WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.080 We hope that you enjoy this teaching from Christ Church. 00:00:05.459 --> 00:00:09.519 This material is copyrighted and no unauthorized duplication, 00:00:09.880 --> 00:00:15.280 redistribution, or any other use of any part is permitted without prior consent from Christ Church. 00:00:15.280 --> 00:00:22.640 Please consider donating to this work in the San Francisco Bay Area online at ChristChurchEastBay.org. 00:00:22.640 --> 00:00:38.620 The Old Testament reading for tonight, a reading from the prophet Isaiah, chapter 9, verses 2 through 7. 00:00:45.100 --> 00:00:48.719 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. 00:00:48.719 --> 00:00:55.140 Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shone. 00:00:56.320 --> 00:01:00.379 You have multiplied the nation. You have increased its joy. 00:01:01.200 --> 00:01:09.219 They rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 00:01:10.319 --> 00:01:15.659 For the yoke of his burden and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, 00:01:15.659 --> 00:01:19.000 you have broken, as on the day of Midian. 00:01:20.119 --> 00:01:23.679 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult, 00:01:24.120 --> 00:01:28.899 and every garment rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for the fire. 00:01:30.299 --> 00:01:32.620 For to us a child is born. 00:01:33.000 --> 00:01:34.819 To us a son is given. 00:01:34.819 --> 00:01:37.719 And the government shall be upon his shoulder. 00:01:37.719 --> 00:01:47.679 And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 00:01:48.459 --> 00:01:53.119 Of the increase of his government and peace, there will be no end. 00:01:53.120 --> 00:02:01.960 On the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness, 00:02:02.400 --> 00:02:05.180 from this time forth and forevermore. 00:02:05.900 --> 00:02:08.879 The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:12.719 The grass withers and the flowers fade. 00:02:13.439 --> 00:02:15.900 But the word of our God stands forever. 00:02:15.900 --> 00:02:23.920 This is a reading from the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 2, verses 1 through 12. 00:02:27.860 --> 00:02:33.080 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, 00:02:33.840 --> 00:02:36.700 Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 00:02:37.219 --> 00:02:39.620 Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? 00:02:40.439 --> 00:02:44.379 We saw his star when it rose, and have come to worship him. 00:02:44.379 --> 00:02:50.939 When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 00:02:52.060 --> 00:02:56.719 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and the teachers of the law, 00:02:57.159 --> 00:02:59.579 he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 00:03:01.000 --> 00:03:03.139 In Bethlehem in Judea, they replied, 00:03:03.579 --> 00:03:05.759 For this is what the prophet has written. 00:03:07.019 --> 00:03:10.280 But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, 00:03:10.699 --> 00:03:13.359 are by no means least among the rulers of Judah. 00:03:13.360 --> 00:03:18.820 For out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people, Israel. 00:03:21.020 --> 00:03:27.200 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 00:03:27.920 --> 00:03:29.960 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, 00:03:30.840 --> 00:03:33.120 Go and search carefully for the child. 00:03:33.920 --> 00:03:36.740 As soon as you find him, report to me, 00:03:37.040 --> 00:03:39.320 so that I too may go and worship him. 00:03:39.319 --> 00:03:43.759 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, 00:03:44.139 --> 00:03:47.120 and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them 00:03:47.120 --> 00:03:50.259 until it stopped over the place where the child was. 00:03:51.299 --> 00:03:54.060 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 00:03:55.479 --> 00:03:59.019 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother, Mary, 00:03:59.560 --> 00:04:01.680 and they bowed down and worshipped him. 00:04:01.680 --> 00:04:08.240 Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 00:04:08.760 --> 00:04:12.480 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, 00:04:12.800 --> 00:04:15.439 they returned to their country by another route. 00:04:16.000 --> 00:04:17.960 This is the Gospel of the Lord. 00:04:17.959 --> 00:04:25.620 Merry Christmas to you all. 00:04:26.000 --> 00:04:27.639 It's very good to see you tonight. 00:04:29.319 --> 00:04:35.039 If you are coming tonight with a family member or a friend as a guest, 00:04:35.240 --> 00:04:38.740 I want you to know that you are very warmly welcomed here. 00:04:39.179 --> 00:04:41.859 This is a mixed crowd spiritually 00:04:41.860 --> 00:04:45.660 in that some of us are exploring Christianity 00:04:45.660 --> 00:04:50.360 and the claims about Jesus Christ or by Jesus Christ for the first time. 00:04:51.259 --> 00:04:55.400 Some of us are reengaging with the church and with Christian faith 00:04:55.400 --> 00:04:58.759 after a season away because of the pandemic 00:04:58.759 --> 00:05:01.840 or because of a move or some other challenge in your life. 00:05:02.660 --> 00:05:05.879 Some of us are here tonight to worship Christ. 00:05:05.879 --> 00:05:09.000 We have settled Christian beliefs and values. 00:05:09.000 --> 00:05:13.439 Some of you are here tonight because a family member or a friend invited you 00:05:13.439 --> 00:05:17.720 and your being here tonight is the main Christmas present you're giving to them. 00:05:17.839 --> 00:05:21.480 And so we want to say that we're truly glad that you've come. 00:05:22.259 --> 00:05:27.300 Whether you identify as a skeptic or were raised in another faith, 00:05:27.720 --> 00:05:30.959 you're a spiritual seeker or someone who's exploring Christianity, 00:05:30.959 --> 00:05:36.439 it's important, I think, for all of us to know why it is 00:05:36.439 --> 00:05:43.060 that 2.3 billion people around the world are celebrating the birth of Christ tonight. 00:05:43.959 --> 00:05:47.060 To know what those people believe and why. 00:05:47.740 --> 00:05:51.419 So at a minimum, we can be culturally literate 00:05:51.419 --> 00:05:55.439 and have some intelligible conversations over this holiday season. 00:05:55.879 --> 00:06:00.240 That's my minimal goal, but I do hope to do more than that tonight 00:06:00.240 --> 00:06:06.079 to perhaps awaken faith and kindle some hope and love in you as well. 00:06:07.000 --> 00:06:12.060 This past month at Christ Church, we've been exploring various carols of Christmas, 00:06:12.199 --> 00:06:13.379 some of which we just sang. 00:06:13.600 --> 00:06:18.300 And our final carol tonight, you can see printed just after the gospel text, 00:06:18.780 --> 00:06:20.300 it opens with this question, 00:06:21.300 --> 00:06:22.400 What child is this? 00:06:23.379 --> 00:06:24.500 What child is this? 00:06:24.500 --> 00:06:27.139 And the answer in the first stanza is this, 00:06:27.259 --> 00:06:29.079 this is Christ the King, 00:06:29.699 --> 00:06:32.319 whom shepherds guard and angels sing. 00:06:33.160 --> 00:06:34.620 And what that tells us is that 00:06:34.620 --> 00:06:37.800 the real meaning of Christmas is about a royal birth. 00:06:38.699 --> 00:06:40.000 It's about a coming monarch. 00:06:40.220 --> 00:06:42.560 It's about the arrival of a sovereign. 00:06:43.800 --> 00:06:46.800 And I want to draw our attention back to that Old Testament lesson 00:06:46.800 --> 00:06:48.660 we just read from the prophet Isaiah, 00:06:48.660 --> 00:06:53.840 who's speaking and writing 700 years before this birth, 00:06:54.040 --> 00:06:56.920 and he's foretelling the coming of the Messiah, 00:06:57.060 --> 00:06:58.100 this anointed king. 00:06:58.240 --> 00:07:00.740 And he says there in Isaiah 9, 6, 00:07:00.780 --> 00:07:02.080 I encourage you to look at it again, 00:07:02.220 --> 00:07:02.700 he says, 00:07:03.240 --> 00:07:05.280 For unto us a child is born, 00:07:05.680 --> 00:07:07.400 and to us a son is given. 00:07:08.560 --> 00:07:11.000 He says there will be a child 00:07:11.000 --> 00:07:13.819 that's born from a human mother, 00:07:14.860 --> 00:07:19.879 and who will also be a son given from God. 00:07:20.899 --> 00:07:23.980 So who is this human-born child? 00:07:24.180 --> 00:07:26.220 Who is this God-given son? 00:07:26.279 --> 00:07:28.459 And what will he come to do? 00:07:29.060 --> 00:07:31.199 And I want to just explore that question tonight 00:07:31.199 --> 00:07:32.560 through this Christmas carol 00:07:32.560 --> 00:07:34.939 and through this scripture that inspired the carol. 00:07:35.319 --> 00:07:37.000 So allow me to read this carol once again. 00:07:37.100 --> 00:07:38.740 If it's not fresh for us, 00:07:38.879 --> 00:07:40.699 I'll read it for us. 00:07:41.959 --> 00:07:44.160 What child is this who laid to rest 00:07:44.160 --> 00:07:45.839 on Mary's lap is sleeping, 00:07:46.680 --> 00:07:48.819 whom angels greet with anthems sweet 00:07:48.819 --> 00:07:50.699 while shepherds watch are keeping? 00:07:51.759 --> 00:07:53.740 This, this is Christ the King 00:07:53.740 --> 00:07:55.899 whom shepherds guard and angels sing. 00:07:56.720 --> 00:07:59.220 Haste, haste to bring him laud, 00:07:59.279 --> 00:08:01.079 the babe, the son of Mary. 00:08:02.199 --> 00:08:05.220 Why lies he in such mean estate 00:08:05.220 --> 00:08:07.620 where ox and lamb are feeding? 00:08:08.560 --> 00:08:10.459 Good Christian fear for sinners 00:08:10.459 --> 00:08:13.000 here the silent word is pleading. 00:08:13.000 --> 00:08:16.240 Nails, spears shall pierce him through. 00:08:16.339 --> 00:08:19.019 The cross be born for me, for you. 00:08:19.959 --> 00:08:21.899 Hail, hail, the word made flesh, 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:23.980 the babe, the son of Mary. 00:08:25.120 --> 00:08:28.160 So bring him incense, gold and myrrh. 00:08:28.160 --> 00:08:30.040 Come, peasant king, to own him. 00:08:30.100 --> 00:08:32.120 The king of kings salvation brings. 00:08:32.659 --> 00:08:34.500 Let loving hearts enthrone him. 00:08:35.460 --> 00:08:37.279 Raise, raise a song on high. 00:08:37.279 --> 00:08:39.059 The virgin sings her lullaby. 00:08:40.199 --> 00:08:43.120 Joy, joy, for Christ is born, 00:08:43.679 --> 00:08:45.699 the babe, the son of Mary. 00:08:46.620 --> 00:08:48.279 I just want to explore this carol 00:08:48.279 --> 00:08:50.120 and reflect on it for a moment. 00:08:51.419 --> 00:08:53.019 Going through these three stanzas, 00:08:53.079 --> 00:08:55.100 I want to just say that the child is a king, 00:08:55.720 --> 00:08:56.959 the king is lowly, 00:08:57.299 --> 00:08:58.659 and his kingdom is forever. 00:08:59.939 --> 00:09:00.740 The child is a king, 00:09:00.819 --> 00:09:01.740 the king is lowly, 00:09:02.039 --> 00:09:03.939 and his kingdom is forever. 00:09:03.940 --> 00:09:05.720 First of all, the child is a king. 00:09:06.360 --> 00:09:08.920 The prophet Isaiah says there in 9 verse 6, 00:09:09.020 --> 00:09:11.660 he says the government will be on his shoulders. 00:09:13.040 --> 00:09:15.140 This child that's coming is going to bear 00:09:15.140 --> 00:09:17.580 executive authority and power. 00:09:17.700 --> 00:09:21.140 He's going to exercise sovereignty and supremacy. 00:09:22.300 --> 00:09:24.040 And we all know, you know, 00:09:24.100 --> 00:09:25.040 if you've seen the crown, 00:09:25.840 --> 00:09:28.800 you have to, when you enter a royal court, 00:09:29.000 --> 00:09:30.940 you have to abide by protocol 00:09:30.940 --> 00:09:34.680 protocol for her majesty or his majesty. 00:09:35.580 --> 00:09:37.760 And so what is the throne name 00:09:37.760 --> 00:09:39.680 of this king who's coming? 00:09:40.120 --> 00:09:41.100 How does this, 00:09:41.400 --> 00:09:42.720 what should we be calling him? 00:09:43.240 --> 00:09:44.500 And how does this indicate 00:09:44.500 --> 00:09:46.580 the nature of his coming rule 00:09:46.580 --> 00:09:47.640 and his reign? 00:09:47.720 --> 00:09:48.700 And so the prophet Isaiah 00:09:48.700 --> 00:09:49.980 answers that question for us. 00:09:50.040 --> 00:09:50.380 He says, 00:09:50.800 --> 00:09:52.180 his name shall be called 00:09:52.180 --> 00:09:54.220 Wonderful Counselor, 00:09:55.000 --> 00:09:55.680 Mighty God, 00:09:55.840 --> 00:09:56.880 Everlasting Father, 00:09:57.360 --> 00:09:58.500 Prince of Peace. 00:09:58.500 --> 00:10:01.679 His name stands for who he is 00:10:01.679 --> 00:10:03.759 and what he does. 00:10:04.620 --> 00:10:05.539 And so first of all, 00:10:05.600 --> 00:10:07.139 we learn here that the coming king 00:10:07.139 --> 00:10:09.299 will be a wonderful counselor. 00:10:10.480 --> 00:10:12.659 Wonderful here in Hebrew, 00:10:12.820 --> 00:10:14.720 it has a sense of supernatural 00:10:14.720 --> 00:10:16.019 or wonder working. 00:10:17.080 --> 00:10:17.740 In the Bible, 00:10:18.039 --> 00:10:19.179 God and God alone 00:10:19.179 --> 00:10:20.700 is the wonderful counselor 00:10:20.700 --> 00:10:22.700 because he sees the end 00:10:22.700 --> 00:10:23.360 from the beginning. 00:10:24.259 --> 00:10:26.000 He created the world after all 00:10:26.000 --> 00:10:28.000 and he has a supernatural plan 00:10:28.000 --> 00:10:29.200 to save it. 00:10:29.340 --> 00:10:31.460 He's got a wonder working program 00:10:31.460 --> 00:10:32.480 of redemption 00:10:32.480 --> 00:10:35.539 for all the nations of the world. 00:10:35.679 --> 00:10:36.940 And so it seems here 00:10:36.940 --> 00:10:37.600 that God, 00:10:37.700 --> 00:10:38.639 the wonderful counselor, 00:10:39.100 --> 00:10:41.120 is entrusting his eternal counsel 00:10:41.120 --> 00:10:43.120 to his Messiah. 00:10:44.500 --> 00:10:45.799 And this Messiah will come 00:10:45.799 --> 00:10:48.720 and he will bring this supernatural plan. 00:10:48.840 --> 00:10:50.759 He will bring this wonder working program 00:10:50.759 --> 00:10:52.720 to the world. 00:10:52.720 --> 00:10:54.060 And when he does that, 00:10:54.320 --> 00:10:55.600 he will be the wisest, 00:10:55.759 --> 00:10:56.220 the greatest, 00:10:56.399 --> 00:10:57.500 the final word 00:10:57.500 --> 00:11:00.180 that God has ever given to humanity. 00:11:01.279 --> 00:11:02.000 He'll come 00:11:02.000 --> 00:11:04.680 and he'll teach authoritative truth 00:11:04.680 --> 00:11:05.519 about God 00:11:05.519 --> 00:11:07.420 and about the human heart 00:11:07.420 --> 00:11:09.180 and about the deepest problem 00:11:09.180 --> 00:11:10.080 of our world. 00:11:11.060 --> 00:11:12.600 And it will be said of him, 00:11:13.100 --> 00:11:15.660 in him are hidden 00:11:15.660 --> 00:11:17.220 all the treasures of wisdom 00:11:17.220 --> 00:11:18.740 and of knowledge. 00:11:19.379 --> 00:11:20.580 He'll be the wonderful counselor. 00:11:20.580 --> 00:11:23.100 But in this coming king, 00:11:23.360 --> 00:11:24.240 we not only have 00:11:24.240 --> 00:11:25.180 a wonderful counselor, 00:11:25.300 --> 00:11:27.100 we have the mighty God. 00:11:28.120 --> 00:11:29.820 This child born of a woman 00:11:29.820 --> 00:11:31.180 will also be like 00:11:31.180 --> 00:11:32.620 the God of Israel. 00:11:33.560 --> 00:11:34.340 He'll be as mighty 00:11:34.340 --> 00:11:36.080 as the one who created the universe 00:11:36.080 --> 00:11:38.280 with a word saying, 00:11:38.620 --> 00:11:39.280 let there be light 00:11:39.280 --> 00:11:40.060 and bang, 00:11:41.160 --> 00:11:41.920 there was light. 00:11:42.800 --> 00:11:44.820 He will be so powerful. 00:11:44.980 --> 00:11:45.980 He'll be as powerful 00:11:45.980 --> 00:11:46.780 as the one 00:11:46.780 --> 00:11:47.980 who delivered his people 00:11:47.980 --> 00:11:48.860 from slavery 00:11:48.860 --> 00:11:50.060 and oppression 00:11:50.060 --> 00:11:51.800 in Egypt. 00:11:52.680 --> 00:11:52.980 Right? 00:11:53.019 --> 00:11:54.539 Because that's what mighty means. 00:11:54.680 --> 00:11:55.419 Mighty refers to 00:11:55.419 --> 00:11:57.019 this strong warrior, 00:11:57.159 --> 00:11:57.800 this champion 00:11:57.800 --> 00:11:59.300 who fights 00:11:59.300 --> 00:12:00.379 and wins battles 00:12:00.379 --> 00:12:01.440 on behalf of 00:12:01.440 --> 00:12:02.600 and in place of 00:12:02.600 --> 00:12:03.480 his people 00:12:03.480 --> 00:12:04.340 to set them free 00:12:04.340 --> 00:12:05.259 from bondage 00:12:05.259 --> 00:12:06.980 and from their enemies. 00:12:08.080 --> 00:12:09.039 So in the Messiah, 00:12:09.200 --> 00:12:10.539 this mighty God will come 00:12:10.539 --> 00:12:12.379 and he will have power 00:12:12.379 --> 00:12:14.659 to put this wonder-working 00:12:14.659 --> 00:12:15.800 counsel of God 00:12:15.800 --> 00:12:16.560 into effect. 00:12:16.559 --> 00:12:18.159 He will have an authority 00:12:18.159 --> 00:12:21.000 to execute God's 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:22.099 eternal plan 00:12:22.099 --> 00:12:23.179 of salvation, 00:12:23.379 --> 00:12:24.000 this program 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:25.179 of redemption 00:12:25.179 --> 00:12:27.399 to set people free. 00:12:28.779 --> 00:12:29.919 This coming king 00:12:29.919 --> 00:12:30.939 is the wonderful counselor. 00:12:31.139 --> 00:12:32.079 He's the mighty God 00:12:32.079 --> 00:12:32.539 and it says 00:12:32.539 --> 00:12:34.259 he's also the everlasting father. 00:12:35.539 --> 00:12:36.979 When the Messiah comes 00:12:36.979 --> 00:12:38.399 as the wonderful counselor 00:12:38.399 --> 00:12:39.000 with plans 00:12:39.000 --> 00:12:40.139 for the whole wide world 00:12:40.139 --> 00:12:41.859 and when he comes 00:12:41.859 --> 00:12:42.799 as the mighty God 00:12:42.799 --> 00:12:43.839 with divine power 00:12:43.840 --> 00:12:45.180 to set human beings 00:12:45.180 --> 00:12:46.540 free from their bondage, 00:12:46.800 --> 00:12:47.960 he will make us 00:12:47.960 --> 00:12:48.780 God's children 00:12:48.780 --> 00:12:51.040 and he will exercise 00:12:51.040 --> 00:12:52.019 God the Father's 00:12:52.019 --> 00:12:53.620 goodness and care 00:12:53.620 --> 00:12:54.860 for his family. 00:12:54.980 --> 00:12:55.600 He'll protect 00:12:55.600 --> 00:12:56.540 and provide 00:12:56.540 --> 00:12:57.940 for his people 00:12:57.940 --> 00:12:59.100 as a father protects 00:12:59.100 --> 00:12:59.840 and provides 00:12:59.840 --> 00:13:01.540 for his children. 00:13:02.879 --> 00:13:03.639 This coming king 00:13:03.639 --> 00:13:04.160 will be 00:13:04.160 --> 00:13:06.519 the wonderful counselor, 00:13:07.379 --> 00:13:08.200 the mighty God, 00:13:08.759 --> 00:13:09.960 the everlasting father, 00:13:09.960 --> 00:13:11.740 and he'll also be 00:13:11.740 --> 00:13:13.200 the prince of peace. 00:13:13.960 --> 00:13:14.879 He's a monarch, 00:13:15.100 --> 00:13:15.879 he's a sovereign 00:13:15.879 --> 00:13:17.300 who is able to bring 00:13:17.300 --> 00:13:18.480 peace and prosperity 00:13:18.480 --> 00:13:20.620 to his dominion 00:13:20.620 --> 00:13:21.420 and in particular 00:13:21.420 --> 00:13:22.220 this Messiah 00:13:22.220 --> 00:13:23.300 will bring shalom 00:13:23.300 --> 00:13:24.840 between God 00:13:24.840 --> 00:13:26.280 and human beings. 00:13:28.040 --> 00:13:30.220 Though we ignore God, 00:13:31.440 --> 00:13:33.920 though we disregard God, 00:13:34.920 --> 00:13:37.160 though we resist God, 00:13:37.240 --> 00:13:38.540 though we oppose God, 00:13:38.539 --> 00:13:39.740 though sometimes we're even 00:13:39.740 --> 00:13:41.019 hostile to God 00:13:41.019 --> 00:13:41.599 as an enemy, 00:13:42.120 --> 00:13:43.120 this prince of peace 00:13:43.120 --> 00:13:43.799 is coming 00:13:43.799 --> 00:13:45.719 to reconcile us 00:13:45.719 --> 00:13:46.740 to God. 00:13:50.879 --> 00:13:51.480 Question, 00:13:52.379 --> 00:13:53.980 what child is this? 00:13:55.019 --> 00:13:55.480 Answer, 00:13:56.299 --> 00:13:56.559 this, 00:13:56.699 --> 00:13:57.659 this is Christ, 00:13:57.980 --> 00:13:58.799 the king, 00:13:59.120 --> 00:14:00.159 this child born 00:14:00.159 --> 00:14:00.639 of a woman, 00:14:00.759 --> 00:14:01.599 the son given 00:14:01.599 --> 00:14:02.219 from God, 00:14:02.279 --> 00:14:03.159 the one who will bear 00:14:03.159 --> 00:14:03.740 the government 00:14:03.740 --> 00:14:05.139 of the universe 00:14:05.139 --> 00:14:06.159 on his shoulders, 00:14:06.360 --> 00:14:06.959 this king 00:14:06.960 --> 00:14:08.879 with four names. 00:14:09.100 --> 00:14:09.519 Ultimately, 00:14:09.920 --> 00:14:10.639 every knee 00:14:10.639 --> 00:14:11.480 is going to bow 00:14:11.480 --> 00:14:12.100 before him 00:14:12.100 --> 00:14:12.800 and every tongue 00:14:12.800 --> 00:14:14.580 is going to confess 00:14:14.580 --> 00:14:15.340 that he, 00:14:15.460 --> 00:14:16.519 the wonderful counselor, 00:14:17.120 --> 00:14:17.860 mighty God, 00:14:18.300 --> 00:14:19.320 everlasting father, 00:14:19.759 --> 00:14:20.720 prince of peace, 00:14:21.040 --> 00:14:22.700 is the Lord of all. 00:14:23.660 --> 00:14:24.139 And that's why 00:14:24.139 --> 00:14:24.940 this carol says, 00:14:25.080 --> 00:14:25.940 haste, haste 00:14:25.940 --> 00:14:27.379 to bring him laud, 00:14:27.780 --> 00:14:28.200 the babe, 00:14:28.300 --> 00:14:29.879 the son of Mary. 00:14:30.220 --> 00:14:30.920 In other words, 00:14:31.879 --> 00:14:32.900 don't hold back. 00:14:33.899 --> 00:14:34.879 Don't hold back 00:14:34.879 --> 00:14:35.559 in bringing him 00:14:35.559 --> 00:14:36.299 your praise 00:14:36.299 --> 00:14:37.459 and your worship 00:14:37.459 --> 00:14:38.000 tonight 00:14:38.000 --> 00:14:39.360 and in this Christmas season 00:14:39.360 --> 00:14:40.439 and the rest 00:14:40.439 --> 00:14:41.659 of the short time 00:14:41.659 --> 00:14:43.059 that God gives you 00:14:43.059 --> 00:14:44.220 on this earth. 00:14:45.600 --> 00:14:46.919 The child is a king. 00:14:48.240 --> 00:14:49.059 And more than that, 00:14:49.100 --> 00:14:50.199 the child is a king 00:14:50.199 --> 00:14:50.899 but the king 00:14:50.899 --> 00:14:52.059 is lowly. 00:14:52.360 --> 00:14:52.879 The king 00:14:52.879 --> 00:14:54.259 is lowly. 00:14:55.079 --> 00:14:55.899 Stanza two 00:14:55.899 --> 00:14:57.079 of our carols says, 00:14:57.639 --> 00:14:58.539 why lies he 00:14:58.539 --> 00:15:00.059 in such mean estate 00:15:00.059 --> 00:15:02.120 where ox and lamb 00:15:02.120 --> 00:15:02.700 are feeding? 00:15:03.879 --> 00:15:04.560 In other words, 00:15:04.639 --> 00:15:05.720 why is this child 00:15:05.720 --> 00:15:06.659 who's born, 00:15:06.779 --> 00:15:07.919 this son who's given, 00:15:08.039 --> 00:15:09.379 this king with four names, 00:15:09.639 --> 00:15:10.460 why in the world 00:15:10.460 --> 00:15:11.440 is he in a manger? 00:15:12.519 --> 00:15:14.060 Why is he in an animal 00:15:14.060 --> 00:15:15.179 feed trough? 00:15:16.679 --> 00:15:17.840 Why is he not 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:18.759 in a palace 00:15:18.759 --> 00:15:20.320 on a grand estate 00:15:20.320 --> 00:15:23.299 encircled by magistrates 00:15:23.299 --> 00:15:24.679 and military generals 00:15:24.679 --> 00:15:26.659 and world class scholars? 00:15:26.779 --> 00:15:27.779 Why isn't he in a place 00:15:27.779 --> 00:15:28.539 that's more fitting 00:15:28.539 --> 00:15:29.600 for a king 00:15:29.600 --> 00:15:31.080 of this stature 00:15:31.080 --> 00:15:31.940 and of this nature? 00:15:32.120 --> 00:15:35.799 Why is he born here 00:15:35.799 --> 00:15:36.720 in obscurity 00:15:36.720 --> 00:15:38.419 among the working class? 00:15:39.740 --> 00:15:40.060 Now, 00:15:40.279 --> 00:15:41.440 on the way 00:15:41.440 --> 00:15:42.320 over here tonight, 00:15:42.440 --> 00:15:43.159 I saw a car 00:15:43.159 --> 00:15:43.899 with a bumper sticker 00:15:43.899 --> 00:15:44.279 that said, 00:15:44.399 --> 00:15:45.720 elections matter. 00:15:47.000 --> 00:15:47.299 And, 00:15:47.399 --> 00:15:49.620 as I think you know, 00:15:49.740 --> 00:15:50.320 there's an election 00:15:50.320 --> 00:15:51.560 coming up in 2024. 00:15:52.740 --> 00:15:53.519 And I'm sure 00:15:53.519 --> 00:15:54.639 that's why you came tonight 00:15:54.639 --> 00:15:55.539 to hear me 00:15:55.539 --> 00:15:56.580 talk about politics, 00:15:56.799 --> 00:15:57.080 right? 00:15:57.080 --> 00:15:57.159 Right? 00:15:57.159 --> 00:16:00.799 Politicians 00:16:00.799 --> 00:16:01.600 over the course 00:16:01.600 --> 00:16:02.480 of this next year 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:03.179 on the left 00:16:03.179 --> 00:16:03.740 and the right 00:16:03.740 --> 00:16:04.819 are going to present 00:16:04.819 --> 00:16:05.399 themselves 00:16:05.399 --> 00:16:07.139 with great fanfare 00:16:07.139 --> 00:16:08.799 as the answer 00:16:08.799 --> 00:16:10.279 to all of our problems 00:16:10.279 --> 00:16:12.079 and as the key 00:16:12.079 --> 00:16:14.179 to all of our prosperity. 00:16:14.439 --> 00:16:15.399 And as they do that, 00:16:15.480 --> 00:16:16.679 they're going to project 00:16:16.679 --> 00:16:18.279 an image of strength 00:16:18.279 --> 00:16:18.799 to us. 00:16:18.860 --> 00:16:19.620 They're going to project 00:16:19.620 --> 00:16:20.799 an image of competence 00:16:20.799 --> 00:16:22.359 and charisma 00:16:22.359 --> 00:16:23.539 in an effort 00:16:23.539 --> 00:16:25.039 to win our votes. 00:16:26.259 --> 00:16:27.439 But I want to point out 00:16:27.439 --> 00:16:29.159 tonight that God's ways 00:16:29.159 --> 00:16:31.099 are not our ways 00:16:31.099 --> 00:16:31.699 or God's ways 00:16:31.699 --> 00:16:32.319 are at least not 00:16:32.319 --> 00:16:33.779 our politicians' ways. 00:16:34.979 --> 00:16:35.759 Because what's 00:16:35.759 --> 00:16:37.099 the characteristic mark 00:16:37.099 --> 00:16:39.659 of this Prince of Peace's 00:16:39.659 --> 00:16:41.519 rule and reign? 00:16:42.740 --> 00:16:44.339 From day one, 00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:46.120 he's marked 00:16:46.120 --> 00:16:47.620 by lowliness. 00:16:48.799 --> 00:16:49.339 He's marked 00:16:49.339 --> 00:16:50.719 by humility. 00:16:51.659 --> 00:16:52.240 He's marked 00:16:52.240 --> 00:16:54.639 by downward mobility. 00:16:56.379 --> 00:16:57.179 Not only 00:16:57.179 --> 00:16:58.740 does this Messiah 00:16:58.740 --> 00:16:59.899 leave behind 00:16:59.899 --> 00:17:01.019 his heavenly glory, 00:17:02.059 --> 00:17:02.799 not only does he 00:17:02.799 --> 00:17:04.059 stoop down 00:17:04.059 --> 00:17:05.139 to veil himself 00:17:05.139 --> 00:17:06.879 in human flesh, 00:17:07.200 --> 00:17:07.680 and not only 00:17:07.680 --> 00:17:09.079 does he lower himself 00:17:09.079 --> 00:17:11.839 into this manger throne, 00:17:11.960 --> 00:17:12.960 but he lives 00:17:12.960 --> 00:17:14.099 a whole life, 00:17:15.299 --> 00:17:16.200 a whole lifetime 00:17:16.200 --> 00:17:18.099 of lowliness. 00:17:18.099 --> 00:17:20.459 And that lifetime 00:17:20.459 --> 00:17:21.099 of lowliness 00:17:21.099 --> 00:17:23.279 climaxes on what? 00:17:23.359 --> 00:17:24.779 On a Roman cross. 00:17:25.779 --> 00:17:27.019 The ultimate symbol 00:17:27.019 --> 00:17:27.740 of lowliness, 00:17:28.579 --> 00:17:29.419 of humiliation, 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:31.119 the ultimate declaration 00:17:31.119 --> 00:17:32.039 that he is, 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:32.579 in fact, 00:17:32.959 --> 00:17:33.719 a nobody 00:17:33.719 --> 00:17:35.079 and a nothing. 00:17:36.379 --> 00:17:37.339 Some of you might say, 00:17:37.480 --> 00:17:37.719 well, 00:17:38.159 --> 00:17:39.219 bah humbug to 00:17:39.219 --> 00:17:40.740 all of this talk. 00:17:40.740 --> 00:17:41.779 Why in the world 00:17:41.779 --> 00:17:42.980 would you sour 00:17:42.980 --> 00:17:43.660 the happiness 00:17:43.660 --> 00:17:44.460 of Christmas 00:17:44.460 --> 00:17:45.960 by singing 00:17:45.960 --> 00:17:47.079 this line, 00:17:47.200 --> 00:17:47.559 nails, 00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:48.220 spears, 00:17:48.299 --> 00:17:49.000 shall pierce him 00:17:49.000 --> 00:17:49.720 through the cross, 00:17:49.799 --> 00:17:51.039 be born for me, 00:17:51.180 --> 00:17:51.460 for you? 00:17:51.460 --> 00:17:52.160 Why can't you just 00:17:52.160 --> 00:17:52.539 leave that 00:17:52.539 --> 00:17:53.759 to a good Friday? 00:17:54.859 --> 00:17:55.640 You're kind of like 00:17:55.640 --> 00:17:56.140 the Grinch, 00:17:56.759 --> 00:17:57.720 just stealing 00:17:57.720 --> 00:17:58.299 and ruining 00:17:58.299 --> 00:17:59.519 our Christmas. 00:17:59.660 --> 00:18:00.839 Just let us enjoy, 00:18:01.079 --> 00:18:01.900 just for tonight, 00:18:02.700 --> 00:18:04.140 a sentimentalized 00:18:04.140 --> 00:18:05.099 and sanitized 00:18:05.099 --> 00:18:05.960 version of Christmas 00:18:05.960 --> 00:18:06.720 with this cute, 00:18:06.720 --> 00:18:07.720 cuddly little baby 00:18:07.720 --> 00:18:08.380 Jesus. 00:18:08.500 --> 00:18:09.160 Don't we all want 00:18:09.160 --> 00:18:09.880 that a little bit? 00:18:11.120 --> 00:18:11.920 No nails, 00:18:12.059 --> 00:18:12.620 no spears, 00:18:12.720 --> 00:18:13.279 no cross, 00:18:13.360 --> 00:18:13.819 no blood, 00:18:13.920 --> 00:18:14.480 no death. 00:18:15.640 --> 00:18:16.279 But friends, 00:18:16.819 --> 00:18:18.319 that would cut 00:18:18.319 --> 00:18:18.720 the heart 00:18:18.720 --> 00:18:19.420 right out of Christmas. 00:18:21.360 --> 00:18:22.180 We would be 00:18:22.180 --> 00:18:23.220 forgetting why 00:18:23.220 --> 00:18:23.819 the world 00:18:23.819 --> 00:18:24.680 needed a Messiah 00:18:24.680 --> 00:18:25.920 to be born at all. 00:18:26.920 --> 00:18:27.880 This Christmas carol 00:18:27.880 --> 00:18:28.680 is reminding us 00:18:28.680 --> 00:18:29.559 that the Prince of Peace 00:18:29.559 --> 00:18:31.120 was born to die. 00:18:32.120 --> 00:18:32.819 And the way 00:18:32.819 --> 00:18:33.579 that this Prince 00:18:33.579 --> 00:18:34.960 will bring peace, 00:18:35.059 --> 00:18:35.600 the way that he 00:18:35.600 --> 00:18:36.259 will reconcile 00:18:36.259 --> 00:18:37.339 us to God 00:18:37.339 --> 00:18:38.160 will be to take 00:18:38.160 --> 00:18:39.460 our place 00:18:39.460 --> 00:18:40.400 as our substitute 00:18:40.400 --> 00:18:42.019 on that cross. 00:18:43.039 --> 00:18:43.700 That's why 00:18:43.700 --> 00:18:44.500 the Prince of Peace 00:18:44.500 --> 00:18:45.420 came, 00:18:45.519 --> 00:18:46.599 not to bring 00:18:46.599 --> 00:18:47.779 judgment upon us, 00:18:47.839 --> 00:18:48.579 but to bear 00:18:48.579 --> 00:18:50.160 judgment for us 00:18:50.160 --> 00:18:50.700 so that we 00:18:50.700 --> 00:18:51.779 don't have to. 00:18:52.740 --> 00:18:53.400 If you know 00:18:53.400 --> 00:18:54.039 anything about 00:18:54.039 --> 00:18:55.440 the prophet Isaiah 00:18:55.440 --> 00:18:58.079 and you read 00:18:58.079 --> 00:19:00.519 the whole of his work, 00:19:01.299 --> 00:19:01.759 you eventually, 00:19:01.980 --> 00:19:02.619 after you read 00:19:02.619 --> 00:19:03.379 Isaiah 9, 00:19:03.460 --> 00:19:03.799 you eventually 00:19:03.799 --> 00:19:05.140 come to Isaiah 53 00:19:05.140 --> 00:19:07.040 where the prophet 00:19:07.040 --> 00:19:07.660 says this, 00:19:07.720 --> 00:19:08.220 he, 00:19:09.160 --> 00:19:10.740 this child to be born, 00:19:10.820 --> 00:19:11.600 the son to be given, 00:19:11.700 --> 00:19:12.780 this king with four names, 00:19:12.920 --> 00:19:13.200 he, 00:19:14.300 --> 00:19:14.940 was pierced 00:19:14.940 --> 00:19:15.980 for our transgressions, 00:19:16.080 --> 00:19:16.740 he was crushed 00:19:16.740 --> 00:19:17.960 for our iniquities, 00:19:18.540 --> 00:19:19.380 the punishment 00:19:19.380 --> 00:19:20.460 that brought us peace 00:19:20.460 --> 00:19:21.220 was on him, 00:19:21.780 --> 00:19:23.040 and by his wounds 00:19:23.040 --> 00:19:24.620 we are healed. 00:19:26.020 --> 00:19:27.920 It's because we all, 00:19:28.040 --> 00:19:28.500 if we're honest 00:19:28.500 --> 00:19:29.120 with ourselves, 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:30.140 have transgressed 00:19:30.140 --> 00:19:32.040 God's moral law 00:19:32.040 --> 00:19:32.720 of love 00:19:32.720 --> 00:19:34.620 that we deserve 00:19:34.620 --> 00:19:35.460 to be pierced. 00:19:36.780 --> 00:19:37.259 But, 00:19:37.520 --> 00:19:38.700 the good news 00:19:38.700 --> 00:19:39.120 of Christmas 00:19:39.120 --> 00:19:39.580 is that our 00:19:39.580 --> 00:19:40.320 Prince of Peace 00:19:40.320 --> 00:19:41.220 who lies here 00:19:41.220 --> 00:19:42.060 in such mean 00:19:42.060 --> 00:19:42.680 a state 00:19:42.680 --> 00:19:44.500 has been pierced 00:19:44.500 --> 00:19:45.720 for us instead. 00:19:47.040 --> 00:19:48.320 That because 00:19:48.320 --> 00:19:49.660 we are guilty 00:19:49.660 --> 00:19:50.660 of iniquities, 00:19:50.780 --> 00:19:51.940 that's an old word 00:19:51.940 --> 00:19:52.300 that means 00:19:52.300 --> 00:19:53.759 because we're guilty 00:19:53.759 --> 00:19:55.200 of injustices 00:19:55.200 --> 00:19:56.900 toward one another 00:19:56.900 --> 00:19:58.540 and toward God. 00:19:59.380 --> 00:20:00.100 We deserve 00:20:00.100 --> 00:20:00.780 to be crushed, 00:20:01.019 --> 00:20:02.040 but the good news 00:20:02.040 --> 00:20:02.460 of Christmas 00:20:02.460 --> 00:20:02.920 is that our 00:20:02.920 --> 00:20:03.700 Prince of Peace 00:20:03.700 --> 00:20:04.820 here in this lowly 00:20:04.820 --> 00:20:06.320 manger where ox 00:20:06.320 --> 00:20:07.140 and lamb are feeding, 00:20:07.480 --> 00:20:08.340 he's come to be 00:20:08.340 --> 00:20:09.800 crushed instead 00:20:09.800 --> 00:20:11.019 of us. 00:20:12.360 --> 00:20:13.220 You see this connection 00:20:13.220 --> 00:20:14.400 between Isaiah 9 00:20:14.400 --> 00:20:15.220 and Isaiah 53? 00:20:16.460 --> 00:20:17.600 Our Prince of Peace 00:20:17.600 --> 00:20:19.040 bore our punishment 00:20:19.040 --> 00:20:20.360 so that we can have 00:20:20.360 --> 00:20:21.200 the peace. 00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:23.320 He got the wounds 00:20:23.320 --> 00:20:24.340 so that we could get 00:20:24.340 --> 00:20:25.200 the healing. 00:20:25.200 --> 00:20:27.220 And we must not 00:20:27.220 --> 00:20:28.180 sever this link 00:20:28.180 --> 00:20:29.200 between Bethlehem 00:20:29.740 --> 00:20:31.080 and Golgotha, 00:20:31.140 --> 00:20:32.080 between his cradle 00:20:32.080 --> 00:20:33.519 and his cross 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:33.960 and between 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:35.680 the peace that we get 00:20:35.680 --> 00:20:36.380 and the punishment 00:20:36.380 --> 00:20:37.759 that he got. 00:20:39.279 --> 00:20:39.799 Nails, 00:20:40.240 --> 00:20:40.620 spears 00:20:40.620 --> 00:20:41.500 shall pierce him 00:20:41.500 --> 00:20:42.259 through the cross 00:20:42.259 --> 00:20:43.400 be born for me 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:43.720 for you. 00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:44.680 That line 00:20:44.680 --> 00:20:46.360 does not ruin Christmas. 00:20:46.480 --> 00:20:46.960 That's what gives 00:20:46.960 --> 00:20:48.200 Christmas its power 00:20:48.200 --> 00:20:49.880 and its glory. 00:20:50.860 --> 00:20:51.740 Because this 00:20:51.740 --> 00:20:52.840 wonderful counselor, 00:20:53.740 --> 00:20:54.680 this mighty God, 00:20:54.680 --> 00:20:55.500 this everlasting 00:20:55.500 --> 00:20:55.880 father, 00:20:55.980 --> 00:20:57.200 this prince of peace 00:20:57.200 --> 00:20:58.980 who has the name 00:20:58.980 --> 00:21:01.060 above every other name 00:21:01.060 --> 00:21:04.660 has come in such lowliness, 00:21:05.940 --> 00:21:06.960 such humility, 00:21:07.900 --> 00:21:09.860 such downward mobility 00:21:09.860 --> 00:21:11.420 that's like nothing 00:21:11.420 --> 00:21:13.060 the world has ever seen 00:21:13.060 --> 00:21:14.900 from any other politician 00:21:14.900 --> 00:21:16.140 or any other king. 00:21:16.539 --> 00:21:16.779 Amen? 00:21:16.779 --> 00:21:16.920 Amen? 00:21:16.920 --> 00:21:22.240 The costliness of his birth, 00:21:23.100 --> 00:21:24.560 the sacrifice of his death, 00:21:24.640 --> 00:21:25.820 the peace and the reconciliation 00:21:25.820 --> 00:21:26.700 with God 00:21:26.700 --> 00:21:28.500 that he came to win for us 00:21:28.500 --> 00:21:30.320 is worthy of our praise. 00:21:30.440 --> 00:21:31.660 And that's why this carol says, 00:21:31.800 --> 00:21:32.440 hail, hail, 00:21:32.539 --> 00:21:33.500 the word made flesh, 00:21:33.600 --> 00:21:34.140 the babe, 00:21:34.539 --> 00:21:35.920 the son of Mary. 00:21:36.039 --> 00:21:36.660 To hail 00:21:36.660 --> 00:21:39.660 means to greet someone 00:21:39.660 --> 00:21:40.500 with enthusiastic 00:21:40.500 --> 00:21:42.600 approval and acclaim. 00:21:42.599 --> 00:21:44.539 And I hope you've come 00:21:44.539 --> 00:21:45.740 to do that tonight. 00:21:45.939 --> 00:21:47.500 This lowly king 00:21:47.500 --> 00:21:49.399 who began in a place 00:21:49.399 --> 00:21:50.879 of such mean estate 00:21:50.879 --> 00:21:51.839 where ox and lamb 00:21:51.839 --> 00:21:52.339 are feeding 00:21:52.339 --> 00:21:54.879 and this lamb who, 00:21:55.119 --> 00:21:55.879 this lowly king 00:21:55.879 --> 00:21:57.119 who deliberately went 00:21:57.119 --> 00:21:57.919 to this place 00:21:57.919 --> 00:21:59.759 of nails and spears 00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:01.299 and a cross for you, 00:22:02.299 --> 00:22:02.899 he's worthy 00:22:02.899 --> 00:22:03.919 of our enthusiasm. 00:22:05.179 --> 00:22:05.919 He's worthy 00:22:05.919 --> 00:22:06.699 of our approval 00:22:06.699 --> 00:22:07.579 and our acclaim 00:22:07.579 --> 00:22:09.079 and our worship tonight. 00:22:09.079 --> 00:22:11.939 So the child is a king, 00:22:12.039 --> 00:22:13.240 the king is lowly 00:22:13.240 --> 00:22:16.279 and just one last thought 00:22:16.279 --> 00:22:18.279 is that his kingdom 00:22:18.279 --> 00:22:18.879 is forever. 00:22:20.279 --> 00:22:21.919 His kingdom is forever. 00:22:23.119 --> 00:22:24.119 Look at stanza three 00:22:24.119 --> 00:22:24.759 of our carol 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:25.399 that we're going to sing 00:22:25.399 --> 00:22:25.779 in a moment. 00:22:25.919 --> 00:22:26.259 It says, 00:22:27.220 --> 00:22:28.179 so bring him incense, 00:22:28.339 --> 00:22:29.099 gold and myrrh, 00:22:29.199 --> 00:22:30.720 compesant king to own him. 00:22:31.599 --> 00:22:33.419 The king of kings salvation brings, 00:22:33.559 --> 00:22:35.679 let loving hearts enthrone him. 00:22:35.720 --> 00:22:36.379 And this refers 00:22:36.379 --> 00:22:37.679 to the gospel of Matthew 00:22:37.680 --> 00:22:39.960 where these magi from the east, 00:22:40.100 --> 00:22:41.240 these wise kings, 00:22:41.640 --> 00:22:43.360 these Gentile philosophers 00:22:43.360 --> 00:22:44.720 came to this manger 00:22:44.720 --> 00:22:45.580 and to this cradle 00:22:45.580 --> 00:22:46.700 and it says 00:22:46.700 --> 00:22:47.700 in the gospel of Matthew 00:22:47.700 --> 00:22:48.900 that we read a moment ago 00:22:48.900 --> 00:22:50.180 in chapter two, 00:22:50.240 --> 00:22:50.660 verse 11, 00:22:50.740 --> 00:22:51.019 it says, 00:22:51.180 --> 00:22:52.340 when they saw the child, 00:22:52.500 --> 00:22:52.779 Jesus, 00:22:53.360 --> 00:22:54.299 they bowed down 00:22:54.299 --> 00:22:55.420 and they worshiped him. 00:22:56.820 --> 00:22:57.740 Now what's happening 00:22:57.740 --> 00:22:58.460 in that moment? 00:22:59.820 --> 00:23:01.799 These kings from the east, 00:23:01.880 --> 00:23:03.940 they've spent their whole lives 00:23:03.940 --> 00:23:05.519 studying world history 00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:07.339 and they know 00:23:07.339 --> 00:23:08.660 that kingdoms rise 00:23:08.660 --> 00:23:09.940 and then kingdoms fall. 00:23:11.200 --> 00:23:12.220 They've seen the pattern 00:23:12.220 --> 00:23:13.619 that every other king 00:23:13.619 --> 00:23:14.819 that's ever ruled, 00:23:15.319 --> 00:23:16.579 their rule and their reign 00:23:16.579 --> 00:23:18.740 is necessarily episodic 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:20.559 and necessarily insecure. 00:23:20.940 --> 00:23:21.660 They've learned 00:23:21.660 --> 00:23:22.980 that empires 00:23:22.980 --> 00:23:25.099 are always emerging 00:23:25.099 --> 00:23:26.720 and then disappearing. 00:23:26.900 --> 00:23:27.460 They flow 00:23:27.460 --> 00:23:29.079 and then they ebb 00:23:29.079 --> 00:23:29.799 and they know 00:23:29.799 --> 00:23:31.539 that all the peoples 00:23:31.539 --> 00:23:32.059 of the world, 00:23:32.180 --> 00:23:32.900 all the nations 00:23:32.900 --> 00:23:33.780 of the world 00:23:33.780 --> 00:23:34.980 are longing 00:23:34.980 --> 00:23:35.740 and they're waiting 00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:36.600 for a king 00:23:36.600 --> 00:23:37.980 who will come 00:23:37.980 --> 00:23:39.340 to do something 00:23:39.340 --> 00:23:40.380 about this world. 00:23:41.060 --> 00:23:42.220 A king that will come 00:23:42.220 --> 00:23:43.019 to do something 00:23:43.019 --> 00:23:44.160 about this place 00:23:44.160 --> 00:23:46.380 of deep confusion 00:23:46.380 --> 00:23:47.920 and disorder 00:23:47.920 --> 00:23:48.720 and war 00:23:48.720 --> 00:23:49.860 and strife 00:23:49.860 --> 00:23:50.820 and strain 00:23:50.820 --> 00:23:51.620 and cruelty 00:23:51.620 --> 00:23:52.519 and pain 00:23:52.519 --> 00:23:53.780 and suffering. 00:23:55.360 --> 00:23:56.440 And when they finally 00:23:56.440 --> 00:23:58.160 get to the cradle 00:23:58.160 --> 00:23:58.880 of Christ, 00:23:59.800 --> 00:24:01.300 it says that they bowed down 00:24:01.299 --> 00:24:03.039 and they worshipped him. 00:24:04.059 --> 00:24:05.099 Why did they do that? 00:24:05.159 --> 00:24:07.099 Because they've met 00:24:07.099 --> 00:24:08.099 the child to be born. 00:24:08.539 --> 00:24:09.700 They've met the son 00:24:09.700 --> 00:24:10.240 to be given. 00:24:10.339 --> 00:24:11.659 They've met the king 00:24:11.659 --> 00:24:12.680 with four names. 00:24:12.759 --> 00:24:13.240 They've come 00:24:13.240 --> 00:24:14.180 and they've encountered 00:24:14.180 --> 00:24:15.099 this one 00:24:15.099 --> 00:24:17.059 of whom it's foretold 00:24:17.059 --> 00:24:18.279 in Isaiah chapter 9 00:24:18.279 --> 00:24:21.180 verse 7. 00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:21.599 It says, 00:24:21.819 --> 00:24:22.659 of the increase 00:24:22.659 --> 00:24:24.319 of his government 00:24:24.319 --> 00:24:24.899 and peace 00:24:24.899 --> 00:24:25.940 there will be no end. 00:24:27.359 --> 00:24:28.039 He will reign 00:24:28.039 --> 00:24:28.899 on David's throne 00:24:28.899 --> 00:24:29.799 and over his kingdom 00:24:29.799 --> 00:24:31.399 establishing and upholding it 00:24:31.399 --> 00:24:32.599 with justice and righteousness 00:24:32.599 --> 00:24:33.839 from that time on 00:24:33.839 --> 00:24:34.960 and forever. 00:24:35.079 --> 00:24:36.399 The zeal of the Lord Almighty 00:24:36.399 --> 00:24:38.460 will accomplish this. 00:24:39.919 --> 00:24:40.680 What a contrast 00:24:40.680 --> 00:24:42.079 to every other kingdom 00:24:42.079 --> 00:24:43.079 and every other rule 00:24:43.079 --> 00:24:43.659 and reign. 00:24:44.960 --> 00:24:45.639 Can any of us 00:24:45.639 --> 00:24:46.419 even dare 00:24:46.419 --> 00:24:47.460 to imagine tonight 00:24:47.460 --> 00:24:48.159 what it would mean 00:24:48.159 --> 00:24:48.759 to live 00:24:48.759 --> 00:24:50.180 in a society 00:24:50.180 --> 00:24:50.799 of justice 00:24:50.799 --> 00:24:51.559 and righteousness? 00:24:53.839 --> 00:24:55.200 What must it be like 00:24:55.200 --> 00:24:56.079 to dwell 00:24:56.079 --> 00:24:56.659 in a kingdom 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:57.159 that's run 00:24:57.160 --> 00:24:58.420 by just procedures 00:24:58.420 --> 00:25:00.160 which reflect 00:25:00.160 --> 00:25:01.720 righteous principles? 00:25:01.920 --> 00:25:02.840 Can you imagine that? 00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:04.360 It says, 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:05.180 of the increase 00:25:05.180 --> 00:25:06.060 of his government 00:25:06.060 --> 00:25:06.840 and peace 00:25:06.840 --> 00:25:07.860 there will be 00:25:07.860 --> 00:25:08.980 no end. 00:25:10.120 --> 00:25:10.860 This is not 00:25:10.860 --> 00:25:12.000 a temporary kingdom. 00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:13.279 It's not going 00:25:13.279 --> 00:25:13.840 to triumph 00:25:13.840 --> 00:25:14.660 for a little while 00:25:14.660 --> 00:25:15.340 and then fall 00:25:15.340 --> 00:25:16.700 and then be overthrown 00:25:16.700 --> 00:25:17.800 like every other kingdom. 00:25:18.200 --> 00:25:19.019 No, this kingdom 00:25:19.019 --> 00:25:19.940 that's being established 00:25:19.940 --> 00:25:21.700 is firmly established 00:25:21.700 --> 00:25:22.320 and it's going 00:25:22.320 --> 00:25:23.500 to go on increasing 00:25:23.500 --> 00:25:25.680 until it occupies 00:25:25.680 --> 00:25:26.700 all the space 00:25:26.700 --> 00:25:27.460 in the universe 00:25:27.460 --> 00:25:28.299 until this king 00:25:28.299 --> 00:25:29.779 comes to rule 00:25:29.779 --> 00:25:30.500 over all 00:25:30.500 --> 00:25:31.299 and to banish 00:25:31.299 --> 00:25:32.619 all that's evil 00:25:32.619 --> 00:25:34.980 all sin 00:25:34.980 --> 00:25:35.640 and all death 00:25:35.640 --> 00:25:36.180 until he comes 00:25:36.180 --> 00:25:36.980 to reorder 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:38.880 our entire cosmos 00:25:38.880 --> 00:25:39.779 and what will 00:25:39.779 --> 00:25:40.900 be the result 00:25:40.900 --> 00:25:41.980 of his rule? 00:25:43.259 --> 00:25:43.859 Stability. 00:25:45.460 --> 00:25:46.019 Security. 00:25:47.319 --> 00:25:48.200 Of the increase 00:25:48.200 --> 00:25:48.720 of peace 00:25:48.720 --> 00:25:49.299 there will be 00:25:49.299 --> 00:25:49.900 no end. 00:25:49.980 --> 00:25:50.259 There will be 00:25:50.259 --> 00:25:51.420 an endless sharing 00:25:51.420 --> 00:25:52.440 among us 00:25:52.440 --> 00:25:54.039 of shalom 00:25:54.039 --> 00:25:55.920 and wholeness 00:25:55.920 --> 00:25:57.200 and well-being 00:25:57.200 --> 00:25:58.360 and fulfillment 00:25:58.360 --> 00:25:59.019 and that, 00:25:59.160 --> 00:25:59.640 my friends, 00:25:59.840 --> 00:26:01.320 is going to happen 00:26:01.320 --> 00:26:02.400 on a coming 00:26:02.400 --> 00:26:03.820 future day. 00:26:04.920 --> 00:26:05.519 His kingdom 00:26:05.519 --> 00:26:06.080 is never going 00:26:06.080 --> 00:26:06.560 to come 00:26:06.560 --> 00:26:07.600 to an end 00:26:07.600 --> 00:26:09.680 and unless 00:26:09.680 --> 00:26:11.160 you and I 00:26:11.160 --> 00:26:12.019 become a citizen 00:26:12.019 --> 00:26:13.500 of his eternal kingdom 00:26:13.500 --> 00:26:15.400 we don't have 00:26:15.400 --> 00:26:16.120 much of a future. 00:26:17.460 --> 00:26:17.800 In fact, 00:26:17.860 --> 00:26:18.580 we don't have 00:26:18.580 --> 00:26:19.620 a future at all 00:26:19.619 --> 00:26:21.879 and so the question 00:26:21.879 --> 00:26:22.519 tonight is 00:26:22.519 --> 00:26:23.239 how do I 00:26:23.239 --> 00:26:24.859 get into 00:26:24.859 --> 00:26:25.459 and how do I 00:26:25.459 --> 00:26:26.699 live in his kingdom? 00:26:28.139 --> 00:26:28.879 And the answer 00:26:28.879 --> 00:26:29.500 is this line 00:26:29.500 --> 00:26:30.259 we're about to sing 00:26:30.259 --> 00:26:30.779 where it says 00:26:30.779 --> 00:26:31.779 the king of kings 00:26:31.779 --> 00:26:32.979 salvation brings 00:26:32.979 --> 00:26:35.239 let loving hearts 00:26:35.239 --> 00:26:36.899 enthrone him. 00:26:38.259 --> 00:26:39.259 And I want to invite 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:40.279 you to just do that 00:26:40.279 --> 00:26:40.959 this Christmas 00:26:40.959 --> 00:26:41.939 whether that's tonight 00:26:41.939 --> 00:26:42.639 or over the next 00:26:42.639 --> 00:26:43.719 12 days of Christmas 00:26:43.719 --> 00:26:45.559 to take your place 00:26:45.559 --> 00:26:46.639 at this manger throne 00:26:46.639 --> 00:26:47.739 to come to the cradle 00:26:47.740 --> 00:26:48.500 of this king 00:26:48.500 --> 00:26:50.220 and to bring him 00:26:50.220 --> 00:26:50.799 gifts that are 00:26:50.799 --> 00:26:52.039 worthy of a monarch 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:53.599 to bring this sovereign 00:26:53.599 --> 00:26:54.819 the kind of things 00:26:54.819 --> 00:26:55.859 that he deserves 00:26:55.859 --> 00:26:57.039 not least 00:26:57.039 --> 00:26:59.420 the gift of your heart 00:26:59.420 --> 00:27:01.099 and the gift 00:27:01.099 --> 00:27:02.000 of your allegiance 00:27:02.000 --> 00:27:04.480 and all of your affections 00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:06.579 because there's no 00:27:06.579 --> 00:27:07.880 greater Christmas present 00:27:07.880 --> 00:27:09.359 than receiving this king 00:27:09.359 --> 00:27:10.180 with four names 00:27:10.180 --> 00:27:10.900 and there's no 00:27:10.900 --> 00:27:11.579 greater present 00:27:11.579 --> 00:27:13.299 that you could give him 00:27:13.299 --> 00:27:14.200 than to give him 00:27:14.200 --> 00:27:15.559 your very self. 00:27:15.559 --> 00:27:17.539 And so friends 00:27:17.539 --> 00:27:19.099 I want to say to us 00:27:19.099 --> 00:27:21.259 let us enthrone him 00:27:21.259 --> 00:27:22.419 with loving hearts tonight 00:27:22.419 --> 00:27:24.639 and let's praise him 00:27:24.639 --> 00:27:25.299 from a glad 00:27:25.299 --> 00:27:26.500 and a full heart 00:27:26.500 --> 00:27:28.419 and let's celebrate 00:27:28.419 --> 00:27:29.220 his birth 00:27:29.220 --> 00:27:30.039 with everything 00:27:30.039 --> 00:27:30.879 that we've got 00:27:30.879 --> 00:27:32.799 and let's go out 00:27:32.799 --> 00:27:33.259 from here 00:27:33.259 --> 00:27:34.159 and live as people 00:27:34.159 --> 00:27:34.819 who follow 00:27:34.819 --> 00:27:36.519 in the lowly way 00:27:36.519 --> 00:27:37.460 of our king 00:27:37.460 --> 00:27:39.220 and go out 00:27:39.220 --> 00:27:39.799 to spread 00:27:39.799 --> 00:27:40.639 the peace 00:27:40.639 --> 00:27:42.720 of our prince of peace 00:27:42.720 --> 00:27:44.159 and his eternal kingdom 00:27:44.160 --> 00:27:45.160 to everyone 00:27:45.160 --> 00:27:46.320 we encounter. 00:27:47.840 --> 00:27:49.180 And let's sing this carol 00:27:49.180 --> 00:27:49.820 together 00:27:49.820 --> 00:27:52.019 from a place 00:27:52.019 --> 00:27:54.620 of deep conviction 00:27:54.620 --> 00:27:56.080 and faith. 00:27:56.160 --> 00:27:56.740 If you believe it 00:27:56.740 --> 00:27:57.960 I invite you to stand with me 00:27:57.960 --> 00:27:58.660 and we're going to offer 00:27:58.660 --> 00:27:59.340 this carol 00:27:59.340 --> 00:28:00.740 in the name of the Father, 00:28:00.880 --> 00:28:01.700 Son, and Holy Spirit. 00:28:02.400 --> 00:28:02.700 Amen. 00:28:02.700 --> 00:28:02.860 Amen.