WEBVTT 00:00:00.320 --> 00:00:17.559 Father, we ask that you gently but deeply pour out the Holy Spirit upon us and bring the story of Christmas deeply to our heart, to the command center of our lives, where we might know you, Father, and we might be more and more and more shaped by the gospel. 00:00:18.240 --> 00:00:22.300 And all these things we ask in the name of Jesus, your Son and our Savior. Amen. 00:00:22.980 --> 00:00:23.839 Please be seated. 00:00:24.620 --> 00:00:27.300 So, my Christmas Eve sermons are always a bit weird. 00:00:27.300 --> 00:00:30.320 I know there's lots of little ones. I know they're very, very wiggly. 00:00:31.000 --> 00:00:36.039 And so we try to intersperse the sermon with some videos. 00:00:36.760 --> 00:00:39.640 Andrew, do you have the first video sort of lined up? 00:00:40.120 --> 00:00:40.640 Okay. 00:00:40.640 --> 00:00:40.740 Okay. 00:00:57.299 --> 00:00:59.219 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:00:59.219 --> 00:01:03.000 How lovely are we herening. 00:01:03.320 --> 00:01:04.959 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:01:05.259 --> 00:01:07.019 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:01:07.479 --> 00:01:11.019 In forest madness springing. 00:01:11.459 --> 00:01:14.959 Then in the name of Christmas joy, 00:01:15.319 --> 00:01:18.759 We speak your life to kill this joy. 00:01:19.039 --> 00:01:20.659 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:01:20.900 --> 00:01:22.679 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:01:23.179 --> 00:01:26.239 Now meet our answers swinging. 00:01:26.239 --> 00:01:32.259 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:01:32.259 --> 00:01:34.319 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:01:34.319 --> 00:01:37.780 With fire and rose now fairly. 00:01:38.339 --> 00:01:40.019 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:01:40.239 --> 00:01:41.919 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:01:42.379 --> 00:01:45.479 And from your home it's fairly. 00:01:46.359 --> 00:01:50.019 Set that a song with new friends. 00:01:50.459 --> 00:01:53.819 For long, for long, as you just best. 00:01:53.819 --> 00:01:55.819 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:01:55.819 --> 00:01:57.819 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:01:57.819 --> 00:02:01.439 Rest from your native dwelling. 00:02:01.439 --> 00:02:07.459 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:02:07.459 --> 00:02:09.459 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:02:09.459 --> 00:02:09.780 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:02:09.780 --> 00:02:13.579 With every hour decaying. 00:02:13.579 --> 00:02:15.479 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:02:15.739 --> 00:02:17.539 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:02:17.939 --> 00:02:21.560 Silver and altar reigning. 00:02:22.019 --> 00:02:25.599 With gentle trays to hide the crown. 00:02:26.099 --> 00:02:29.539 We blew the needles from the ground. 00:02:29.539 --> 00:02:31.539 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:02:31.539 --> 00:02:33.539 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:02:33.539 --> 00:02:33.599 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:02:33.599 --> 00:02:37.180 The rotten branch is praying. 00:02:37.180 --> 00:02:39.180 Humanity. 00:02:39.180 --> 00:02:41.180 Oh, Christmas tree. 00:02:41.180 --> 00:02:42.180 Humanity. 00:02:42.180 --> 00:02:42.780 Humanity. 00:02:42.780 --> 00:02:42.879 Humanity. 00:02:42.879 --> 00:02:42.980 Humanity. 00:02:42.980 --> 00:02:44.879 Humanity. 00:02:44.879 --> 00:02:48.360 A flesh and bone plantation. 00:02:49.360 --> 00:02:50.520 Humanity. 00:02:50.520 --> 00:02:52.760 A feather tree. 00:02:53.260 --> 00:02:56.240 No golden decorations. 00:02:57.300 --> 00:02:58.860 To cut and tease. 00:02:59.120 --> 00:03:00.780 And trick his pride. 00:03:01.200 --> 00:03:04.300 Surround with family through the night. 00:03:04.300 --> 00:03:05.300 Humanity. 00:03:05.300 --> 00:03:05.780 Humanity. 00:03:05.780 --> 00:03:06.219 Humanity. 00:03:06.219 --> 00:03:07.880 Oh, fall and tree. 00:03:08.420 --> 00:03:11.300 Distant for exploration. 00:03:15.200 --> 00:03:16.939 Notivity. 00:03:17.620 --> 00:03:19.000 Notivity. 00:03:19.860 --> 00:03:21.760 The King of Heaven. 00:03:22.439 --> 00:03:25.040 Loving ability. 00:03:25.680 --> 00:03:27.620 The promise lead. 00:03:27.939 --> 00:03:31.520 Into the earth now soren. 00:03:31.520 --> 00:03:35.740 And bringing forth our own clay 00:03:35.740 --> 00:03:39.580 The Son of God on Christmas Day 00:03:39.580 --> 00:03:43.760 Nativity, their fruitful tree 00:03:43.760 --> 00:03:47.380 Now in our midst has fallen 00:03:47.380 --> 00:03:51.600 Born to wait as popular 00:03:51.600 --> 00:03:56.000 Born to give us every love 00:03:56.000 --> 00:04:00.620 In heaven's name, rejoice and sing 00:04:00.620 --> 00:04:06.500 My true love, peace for me 00:04:30.620 --> 00:04:49.459 A couple of weeks ago 00:04:49.459 --> 00:04:53.199 I was having a conversation with somebody in a coffee shop 00:04:53.199 --> 00:04:55.740 And it was just after that Christian missionary 00:04:55.740 --> 00:04:59.379 You know the young guy who went on an island 00:04:59.379 --> 00:05:03.959 Where they didn't like people from outside 00:05:03.959 --> 00:05:05.579 It was a complete unreached people group 00:05:05.579 --> 00:05:06.219 And he got killed 00:05:06.219 --> 00:05:07.459 Remember he got killed? 00:05:07.539 --> 00:05:09.740 His body was on the shore I think 00:05:09.740 --> 00:05:11.800 For a little while before they were able to rescue it 00:05:11.800 --> 00:05:14.100 And this fellow, this friend of mine 00:05:14.100 --> 00:05:15.639 Whom I've talked to quite a few times 00:05:15.639 --> 00:05:20.780 You know, gay, sort of vaguely Jewish 00:05:20.780 --> 00:05:23.900 And very, very secular 00:05:23.900 --> 00:05:25.480 He found himself, he was telling me 00:05:25.480 --> 00:05:27.360 He found himself completely and utterly gripped 00:05:27.360 --> 00:05:29.040 By the story of this missionary 00:05:29.040 --> 00:05:30.519 This young guy 00:05:30.519 --> 00:05:32.800 Both fascinated that this young guy 00:05:32.800 --> 00:05:35.960 Would have such a desire to go and even risk his life 00:05:35.960 --> 00:05:37.939 And at the same time just sort of bothered 00:05:37.939 --> 00:05:40.360 That something like that would go on in the Christian faith 00:05:40.360 --> 00:05:41.680 That there's something about that 00:05:41.680 --> 00:05:44.199 You know, telling other people about it 00:05:44.199 --> 00:05:44.720 Was so important 00:05:44.720 --> 00:05:46.040 Anyway, we had this conversation 00:05:46.040 --> 00:05:47.939 It was one of those odd moments 00:05:47.939 --> 00:05:51.100 He actually worked in that particular place 00:05:51.100 --> 00:05:52.520 And we had five or six or seven minutes 00:05:52.520 --> 00:05:53.520 Where nobody came to the lineup 00:05:53.520 --> 00:05:54.639 We had a bit of a conversation 00:05:54.639 --> 00:05:57.980 And he got to air some of his mis... 00:05:57.980 --> 00:05:59.139 You know, he said certain things 00:05:59.139 --> 00:06:00.100 He thought about Christians 00:06:00.100 --> 00:06:02.220 And he trusted that I wouldn't be offended 00:06:02.220 --> 00:06:04.580 And one of the things I said to him 00:06:04.580 --> 00:06:06.220 Is that Christians 00:06:06.220 --> 00:06:08.720 Nobody who reads the Bible 00:06:08.720 --> 00:06:09.920 Should come to the conclusion 00:06:09.920 --> 00:06:12.199 That the Bible believes the world 00:06:12.199 --> 00:06:14.420 Is divided between good people and bad people 00:06:14.420 --> 00:06:16.860 I said, the Bible doesn't teach that 00:06:16.860 --> 00:06:18.480 Christians aren't supposed to believe that 00:06:18.480 --> 00:06:20.960 It's just not what Christians believe 00:06:20.960 --> 00:06:22.740 I said, Christians believe 00:06:22.740 --> 00:06:24.620 That the line between good and evil 00:06:24.620 --> 00:06:26.300 Goes right down every individual 00:06:26.300 --> 00:06:28.120 That every human being 00:06:28.120 --> 00:06:29.500 We can do good things 00:06:29.500 --> 00:06:32.040 But everything about us is touched 00:06:32.040 --> 00:06:33.920 By evil 00:06:33.920 --> 00:06:36.040 And I said, so the gospel 00:06:36.040 --> 00:06:36.840 I said to him 00:06:36.840 --> 00:06:39.620 Isn't about how to make good 00:06:39.620 --> 00:06:41.060 Bad people good 00:06:41.060 --> 00:06:42.680 The Bible 00:06:42.680 --> 00:06:43.720 The gospel 00:06:43.720 --> 00:06:45.900 Is about how to make dead people alive 00:06:45.900 --> 00:06:47.819 Jesus didn't come 00:06:47.819 --> 00:06:49.580 To make bad people good 00:06:49.580 --> 00:06:50.560 Jesus came 00:06:50.560 --> 00:06:52.300 To make dead people alive 00:06:52.300 --> 00:06:53.420 And 00:06:53.420 --> 00:06:55.860 The wonderful thing about that funny 00:06:55.860 --> 00:06:56.759 Silly video 00:06:56.759 --> 00:06:57.939 Is that it really 00:06:57.939 --> 00:06:59.740 Tries to bring home to us 00:06:59.740 --> 00:07:00.460 The fact that 00:07:00.460 --> 00:07:03.060 We are separated from God 00:07:03.060 --> 00:07:04.019 And 00:07:04.019 --> 00:07:04.879 And we're on 00:07:04.879 --> 00:07:05.740 On the way to dying 00:07:05.740 --> 00:07:07.439 I know it came to 00:07:07.439 --> 00:07:08.540 Come here to Christmas Eve 00:07:08.540 --> 00:07:09.240 And I tell you really 00:07:09.240 --> 00:07:10.500 Really fantastic stuff 00:07:10.500 --> 00:07:11.819 You're all one closer to death 00:07:11.819 --> 00:07:12.800 Than you were the day before 00:07:12.800 --> 00:07:14.920 And it bothers lots of us 00:07:14.920 --> 00:07:15.340 To hear that 00:07:15.340 --> 00:07:16.360 But the fact of the matter is 00:07:16.360 --> 00:07:18.199 It's just unbelievably true 00:07:18.199 --> 00:07:18.980 And 00:07:18.980 --> 00:07:19.680 And so 00:07:19.680 --> 00:07:21.620 It's that type of context 00:07:21.620 --> 00:07:21.920 Where 00:07:21.920 --> 00:07:22.860 And we have to hear 00:07:22.860 --> 00:07:23.139 The 00:07:23.139 --> 00:07:24.780 The stories of Christmas 00:07:24.780 --> 00:07:25.920 So I 00:07:25.920 --> 00:07:26.660 I read from Luke 00:07:26.660 --> 00:07:27.439 If you have your Bibles 00:07:27.439 --> 00:07:28.480 It's actually going to be up there 00:07:28.480 --> 00:07:29.079 On the screen 00:07:29.079 --> 00:07:30.379 I'll just sort of 00:07:30.379 --> 00:07:31.160 Refresh your mind 00:07:31.160 --> 00:07:32.319 About the first part of it 00:07:32.319 --> 00:07:33.199 Andrew 00:07:33.199 --> 00:07:34.379 If you could just skip to 00:07:34.379 --> 00:07:35.439 On the screen 00:07:35.439 --> 00:07:36.019 To verse 00:07:36.019 --> 00:07:37.019 Verse 8 00:07:37.019 --> 00:07:37.980 So 00:07:37.980 --> 00:07:39.180 Luke 00:07:39.180 --> 00:07:40.060 Who by the way 00:07:40.060 --> 00:07:41.480 Was born a pagan 00:07:41.480 --> 00:07:42.220 Lived a pagan 00:07:42.220 --> 00:07:42.879 As a pagan 00:07:42.879 --> 00:07:43.759 For many many years 00:07:43.759 --> 00:07:44.120 He would have 00:07:44.120 --> 00:07:45.720 Worshipped the gods of Rome 00:07:45.720 --> 00:07:47.459 And maybe the gods of Greece 00:07:47.459 --> 00:07:48.480 Just the same gods 00:07:48.480 --> 00:07:49.319 With different names 00:07:49.319 --> 00:07:50.939 We never hear about 00:07:50.939 --> 00:07:51.600 How it happens 00:07:51.600 --> 00:07:52.199 But we know that 00:07:52.199 --> 00:07:52.899 As an adult 00:07:52.899 --> 00:07:54.159 As a well educated man 00:07:54.159 --> 00:07:55.000 He was a doctor 00:07:55.000 --> 00:07:56.879 He became a Christian 00:07:56.879 --> 00:07:58.219 After having been a pagan 00:07:58.219 --> 00:07:59.680 For decades 00:07:59.680 --> 00:08:00.800 And 00:08:00.800 --> 00:08:02.120 He ends up 00:08:02.120 --> 00:08:02.600 Writing 00:08:02.600 --> 00:08:04.459 A biography of Jesus 00:08:04.459 --> 00:08:05.100 Because he was 00:08:05.100 --> 00:08:06.199 A well educated man 00:08:06.199 --> 00:08:07.600 And as a doctor 00:08:07.600 --> 00:08:08.860 He was concerned about facts 00:08:08.860 --> 00:08:10.779 And understanding things 00:08:10.779 --> 00:08:11.959 And so he interviewed 00:08:11.959 --> 00:08:13.300 A whole pile of eyewitnesses 00:08:13.300 --> 00:08:14.399 He read 00:08:14.399 --> 00:08:15.759 Official documents 00:08:15.759 --> 00:08:16.639 And he tells us 00:08:16.639 --> 00:08:18.319 A true story of Jesus 00:08:18.319 --> 00:08:20.040 Not a story 00:08:20.040 --> 00:08:21.240 Inspired by true events 00:08:21.240 --> 00:08:22.199 Or based on true events 00:08:22.199 --> 00:08:23.860 But a true story of Jesus 00:08:23.860 --> 00:08:26.560 And we have here 00:08:26.560 --> 00:08:27.900 This just very very simple 00:08:27.900 --> 00:08:29.319 Description of how Jesus 00:08:29.319 --> 00:08:29.879 Got born 00:08:29.879 --> 00:08:30.920 We'll just sort of read that 00:08:30.920 --> 00:08:31.939 And just to bring it 00:08:31.939 --> 00:08:32.759 Right to our minds 00:08:32.759 --> 00:08:33.180 It goes 00:08:33.180 --> 00:08:34.000 Verse 1 00:08:34.000 --> 00:08:34.580 In those days 00:08:34.580 --> 00:08:35.720 A decree went out 00:08:35.720 --> 00:08:37.120 From Caesar Augustus 00:08:37.120 --> 00:08:38.240 That all the world 00:08:38.240 --> 00:08:39.200 Should be registered 00:08:39.200 --> 00:08:41.600 This was the first registration 00:08:41.600 --> 00:08:42.480 When Quirinius 00:08:42.480 --> 00:08:43.639 Was governor of Syria 00:08:43.639 --> 00:08:45.500 And all went to be registered 00:08:45.500 --> 00:08:47.259 Each to his own town 00:08:47.259 --> 00:08:49.159 And Joseph also 00:08:49.159 --> 00:08:50.060 Went up from Galilee 00:08:50.060 --> 00:08:50.759 From the town of 00:08:50.759 --> 00:08:51.480 Nazareth 00:08:51.480 --> 00:08:52.080 To Judea 00:08:52.080 --> 00:08:53.020 To the city of David 00:08:53.020 --> 00:08:54.220 Which is called Bethlehem 00:08:54.220 --> 00:08:56.020 Because he was 00:08:56.020 --> 00:08:57.060 Of the house and lineage 00:08:57.060 --> 00:08:57.660 Of David 00:08:57.660 --> 00:08:58.480 To be registered 00:08:58.480 --> 00:08:59.060 With Mary 00:08:59.060 --> 00:08:59.780 His betrothed 00:08:59.780 --> 00:09:00.379 Who was with child 00:09:00.379 --> 00:09:00.879 And just sort of 00:09:00.879 --> 00:09:01.480 Pause there 00:09:01.480 --> 00:09:02.320 One of the things 00:09:02.320 --> 00:09:03.020 Which is so wonderful 00:09:03.020 --> 00:09:03.879 About this story 00:09:03.879 --> 00:09:05.420 Is you know 00:09:05.420 --> 00:09:05.820 A lot of times 00:09:05.820 --> 00:09:06.460 When I talk to people 00:09:06.460 --> 00:09:07.460 About what they believe 00:09:07.460 --> 00:09:08.259 Spiritually 00:09:08.259 --> 00:09:09.520 They'll tell me 00:09:09.520 --> 00:09:10.580 Abstractions 00:09:10.580 --> 00:09:11.240 They'll tell me 00:09:11.240 --> 00:09:12.040 Principles 00:09:12.040 --> 00:09:12.940 They'll tell me 00:09:12.940 --> 00:09:14.800 Different practices 00:09:14.800 --> 00:09:15.900 That they follow 00:09:15.900 --> 00:09:17.520 They tell me 00:09:17.520 --> 00:09:18.320 Some of the ideas 00:09:18.320 --> 00:09:19.500 That they hold 00:09:19.500 --> 00:09:20.780 As being very very precious 00:09:20.779 --> 00:09:22.179 And on one hand 00:09:22.179 --> 00:09:22.500 Of course 00:09:22.500 --> 00:09:23.059 We Christians 00:09:23.059 --> 00:09:24.500 Can understand that 00:09:24.500 --> 00:09:25.279 I mean we understand 00:09:25.279 --> 00:09:26.100 Certain practices 00:09:26.100 --> 00:09:27.360 And we have certain ideas 00:09:27.360 --> 00:09:28.459 But the thing 00:09:28.459 --> 00:09:29.179 Which is so wonderful 00:09:29.179 --> 00:09:30.199 About the Christian faith 00:09:30.199 --> 00:09:31.159 Is that it's 00:09:31.159 --> 00:09:32.139 It's rooted in history 00:09:32.139 --> 00:09:32.539 It's 00:09:32.539 --> 00:09:34.159 Luke claims to be 00:09:34.159 --> 00:09:34.740 Telling us 00:09:34.740 --> 00:09:35.819 A true story 00:09:35.819 --> 00:09:36.879 About something 00:09:36.879 --> 00:09:37.399 That happens 00:09:37.399 --> 00:09:38.279 To a man named 00:09:38.279 --> 00:09:39.120 Jesus 00:09:39.120 --> 00:09:40.240 And in the story 00:09:40.240 --> 00:09:40.779 Of his birth 00:09:40.779 --> 00:09:41.259 One of the things 00:09:41.259 --> 00:09:41.899 Which is so neat 00:09:41.899 --> 00:09:42.500 About this 00:09:42.500 --> 00:09:43.319 Is that it's 00:09:43.319 --> 00:09:44.319 Just like real life 00:09:44.319 --> 00:09:45.279 You know 00:09:45.279 --> 00:09:46.419 Just like in real life 00:09:46.419 --> 00:09:47.459 You know 00:09:47.459 --> 00:09:48.199 The politicians 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:49.600 Trump makes a decision 00:09:49.600 --> 00:09:51.680 And he can make a decision 00:09:51.680 --> 00:09:52.720 And before you know it 00:09:52.720 --> 00:09:53.820 Fleets are in motion 00:09:53.820 --> 00:09:55.160 And armies are in motion 00:09:55.160 --> 00:09:57.960 And the whole Twitter sphere 00:09:57.960 --> 00:09:59.860 Is completely and utterly enraged 00:09:59.860 --> 00:10:01.120 And there's demonstrations 00:10:01.120 --> 00:10:02.000 On the street 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:03.620 Or it can be the same 00:10:03.620 --> 00:10:04.140 For Putin 00:10:04.140 --> 00:10:04.860 It can be the same 00:10:04.860 --> 00:10:05.420 For Trudeau 00:10:05.420 --> 00:10:06.320 He can make a decision 00:10:06.320 --> 00:10:07.660 About who gets to have 00:10:07.660 --> 00:10:08.379 Summer jobs 00:10:08.379 --> 00:10:09.140 And the next thing you know 00:10:09.140 --> 00:10:09.980 The whole nation 00:10:09.980 --> 00:10:11.420 Has to move and bend 00:10:11.420 --> 00:10:12.100 And here we have 00:10:12.100 --> 00:10:13.120 Caesar Augustus 00:10:13.120 --> 00:10:14.460 He makes a decision 00:10:14.460 --> 00:10:15.100 That he has to have 00:10:15.100 --> 00:10:16.080 A better understanding 00:10:16.080 --> 00:10:17.600 Of who's in his empire 00:10:17.600 --> 00:10:19.139 So he can tax them better 00:10:19.139 --> 00:10:20.639 And so he can raise up 00:10:20.639 --> 00:10:21.320 Troops better 00:10:21.320 --> 00:10:22.879 And he makes this decision 00:10:22.879 --> 00:10:23.820 And before you know it 00:10:23.820 --> 00:10:24.780 Even something 00:10:24.780 --> 00:10:25.860 Joseph and Mary 00:10:25.860 --> 00:10:26.900 Whom he's never heard of 00:10:26.900 --> 00:10:27.980 And he's never heard of Jesus 00:10:27.980 --> 00:10:28.920 And he's probably never heard 00:10:28.920 --> 00:10:29.700 Of Jewish people 00:10:29.700 --> 00:10:30.879 And he's never read the Bible 00:10:30.879 --> 00:10:32.780 And he just makes this decision 00:10:32.780 --> 00:10:33.740 Of his own free will 00:10:33.740 --> 00:10:34.580 And people are moving 00:10:34.580 --> 00:10:35.560 All over the empire 00:10:35.560 --> 00:10:37.139 And in the process of it 00:10:37.139 --> 00:10:40.460 He causes events 00:10:40.460 --> 00:10:41.480 To just transpire 00:10:41.480 --> 00:10:42.620 So that Jesus fulfills 00:10:42.620 --> 00:10:43.100 In his birth 00:10:43.100 --> 00:10:44.140 A whole pile of prophecies 00:10:44.140 --> 00:10:45.379 Written anywhere from 00:10:45.379 --> 00:10:47.159 400 to a thousand years earlier 00:10:47.159 --> 00:10:48.340 And that's really cool 00:10:48.340 --> 00:10:52.620 And so Joseph and Mary 00:10:52.620 --> 00:10:53.960 Find themselves in Bethlehem 00:10:53.960 --> 00:10:54.779 And in verse 7 00:10:54.779 --> 00:10:55.559 And she gave birth 00:10:55.559 --> 00:10:56.799 To her firstborn son 00:10:56.799 --> 00:10:58.100 And wrapped him 00:10:58.100 --> 00:10:59.600 In swaddling cloths 00:10:59.600 --> 00:11:00.480 And laid him in a manger 00:11:00.480 --> 00:11:01.620 Because there was no place 00:11:01.620 --> 00:11:02.419 For them in the inn 00:11:02.419 --> 00:11:04.620 And you know 00:11:04.620 --> 00:11:05.340 I talked about this 00:11:05.340 --> 00:11:06.220 A little bit yesterday 00:11:06.220 --> 00:11:08.740 Probably what's going on 00:11:08.740 --> 00:11:09.360 Here partially 00:11:09.360 --> 00:11:10.240 It doesn't have to be an inn 00:11:10.240 --> 00:11:11.039 It could just be a room 00:11:11.039 --> 00:11:11.480 Somewhere 00:11:11.480 --> 00:11:12.440 And the city was 00:11:12.440 --> 00:11:13.360 Piled with people 00:11:13.360 --> 00:11:15.759 And Joseph probably 00:11:15.759 --> 00:11:17.019 Had some relatives there 00:11:17.019 --> 00:11:18.519 But he was also 00:11:18.519 --> 00:11:20.220 Facing social ostracism 00:11:20.220 --> 00:11:23.620 Because he didn't divorce 00:11:23.620 --> 00:11:24.779 Or put Mary aside 00:11:24.779 --> 00:11:25.560 When she had a baby 00:11:25.560 --> 00:11:26.740 Because she was pregnant 00:11:26.740 --> 00:11:27.480 Out of wedlock 00:11:27.480 --> 00:11:28.899 And both of them 00:11:28.899 --> 00:11:30.120 Are living with that stigma 00:11:30.120 --> 00:11:31.480 And that social ostracism 00:11:31.480 --> 00:11:32.800 So the baby 00:11:32.800 --> 00:11:34.200 And it's very interesting 00:11:34.200 --> 00:11:35.480 Because this story 00:11:35.480 --> 00:11:36.039 Is going to tell us 00:11:36.039 --> 00:11:37.139 Remarkable things 00:11:37.139 --> 00:11:38.180 About who Jesus is 00:11:38.179 --> 00:11:38.959 But it tells us 00:11:38.959 --> 00:11:40.620 That Jesus is born 00:11:40.620 --> 00:11:41.419 Outside 00:11:41.419 --> 00:11:43.779 Not inside any room 00:11:43.779 --> 00:11:44.359 Or shelter 00:11:44.359 --> 00:11:45.139 But outside 00:11:45.139 --> 00:11:46.219 And after his birth 00:11:46.219 --> 00:11:48.299 They put him in a feeding trough 00:11:48.299 --> 00:11:50.819 Where animals would be fed 00:11:50.819 --> 00:11:52.699 Now one of the things 00:11:52.699 --> 00:11:53.399 Which is so cool 00:11:53.399 --> 00:11:54.539 About the Christian faith 00:11:54.539 --> 00:11:55.399 So neat about it 00:11:55.399 --> 00:11:55.739 Is that 00:11:55.739 --> 00:11:57.500 We believe 00:11:57.500 --> 00:11:59.779 That God keeps doing things 00:11:59.779 --> 00:12:00.379 And acting 00:12:00.379 --> 00:12:01.779 In our world 00:12:01.779 --> 00:12:03.399 And when God acts 00:12:03.399 --> 00:12:04.740 He doesn't just sort of act 00:12:04.740 --> 00:12:06.319 I mean sometimes 00:12:06.319 --> 00:12:07.379 He acts just in our lives 00:12:07.379 --> 00:12:07.799 Like that 00:12:07.799 --> 00:12:08.700 But in the Bible 00:12:08.700 --> 00:12:09.179 What it is 00:12:09.179 --> 00:12:10.019 Is that God acts 00:12:10.019 --> 00:12:10.799 And then he helps us 00:12:10.799 --> 00:12:12.000 To understand what he's done 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:12.740 He tells us 00:12:12.740 --> 00:12:14.139 This is what I've done 00:12:14.139 --> 00:12:15.899 And this is what it means 00:12:15.899 --> 00:12:17.120 And often he tells us 00:12:17.120 --> 00:12:17.820 And this is how 00:12:17.820 --> 00:12:19.080 You're supposed to respond 00:12:19.080 --> 00:12:20.159 To respond correctly 00:12:20.159 --> 00:12:21.799 And so Luke 00:12:21.799 --> 00:12:22.580 Here gives us 00:12:22.580 --> 00:12:23.340 A bit of an explanation 00:12:23.340 --> 00:12:24.080 About the birth 00:12:24.080 --> 00:12:26.120 And it comes in the next few verses 00:12:26.120 --> 00:12:28.480 Look at verse 8 00:12:28.480 --> 00:12:30.879 And in the same region 00:12:30.879 --> 00:12:32.340 There were shepherds 00:12:32.340 --> 00:12:33.019 Out in the field 00:12:33.019 --> 00:12:34.440 Keeping watch over their flock 00:12:34.440 --> 00:12:34.940 By night 00:12:34.940 --> 00:12:36.879 And an angel of the Lord 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:37.759 Appeared to them 00:12:37.759 --> 00:12:38.860 And the glory of the Lord 00:12:38.860 --> 00:12:39.860 Shone around them 00:12:39.860 --> 00:12:40.980 And they were filled 00:12:40.980 --> 00:12:41.820 With great fear 00:12:41.820 --> 00:12:43.539 Now just pause here 00:12:43.539 --> 00:12:44.080 For a second 00:12:44.080 --> 00:12:44.700 One of the things 00:12:44.700 --> 00:12:45.399 You need to understand 00:12:45.399 --> 00:12:46.279 About these shepherds 00:12:46.279 --> 00:12:47.039 Is that there's nothing 00:12:47.039 --> 00:12:48.039 Holy about them 00:12:48.039 --> 00:12:49.460 Now 00:12:49.460 --> 00:12:51.240 Maybe you could ask 00:12:51.240 --> 00:12:51.919 Major 00:12:51.919 --> 00:12:53.720 The Reverend Major Turner 00:12:53.720 --> 00:12:55.500 Or a couple of other things 00:12:55.500 --> 00:12:56.679 What's it like 00:12:56.679 --> 00:12:57.539 When there's a whole pile 00:12:57.539 --> 00:12:58.500 Of guys out in the bush 00:12:58.500 --> 00:12:59.500 And there's no women around 00:12:59.500 --> 00:13:02.820 I'm sure they're probably 00:13:02.820 --> 00:13:04.100 Spending all their time 00:13:04.100 --> 00:13:05.379 Praying 00:13:05.379 --> 00:13:08.419 Reading Shakespeare 00:13:08.419 --> 00:13:11.720 Some knitting 00:13:11.720 --> 00:13:12.379 Maybe 00:13:12.379 --> 00:13:14.419 So the thing about it 00:13:14.419 --> 00:13:15.200 Is you have to get rid 00:13:15.200 --> 00:13:15.919 Of all of this 00:13:15.919 --> 00:13:17.000 Pious imagery 00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:17.580 That we have 00:13:17.580 --> 00:13:18.220 About the Bible 00:13:18.220 --> 00:13:19.120 What Jesus is 00:13:19.120 --> 00:13:20.279 What the Bible is saying here 00:13:20.279 --> 00:13:21.500 Is there's a bunch of guys 00:13:21.500 --> 00:13:22.320 Out in the bush 00:13:22.320 --> 00:13:23.600 Without any women around 00:13:23.600 --> 00:13:25.440 And they were acting 00:13:25.440 --> 00:13:26.639 Like guys in the bush 00:13:26.639 --> 00:13:27.639 With no women around 00:13:27.639 --> 00:13:29.500 That's what they were doing 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:31.340 And you can talk 00:13:31.340 --> 00:13:32.000 To a couple of guys 00:13:32.000 --> 00:13:33.220 About what that might have been 00:13:33.220 --> 00:13:34.460 At a bare minimum 00:13:34.460 --> 00:13:35.220 One of the ways 00:13:35.220 --> 00:13:36.559 That working class guys 00:13:36.559 --> 00:13:37.439 When they're in the bush 00:13:37.439 --> 00:13:38.720 Away from the woman 00:13:38.720 --> 00:13:40.019 One of the bare minimum 00:13:40.019 --> 00:13:40.720 Things they would do 00:13:40.720 --> 00:13:41.759 Is if they talked to each other 00:13:41.759 --> 00:13:42.879 They'd be insulting each other 00:13:42.879 --> 00:13:43.319 All the time 00:13:43.319 --> 00:13:43.879 Because that's how 00:13:43.879 --> 00:13:44.860 You communicate affection 00:13:44.860 --> 00:13:46.220 If you're a guy 00:13:46.220 --> 00:13:48.139 You insult the other person 00:13:48.139 --> 00:13:48.899 And there was probably 00:13:48.899 --> 00:13:49.120 Anyway 00:13:49.120 --> 00:13:50.379 We won't go any further with that 00:13:50.379 --> 00:13:52.139 But this is a before picture 00:13:52.139 --> 00:13:53.179 This isn't a whole pile 00:13:53.179 --> 00:13:54.240 Of people who were picked 00:13:54.240 --> 00:13:56.100 Because they were especially holy 00:13:56.100 --> 00:13:57.940 And that's probably part of the reason 00:13:57.940 --> 00:13:58.700 Why they're afraid 00:13:58.700 --> 00:14:00.040 An angel shows up 00:14:00.040 --> 00:14:01.540 Who knows what they were doing 00:14:01.540 --> 00:14:02.779 And they are completely 00:14:02.779 --> 00:14:05.000 And utterly terrified by it 00:14:05.000 --> 00:14:06.519 And in verse 10 00:14:06.519 --> 00:14:08.379 And the angel said to them 00:14:08.379 --> 00:14:09.680 Fear not 00:14:09.680 --> 00:14:10.300 For behold 00:14:10.300 --> 00:14:11.500 I bring you good news 00:14:11.500 --> 00:14:12.220 Of great joy 00:14:12.220 --> 00:14:13.480 That will be for all the people 00:14:13.480 --> 00:14:15.620 For unto you is born this day 00:14:15.620 --> 00:14:16.580 In the city of David 00:14:16.580 --> 00:14:17.240 A savior 00:14:17.240 --> 00:14:18.960 Who is Christ the Lord 00:14:18.960 --> 00:14:21.060 And this will be a sign for you 00:14:21.060 --> 00:14:22.600 You will find a baby 00:14:22.600 --> 00:14:24.100 Wrapped in swaddling cloths 00:14:24.759 --> 00:14:25.800 And lying in a manger 00:14:25.799 --> 00:14:27.519 Now just sort of pause there 00:14:27.519 --> 00:14:28.279 I don't know if you noticed 00:14:28.279 --> 00:14:29.339 The huge disconnect 00:14:29.339 --> 00:14:31.120 The angel said 00:14:31.120 --> 00:14:32.039 Listen 00:14:32.039 --> 00:14:32.559 First of all 00:14:32.559 --> 00:14:33.759 It's an angel who shows up 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:34.939 To talk to these shepherds 00:14:34.939 --> 00:14:36.019 The original language 00:14:36.019 --> 00:14:36.719 Is he stands right 00:14:36.719 --> 00:14:37.699 He gets right in their face 00:14:37.699 --> 00:14:38.839 He stands right in front of them 00:14:38.839 --> 00:14:40.319 So the shepherds are all here 00:14:40.319 --> 00:14:41.759 The angel isn't sort of like 00:14:41.759 --> 00:14:43.500 Way back a kilometer 00:14:43.500 --> 00:14:44.319 Yelling at them 00:14:44.319 --> 00:14:45.799 The angel gets right in their face 00:14:45.799 --> 00:14:47.120 And the angel says 00:14:47.120 --> 00:14:47.899 I bring you good news 00:14:47.899 --> 00:14:48.519 Of great joy 00:14:48.519 --> 00:14:49.099 And he says 00:14:49.099 --> 00:14:49.879 In the city 00:14:49.879 --> 00:14:51.799 Is born a savior 00:14:51.799 --> 00:14:54.199 And he is the Lord 00:14:54.200 --> 00:14:55.620 And he is Christ 00:14:55.620 --> 00:14:58.020 It means that all of the Old Testament prophecies 00:14:58.020 --> 00:14:59.360 About however they worked 00:14:59.360 --> 00:15:00.580 About God's deliver 00:15:00.580 --> 00:15:02.500 It's all been fulfilled 00:15:02.500 --> 00:15:04.180 That baby is being born 00:15:04.180 --> 00:15:07.200 Just down the hill 00:15:07.200 --> 00:15:09.180 And then you'd expect to say 00:15:09.180 --> 00:15:10.340 And this is going to be the sign 00:15:10.340 --> 00:15:11.360 And the sign might be 00:15:11.360 --> 00:15:12.140 That if you go down there 00:15:12.140 --> 00:15:13.720 There's a thousand angels around him 00:15:13.720 --> 00:15:14.860 If you go down 00:15:14.860 --> 00:15:16.660 The whole village has come around 00:15:16.660 --> 00:15:17.560 And they're all praying 00:15:17.560 --> 00:15:19.379 And they're singing psalms 00:15:19.379 --> 00:15:20.820 Or maybe there's a whole pile 00:15:20.820 --> 00:15:21.939 Of army people 00:15:21.939 --> 00:15:23.919 Or there's some great majestic thing 00:15:23.919 --> 00:15:25.379 And that's what you expect him to say 00:15:25.379 --> 00:15:27.919 But the story takes a very, very funny turn 00:15:27.919 --> 00:15:29.779 This person who is the Savior 00:15:29.779 --> 00:15:30.519 And the Christ 00:15:30.519 --> 00:15:31.539 And the Lord 00:15:31.539 --> 00:15:33.679 He's lying in a manger 00:15:33.679 --> 00:15:35.559 He's lying in a feeding trough 00:15:35.559 --> 00:15:39.200 And so then in verse 13 00:15:39.200 --> 00:15:39.639 It says 00:15:39.639 --> 00:15:40.580 And suddenly there was 00:15:40.580 --> 00:15:41.399 With the angel 00:15:41.399 --> 00:15:43.080 A multitude of the heavenly host 00:15:43.080 --> 00:15:44.539 Praising God 00:15:44.539 --> 00:15:45.019 And by the way 00:15:45.019 --> 00:15:45.960 Whenever you see that word 00:15:45.960 --> 00:15:46.559 Heavenly host 00:15:46.559 --> 00:15:47.360 You know what it means 00:15:47.360 --> 00:15:49.840 It means an angel army 00:15:49.840 --> 00:15:52.360 It's one of those things 00:15:52.360 --> 00:15:54.060 That in a lot of modern liturgies 00:15:54.060 --> 00:15:55.360 They get rid of any reference 00:15:55.360 --> 00:15:56.080 To a host 00:15:56.080 --> 00:15:58.180 Because we have to all be pacifists nowadays 00:15:58.180 --> 00:15:59.360 And you can't have any reference 00:15:59.360 --> 00:16:00.060 To the military 00:16:00.060 --> 00:16:01.779 But what is there 00:16:01.779 --> 00:16:03.840 It's an angel army 00:16:03.840 --> 00:16:05.039 And the angel army 00:16:05.039 --> 00:16:05.919 Is singing 00:16:05.919 --> 00:16:06.879 And what are they saying? 00:16:07.480 --> 00:16:08.840 Glory to God in the highest 00:16:08.840 --> 00:16:09.940 And on earth peace 00:16:09.940 --> 00:16:11.960 Among those with whom he is pleased 00:16:11.960 --> 00:16:14.060 When the angels went away 00:16:14.060 --> 00:16:14.820 From them into heaven 00:16:14.820 --> 00:16:16.240 The shepherds said to one another 00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:18.500 Let us go over to Bethlehem 00:16:18.500 --> 00:16:19.460 And see this thing 00:16:19.460 --> 00:16:20.139 That has happened 00:16:20.139 --> 00:16:22.299 Which the Lord has made known to us 00:16:22.299 --> 00:16:24.019 And they went with haste 00:16:24.019 --> 00:16:25.500 And found Mary and Joseph 00:16:25.500 --> 00:16:26.960 And the babe line in a manger 00:16:26.960 --> 00:16:28.580 And when they saw it 00:16:28.580 --> 00:16:30.680 They made known the saying 00:16:30.680 --> 00:16:31.899 That had been told them 00:16:31.899 --> 00:16:32.919 Concerning this child 00:16:32.919 --> 00:16:34.220 And all who heard it 00:16:34.220 --> 00:16:36.039 Wondered at what the shepherds told them 00:16:36.039 --> 00:16:37.159 So they 00:16:37.159 --> 00:16:39.019 Here's one of the things 00:16:39.019 --> 00:16:40.399 Which is so cool about this 00:16:40.399 --> 00:16:40.740 You know 00:16:40.740 --> 00:16:42.500 My 00:16:42.500 --> 00:16:45.259 When you have a remarkable event 00:16:45.259 --> 00:16:46.500 You remember things 00:16:46.500 --> 00:16:48.860 Some of you know 00:16:48.860 --> 00:16:49.819 I have nine kids 00:16:49.819 --> 00:16:50.899 So 00:16:50.899 --> 00:16:51.819 I don't know 00:16:51.819 --> 00:16:52.159 There's 00:16:52.159 --> 00:16:54.519 Thousands of times 00:16:54.519 --> 00:16:56.899 You pushed a kid 00:16:56.899 --> 00:16:58.120 In a stroller 00:16:58.120 --> 00:17:00.319 Like I had thousands of times 00:17:00.319 --> 00:17:00.959 Where I did that 00:17:00.959 --> 00:17:02.879 But there's one particular time 00:17:02.879 --> 00:17:04.599 I was pushing with my wife 00:17:04.599 --> 00:17:06.180 Some of our kids in the stroller 00:17:06.180 --> 00:17:07.259 And I always remember 00:17:07.259 --> 00:17:08.460 That particular event 00:17:08.460 --> 00:17:10.100 Why do I remember that particular event? 00:17:10.579 --> 00:17:11.440 Because it happened 00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:11.799 Remember 00:17:11.799 --> 00:17:12.819 I don't know how many years ago 00:17:12.819 --> 00:17:14.380 Was it when all of the eastern seaboard 00:17:14.380 --> 00:17:15.240 Of Canada and the United States 00:17:15.240 --> 00:17:16.079 Lost their power? 00:17:16.720 --> 00:17:18.100 I can't remember how long ago that was 00:17:18.100 --> 00:17:19.799 But then everybody lost their power 00:17:19.799 --> 00:17:20.740 You might remember that 00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:22.600 And so we didn't have any power 00:17:22.600 --> 00:17:24.240 And it was really, really, really dark 00:17:24.240 --> 00:17:24.759 In the city 00:17:24.759 --> 00:17:25.620 It was very unusual 00:17:25.620 --> 00:17:27.579 Because there's no electricity anywhere 00:17:27.579 --> 00:17:30.000 And I remember 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:31.559 We decided we'd go out for a walk 00:17:31.559 --> 00:17:32.980 It was like a July night or something 00:17:32.980 --> 00:17:33.880 We went out for a walk 00:17:33.880 --> 00:17:35.220 Pushing our little kids in the stroller 00:17:35.220 --> 00:17:37.000 And I can't remember which one was in the stroller 00:17:37.000 --> 00:17:38.740 But all of a sudden 00:17:38.740 --> 00:17:41.619 He excitedly or she excitedly said 00:17:41.619 --> 00:17:43.279 Look, the power's come back on 00:17:43.279 --> 00:17:46.059 And it was because a car was coming around the corner 00:17:46.059 --> 00:17:48.839 And my child thought 00:17:48.839 --> 00:17:51.200 That because the car had lights on 00:17:51.200 --> 00:17:52.960 It meant the power was coming back on 00:17:52.960 --> 00:17:54.380 And I mean, that's a nothing story 00:17:54.380 --> 00:17:55.359 But I always remember that 00:17:55.359 --> 00:17:56.819 I always remember that 00:17:56.819 --> 00:17:59.039 Because of the context of us having no power 00:17:59.039 --> 00:18:02.000 And the thing which is so neat about this story 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:03.319 Is that in a sense 00:18:03.319 --> 00:18:04.839 Caesar Augustus organized 00:18:04.839 --> 00:18:06.579 And orchestrated a story 00:18:06.579 --> 00:18:08.619 So that 40 years later 00:18:08.619 --> 00:18:09.519 30 years later 00:18:09.519 --> 00:18:11.299 When people are looking out at eyewitnesses 00:18:11.299 --> 00:18:12.299 They'd say 00:18:12.299 --> 00:18:13.480 Do you remember back 00:18:13.480 --> 00:18:14.759 When Caesar Augustus 00:18:14.759 --> 00:18:17.039 Made us all go back to Bethlehem 00:18:17.039 --> 00:18:18.619 And was there anything weird 00:18:18.619 --> 00:18:19.699 That happened that night 00:18:19.699 --> 00:18:21.079 And people would all go 00:18:21.079 --> 00:18:22.399 Oh yeah 00:18:22.399 --> 00:18:25.019 I could hardly get any sleep that night 00:18:25.019 --> 00:18:26.759 Because a woman who was outside 00:18:26.759 --> 00:18:28.079 Was giving birth to a baby 00:18:28.079 --> 00:18:29.179 And she kept screaming 00:18:29.179 --> 00:18:31.039 Because babies, when they get born 00:18:31.039 --> 00:18:32.199 It's not usually quiet 00:18:32.199 --> 00:18:33.359 Like without any drugs 00:18:33.359 --> 00:18:34.740 It's like there's lots of screaming 00:18:34.740 --> 00:18:38.139 And so probably for decades afterwards 00:18:38.139 --> 00:18:40.179 You know, people might not remember 00:18:40.179 --> 00:18:41.339 All sorts of other births 00:18:41.339 --> 00:18:42.099 But that birth 00:18:42.099 --> 00:18:43.299 They would remember 00:18:43.299 --> 00:18:45.659 And because they would remember that birth 00:18:45.659 --> 00:18:46.799 And because they hadn't been able 00:18:46.799 --> 00:18:47.439 To have any sleep 00:18:47.439 --> 00:18:48.819 There were probably lots of people 00:18:48.819 --> 00:18:49.659 Coming down to see 00:18:49.659 --> 00:18:50.799 What was going on with the woman 00:18:50.799 --> 00:18:52.500 And they would have seen the shepherds 00:18:52.500 --> 00:18:53.699 And they would have heard 00:18:53.699 --> 00:18:55.919 All the things that the shepherds had to say 00:18:55.919 --> 00:18:57.359 And it's one of the things 00:18:57.359 --> 00:18:58.979 Which is remarkable about this story 00:18:58.979 --> 00:19:00.240 That makes it so believable 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:01.640 That when Luke was going to look 00:19:01.640 --> 00:19:02.880 For eyewitnesses to find out 00:19:02.880 --> 00:19:03.339 What happened 00:19:03.339 --> 00:19:04.839 He'd have all sorts of people 00:19:04.839 --> 00:19:05.819 Who could remember 00:19:05.819 --> 00:19:08.259 Because of that unique set 00:19:08.259 --> 00:19:09.339 Of circumstances 00:19:09.339 --> 00:19:10.759 Before we go any further 00:19:10.759 --> 00:19:11.579 Next video 00:19:11.579 --> 00:19:16.920 So, just to sort of bring this to 00:19:16.920 --> 00:19:18.599 Start to bring it to a bit of a conclusion 00:19:18.599 --> 00:19:21.960 What we hear in the Christmas story 00:19:21.960 --> 00:19:23.920 What Christmas Christmas is all about 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:26.460 In secular Christmas 00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:27.539 Not that there's anything wrong 00:19:27.539 --> 00:19:28.579 With secular Christmas 00:19:28.579 --> 00:19:29.759 It's not that there's anything wrong 00:19:29.759 --> 00:19:30.759 With Canadian Christmas 00:19:30.759 --> 00:19:32.240 But Christian Christmas 00:19:32.240 --> 00:19:33.220 Is something different 00:19:33.220 --> 00:19:35.579 It emerges out of remembering 00:19:35.579 --> 00:19:37.399 And reconnecting 00:19:37.399 --> 00:19:38.279 And rejoicing 00:19:38.279 --> 00:19:40.099 In these foundational stories 00:19:40.099 --> 00:19:41.879 About the birth of Jesus 00:19:41.879 --> 00:19:43.980 At the heart of this 00:19:43.980 --> 00:19:44.960 Is, if you could put up 00:19:44.960 --> 00:19:45.940 The first point, Andrew 00:19:45.940 --> 00:19:46.899 At the heart of this 00:19:46.899 --> 00:19:47.940 Is Luke's story 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:50.399 Is what the angels say 00:19:50.399 --> 00:19:51.740 The baby is 00:19:51.740 --> 00:19:53.839 It's what the angels tell the shepherds 00:19:53.839 --> 00:19:55.119 Who the baby is 00:19:55.119 --> 00:19:56.500 And the angels say 00:19:56.500 --> 00:19:58.759 That when we hear God 00:19:58.759 --> 00:19:59.719 We hear good news 00:19:59.719 --> 00:20:01.219 We hear good news from God 00:20:01.219 --> 00:20:02.500 That's what the angels say 00:20:02.500 --> 00:20:04.239 And the good news from God 00:20:04.239 --> 00:20:05.839 Is that our Lord and Savior 00:20:05.839 --> 00:20:07.239 Jesus Christ 00:20:07.239 --> 00:20:08.659 Is born 00:20:08.659 --> 00:20:10.839 It's news that comes from God 00:20:10.839 --> 00:20:12.899 It's news about who Jesus is 00:20:12.899 --> 00:20:14.839 And it's news that 00:20:14.839 --> 00:20:17.019 All of the prophecies are fulfilled 00:20:17.019 --> 00:20:18.299 That he is going to be the one 00:20:18.299 --> 00:20:19.599 Who is going to save us 00:20:19.599 --> 00:20:21.379 And it opens up this other thing 00:20:21.379 --> 00:20:23.659 That ultimately only God can save us 00:20:23.660 --> 00:20:24.700 And so when it says 00:20:24.700 --> 00:20:25.660 That he is Lord 00:20:25.660 --> 00:20:27.360 It has this double meaning 00:20:27.360 --> 00:20:28.380 It means that he is to be 00:20:28.380 --> 00:20:29.420 Lord of our lives 00:20:29.420 --> 00:20:31.320 But it also points to the fact 00:20:31.320 --> 00:20:32.940 That it's not just a human being 00:20:32.940 --> 00:20:33.800 Who has been born 00:20:33.800 --> 00:20:35.480 But that it is God 00:20:35.480 --> 00:20:36.940 The Son of God himself 00:20:36.940 --> 00:20:38.040 Who has been born 00:20:38.040 --> 00:20:39.560 Who has come to save us 00:20:39.560 --> 00:20:41.259 If we could see the next video 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:42.620 Which is silence and fury 00:20:42.620 --> 00:20:43.880 That will help bring this home 00:20:43.880 --> 00:20:48.440 If you could put up the next point 00:20:48.440 --> 00:20:50.740 One of the things 00:20:50.740 --> 00:20:51.620 Which is so remarkable 00:20:51.620 --> 00:20:52.519 About this story 00:20:52.519 --> 00:20:54.140 Is not just that 00:20:54.140 --> 00:20:56.019 God himself comes 00:20:56.019 --> 00:20:57.160 And is born in a stable 00:20:57.160 --> 00:20:58.460 Not just that he is the one 00:20:58.460 --> 00:20:59.500 Who is going to save us 00:20:59.500 --> 00:21:00.759 Not just that he is the one 00:21:00.759 --> 00:21:01.359 Who is Lord 00:21:01.359 --> 00:21:03.160 Not just that he is the one 00:21:03.160 --> 00:21:04.400 Who is keeping 00:21:04.400 --> 00:21:05.500 God is showing 00:21:05.500 --> 00:21:06.220 That God has kept 00:21:06.220 --> 00:21:07.259 All of his promises 00:21:07.259 --> 00:21:08.279 To send a Savior 00:21:08.279 --> 00:21:09.319 And deliver 00:21:09.319 --> 00:21:11.039 But hidden in this story 00:21:11.039 --> 00:21:11.920 And a part that often 00:21:11.920 --> 00:21:13.120 Gives us lots of trouble 00:21:13.120 --> 00:21:15.079 Is this other idea 00:21:15.079 --> 00:21:16.180 That everything about 00:21:16.180 --> 00:21:17.160 What God is doing 00:21:17.160 --> 00:21:18.160 In the person of Jesus 00:21:18.160 --> 00:21:19.580 Is all grace 00:21:19.580 --> 00:21:22.000 We hear good news from God 00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:23.160 Our faith in him 00:21:23.160 --> 00:21:24.240 Is all grace 00:21:24.240 --> 00:21:25.980 From beginning to end 00:21:25.980 --> 00:21:27.860 And every moment in between 00:21:27.860 --> 00:21:29.860 It's all grace 00:21:29.860 --> 00:21:31.700 And it comes in this odd part 00:21:31.700 --> 00:21:33.300 Of the angel song 00:21:33.300 --> 00:21:34.660 Which often troubles people 00:21:34.660 --> 00:21:35.720 But it shouldn't trouble you 00:21:35.720 --> 00:21:36.519 Because what it's saying 00:21:36.519 --> 00:21:37.740 Is exactly what I have 00:21:37.740 --> 00:21:38.660 Up there 00:21:38.660 --> 00:21:40.560 It says in the song 00:21:40.560 --> 00:21:41.100 Of the angels 00:21:41.100 --> 00:21:42.540 Glory to God in the highest 00:21:42.540 --> 00:21:43.900 And on earth peace 00:21:43.900 --> 00:21:45.340 Among those with whom 00:21:45.340 --> 00:21:46.080 He is pleased 00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:47.599 And the message is 00:21:47.599 --> 00:21:49.019 Is that because of 00:21:49.019 --> 00:21:50.199 The birth of this baby 00:21:50.199 --> 00:21:51.980 There is going to be 00:21:51.980 --> 00:21:52.899 A means that God 00:21:52.899 --> 00:21:53.519 Has provided 00:21:53.519 --> 00:21:54.839 Whereby human beings 00:21:54.839 --> 00:21:55.819 Can once again 00:21:55.819 --> 00:21:57.039 Be at peace with God 00:21:57.039 --> 00:21:57.919 We've been at enmity 00:21:57.919 --> 00:21:58.559 With God 00:21:58.559 --> 00:22:00.419 We have been enemies 00:22:00.419 --> 00:22:01.039 Of God 00:22:01.039 --> 00:22:02.339 God himself 00:22:02.339 --> 00:22:03.099 Is doing something 00:22:03.099 --> 00:22:03.759 To make peace 00:22:03.759 --> 00:22:04.460 With himself 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:05.679 And it says 00:22:05.679 --> 00:22:06.599 On those whom 00:22:06.599 --> 00:22:07.740 He has favor 00:22:07.740 --> 00:22:09.139 And whom he has blessing 00:22:09.139 --> 00:22:10.740 And the wonderful thing 00:22:10.740 --> 00:22:11.359 Is this news 00:22:11.359 --> 00:22:13.079 All comes to shepherds 00:22:13.079 --> 00:22:14.240 They're once again 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:16.519 A group of guys 00:22:16.519 --> 00:22:17.159 Out in the bush 00:22:17.159 --> 00:22:17.980 Without the women 00:22:17.980 --> 00:22:20.259 Not doing holy things 00:22:20.259 --> 00:22:20.799 Probably 00:22:20.799 --> 00:22:22.259 And the message 00:22:22.259 --> 00:22:23.019 Comes to them 00:22:23.019 --> 00:22:24.220 And this is the wonderful thing 00:22:24.220 --> 00:22:25.740 It's out of God's grace 00:22:25.740 --> 00:22:27.480 That you hear about Jesus 00:22:27.480 --> 00:22:29.159 It's out of God's grace 00:22:29.159 --> 00:22:31.579 That you turn your heart to him 00:22:31.579 --> 00:22:33.119 When you turn your heart to him 00:22:33.119 --> 00:22:34.939 What he gives you is grace 00:22:34.939 --> 00:22:36.619 Which is unmerited kindness 00:22:36.619 --> 00:22:37.759 And what it is 00:22:37.759 --> 00:22:39.179 And so at every point in time 00:22:39.179 --> 00:22:40.159 It's not as if you have to 00:22:40.159 --> 00:22:40.960 Live a good life 00:22:40.960 --> 00:22:41.720 And finally God 00:22:41.720 --> 00:22:42.579 Will show you grace 00:22:42.579 --> 00:22:43.659 It's not as if you have to 00:22:43.659 --> 00:22:44.500 Be successful 00:22:44.500 --> 00:22:45.659 It's not as if you have to 00:22:45.659 --> 00:22:46.220 Be a winner 00:22:46.220 --> 00:22:47.240 It's not as if you have to 00:22:47.240 --> 00:22:47.819 Be beautiful 00:22:47.819 --> 00:22:49.019 It's not as if you have to 00:22:49.019 --> 00:22:51.460 Be just anything like that 00:22:51.460 --> 00:22:52.339 You can be broken 00:22:52.339 --> 00:22:53.279 You can be anything 00:22:53.279 --> 00:22:54.379 And that God 00:22:54.379 --> 00:22:55.559 Comes to you 00:22:55.559 --> 00:22:57.199 With unmerited kindness 00:22:57.199 --> 00:22:58.559 That you might turn to him 00:22:58.559 --> 00:22:59.980 And when you turn to him 00:22:59.980 --> 00:23:00.960 You only receive 00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:02.039 Unmerited kindness 00:23:02.039 --> 00:23:04.039 And when you walk with Jesus 00:23:04.039 --> 00:23:06.199 All you ever receive from him 00:23:06.199 --> 00:23:08.339 Is unmerited kindness 00:23:08.339 --> 00:23:09.379 And mercy 00:23:09.379 --> 00:23:11.199 And that's what the angels 00:23:11.199 --> 00:23:11.779 Are saying 00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:13.440 God is providing 00:23:13.440 --> 00:23:14.399 The means by which 00:23:14.399 --> 00:23:15.259 We can be at peace 00:23:15.259 --> 00:23:15.720 With him 00:23:15.720 --> 00:23:17.920 And everything about this 00:23:17.920 --> 00:23:18.639 Is grace 00:23:18.639 --> 00:23:21.319 Unmerited favor 00:23:21.319 --> 00:23:23.359 Unmerited favor 00:23:23.359 --> 00:23:24.339 You don't have to become 00:23:24.339 --> 00:23:25.399 Purified 00:23:25.399 --> 00:23:27.039 Before you know something 00:23:27.039 --> 00:23:27.819 And before you can 00:23:27.819 --> 00:23:28.819 Have peace with God 00:23:28.819 --> 00:23:29.859 It begins with having 00:23:29.859 --> 00:23:30.960 Peace with God 00:23:30.960 --> 00:23:32.059 And that begins 00:23:32.059 --> 00:23:32.700 To have a way 00:23:32.700 --> 00:23:33.720 By which you can start 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:34.480 To see the world 00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:34.960 Different 00:23:34.960 --> 00:23:36.339 And start to live 00:23:36.339 --> 00:23:37.680 A different type of life 00:23:37.680 --> 00:23:38.339 If you could put up 00:23:38.339 --> 00:23:39.259 The next point Andrew 00:23:39.259 --> 00:23:39.980 That would be very 00:23:39.980 --> 00:23:40.599 Very great 00:23:40.599 --> 00:23:41.759 You see 00:23:41.759 --> 00:23:42.819 What we need to do 00:23:42.819 --> 00:23:43.579 Is to pray 00:23:43.579 --> 00:23:44.299 That the Lord 00:23:44.299 --> 00:23:45.079 Will grow in us 00:23:45.079 --> 00:23:45.980 A new sense 00:23:45.980 --> 00:23:47.740 Of identity and self 00:23:47.740 --> 00:23:49.799 As I receive 00:23:49.799 --> 00:23:50.500 As you receive 00:23:50.500 --> 00:23:51.240 As we receive 00:23:51.240 --> 00:23:51.940 And ponder 00:23:51.940 --> 00:23:53.240 Your good news 00:23:53.240 --> 00:23:54.420 God's good news 00:23:54.420 --> 00:23:54.720 You see 00:23:54.720 --> 00:23:55.759 Because what happens 00:23:55.759 --> 00:23:57.599 Is the way 00:23:57.599 --> 00:23:58.519 That all religions 00:23:58.519 --> 00:24:00.480 Sean did a wonderful sermon 00:24:00.480 --> 00:24:01.660 I don't know how many years ago 00:24:01.660 --> 00:24:03.000 How many months ago it was 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:03.940 Where he talks about 00:24:03.940 --> 00:24:05.700 How every different system 00:24:05.700 --> 00:24:06.240 Of thought 00:24:06.240 --> 00:24:06.960 Or religion 00:24:06.960 --> 00:24:08.039 Or ideology 00:24:08.039 --> 00:24:09.119 It's all about a matter 00:24:09.119 --> 00:24:09.740 Of you have to 00:24:09.740 --> 00:24:11.000 Purify yourself 00:24:11.000 --> 00:24:11.879 In some way 00:24:11.879 --> 00:24:12.920 And after you've 00:24:12.920 --> 00:24:13.759 Purified yourself 00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:14.440 In some way 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:15.279 Then maybe you start 00:24:15.279 --> 00:24:16.000 To get some type 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:16.779 Of illumination 00:24:16.779 --> 00:24:17.539 And knowledge 00:24:17.539 --> 00:24:18.680 And after you've 00:24:18.680 --> 00:24:19.440 Been purified 00:24:19.440 --> 00:24:19.819 And you have 00:24:19.819 --> 00:24:20.659 Some illumination 00:24:20.659 --> 00:24:21.159 And knowledge 00:24:21.159 --> 00:24:22.139 Then you can finally 00:24:22.139 --> 00:24:23.240 Have union with God 00:24:23.240 --> 00:24:24.359 And the good news 00:24:24.359 --> 00:24:24.960 Of the gospel 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:26.059 Is that it's 00:24:26.059 --> 00:24:26.680 The complete 00:24:26.680 --> 00:24:28.059 Opposite process 00:24:28.059 --> 00:24:29.339 That what happens 00:24:29.339 --> 00:24:30.119 Is completely 00:24:30.119 --> 00:24:30.559 And utterly 00:24:30.559 --> 00:24:31.240 Out of grace 00:24:31.240 --> 00:24:32.619 You put your faith 00:24:32.619 --> 00:24:33.519 And trust in Jesus 00:24:33.519 --> 00:24:34.579 And you have peace 00:24:34.579 --> 00:24:35.019 With God 00:24:35.019 --> 00:24:35.940 And union with God 00:24:35.940 --> 00:24:37.360 And as that starts 00:24:37.360 --> 00:24:38.700 To grip your identity 00:24:38.700 --> 00:24:39.600 And your self 00:24:39.600 --> 00:24:42.080 Understanding of who you are 00:24:42.080 --> 00:24:44.299 It starts to illuminate you 00:24:44.299 --> 00:24:45.559 You have the security 00:24:45.559 --> 00:24:46.880 To start to look within you 00:24:46.880 --> 00:24:47.680 And you see the things 00:24:47.680 --> 00:24:48.100 Within you 00:24:48.100 --> 00:24:49.140 That have to be dealt with 00:24:49.140 --> 00:24:50.680 And have to be changed 00:24:50.680 --> 00:24:52.440 And it gives illumination 00:24:52.440 --> 00:24:53.400 About how generosity 00:24:53.400 --> 00:24:54.519 Has to have a bigger part 00:24:54.519 --> 00:24:54.960 Of your life 00:24:54.960 --> 00:24:55.559 Or love 00:24:55.559 --> 00:24:56.600 Or forgiveness 00:24:56.600 --> 00:24:58.680 And as this story 00:24:58.680 --> 00:24:59.299 Grips you 00:24:59.299 --> 00:25:00.039 It starts to give you 00:25:00.039 --> 00:25:01.240 A way of seeing yourself 00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:02.360 And identifying yourself 00:25:02.360 --> 00:25:03.740 And understanding who you are 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:05.240 That creates the energy 00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:07.299 To start to change 00:25:07.299 --> 00:25:08.279 How you live 00:25:08.279 --> 00:25:09.500 That's the gospel 00:25:09.500 --> 00:25:11.059 So folks 00:25:11.059 --> 00:25:11.420 We're going to have 00:25:11.420 --> 00:25:12.120 One more video 00:25:12.120 --> 00:25:13.460 To wrap this up 00:25:13.460 --> 00:25:13.839 If you could just 00:25:13.839 --> 00:25:14.680 Put up the final point 00:25:14.680 --> 00:25:15.319 Though before we have 00:25:15.319 --> 00:25:15.759 The video 00:25:15.759 --> 00:25:18.039 Here's how 00:25:18.039 --> 00:25:18.539 Here's 00:25:18.539 --> 00:25:19.000 You see 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:20.099 The Christmas stories 00:25:20.099 --> 00:25:20.720 Are to start 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:22.120 To free us 00:25:22.120 --> 00:25:22.759 And form us 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:23.579 Into how we celebrate 00:25:23.579 --> 00:25:24.099 Christmas 00:25:24.099 --> 00:25:25.680 And this is the entire 00:25:25.680 --> 00:25:26.799 Old Testament pattern 00:25:26.799 --> 00:25:27.940 About how you do that 00:25:27.940 --> 00:25:29.200 That we celebrate 00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:31.079 By remembering with others 00:25:31.079 --> 00:25:32.099 That's what we're doing tonight 00:25:32.099 --> 00:25:33.420 We remember who Jesus is 00:25:33.420 --> 00:25:34.100 And what he did for us 00:25:34.100 --> 00:25:34.620 With others 00:25:34.620 --> 00:25:36.400 We rejoice with others 00:25:36.400 --> 00:25:38.740 We recommit to Jesus 00:25:38.740 --> 00:25:39.840 With others 00:25:39.840 --> 00:25:41.440 Well and then 00:25:41.440 --> 00:25:42.180 Most of us 00:25:42.180 --> 00:25:43.220 Will do this either tonight 00:25:43.220 --> 00:25:43.660 Or tomorrow 00:25:43.660 --> 00:25:44.320 We feast 00:25:44.320 --> 00:25:45.380 Hopefully with others 00:25:45.380 --> 00:25:46.779 Make sure you invite others along 00:25:46.779 --> 00:25:48.120 And that's what we do 00:25:48.120 --> 00:25:49.380 We come together 00:25:49.380 --> 00:25:50.480 To remember Jesus 00:25:50.480 --> 00:25:52.140 And as we remember Jesus 00:25:52.140 --> 00:25:53.400 We get more and more 00:25:53.400 --> 00:25:54.200 Gripped by it 00:25:54.200 --> 00:25:55.460 And it starts to form us 00:25:55.460 --> 00:25:57.039 This wonderful video 00:25:57.039 --> 00:25:57.740 Which we'll have 00:25:57.740 --> 00:25:58.400 In closing 00:25:58.400 --> 00:26:00.400 It's just a wonderful 00:26:00.400 --> 00:26:01.820 Telling of the Christmas story 00:26:01.819 --> 00:26:02.939 And it's a wonderful 00:26:02.939 --> 00:26:04.859 Testimony of a person 00:26:04.859 --> 00:26:05.799 Who just realized 00:26:05.799 --> 00:26:06.779 That even though 00:26:06.779 --> 00:26:07.539 She was a Christian 00:26:07.539 --> 00:26:08.839 She was finding her identity 00:26:08.839 --> 00:26:09.379 And self 00:26:09.379 --> 00:26:10.639 Sense of worth 00:26:10.639 --> 00:26:12.799 In all the wrong places 00:26:12.799 --> 00:26:13.599 And she needed to be 00:26:13.599 --> 00:26:14.139 Once again 00:26:14.139 --> 00:26:15.399 Just gripped by the gospel 00:26:15.399 --> 00:26:15.980 This will be 00:26:15.980 --> 00:26:16.899 We'll see you with this 00:26:16.899 --> 00:26:17.879 And then we'll close in prayer 00:26:17.879 --> 00:26:21.919 I know 00:26:21.919 --> 00:26:22.980 It's no one's fault 00:26:22.980 --> 00:26:24.279 It's no one's fault 00:26:24.279 --> 00:26:25.359 That someone is born 00:26:25.359 --> 00:26:26.319 With a disability 00:26:26.319 --> 00:26:28.139 But then you still feel like 00:26:28.139 --> 00:26:29.639 But why did this happen to us? 00:26:29.640 --> 00:26:35.840 Welcome to all of you 00:26:35.840 --> 00:26:37.860 Please take a seat 00:26:37.860 --> 00:26:40.220 We want to now share 00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:42.759 A nativity treat 00:26:42.759 --> 00:26:45.440 This story of Christmas 00:26:45.440 --> 00:26:47.280 We tell it in rhyme 00:26:47.280 --> 00:26:49.580 Some actors have lines 00:26:49.580 --> 00:26:51.840 While some of us mime 00:26:51.839 --> 00:26:53.339 I was overwhelmed 00:26:53.339 --> 00:26:54.459 With grief 00:26:54.459 --> 00:26:56.299 At the loss 00:26:56.299 --> 00:26:57.000 I thought 00:26:57.000 --> 00:26:57.899 A beautiful baby 00:26:57.899 --> 00:26:59.099 Has got down syndrome 00:26:59.099 --> 00:27:00.939 And it's such a disaster 00:27:00.939 --> 00:27:03.000 Meanwhile 00:27:03.000 --> 00:27:04.439 Great Caesar 00:27:04.439 --> 00:27:04.839 Augustus 00:27:05.459 --> 00:27:06.279 In rhyme 00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:07.799 Made a decree 00:27:07.799 --> 00:27:09.559 Return to your home 00:27:09.559 --> 00:27:12.079 For Joseph's ruling 00:27:12.079 --> 00:27:14.000 Met Wesleyan town 00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:16.139 So they rode on their donkey 00:27:16.139 --> 00:27:18.159 All the way down 00:27:18.160 --> 00:27:20.060 God didn't give me 00:27:20.060 --> 00:27:21.180 A straightforward answer 00:27:21.180 --> 00:27:22.620 Of why this happened 00:27:22.620 --> 00:27:24.120 It just took time 00:27:24.120 --> 00:27:25.320 For me to realise 00:27:25.320 --> 00:27:26.519 God's answer was 00:27:26.519 --> 00:27:27.640 It wasn't so much 00:27:27.640 --> 00:27:28.800 What was wrong with Lever 00:27:28.800 --> 00:27:29.720 As much as there was 00:27:29.720 --> 00:27:30.240 Something wrong 00:27:30.240 --> 00:27:31.279 With the way I was thinking 00:27:31.279 --> 00:27:35.080 Mary was speechless 00:27:35.080 --> 00:27:36.519 She didn't know 00:27:36.519 --> 00:27:37.880 How these things 00:27:37.880 --> 00:27:38.720 Could have happened 00:27:38.720 --> 00:27:40.860 But still she bowed 00:27:40.859 --> 00:27:42.599 I think of Mary 00:27:42.599 --> 00:27:44.379 Of all she goes through 00:27:44.379 --> 00:27:45.459 It's not her plan 00:27:45.459 --> 00:27:46.179 It's God's plan 00:27:46.179 --> 00:27:47.399 She just goes with it 00:27:47.399 --> 00:27:48.459 She's humble 00:27:48.459 --> 00:27:49.240 She's calm 00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:50.879 She's reassured 00:27:50.879 --> 00:27:51.459 By the fact 00:27:51.459 --> 00:27:52.079 That everything's 00:27:52.079 --> 00:27:52.719 Going to be okay 00:27:52.719 --> 00:27:55.419 For he has remembered me 00:27:55.419 --> 00:27:57.299 His lonely servant 00:27:57.299 --> 00:27:58.939 From now on 00:27:58.939 --> 00:27:59.959 All the people 00:27:59.959 --> 00:28:01.279 Will call me happy 00:28:01.279 --> 00:28:03.019 He has brought down 00:28:03.019 --> 00:28:05.019 My king from the throne 00:28:05.019 --> 00:28:06.959 And lift up the lonely 00:28:06.959 --> 00:28:08.719 What we learnt 00:28:08.720 --> 00:28:11.100 Was that God was with us 00:28:11.100 --> 00:28:12.819 God suffered with us 00:28:12.819 --> 00:28:16.160 And he gave us 00:28:16.160 --> 00:28:18.200 The most beautiful child 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:19.420 And there was no reason 00:28:19.420 --> 00:28:20.240 For me to grieve 00:28:20.240 --> 00:28:22.100 Or compare her 00:28:22.100 --> 00:28:23.180 Or you know 00:28:23.180 --> 00:28:26.600 Feel sorry for her 00:28:26.600 --> 00:28:28.240 In my old view 00:28:28.240 --> 00:28:29.579 Before she taught me 00:28:29.579 --> 00:28:31.100 I thought she would lack 00:28:31.100 --> 00:28:32.460 She's not lacking 00:28:32.460 --> 00:28:35.200 So gathered around 00:28:35.200 --> 00:28:36.980 That we may be void 00:28:36.980 --> 00:28:39.299 All people are welcome 00:28:39.299 --> 00:28:41.160 To know heaven's joy 00:28:41.160 --> 00:28:43.360 From angels to donkeys 00:28:43.360 --> 00:28:45.180 From shepherds to kings 00:28:45.180 --> 00:28:47.460 The little Lord Jesus 00:28:47.460 --> 00:28:49.460 God's miracle he brings 00:28:49.460 --> 00:28:52.319 He came to our darkness 00:28:52.319 --> 00:28:53.720 From heaven above 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:56.059 He stooped to the prim 00:28:56.059 --> 00:28:58.259 And the cross out of love 00:28:58.259 --> 00:28:59.779 He shed in our weakness 00:28:59.779 --> 00:29:01.859 And weakness and mess 00:29:01.859 --> 00:29:04.099 And still he embraced us 00:29:04.099 --> 00:29:04.799 Nevertheless 00:29:04.799 --> 00:29:07.740 If you're feeling rejected 00:29:07.740 --> 00:29:09.980 Exclude you to stranger 00:29:09.980 --> 00:29:11.599 Remember the one 00:29:11.599 --> 00:29:13.059 Who came down to the manger 00:29:13.059 --> 00:29:18.259 That a repente 00:29:18.259 --> 00:29:18.899 About who came into 00:29:18.899 --> 00:29:20.179 The Skywalker 00:29:20.179 --> 00:29:21.720 Only now 00:29:21.720 --> 00:29:22.839 The man 00:29:22.839 --> 00:29:24.139 I wish 00:29:24.139 --> 00:29:24.679 The Lord 00:29:24.679 --> 00:29:25.039 And still there 00:29:25.039 --> 00:29:26.000 Is none 00:29:26.000 --> 00:29:26.480 That we 00:29:26.480 --> 00:29:27.200 Send 00:29:27.200 --> 00:29:28.440 God's 00:29:28.440 --> 00:29:28.720 And still there 00:29:28.720 --> 00:29:29.539 To rest 00:29:29.539 --> 00:29:30.119 Our 00:29:30.119 --> 00:29:30.879 ชello 00:29:30.879 --> 00:29:31.559 This 00:29:31.559 --> 00:29:32.419 His 00:29:32.419 --> 00:29:33.179 Is 00:29:33.179 --> 00:29:33.200 Is 00:29:33.200 --> 00:29:34.179 ывайтесь 00:29:34.179 --> 00:29:34.980 Or 00:29:34.980 --> 00:29:35.659 Michele 00:29:35.659 --> 00:29:36.779 Further 00:29:36.779 --> 00:29:37.240 centimeters 00:29:37.240 --> 00:29:37.519 rite 00:29:37.619 --> 00:29:38.379 anche 00:29:38.539 --> 00:29:39.460 Year 00:29:39.460 --> 00:29:40.460 Amen. 00:30:01.460 --> 00:30:06.059 Please stand and we'll just close this with a prayer. 00:30:06.400 --> 00:30:06.880 Let's stand. 00:30:09.460 --> 00:30:11.059 Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus. 00:30:11.920 --> 00:30:17.340 Thank you that he comes down to share the mess and the complexity of our lives, 00:30:18.019 --> 00:30:21.539 that he comes to bear the sin that we cannot deal with. 00:30:21.620 --> 00:30:24.220 He comes to bear the shame that we cannot deal with. 00:30:24.220 --> 00:30:28.039 He comes to deal with the accusations that we cannot deal with. 00:30:28.620 --> 00:30:33.559 And we thank you, Father, that he deals with all of these things when he dies on the cross. 00:30:33.559 --> 00:30:39.619 But we also thank you that, Father, his perfect life clothes us as well. 00:30:39.720 --> 00:30:45.139 That when we put our faith and trust in Jesus, it's not just what he takes away, but what he gives us. 00:30:45.500 --> 00:30:49.339 And we thank and praise you, Father, that when we put our faith and trust in Jesus, 00:30:49.339 --> 00:30:50.700 he is with us every day. 00:30:50.700 --> 00:30:52.980 And he is with us in our weakness. 00:30:53.299 --> 00:30:54.720 And he's with us when we're anxious. 00:30:55.539 --> 00:31:00.799 And so we ask, Father, that the Holy Spirit would grip us with this story of who Jesus is, 00:31:01.400 --> 00:31:06.460 remembering that the cradle reveals what his lordship is like in our lives. 00:31:07.080 --> 00:31:14.519 And grant us a deeper trust in him that he might form how we understand who we are and what our hope is. 00:31:14.519 --> 00:31:18.220 And all these things we ask in the name of Jesus, your son and your savior. 00:31:18.799 --> 00:31:19.160 Amen.