:12.339 --> 00:21:12.839 who's going to 00:21:12.839 --> 00:21:13.799 rule and reign 00:21:13.799 --> 00:21:14.539 for his people. 00:21:15.700 --> 00:21:16.099 Again, 00:21:16.200 --> 00:21:17.059 at verse 71, 00:21:17.240 --> 00:21:17.839 what does he speak 00:21:17.839 --> 00:21:18.039 of? 00:21:18.339 --> 00:21:18.859 Salvation 00:21:18.859 --> 00:21:20.559 from our enemies. 00:21:21.839 --> 00:21:22.240 And then 00:21:22.240 --> 00:21:23.279 verse 77, 00:21:23.460 --> 00:21:24.440 Zechariah's son, 00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:25.200 what will he be? 00:21:26.019 --> 00:21:26.200 Well, 00:21:26.200 --> 00:21:26.819 he will be the one 00:21:26.819 --> 00:21:27.339 who will give 00:21:27.339 --> 00:21:28.579 the people knowledge 00:21:28.579 --> 00:21:29.279 of what? 00:21:30.019 --> 00:21:30.539 God's 00:21:30.539 --> 00:21:31.579 salvation. 00:21:33.220 --> 00:21:33.740 Zechariah 00:21:33.740 --> 00:21:34.119 is, 00:21:34.259 --> 00:21:35.039 he's singing 00:21:35.039 --> 00:21:36.740 about salvation. 00:21:36.740 --> 00:21:36.880 salvation. 00:21:37.720 --> 00:21:38.299 Zechariah 00:21:38.299 --> 00:21:39.160 is praising 00:21:39.160 --> 00:21:40.539 God that he 00:21:40.539 --> 00:21:41.319 is coming 00:21:41.319 --> 00:21:43.559 to save 00:21:43.559 --> 00:21:44.160 his people. 00:21:45.120 --> 00:21:46.079 After years 00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:47.000 of silence, 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:48.819 years of silence, 00:21:48.960 --> 00:21:50.259 God is visiting 00:21:50.259 --> 00:21:51.519 his people again 00:21:51.519 --> 00:21:52.700 and that 00:21:52.700 --> 00:21:54.160 is cause 00:21:54.160 --> 00:21:55.359 for copious 00:21:55.359 --> 00:21:55.920 amounts of 00:21:55.920 --> 00:21:56.579 rejoicing. 00:21:58.519 --> 00:21:59.319 And as you 00:21:59.319 --> 00:22:00.240 follow his words, 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:01.819 there appear to be 00:22:01.819 --> 00:22:02.579 two aspects 00:22:02.579 --> 00:22:03.220 to this 00:22:03.220 --> 00:22:03.960 salvation. 00:22:05.160 --> 00:22:05.980 It's salvation 00:22:05.980 --> 00:22:07.380 from something 00:22:07.380 --> 00:22:08.980 and it's 00:22:08.980 --> 00:22:09.500 salvation 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:10.680 for something. 00:22:11.700 --> 00:22:12.640 From something 00:22:12.640 --> 00:22:13.799 and for something. 00:22:13.960 --> 00:22:14.440 Notice it. 00:22:14.519 --> 00:22:14.839 Firstly, 00:22:15.039 --> 00:22:15.680 God is coming 00:22:15.680 --> 00:22:16.440 to save 00:22:16.440 --> 00:22:17.000 his people, 00:22:17.539 --> 00:22:18.700 to redeem 00:22:18.700 --> 00:22:19.559 his people 00:22:19.559 --> 00:22:20.440 from their enemies. 00:22:20.620 --> 00:22:21.339 It's 00:22:21.339 --> 00:22:22.519 Exodus language 00:22:22.519 --> 00:22:23.279 that Zechariah 00:22:23.279 --> 00:22:23.960 is using here. 00:22:24.019 --> 00:22:24.420 That's what's 00:22:24.420 --> 00:22:24.779 happening. 00:22:25.660 --> 00:22:26.519 It's the language 00:22:26.519 --> 00:22:28.059 of rescue 00:22:28.059 --> 00:22:29.720 and deliverance, 00:22:29.839 --> 00:22:30.339 redemption. 00:22:31.200 --> 00:22:32.039 It's the language 00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:33.420 of the slave market, 00:22:33.620 --> 00:22:34.500 of buying, 00:22:34.500 --> 00:22:35.380 paying a price 00:22:35.380 --> 00:22:36.140 and buying 00:22:36.140 --> 00:22:37.220 somebody back. 00:22:39.019 --> 00:22:39.500 And I think 00:22:39.500 --> 00:22:40.339 ultimately it's 00:22:40.339 --> 00:22:40.880 speaking about 00:22:40.880 --> 00:22:41.880 the great rescue 00:22:41.880 --> 00:22:42.619 that God will do, 00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:43.680 the great deliverance 00:22:43.680 --> 00:22:44.259 that God will win 00:22:44.259 --> 00:22:44.900 for his people 00:22:44.900 --> 00:22:46.980 over their great 00:22:46.980 --> 00:22:48.700 spiritual enemy, 00:22:49.440 --> 00:22:50.380 their sin 00:22:50.380 --> 00:22:51.799 and their separation 00:22:51.799 --> 00:22:52.720 from God. 00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:55.079 And you'll notice 00:22:55.079 --> 00:22:55.940 that Zechariah, 00:22:56.019 --> 00:22:57.019 he sees this event 00:22:57.019 --> 00:22:58.180 not as a random 00:22:58.180 --> 00:22:58.740 birth, 00:22:59.359 --> 00:22:59.880 not as a 00:22:59.880 --> 00:23:01.299 something that's 00:23:01.299 --> 00:23:02.380 happened out of the blue, 00:23:02.380 --> 00:23:03.220 but he sees it 00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:03.860 as the very 00:23:03.860 --> 00:23:04.320 fulfillment 00:23:04.320 --> 00:23:05.100 of what God 00:23:05.100 --> 00:23:05.880 had promised 00:23:05.880 --> 00:23:06.560 and God 00:23:06.560 --> 00:23:06.880 had said 00:23:06.880 --> 00:23:07.400 he would do. 00:23:08.380 --> 00:23:08.840 So here 00:23:08.840 --> 00:23:09.320 do you notice 00:23:09.320 --> 00:23:10.080 that Zechariah, 00:23:10.180 --> 00:23:11.380 he's looking back 00:23:11.380 --> 00:23:12.080 down the corridors 00:23:12.080 --> 00:23:12.820 of time 00:23:12.820 --> 00:23:14.220 and he's connecting 00:23:14.220 --> 00:23:15.140 the events, 00:23:15.640 --> 00:23:15.800 sorry, 00:23:15.880 --> 00:23:16.800 the ancient promises 00:23:16.800 --> 00:23:17.640 that God made. 00:23:17.720 --> 00:23:18.880 He's connecting them 00:23:18.880 --> 00:23:20.000 with what he's seeing 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:20.780 playing out in front 00:23:20.780 --> 00:23:21.160 of him, 00:23:21.540 --> 00:23:22.880 especially the ancient 00:23:22.880 --> 00:23:23.700 promises made 00:23:23.700 --> 00:23:24.360 to David 00:23:24.360 --> 00:23:25.940 and to Abraham. 00:23:26.460 --> 00:23:27.660 That God would send 00:23:27.660 --> 00:23:28.780 a rescuer. 00:23:29.400 --> 00:23:30.480 That God would send 00:23:30.480 --> 00:23:31.759 a mighty king. 00:23:32.120 --> 00:23:33.180 That God would send 00:23:33.180 --> 00:23:33.940 one who would bring 00:23:33.940 --> 00:23:36.279 blessing to the nations 00:23:36.279 --> 00:23:37.360 and he would do it 00:23:37.360 --> 00:23:38.279 through one of their 00:23:38.279 --> 00:23:38.839 descendants. 00:23:42.220 --> 00:23:43.360 And so he's connecting 00:23:43.360 --> 00:23:44.019 that 00:23:44.019 --> 00:23:46.339 with these events. 00:23:48.120 --> 00:23:49.740 Zechariah is celebrating 00:23:49.740 --> 00:23:51.360 the truth 00:23:51.360 --> 00:23:52.420 that should thrill us 00:23:52.420 --> 00:23:52.980 this morning, 00:23:53.079 --> 00:23:53.900 that our God, 00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:55.319 he makes promises 00:23:55.319 --> 00:23:56.819 and that our God 00:23:56.819 --> 00:23:58.720 keeps his promises. 00:23:58.720 --> 00:24:00.339 And do you notice 00:24:00.339 --> 00:24:01.200 that Zechariah 00:24:01.200 --> 00:24:02.940 clarifies 00:24:02.940 --> 00:24:04.640 the express purpose 00:24:04.640 --> 00:24:06.140 of this rescue mission? 00:24:07.079 --> 00:24:07.680 God is coming 00:24:07.680 --> 00:24:09.120 to make a way 00:24:09.120 --> 00:24:09.900 for his people 00:24:09.900 --> 00:24:10.559 to be saved 00:24:10.559 --> 00:24:11.420 from their sin 00:24:11.420 --> 00:24:12.940 and save them 00:24:12.940 --> 00:24:14.420 for a life 00:24:14.420 --> 00:24:14.940 of obedience 00:24:14.940 --> 00:24:15.579 and worship 00:24:15.579 --> 00:24:16.140 with him. 00:24:17.420 --> 00:24:18.279 Second half 00:24:18.279 --> 00:24:19.180 of verse 74, 00:24:19.440 --> 00:24:20.120 look at it there. 00:24:20.860 --> 00:24:21.779 God saves, 00:24:21.880 --> 00:24:22.620 what does he say? 00:24:23.220 --> 00:24:24.660 To enable us 00:24:24.660 --> 00:24:25.680 to serve him 00:24:25.680 --> 00:24:26.559 without fear 00:24:26.559 --> 00:24:27.899 in holiness 00:24:27.899 --> 00:24:29.659 and righteousness 00:24:29.659 --> 00:24:30.379 where? 00:24:30.839 --> 00:24:31.899 Before him 00:24:31.899 --> 00:24:34.259 all are days. 00:24:34.519 --> 00:24:35.440 Now there 00:24:35.440 --> 00:24:36.619 is the cry 00:24:36.619 --> 00:24:37.319 of a heart 00:24:37.319 --> 00:24:37.859 that has been 00:24:37.859 --> 00:24:38.720 electrified 00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:39.679 by God's word 00:24:39.679 --> 00:24:41.819 and by God's truth. 00:24:42.359 --> 00:24:42.940 And is that not 00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:43.919 a wonderful truth 00:24:43.919 --> 00:24:44.899 if we think about it 00:24:44.899 --> 00:24:45.960 in our Christian lives? 00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:47.019 The purpose 00:24:47.019 --> 00:24:47.779 of the gospel, 00:24:47.940 --> 00:24:48.859 what God was doing? 00:24:49.639 --> 00:24:50.619 That he hasn't 00:24:50.619 --> 00:24:51.299 just saved us 00:24:51.299 --> 00:24:51.899 from our sin 00:24:51.899 --> 00:24:52.639 and let us loose 00:24:52.639 --> 00:24:53.480 to wander around 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:54.480 life aimlessly. 00:24:54.480 --> 00:24:56.579 that he saved us 00:24:56.579 --> 00:24:57.460 in order that we 00:24:57.460 --> 00:24:58.279 might have 00:24:58.279 --> 00:24:58.799 and live 00:24:58.799 --> 00:24:59.660 in fellowship 00:24:59.660 --> 00:25:00.400 with him. 00:25:00.940 --> 00:25:01.599 Knowing him 00:25:01.599 --> 00:25:02.519 as our God 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:04.220 and knowing him 00:25:04.220 --> 00:25:05.059 as our King, 00:25:05.559 --> 00:25:05.860 Lord, 00:25:06.120 --> 00:25:07.160 and Savior. 00:25:08.120 --> 00:25:09.420 To live the life 00:25:09.420 --> 00:25:10.240 that we were designed 00:25:10.240 --> 00:25:11.079 to live 00:25:11.079 --> 00:25:12.140 with the one 00:25:12.140 --> 00:25:13.039 who designed us 00:25:13.039 --> 00:25:14.620 in the first place. 00:25:15.620 --> 00:25:17.380 That is what salvation 00:25:17.380 --> 00:25:18.440 is all about. 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:20.339 That God is coming 00:25:20.339 --> 00:25:22.099 to save his people. 00:25:22.099 --> 00:25:24.519 the answer 00:25:24.519 --> 00:25:25.500 to the darkness 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:27.179 is that 00:25:27.179 --> 00:25:28.000 the light 00:25:28.000 --> 00:25:28.500 is coming 00:25:28.500 --> 00:25:29.019 from heaven. 00:25:29.959 --> 00:25:30.899 The answer 00:25:30.899 --> 00:25:31.859 to the captivity 00:25:31.859 --> 00:25:32.599 is that 00:25:32.599 --> 00:25:33.599 the rescuer 00:25:33.599 --> 00:25:34.119 is coming 00:25:34.119 --> 00:25:34.699 from heaven. 00:25:35.579 --> 00:25:35.959 Christmas 00:25:35.959 --> 00:25:37.599 is all about 00:25:37.599 --> 00:25:38.759 the gospel. 00:25:39.980 --> 00:25:40.559 All about 00:25:40.559 --> 00:25:41.139 the gospel. 00:25:42.079 --> 00:25:42.819 That the baby 00:25:42.819 --> 00:25:43.579 in the manger, 00:25:43.939 --> 00:25:44.519 get your heads 00:25:44.519 --> 00:25:45.480 around the incarnation 00:25:45.480 --> 00:25:45.899 by the way, 00:25:45.959 --> 00:25:46.759 I still can't 00:25:46.759 --> 00:25:47.099 get my head 00:25:47.099 --> 00:25:47.599 around it. 00:25:48.319 --> 00:25:48.980 The baby 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:49.679 in the manger, 00:25:49.680 --> 00:25:51.019 God 00:25:51.019 --> 00:25:52.820 in the flesh, 00:25:53.900 --> 00:25:54.660 the creator 00:25:54.660 --> 00:25:55.380 of all 00:25:55.380 --> 00:25:56.840 in a crib, 00:25:58.360 --> 00:25:59.700 came to be 00:25:59.700 --> 00:26:00.420 the king 00:26:00.420 --> 00:26:01.920 who would go 00:26:01.920 --> 00:26:02.820 to the cross. 00:26:04.200 --> 00:26:04.680 And what would 00:26:04.680 --> 00:26:05.320 he do there? 00:26:05.400 --> 00:26:05.740 He would 00:26:05.740 --> 00:26:06.920 reconcile 00:26:06.920 --> 00:26:08.480 all those 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:09.080 who believe 00:26:09.080 --> 00:26:09.700 and trust 00:26:09.700 --> 00:26:10.259 in him 00:26:10.259 --> 00:26:11.640 to their gods. 00:26:13.640 --> 00:26:14.720 It was Charles Spurgeon 00:26:14.720 --> 00:26:15.480 who famously 00:26:15.480 --> 00:26:16.320 said that 00:26:16.320 --> 00:26:17.600 Jesus may well 00:26:17.600 --> 00:26:18.340 be the cause 00:26:18.339 --> 00:26:19.119 of the greatest 00:26:19.119 --> 00:26:19.639 division, 00:26:20.619 --> 00:26:22.139 but he is also 00:26:22.139 --> 00:26:22.740 the cause, 00:26:22.859 --> 00:26:23.339 the medium 00:26:23.339 --> 00:26:24.379 of the greatest 00:26:24.379 --> 00:26:24.819 union. 00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:26.740 This is what 00:26:26.740 --> 00:26:28.279 God is doing 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:28.679 here. 00:26:29.299 --> 00:26:30.579 He is reconciling 00:26:30.579 --> 00:26:31.579 God and man. 00:26:32.419 --> 00:26:32.879 And you see 00:26:32.879 --> 00:26:33.659 how it's a wonder 00:26:33.659 --> 00:26:34.740 for Zechariah 00:26:34.740 --> 00:26:35.839 that his son 00:26:35.839 --> 00:26:36.319 John 00:26:36.319 --> 00:26:38.099 will go before 00:26:38.099 --> 00:26:38.899 Mary's boy 00:26:38.899 --> 00:26:40.599 and get the stage 00:26:40.599 --> 00:26:41.579 ready for him 00:26:41.579 --> 00:26:42.559 so that when 00:26:42.559 --> 00:26:43.240 he appears, 00:26:43.359 --> 00:26:43.779 what's he going 00:26:43.779 --> 00:26:44.059 to do? 00:26:44.119 --> 00:26:44.500 He's just going 00:26:44.500 --> 00:26:45.279 to shine the 00:26:45.279 --> 00:26:46.199 spotlight on him 00:26:46.200 --> 00:26:47.120 and say, 00:26:47.340 --> 00:26:47.960 don't look at me, 00:26:48.100 --> 00:26:48.759 don't look at me, 00:26:48.880 --> 00:26:49.620 don't look at you, 00:26:50.039 --> 00:26:50.779 look at him. 00:26:52.000 --> 00:26:52.480 Come 00:26:52.480 --> 00:26:53.840 to him. 00:26:54.380 --> 00:26:54.840 Come 00:26:54.840 --> 00:26:55.700 to him 00:26:55.700 --> 00:26:56.220 and repent 00:26:56.220 --> 00:26:57.220 of your sin. 00:26:58.360 --> 00:26:59.080 Be forgiven 00:26:59.080 --> 00:27:00.340 through him 00:27:00.340 --> 00:27:01.480 and have life 00:27:01.480 --> 00:27:02.559 in him. 00:27:04.140 --> 00:27:04.620 John really 00:27:04.620 --> 00:27:05.180 is the great 00:27:05.180 --> 00:27:05.660 preparer. 00:27:06.299 --> 00:27:06.880 The one who 00:27:06.880 --> 00:27:07.220 will say, 00:27:07.680 --> 00:27:07.720 come 00:27:07.720 --> 00:27:08.860 and look 00:27:08.860 --> 00:27:09.559 at Jesus. 00:27:11.019 --> 00:27:11.840 Praise him, 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:12.860 says Zechariah. 00:27:13.039 --> 00:27:13.680 Praise 00:27:13.680 --> 00:27:14.720 our God 00:27:14.720 --> 00:27:15.560 that he makes 00:27:15.560 --> 00:27:16.080 promises 00:27:16.080 --> 00:27:17.440 and he keeps 00:27:17.440 --> 00:27:17.940 promises. 00:27:20.279 --> 00:27:20.519 And so 00:27:20.519 --> 00:27:21.299 as we leave 00:27:21.299 --> 00:27:22.460 Zech and Liz 00:27:22.460 --> 00:27:22.960 this morning, 00:27:23.700 --> 00:27:25.060 let me just ask 00:27:25.060 --> 00:27:25.980 you two questions. 00:27:26.680 --> 00:27:27.500 Two questions 00:27:27.500 --> 00:27:27.900 I think 00:27:27.900 --> 00:27:28.860 were challenged 00:27:28.860 --> 00:27:29.960 from this passage. 00:27:30.640 --> 00:27:31.519 First of all, 00:27:32.220 --> 00:27:32.779 how are we 00:27:32.779 --> 00:27:33.160 waiting? 00:27:35.220 --> 00:27:35.759 How are we 00:27:35.759 --> 00:27:36.080 waiting? 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:38.340 These two 00:27:38.340 --> 00:27:39.240 individuals here 00:27:39.240 --> 00:27:39.740 in Luke 1, 00:27:39.820 --> 00:27:40.460 they might at 00:27:40.460 --> 00:27:41.019 first glance 00:27:41.019 --> 00:27:41.920 seem so irrelevant 00:27:41.920 --> 00:27:42.580 to us. 00:27:43.680 --> 00:27:44.480 But when you 00:27:44.480 --> 00:27:45.259 think about it, 00:27:46.080 --> 00:27:47.140 what an example 00:27:47.140 --> 00:27:47.779 they are 00:27:47.779 --> 00:27:48.700 of what it 00:27:48.700 --> 00:27:49.140 means to 00:27:49.140 --> 00:27:50.480 wait well. 00:27:52.860 --> 00:27:53.779 Here they are 00:27:53.779 --> 00:27:54.440 waiting for the 00:27:54.440 --> 00:27:55.120 first coming 00:27:55.120 --> 00:27:55.820 of Christ. 00:27:57.779 --> 00:27:58.320 Trusting 00:27:58.320 --> 00:27:58.840 and hoping 00:27:58.840 --> 00:27:59.620 and clinging 00:27:59.620 --> 00:28:00.860 in the midst 00:28:00.860 --> 00:28:01.440 of their doubts 00:28:01.440 --> 00:28:02.220 and questions, 00:28:03.060 --> 00:28:03.980 trusting God's 00:28:03.980 --> 00:28:05.160 words and 00:28:05.160 --> 00:28:06.259 living by faith 00:28:06.259 --> 00:28:06.779 in what God 00:28:06.779 --> 00:28:07.500 has said to be 00:28:07.500 --> 00:28:08.340 true rather 00:28:08.340 --> 00:28:08.820 than what they 00:28:08.820 --> 00:28:09.440 can see around 00:28:09.440 --> 00:28:09.660 them. 00:28:11.700 --> 00:28:11.980 You know, 00:28:12.019 --> 00:28:12.420 we might not 00:28:12.420 --> 00:28:12.980 be waiting 00:28:12.980 --> 00:28:13.840 for the 00:28:13.840 --> 00:28:14.340 first coming 00:28:14.340 --> 00:28:14.779 of Christ 00:28:14.779 --> 00:28:15.279 anymore, 00:28:15.840 --> 00:28:16.140 as we 00:28:16.140 --> 00:28:16.779 celebrate 00:28:16.779 --> 00:28:17.880 his coming. 00:28:18.980 --> 00:28:19.380 But here 00:28:19.380 --> 00:28:20.000 we are today 00:28:20.000 --> 00:28:20.340 and we're 00:28:20.340 --> 00:28:21.860 waiting for 00:28:21.860 --> 00:28:22.380 his second 00:28:22.380 --> 00:28:22.759 coming. 00:28:23.539 --> 00:28:24.340 When this 00:28:24.340 --> 00:28:25.200 mighty king, 00:28:25.340 --> 00:28:26.200 the Lord 00:28:26.200 --> 00:28:27.060 Jesus Christ, 00:28:27.160 --> 00:28:27.860 will return, 00:28:27.980 --> 00:28:28.640 this time not 00:28:28.640 --> 00:28:29.220 as a helpless 00:28:29.220 --> 00:28:29.720 babe, 00:28:30.100 --> 00:28:31.200 but this time 00:28:31.200 --> 00:28:31.759 will return 00:28:31.759 --> 00:28:32.560 as a mighty 00:28:32.560 --> 00:28:33.640 king who 00:28:33.640 --> 00:28:34.320 will judge 00:28:34.320 --> 00:28:34.759 and who 00:28:34.759 --> 00:28:35.279 will win. 00:28:36.580 --> 00:28:36.960 And so the 00:28:36.960 --> 00:28:37.640 question I think 00:28:37.640 --> 00:28:38.320 from this passage 00:28:38.320 --> 00:28:39.340 for us is, 00:28:39.339 --> 00:28:40.779 are we waiting 00:28:40.779 --> 00:28:42.599 like Zech and 00:28:42.599 --> 00:28:42.899 Liz? 00:28:44.220 --> 00:28:44.659 How are we 00:28:44.659 --> 00:28:45.240 waiting this 00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:45.519 morning? 00:28:46.599 --> 00:28:47.500 And secondly, 00:28:47.659 --> 00:28:48.500 as we gaze 00:28:48.500 --> 00:28:49.259 upon the joy 00:28:49.259 --> 00:28:49.879 of these two 00:28:49.879 --> 00:28:50.539 individuals, 00:28:50.659 --> 00:28:51.379 I think Luke 00:28:51.379 --> 00:28:52.379 quite purposefully 00:28:52.379 --> 00:28:53.480 asks us his 00:28:53.480 --> 00:28:53.819 readers, 00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:55.279 have you 00:28:55.279 --> 00:28:55.899 entered into 00:28:55.899 --> 00:28:56.459 this joy? 00:28:58.039 --> 00:28:59.359 The joy alone 00:28:59.359 --> 00:29:00.319 that God can 00:29:00.319 --> 00:29:00.759 give? 00:29:02.299 --> 00:29:03.199 Do you see, 00:29:03.359 --> 00:29:04.419 do you understand 00:29:04.419 --> 00:29:05.959 what cause for 00:29:05.959 --> 00:29:07.059 celebration this 00:29:07.059 --> 00:29:07.939 baby in the 00:29:07.939 --> 00:29:08.679 manger was going 00:29:08.680 --> 00:29:09.060 to be? 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:11.360 Do you see 00:29:11.360 --> 00:29:12.620 that the hopes 00:29:12.620 --> 00:29:13.580 and fears of 00:29:13.580 --> 00:29:15.039 all the years 00:29:15.039 --> 00:29:16.720 really were met 00:29:16.720 --> 00:29:17.840 in Bethlehem 00:29:17.840 --> 00:29:18.420 that night? 00:29:19.299 --> 00:29:20.820 Do you see 00:29:20.820 --> 00:29:22.420 the one who 00:29:22.420 --> 00:29:23.240 gives joy? 00:29:23.799 --> 00:29:24.140 Have you 00:29:24.140 --> 00:29:25.680 entered into 00:29:25.680 --> 00:29:26.940 the joy this 00:29:26.940 --> 00:29:28.480 morning of 00:29:28.480 --> 00:29:29.120 knowing the 00:29:29.120 --> 00:29:29.920 salvation that 00:29:29.920 --> 00:29:30.759 God offers 00:29:30.759 --> 00:29:31.720 Christmas time 00:29:31.720 --> 00:29:32.380 in his son 00:29:32.380 --> 00:29:33.299 Jesus Christ? 00:29:34.380 --> 00:29:35.220 Do you know 00:29:35.220 --> 00:29:36.380 the joy of 00:29:36.380 --> 00:29:37.700 sins forgiven? 00:29:38.680 --> 00:29:39.539 Do you know 00:29:39.539 --> 00:29:40.680 the joy of 00:29:40.680 --> 00:29:41.720 conscience 00:29:41.720 --> 00:29:42.580 cleansed? 00:29:43.360 --> 00:29:44.220 Do you know 00:29:44.220 --> 00:29:46.039 life to the 00:29:46.039 --> 00:29:46.539 full? 00:29:47.220 --> 00:29:47.900 Life that is 00:29:47.900 --> 00:29:48.960 found in this 00:29:48.960 --> 00:29:49.600 baby in the 00:29:49.600 --> 00:29:49.860 manger? 00:29:51.299 --> 00:29:52.140 What is Luke 00:29:52.140 --> 00:29:52.820 saying to us 00:29:52.820 --> 00:29:53.060 here? 00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:54.240 Come and 00:29:54.240 --> 00:29:55.240 enter into the 00:29:55.240 --> 00:29:55.960 joy of knowing 00:29:55.960 --> 00:29:56.779 this baby in the 00:29:56.779 --> 00:29:57.440 manger as your 00:29:57.440 --> 00:29:58.940 king, as your 00:29:58.940 --> 00:30:00.460 saviour, and as 00:30:00.460 --> 00:30:00.900 your lord. 00:30:01.060 --> 00:30:02.080 And praise him, 00:30:02.779 --> 00:30:03.480 praise him 00:30:03.480 --> 00:30:04.360 eternally that 00:30:04.360 --> 00:30:05.840 our God, he 00:30:05.839 --> 00:30:06.639 makes promises, 00:30:07.539 --> 00:30:08.959 and our God, he 00:30:08.959 --> 00:30:09.439 keeps his 00:30:09.439 --> 00:30:09.799 promises. 00:30:12.500 --> 00:30:13.899 The chorus of 00:30:13.899 --> 00:30:15.639 the great 00:30:15.639 --> 00:30:16.220 carol we 00:30:16.220 --> 00:30:16.939 sang earlier, 00:30:17.079 --> 00:30:17.799 joy to the 00:30:17.799 --> 00:30:19.259 world, the 00:30:19.259 --> 00:30:19.819 Lord is 00:30:19.819 --> 00:30:21.259 come, let 00:30:21.259 --> 00:30:22.339 earth receive 00:30:22.339 --> 00:30:23.619 her king, let 00:30:23.619 --> 00:30:24.659 every heart 00:30:24.659 --> 00:30:26.339 prepare him 00:30:26.339 --> 00:30:27.980 room, and 00:30:27.980 --> 00:30:28.720 heaven and 00:30:28.720 --> 00:30:29.480 nature sing, 00:30:30.179 --> 00:30:31.240 and heaven and 00:30:31.240 --> 00:30:32.139 nature sing, and 00:30:32.139 --> 00:30:33.339 heaven and 00:30:33.339 --> 00:30:34.539 heaven and 00:30:34.539 --> 00:30:35.220 nature sing. 00:30:36.720 --> 00:30:37.159 What we're 00:30:37.159 --> 00:30:37.459 going to do 00:30:37.459 --> 00:30:38.099 just before we 00:30:38.099 --> 00:30:38.599 pray and 00:30:38.599 --> 00:30:39.079 close and 00:30:39.079 --> 00:30:39.659 stand to sing 00:30:39.659 --> 00:30:40.019 our last 00:30:40.019 --> 00:30:40.459 song, let's 00:30:40.459 --> 00:30:40.839 just have a 00:30:40.839 --> 00:30:41.119 time of 00:30:41.119 --> 00:30:41.439 quiet. 00:30:42.319 --> 00:30:42.659 We're so 00:30:42.659 --> 00:30:43.079 busy, aren't 00:30:43.079 --> 00:30:43.419 we, running 00:30:43.419 --> 00:30:43.959 around and 00:30:43.959 --> 00:30:44.240 we'll run 00:30:44.240 --> 00:30:44.980 around upstairs 00:30:44.980 --> 00:30:45.299 at the 00:30:45.299 --> 00:30:45.519 lunch. 00:30:45.579 --> 00:30:45.939 Let's just 00:30:45.939 --> 00:30:46.359 use this 00:30:46.359 --> 00:30:46.839 time just 00:30:46.839 --> 00:30:47.500 to be quiet 00:30:47.500 --> 00:30:48.079 and let's 00:30:48.079 --> 00:30:49.079 come before 00:30:49.079 --> 00:30:49.859 our Lord 00:30:49.859 --> 00:30:50.779 and our 00:30:50.779 --> 00:30:51.079 king and 00:30:51.079 --> 00:30:51.519 our saviour 00:30:51.519 --> 00:30:51.980 this morning 00:30:51.980 --> 00:30:52.439 before we 00:30:52.439 --> 00:30:52.699 pray. 00:30:56.339 --> 00:30:56.959 And so 00:30:56.959 --> 00:30:57.299 gracious 00:30:57.299 --> 00:30:57.939 father, we 00:30:57.939 --> 00:30:59.500 thank you for 00:30:59.500 --> 00:31:00.039 this morning. 00:31:01.259 --> 00:31:01.819 And we 00:31:01.819 --> 00:31:02.419 thank you as 00:31:02.419 --> 00:31:02.980 we look at 00:31:02.980 --> 00:31:03.880 Luke chapter 00:31:03.880 --> 00:31:05.539 one, that we 00:31:05.539 --> 00:31:06.160 see in 00:31:06.160 --> 00:31:06.660 glorious 00:31:06.660 --> 00:31:07.380 technicolor 00:31:07.380 --> 00:31:08.460 that you 00:31:08.460 --> 00:31:09.000 are a God 00:31:09.000 --> 00:31:09.740 who makes 00:31:09.740 --> 00:31:11.299 promises, and 00:31:11.299 --> 00:31:11.720 you are a 00:31:11.720 --> 00:31:12.059 God who 00:31:12.059 --> 00:31:13.120 keeps his 00:31:13.120 --> 00:31:13.559 promises. 00:31:14.799 --> 00:31:15.140 And we 00:31:15.140 --> 00:31:15.819 remember at 00:31:15.819 --> 00:31:16.360 this time of 00:31:16.360 --> 00:31:16.759 year, this 00:31:16.759 --> 00:31:17.460 Christmas time 00:31:17.460 --> 00:31:17.960 of year, that 00:31:17.960 --> 00:31:18.440 you are a 00:31:18.440 --> 00:31:19.000 God who has 00:31:19.000 --> 00:31:20.460 acted to 00:31:20.460 --> 00:31:21.120 save his 00:31:21.120 --> 00:31:22.640 people from 00:31:22.640 --> 00:31:24.120 their sin, from 00:31:24.120 --> 00:31:25.440 their darkness, and 00:31:25.440 --> 00:31:26.299 to the light, and 00:31:26.299 --> 00:31:26.900 to yourself. 00:31:28.160 --> 00:31:28.880 So would you 00:31:28.880 --> 00:31:29.680 help us at this 00:31:29.680 --> 00:31:30.440 Christmas time to 00:31:30.440 --> 00:31:32.240 rejoice, to 00:31:32.240 --> 00:31:32.980 rejoice, to 00:31:32.980 --> 00:31:34.240 rejoice, and 00:31:34.240 --> 00:31:35.019 what it means to 00:31:35.019 --> 00:31:35.380 be your 00:31:35.380 --> 00:31:35.740 people. 00:31:36.700 --> 00:31:37.359 Oh, Father, help 00:31:37.359 --> 00:31:38.279 us to marvel at 00:31:38.279 --> 00:31:38.839 the Christ. 00:31:39.839 --> 00:31:40.380 Help us to 00:31:40.380 --> 00:31:40.880 wait well. 00:31:41.420 --> 00:31:41.859 Help us to 00:31:41.859 --> 00:31:42.440 love you, we 00:31:42.440 --> 00:31:42.680 pray. 00:31:42.839 --> 00:31:43.579 In Jesus' name, 00:31:43.960 --> 00:31:44.259 Amen. 00:31:44.259 --> 00:31:44.380 Amen.