WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.299 And then gather in here and we'll get our Sunday school hour going and take your Bibles 00:00:07.299 --> 00:00:14.000 from Matthew chapter 2 this morning, Matthew chapter 2, as we're going to take a couple 00:00:14.000 --> 00:00:19.519 of weeks here and just take a look at a few things with Christmas and the things that 00:00:19.519 --> 00:00:20.100 are going on. 00:00:20.320 --> 00:00:25.740 But you know, if you don't know yet, you're three days away from Christmas. 00:00:25.739 --> 00:00:32.179 So the question that follows is, how many are done with your Christmas shopping? 00:00:32.439 --> 00:00:34.140 All the rest of you, you're in trouble. 00:00:35.619 --> 00:00:36.820 Time is short, amen? 00:00:37.399 --> 00:00:42.060 But the pressure's building to get that accomplished. 00:00:42.259 --> 00:00:47.259 But you know, when it comes to this time of year, you know, what are some of the things 00:00:47.259 --> 00:00:51.159 that you find that people relate to just this time of year? 00:00:51.159 --> 00:00:57.979 Because when it comes to the comments that you hear this time of year, really sometimes 00:00:57.979 --> 00:01:01.140 just frazzled from all the stuff going on. 00:01:01.199 --> 00:01:03.439 I don't know how many of you feel frazzled, you know. 00:01:03.799 --> 00:01:07.379 What other terms do you think of that describe this time of year? 00:01:09.019 --> 00:01:09.539 Hectic. 00:01:11.799 --> 00:01:12.479 Hassle, yeah. 00:01:13.959 --> 00:01:14.439 Crowds. 00:01:14.659 --> 00:01:15.019 What's that? 00:01:15.859 --> 00:01:17.539 Crazy people, you know. 00:01:17.540 --> 00:01:20.359 I mean, yeah. 00:01:21.620 --> 00:01:22.900 Yeah, keep perspective. 00:01:24.340 --> 00:01:27.360 But you know, it's things that, you know, sometimes it's stressful. 00:01:27.719 --> 00:01:30.180 It's lots of things build this time of year. 00:01:30.300 --> 00:01:36.080 I mean, all those things seem to come upon us and we need to sometimes slow down. 00:01:36.160 --> 00:01:39.240 In other words, we end up like the person who made this statement. 00:01:39.360 --> 00:01:41.800 We'll see who knows where I got this quote from. 00:01:41.799 --> 00:01:43.879 And it says this, it says, 00:01:44.119 --> 00:01:48.120 What's Christmas time to you but a time for paying bills without money, 00:01:48.200 --> 00:01:51.640 a time to find yourself a year older but not an hour richer? 00:01:51.959 --> 00:01:57.500 If I could work my will, every idiot who goes about with Merry Christmas on his lips 00:01:57.500 --> 00:02:01.659 will be boiled with his own pudding and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. 00:02:03.879 --> 00:02:04.939 Ebenezer Scrooge. 00:02:04.939 --> 00:02:05.519 Who said that? 00:02:06.719 --> 00:02:07.459 Ron up there. 00:02:07.959 --> 00:02:10.159 See, there's always one in the crowd that picks him out, you know. 00:02:10.159 --> 00:02:13.840 Because the thing is, if we're not careful, we get so busy we lose sight 00:02:13.840 --> 00:02:16.199 and we can become an Ebenezer Scrooge about things. 00:02:17.240 --> 00:02:20.979 And to not understand the reason for that. 00:02:21.060 --> 00:02:26.400 But some of us, I think, can relate because it just really kind of feels busy, doesn't it? 00:02:27.219 --> 00:02:31.759 You know, the things that were chaotic that were really chaotic at that first time 00:02:31.759 --> 00:02:33.500 when Christ was born also. 00:02:33.500 --> 00:02:36.620 You know, oftentimes we don't stop and consider what was really going on. 00:02:36.620 --> 00:02:44.120 What was happening in the life of even Mary and Joseph during the time that Jesus was born? 00:02:44.219 --> 00:02:46.819 Because sometimes we say, well, how does that relate? 00:02:47.099 --> 00:02:48.300 You know, we can't really relate. 00:02:48.400 --> 00:02:50.599 You know, everything is joy and happiness. 00:02:50.780 --> 00:02:55.219 But you know, the first Christmas and the season and time around it was really pretty chaotic. 00:02:55.219 --> 00:03:02.659 There was a lot of things taking place that would have been challenges to Mary and to Joseph. 00:03:03.460 --> 00:03:09.579 You know, all the things that were going on in their family and the things around it. 00:03:09.740 --> 00:03:16.620 And when Jesus was born, so many things were happening with miraculous things and joyous things. 00:03:16.620 --> 00:03:20.819 But also some things that were challenges. 00:03:21.280 --> 00:03:24.500 You know, Luke 2 makes a statement about Mary that says this. 00:03:24.599 --> 00:03:28.000 It says, but Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 00:03:28.200 --> 00:03:29.900 You know, to discuss within. 00:03:30.020 --> 00:03:33.400 Have you ever pondered life and all that's going on? 00:03:33.980 --> 00:03:36.599 You know, that word ponder means to discuss with yourself. 00:03:36.700 --> 00:03:37.740 That's what that word means. 00:03:38.259 --> 00:03:40.520 To just look at those things. 00:03:40.659 --> 00:03:43.400 And when all this was happening, that's what the Bible says. 00:03:43.400 --> 00:03:47.480 One of the things about Mary, she took all these things and pondered them in her heart. 00:03:48.180 --> 00:03:50.819 Because not all of them were joyous things. 00:03:51.719 --> 00:03:53.800 Some of them were some things of some great challenge. 00:03:55.180 --> 00:03:58.060 Some things that were difficult to walk through. 00:03:59.080 --> 00:04:02.960 You know, all those struggles and hassles that would come. 00:04:03.620 --> 00:04:08.300 Mary found time to meditate upon the significance of the moment. 00:04:09.379 --> 00:04:12.200 And to marvel at what all was happening. 00:04:12.199 --> 00:04:19.839 You know, sometimes I think we need to slow down and really ponder what is this time of year. 00:04:20.620 --> 00:04:22.039 What is it that we celebrate? 00:04:22.300 --> 00:04:26.120 What is it that we ought to pay attention to? 00:04:26.360 --> 00:04:30.199 And to take away this morning, I want to encourage you to consider. 00:04:30.980 --> 00:04:36.879 You know, are you really considering pondering in yourself what all is happening? 00:04:36.879 --> 00:04:42.600 Because yes, we can ponder the craziness and the difficulties and the challenges, 00:04:42.819 --> 00:04:46.360 but also to ponder the things about what God is doing. 00:04:47.399 --> 00:04:49.079 What God has done for you. 00:04:49.779 --> 00:04:51.860 To consider those things. 00:04:52.219 --> 00:04:54.879 Reflecting on a part of a Christmas celebration. 00:04:54.879 --> 00:05:02.899 Celebration because there are times when the best thing we can do is slow down and consider the blessings that God has given to us. 00:05:03.620 --> 00:05:06.860 When things get crazy, I think we can slow down and ponder. 00:05:08.079 --> 00:05:11.339 Even discuss with ourselves and really consider what God is doing. 00:05:11.339 --> 00:05:16.659 Because when it comes to all this, it says Mary pondered them in her heart, 00:05:16.759 --> 00:05:18.959 but we're going to take a look at what was actually happening. 00:05:19.099 --> 00:05:20.659 Because we say, well, that was easy for her. 00:05:20.759 --> 00:05:22.799 Well, not really when we consider. 00:05:23.759 --> 00:05:26.139 Because look over to Matthew chapter 2 this morning. 00:05:26.759 --> 00:05:27.919 Matthew chapter 2. 00:05:29.439 --> 00:05:30.979 Notice here in verse 13. 00:05:30.980 --> 00:06:00.960 It says this. 00:06:00.980 --> 00:06:02.360 My son. 00:06:02.819 --> 00:06:03.480 Let's pray. 00:06:03.600 --> 00:06:11.200 Heavenly fathers, we take a few moments here just to consider the need of pondering those things of what you've done for us. 00:06:11.200 --> 00:06:14.819 Even in the midst of crazy things happening around us. 00:06:14.980 --> 00:06:16.800 Challenges of life. 00:06:16.960 --> 00:06:19.460 Lord, all the things that go on. 00:06:19.560 --> 00:06:22.960 And Lord, we pray that you just would help us to slow down this morning. 00:06:22.960 --> 00:06:25.259 And to really consider those things. 00:06:25.460 --> 00:06:27.400 Even today, but even in the days to come. 00:06:28.180 --> 00:06:30.560 Lord, of what you've done for us. 00:06:30.980 --> 00:06:32.800 In the many blessings that you've given. 00:06:33.300 --> 00:06:35.259 And Lord, we just ask it in your precious name. 00:06:35.900 --> 00:06:36.200 Amen. 00:06:36.819 --> 00:06:43.420 You know, when you consider that following the birth of Jesus, you know, even leading up to the birth of Jesus was a little bit crazy. 00:06:43.420 --> 00:06:48.460 I mean, I don't know about you, but if you think about family events and family things going on. 00:06:48.800 --> 00:06:53.199 Have you ever just listed out the things that were going on in Joseph's and Mary's life? 00:06:54.920 --> 00:06:56.120 They had an engagement. 00:06:57.020 --> 00:06:58.540 You know, the betrothal period. 00:06:59.259 --> 00:07:02.560 You know, and there was probably, that was probably filled with lots of excitement and energy. 00:07:02.560 --> 00:07:05.920 And all these things are happening. 00:07:06.040 --> 00:07:12.399 And then an angel comes to both Joseph and Mary and brings to them word that says, hey, Mary's going to be with child. 00:07:12.699 --> 00:07:15.399 I don't know about you, but that would probably turn your world upside down a little bit. 00:07:17.259 --> 00:07:19.019 They're dealing with those things. 00:07:19.079 --> 00:07:20.620 The high of those things. 00:07:20.680 --> 00:07:22.519 You know, the enjoyment and the thought of it. 00:07:22.800 --> 00:07:24.540 But then the baby was to be born. 00:07:24.540 --> 00:07:32.560 I mean, it tells us that when Mary was about to give birth, they got, they ended up having to do something and they had to travel. 00:07:34.260 --> 00:07:39.120 You know, most of us think about travel this time of year and you're just like, oh man, I got to deal with it. 00:07:40.379 --> 00:07:50.100 Joseph and Mary had to deal with travel from all the way up in Galilee, all the way down to Bethlehem to do what? 00:07:50.100 --> 00:07:52.600 Nothing else that really excited was to what? 00:07:53.580 --> 00:07:54.360 Pay taxes. 00:07:54.780 --> 00:07:57.060 You know, Mary's pregnant. 00:07:57.240 --> 00:07:57.980 Taxes are due. 00:07:58.080 --> 00:07:58.920 You got to travel. 00:07:59.280 --> 00:08:00.939 They got to accomplish all these things. 00:08:01.040 --> 00:08:03.720 When they get there, the accommodations weren't what they scheduled. 00:08:04.160 --> 00:08:09.780 You know, I mean, I mean, when you really start thinking about what was actually going on, it sounds pretty crazy, doesn't it? 00:08:09.939 --> 00:08:19.300 And you have all these things and they end up in a stable where she gives birth to Jesus in a barn. 00:08:19.300 --> 00:08:20.420 That's a lot going on. 00:08:22.200 --> 00:08:23.520 All these things are happening. 00:08:23.519 --> 00:08:24.879 And then the shepherds show up. 00:08:25.519 --> 00:08:28.319 You know, they had unexpected guests on top of everything else. 00:08:29.919 --> 00:08:34.980 You know, they weren't expecting the shepherds to be there, but suddenly the shepherds come looking for the child. 00:08:34.980 --> 00:08:36.600 That's often where we leave. 00:08:36.600 --> 00:08:47.600 But, you know, to Joseph and Mary, the next thing they had to do, we find that they went to the temple in eight days and they dedicated Jesus to the Lord and they had an offering to bring. 00:08:47.600 --> 00:08:54.700 They had a responsibility to the Lord amidst all these other things that were going on in life. 00:08:54.700 --> 00:08:57.940 And then we find that, you know, we know that life didn't settle down. 00:08:58.020 --> 00:09:00.680 Sometimes we boil down Christmas into like a one day event. 00:09:00.840 --> 00:09:04.560 But really, even leading up to the birth of Jesus was over a nine month event. 00:09:05.900 --> 00:09:09.040 I mean, the year before Jesus was born was pretty crazy. 00:09:09.360 --> 00:09:11.840 The year after Jesus was born gets even crazier. 00:09:11.840 --> 00:09:20.700 Because now they're back home and the wise men come and God tells Joseph, hey, pack your bags. 00:09:20.759 --> 00:09:21.620 You're moving to Egypt. 00:09:22.019 --> 00:09:23.460 All these things are happening. 00:09:24.700 --> 00:09:31.280 While Jesus is still an infant and the wise men come, just another disruption in their life. 00:09:31.460 --> 00:09:34.019 After going through all that, how many can relate with Mary and Joseph? 00:09:34.019 --> 00:09:43.079 I mean, we might not have the same story and the same chaotic stuff happening, but I think Mary and Joseph could relate to where we are, 00:09:43.159 --> 00:09:49.120 even as we celebrate Christmas oftentimes in this time of year with the craziness of life and the things going on 00:09:49.120 --> 00:09:52.659 and all the different things you're trying to balance and all these things. 00:09:53.720 --> 00:10:01.539 And now they're told they were forced to flee for their lives because Herod the Great was seeking to execute the potential rival. 00:10:01.539 --> 00:10:06.599 Because if you remember that when the wise men came, where'd they look first? 00:10:06.879 --> 00:10:09.599 Where'd the wise men go first when they first came from the east? 00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:13.539 They went to Jerusalem to Herod. 00:10:14.259 --> 00:10:16.860 It's like, hey, if we're looking for a new king, we ought to look where? 00:10:18.179 --> 00:10:19.240 At the present one. 00:10:19.319 --> 00:10:20.599 That would be, you know, that was logical. 00:10:21.319 --> 00:10:24.699 You know, that was the first place it was logical to look. 00:10:25.399 --> 00:10:28.379 And then, you know, they find that Herod doesn't know. 00:10:28.379 --> 00:10:35.879 So Herod inquires and they tell him and we find that the wise men are led by the star to where Jesus was. 00:10:35.939 --> 00:10:38.220 At this time, Jesus wouldn't have been in Bethlehem. 00:10:38.419 --> 00:10:40.379 Would have probably been back up in Galilee. 00:10:41.159 --> 00:10:43.279 Back up where Joseph and Mary were from. 00:10:43.639 --> 00:10:46.799 Where they had, their life had been. 00:10:46.899 --> 00:10:49.419 And we find here that when they come to Joseph, 00:10:49.960 --> 00:10:54.659 we find that he tells them that right after that, that's where we picked up there in verse 13. 00:10:54.659 --> 00:11:01.039 In our text, it says, and when they were departed, you know, the wise men come, they bring gifts, 00:11:01.319 --> 00:11:02.579 they bring all these things. 00:11:03.259 --> 00:11:07.139 And then when the wise men depart, you know, I imagine that they're probably pretty excited. 00:11:07.259 --> 00:11:15.559 You know, hey, here's these guys traveled a thousand miles over months of time to bring very precious gifts of the day. 00:11:16.639 --> 00:11:18.480 Because remember, what did the wise men bring? 00:11:18.539 --> 00:11:19.159 They brought what? 00:11:20.579 --> 00:11:22.659 Gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 00:11:22.659 --> 00:11:23.339 Myrrh. 00:11:23.740 --> 00:11:25.579 Now, the gold we understand. 00:11:27.139 --> 00:11:32.240 But frankincense and myrrh were also very valuable commodities. 00:11:34.019 --> 00:11:34.240 You know? 00:11:35.779 --> 00:11:37.740 Frankincense is still pretty expensive today. 00:11:38.159 --> 00:11:40.779 What they brought were things of great value. 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:42.899 I imagine they were like, man, this is pretty awesome. 00:11:44.480 --> 00:11:45.240 You know? 00:11:46.519 --> 00:11:48.159 Look what God provided. 00:11:48.159 --> 00:11:58.179 But Joseph here is warned in a dream to flee to Bethlehem, or flee from where they are to go to Egypt. 00:11:58.500 --> 00:12:00.199 He tells them here, notice what he says. 00:12:00.299 --> 00:12:04.079 And when they were departed, the angel of the Lord appeareth unto Joseph in a dream, saying, 00:12:04.179 --> 00:12:09.019 Arise and take the young child and his mother and flee into Egypt. 00:12:09.459 --> 00:12:13.279 And be thou there until I bring thee word. 00:12:13.279 --> 00:12:14.240 You know? 00:12:14.659 --> 00:12:16.259 Because Herod wants to kill him. 00:12:16.319 --> 00:12:18.199 So now Joseph's got a new responsibility. 00:12:18.659 --> 00:12:23.459 And all these things that are going on and happening along the way, you know? 00:12:24.120 --> 00:12:31.059 He's warned in a dream to flee and to go to Egypt with Jesus and Mary to protect them. 00:12:31.379 --> 00:12:38.419 You know, when somebody flees, it's important of all the things that they bring with them and all the dynamics around them. 00:12:38.419 --> 00:12:44.679 And Joseph was selected by God to watch over Jesus as his stepfather. 00:12:46.199 --> 00:12:51.259 You know, we always have to keep that in mind that Jesus wasn't even Joseph's biological child, 00:12:51.379 --> 00:12:54.079 but yet he stepped up and took all the responsibilities. 00:12:54.559 --> 00:12:56.379 He stepped up to do those things. 00:12:56.879 --> 00:13:01.860 And as an earthly father, he was the perfect choice that God had. 00:13:01.860 --> 00:13:09.000 And after Joseph received his dream about the imminent threat to Jesus and the plans that Herod had, he took action. 00:13:09.399 --> 00:13:14.879 You know, as you think about, you know, of Joseph and Mary going down into Egypt, you know, 00:13:14.940 --> 00:13:24.060 there's a story about a young teacher with the Sunday school asked her students to draw a picture of their favorite Bible story. 00:13:24.059 --> 00:13:32.439 You know, usually the usual stories were drawn like Moses floating in the Nile or David and Goliath. 00:13:32.539 --> 00:13:38.199 And one boy drew a picture of a jet craft screaming through the sky with four passengers on board. 00:13:38.679 --> 00:13:41.819 And the teacher asked him, Jimmy, what Bible story is that? 00:13:42.239 --> 00:13:46.319 And Jimmy replied, the Bible says Mary and Joseph and Jesus flew to Egypt. 00:13:46.539 --> 00:13:48.839 Oh, said the teacher with a wide grin on her face. 00:13:49.059 --> 00:13:50.419 Who's the fourth person? 00:13:51.359 --> 00:13:53.719 Jimmy looks at her and says, that's Pontius the pilot. 00:13:53.720 --> 00:13:55.340 Okay, we'll move on from that one. 00:13:55.580 --> 00:14:00.420 But, you know, you think about what's inferred here about Joseph's response. 00:14:00.540 --> 00:14:02.740 Because notice, what was Joseph's response? 00:14:02.800 --> 00:14:03.720 Look at verse 14. 00:14:03.800 --> 00:14:05.680 What was Joseph's response to all this? 00:14:05.899 --> 00:14:08.060 He took action, didn't he? 00:14:09.279 --> 00:14:11.879 He not only obeyed God, but he did what? 00:14:11.920 --> 00:14:14.360 He obeyed God immediately. 00:14:16.480 --> 00:14:18.220 He obeyed God immediately. 00:14:18.220 --> 00:14:23.700 The threat was so real and the dream so vivid that Joseph didn't want to waste a minute. 00:14:23.720 --> 00:14:26.720 To respond to God's directive to get out of there. 00:14:27.980 --> 00:14:34.600 You know, this interlude in the life of Jesus' family heading to Egypt was going to require some resources. 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:44.779 You know, isn't it interesting that God provided what was needed at the exact time it was needed? 00:14:44.779 --> 00:14:47.339 That God had everything already carried out. 00:14:47.339 --> 00:14:48.539 Everything there. 00:14:48.740 --> 00:14:56.600 They received gold, frankincense, and myrrh from the wise men, which would have helped pave all their expenses down in Egypt. 00:14:56.959 --> 00:15:03.600 Joseph and Mary and his young and the family moved to Egypt and stay until, it says, the death of Herod. 00:15:04.159 --> 00:15:08.779 You know, verse 15 says that they were to stay there until Herod died. 00:15:08.779 --> 00:15:11.980 Now we know, as we consider, what did Herod do? 00:15:12.720 --> 00:15:15.019 Because Herod was upset that they had come. 00:15:15.459 --> 00:15:18.579 Why did Jesus have to be brought down into Egypt? 00:15:18.819 --> 00:15:20.539 What did Herod do in the account? 00:15:22.720 --> 00:15:25.559 He said he wanted to kill all the children under two years of age. 00:15:25.819 --> 00:15:29.559 They had to flee from what was going to be there. 00:15:29.919 --> 00:15:36.879 There's nothing, though, recorded in history that suggests that Herod knew that Jesus escaped. 00:15:36.879 --> 00:15:38.639 I think Herod probably believed he got him. 00:15:38.919 --> 00:15:47.580 But Jesus escaped because God was there taking care, giving direction to Joseph, who was willing to do that. 00:15:48.480 --> 00:15:56.899 And here, following the birth of Jesus, in all these things happening, all these things, life being upside down, life being crazy, 00:15:56.899 --> 00:16:05.919 we find that Mary is said to have pondered all these things in her heart. 00:16:05.919 --> 00:16:07.299 To ponder those things. 00:16:07.379 --> 00:16:09.439 Look back over there to Luke chapter 2 for a moment. 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:12.219 In the midst of craziness, we find in verse 19, 00:16:12.319 --> 00:16:16.899 but Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 00:16:17.599 --> 00:16:18.519 Pondered those things. 00:16:18.639 --> 00:16:25.159 You know, the things that Mary would have pondered as they were walking through all these different challenges that were around them. 00:16:26.099 --> 00:16:26.419 You know? 00:16:26.419 --> 00:16:29.719 What are some of the things that you think Mary may have been thinking on? 00:16:29.959 --> 00:16:31.479 What things do you think she was pondering? 00:16:31.740 --> 00:16:32.699 You know, the prophecies? 00:16:33.479 --> 00:16:37.179 I mean, you remember the angel came and said, hey, these are some things that were going to come to pass. 00:16:37.419 --> 00:16:37.699 You know? 00:16:38.819 --> 00:16:40.679 What else do you think she may have been thinking on? 00:16:42.679 --> 00:16:42.959 Yeah? 00:16:42.960 --> 00:16:49.980 I mean, all the things that were taking place, there's a lot of them actually fulfilling the marriage. 00:16:50.139 --> 00:16:53.280 But it says Joseph knew her not until Jesus was delivered. 00:16:53.379 --> 00:16:57.019 I mean, there's a lot of things to think about in this story, isn't there? 00:16:57.720 --> 00:16:59.759 Things happening and things going through. 00:17:00.860 --> 00:17:01.160 You know? 00:17:01.159 --> 00:17:10.599 From the time the angel first told her that she was selected to be the one that would bring forth the promised child, 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:15.399 no doubt many of the things Mary pondered involved the prophecies, the warnings, 00:17:15.759 --> 00:17:18.579 and all that she and Joseph had experienced. 00:17:18.720 --> 00:17:20.240 I mean, there's a lot of things here to consider. 00:17:21.420 --> 00:17:26.420 But even yet, God took care in the midst of it, didn't he? 00:17:27.299 --> 00:17:28.180 There was hope. 00:17:28.180 --> 00:17:34.340 Because when we ponder on what God is doing, I think it brings hope into our thinking. 00:17:34.860 --> 00:17:42.500 And, you know, because consider what are some of those prophetic messages from God that she might have been thinking on. 00:17:42.960 --> 00:17:44.560 You know, we talked about some of them this morning. 00:17:44.740 --> 00:17:51.160 Because you need to always remember, Joseph and Mary grew up and knew, had been taught. 00:17:51.259 --> 00:17:52.660 They were in the synagogue. 00:17:53.060 --> 00:17:54.600 They were being taught the scripture. 00:17:54.740 --> 00:17:56.400 They were familiar with the Old Testament. 00:17:56.400 --> 00:17:58.080 You know? 00:17:59.200 --> 00:18:02.900 What are some of the passages you think she might have been thinking on in the midst of all this? 00:18:07.480 --> 00:18:11.500 Yeah, I mean, there were some things that were presented there. 00:18:12.320 --> 00:18:12.540 You know? 00:18:13.300 --> 00:18:15.480 You know, you think about Isaiah 7, 14. 00:18:15.580 --> 00:18:15.860 What does it say? 00:18:15.880 --> 00:18:19.660 A virgin would conceive and bring forth a son. 00:18:19.660 --> 00:18:21.820 I mean, you think about what the Bible says. 00:18:21.860 --> 00:18:24.779 There's some things that would be applicable to her all of a sudden. 00:18:24.880 --> 00:18:27.140 It's like, hey, that's just not, that's me. 00:18:29.880 --> 00:18:30.960 God's using this. 00:18:31.140 --> 00:18:35.160 You know, the angels encounter with both Joseph and Mary. 00:18:35.300 --> 00:18:42.279 I mean, I'll know that, how you would actually deal with that, you know, of actually having an angel come and speak to you. 00:18:43.940 --> 00:18:44.540 Brother Don? 00:18:44.539 --> 00:18:46.680 What's that? 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:48.680 Oh, when. 00:18:48.980 --> 00:18:49.159 Yeah. 00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:50.980 A lot of questions. 00:18:52.539 --> 00:18:52.899 Yeah. 00:18:53.940 --> 00:18:59.899 Because all this of what God was going to have, you know, think about where he says that Jesus is going to be born in Bethlehem. 00:19:00.139 --> 00:19:01.559 It's not where they were, you know. 00:19:01.940 --> 00:19:03.500 How's all this going to come to be? 00:19:03.720 --> 00:19:08.079 And then when they get to the temple, remember when they dedicated Jesus, who were the two that were there? 00:19:08.399 --> 00:19:10.379 See, we're getting your Christmas trivia out here. 00:19:10.380 --> 00:19:15.260 Yeah, you got Simeon and Anna that were there in the temple. 00:19:15.420 --> 00:19:18.300 And think about what Simeon and Anna told them. 00:19:19.580 --> 00:19:21.400 You only read through Luke chapter two. 00:19:21.540 --> 00:19:25.240 I mean, they're glorifying God over Jesus that they brought in. 00:19:25.320 --> 00:19:28.020 I mean, talk about being welcomed. 00:19:28.019 --> 00:19:37.180 That they weren't maybe expecting for others to know or to understand what was happening and just the encouragement of it. 00:19:37.259 --> 00:19:46.119 And then the shepherds come and were there and the wise men all came to Jesus because of the heavenly messages and signs that told them of the Christ child. 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:50.519 Have you ever thought about the conversation between Joseph and Mary and the shepherds when they got there? 00:19:50.519 --> 00:19:53.599 It's not like you can just look up the quick dial. 00:19:53.740 --> 00:19:55.960 Okay, Joseph and Mary are staying over at the Hampton. 00:19:58.299 --> 00:20:05.180 You know, they'd have GPS locators and the shepherds knew exactly where to go to find them. 00:20:05.639 --> 00:20:10.220 And you imagine when they walk in and say, hey, we're here to see the one the angel told us about. 00:20:10.559 --> 00:20:16.819 I mean, you think about the dynamics of all the women that talks about and Mary pondered all these things in her heart. 00:20:16.819 --> 00:20:22.759 To consider what she had seen and heard and how these things were coming together. 00:20:27.119 --> 00:20:28.119 How's it going to be delivered? 00:20:28.220 --> 00:20:28.980 He's born in a stable. 00:20:29.099 --> 00:20:30.019 We don't have any means. 00:20:30.599 --> 00:20:32.539 You know, there's a lot of elements. 00:20:33.179 --> 00:20:39.000 Like I said, when you begin breaking it down, there's a lot of craziness of life involved in it. 00:20:39.000 --> 00:20:48.359 And I think when we get all this going on in our life, we can learn something very important from Mary. 00:20:48.359 --> 00:20:55.059 That when life gets crazy, it's good to slow down and ponder some things in your heart. 00:20:56.099 --> 00:20:59.200 To consider what God has done and what God is doing. 00:21:00.359 --> 00:21:00.559 You know? 00:21:00.559 --> 00:21:14.079 Now imagine as Mary sits there in Egypt with Jesus, you know, the very infant that was foretold and reflecting and meditating on what all might be in the future. 00:21:14.480 --> 00:21:20.119 You know, we're not told that they knew what all was happening back home when they were away. 00:21:20.619 --> 00:21:24.039 You know, they didn't have Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram. 00:21:24.039 --> 00:21:30.079 I mean, there's a lot of dynamics happening and wondering. 00:21:30.279 --> 00:21:42.980 And now there was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy that, you know, that Jesus, that Jeremiah predicted that Jesus would come forth up out of Egypt. 00:21:43.539 --> 00:21:50.139 That Jeremiah 31 and verse 15 said that moms during this time were going to be weeping over the loss of their children. 00:21:50.139 --> 00:21:51.639 You know, all these things. 00:21:51.640 --> 00:22:00.440 But one more prophecy, and that was that prophecy that Jesus was going to be brought back to Israel following Herod's death. 00:22:01.120 --> 00:22:06.380 You know, this Old Testament prophecy he's referring to is from Hosea chapter 11 and verse 1. 00:22:06.820 --> 00:22:08.740 That out of Egypt I will call my son. 00:22:08.900 --> 00:22:11.020 In other words, all this was put together. 00:22:11.180 --> 00:22:12.940 God had everything planned out. 00:22:13.120 --> 00:22:17.720 And it was accomplished because God's son was called out of Egypt. 00:22:17.720 --> 00:22:26.960 And since God is in control of all these things, we can say, just like Mary did as she pondered them in her heart, that there was hope. 00:22:27.600 --> 00:22:30.799 There was things God was doing, things that God is working. 00:22:30.940 --> 00:22:38.059 You know, even in the midst of our crazy season, I want you to consider pondering what God is doing. 00:22:38.860 --> 00:22:40.360 What God's done for you. 00:22:40.359 --> 00:22:45.579 To consider and really think on those things. 00:22:45.699 --> 00:22:49.699 Because why is it important to do that, you know? 00:22:50.479 --> 00:22:54.639 Because do you face Christmas with optimism and hope? 00:22:56.479 --> 00:22:59.000 Or just the thought of how crazy it's going to be? 00:22:59.240 --> 00:23:00.639 Because sometimes we can get caught up. 00:23:00.640 --> 00:23:08.420 Because I want to encourage you to remember that Jesus came and gave grace to us and salvation to us. 00:23:08.980 --> 00:23:16.259 Not to make us feel guilty about having little to give or anything else, but the fact that what he gave. 00:23:17.100 --> 00:23:26.660 You know, all the amazing things that happened when Jesus came to earth just illustrate that God orchestrated all this with you and I in mind. 00:23:26.660 --> 00:23:35.440 When God put all this together, he was looking down history and even saw you and I. 00:23:35.680 --> 00:23:36.880 He did this for us. 00:23:37.680 --> 00:23:43.160 The fact that our God would achieve all those miraculous occurrences revealed to us that we can have hope. 00:23:43.880 --> 00:23:49.680 The same God who made sure not one jod or tittle was missing when Jesus arrived. 00:23:49.820 --> 00:23:53.500 Everything was in detail and achieved according to his plan. 00:23:53.500 --> 00:24:00.940 You know, it's important that we know that no matter how out of control life seems, God is still in control. 00:24:01.200 --> 00:24:04.839 Because Joseph and Mary, I think you can all agree, their life felt pretty out of control. 00:24:05.759 --> 00:24:07.279 You say, how do we know it felt out of control? 00:24:07.339 --> 00:24:11.460 When you list all those things that were going on in their life, I'll know about you. 00:24:11.500 --> 00:24:14.039 But if you were going through all those, your life would feel out of control too. 00:24:14.319 --> 00:24:16.160 But in the midst of that, we can have hope. 00:24:16.160 --> 00:24:25.140 You know, to grab a hold of what God is doing and to know that no matter what happens, God is still there. 00:24:25.420 --> 00:24:28.920 God is taking care of those things in our life. 00:24:29.080 --> 00:24:34.040 And to relax a little bit, to take consolation that God's working all things out. 00:24:34.140 --> 00:24:36.320 You know, take a look over to Romans chapter 8 for a moment. 00:24:37.060 --> 00:24:40.100 Romans chapter 8 in verse 28. 00:24:40.099 --> 00:24:45.059 You know, this is one of those things you see in the story of Joseph and Mary. 00:24:45.339 --> 00:24:48.419 You see this verse come to life. 00:24:48.779 --> 00:24:51.039 And of all these challenges, these things happen. 00:24:51.139 --> 00:24:52.399 Notice what it says in verse 28. 00:24:52.519 --> 00:24:52.639 It says, 00:24:53.559 --> 00:24:57.779 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, 00:24:57.839 --> 00:24:58.599 to them who are what? 00:24:58.679 --> 00:25:01.919 Called according to his purpose. 00:25:03.539 --> 00:25:06.299 Were Joseph and Mary called according to God's purpose? 00:25:06.559 --> 00:25:08.059 Did they have some crazy challenges? 00:25:08.399 --> 00:25:09.480 But how did it all work out? 00:25:09.480 --> 00:25:10.960 All the things were what? 00:25:11.059 --> 00:25:13.519 For their good. 00:25:14.680 --> 00:25:17.319 God took care of those things. 00:25:17.440 --> 00:25:20.240 God took care of the details in that. 00:25:20.440 --> 00:25:22.160 And what we need to do with it. 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:26.500 You know, the one big thing I hope that you consider this morning 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:31.440 is that to thank and to reflect on even Christmas 00:25:31.440 --> 00:25:35.160 and what we celebrate and why we celebrate it. 00:25:35.620 --> 00:25:38.360 You know, because there are times that the best thing we can do 00:25:38.359 --> 00:25:43.159 is slow down and consider what God has blessed us. 00:25:44.659 --> 00:25:47.099 Because instead of getting caught up in the craziness, 00:25:48.319 --> 00:25:50.779 to slow down and consider what God is doing 00:25:50.779 --> 00:25:52.779 and what God has done. 00:25:54.039 --> 00:25:57.759 To do as Mary, to ponder them in your heart. 00:25:57.759 --> 00:26:00.480 You know, there are times the best thing you can do is to slow down 00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:02.200 even when everything's crazy. 00:26:03.900 --> 00:26:07.480 To step back for a moment and to ponder and to think. 00:26:09.359 --> 00:26:12.099 Because the one thing you'll find, it'll help life get in perspective. 00:26:12.480 --> 00:26:16.420 Even in the midst of craziness, it'll help us to get things into perspective. 00:26:16.420 --> 00:26:21.759 And you know, this year maybe you and I can take a lesson from Mary 00:26:21.759 --> 00:26:24.759 because, you know, as a preacher, it's pretty crazy this time of year 00:26:24.759 --> 00:26:26.060 with a lot of things going on. 00:26:26.120 --> 00:26:30.640 And we have a lot of things going on with people in church that are serious 00:26:30.640 --> 00:26:32.220 and you have different things happening. 00:26:33.560 --> 00:26:34.720 But you know, some of the things, 00:26:34.820 --> 00:26:37.460 the best thing we can do is stop and ponder some things 00:26:37.460 --> 00:26:40.240 in our heart about what God is doing. 00:26:40.240 --> 00:26:44.559 To stop and consider those things, to slow down, 00:26:44.660 --> 00:26:48.500 to learn to reflect and to meditate on God 00:26:48.500 --> 00:26:50.480 and who He is and what He's done. 00:26:52.120 --> 00:26:54.880 You know, it'll take some time to stop and to just thank Him. 00:26:56.299 --> 00:26:57.839 You know, we went through Thanksgiving, 00:26:58.120 --> 00:26:59.700 but Thanksgiving isn't a day. 00:27:01.779 --> 00:27:04.759 Thanksgiving is supposed to be an attitude of our heart. 00:27:04.839 --> 00:27:07.400 It's something that ought to be present with us. 00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:12.600 Thanksgiving isn't a celebration as much as it is a way of thinking. 00:27:14.280 --> 00:27:16.920 How we consider those things, 00:27:17.000 --> 00:27:18.920 to slow down from the frantic pace 00:27:18.920 --> 00:27:22.600 that often overwhelms us at Christmastime 00:27:22.600 --> 00:27:25.860 and enjoy the benefits of what Jesus brought, 00:27:26.000 --> 00:27:28.900 that the Bible says we can rest in Him. 00:27:30.040 --> 00:27:31.800 You know, this week I just want to encourage you 00:27:31.800 --> 00:27:33.519 to take time to praise God 00:27:33.519 --> 00:27:37.420 for putting those things together in your life. 00:27:37.599 --> 00:27:40.099 Even if it seems crazy or upside down. 00:27:41.420 --> 00:27:43.980 Remember some of the crazies and upside down things 00:27:43.980 --> 00:27:45.359 that Joseph and Mary faced. 00:27:46.139 --> 00:27:48.500 But yet in the middle of all those things, 00:27:49.500 --> 00:27:52.819 God was still over it. 00:27:53.900 --> 00:27:56.259 God was still watching over. 00:27:56.259 --> 00:27:57.539 God was still providing. 00:27:58.440 --> 00:28:01.019 To deal with what God has done for us. 00:28:01.140 --> 00:28:04.079 And to take time to praise God for that. 00:28:04.640 --> 00:28:07.440 And even though you might consider 00:28:07.440 --> 00:28:08.879 that when you begin to ponder 00:28:08.879 --> 00:28:10.940 and to think on these things, 00:28:10.960 --> 00:28:12.200 you might find some things 00:28:12.200 --> 00:28:13.680 that you didn't even realize were there. 00:28:13.879 --> 00:28:15.359 As we put those things together. 00:28:15.480 --> 00:28:17.660 So I want to encourage you this week. 00:28:17.720 --> 00:28:18.720 I know it's kind of crazy 00:28:18.720 --> 00:28:21.559 and things get to all sorts of different scheduling 00:28:21.559 --> 00:28:22.899 and conflicts and family 00:28:22.899 --> 00:28:25.220 and pressures financially 00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:27.460 and pressures with communication. 00:28:28.039 --> 00:28:29.339 And I mean, you could name the list. 00:28:30.480 --> 00:28:32.440 The woes of people who aren't here 00:28:32.440 --> 00:28:33.799 and those coming and those not. 00:28:34.039 --> 00:28:35.259 But to stop and just ponder, 00:28:35.419 --> 00:28:40.279 Lord, what have you done for me? 00:28:41.759 --> 00:28:44.639 All those things that God is doing 00:28:44.639 --> 00:28:46.740 in and through you. 00:28:48.039 --> 00:28:49.839 Because in that, I think we'll find 00:28:49.839 --> 00:28:51.519 that Christmas becomes a great time 00:28:51.519 --> 00:28:54.939 to witness exactly what Christ has done. 00:28:56.579 --> 00:28:59.000 You know, to stop and to consider those things. 00:29:00.720 --> 00:29:03.740 So, the preacher's going to buy back. 00:29:03.819 --> 00:29:05.039 I got 10 minutes extra or so. 00:29:05.339 --> 00:29:06.980 But no, I just want to take a few minutes today 00:29:06.980 --> 00:29:09.819 to consider just as Mary, 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:11.819 in the midst of chaos, 00:29:12.039 --> 00:29:13.959 I want you to even consider there 00:29:13.959 --> 00:29:15.639 in Luke chapter 2 and verse 19 00:29:15.639 --> 00:29:18.959 that Mary, in the midst of all this life 00:29:18.960 --> 00:29:20.079 turning upside down, 00:29:20.160 --> 00:29:21.319 took time to ponder 00:29:21.319 --> 00:29:24.420 and to think on what God 00:29:24.420 --> 00:29:27.440 was doing in our life. 00:29:28.620 --> 00:29:30.539 Because I think it'd be a good benefit 00:29:30.539 --> 00:29:33.039 for us 00:29:33.039 --> 00:29:35.160 to do the same. 00:29:36.620 --> 00:29:37.160 Let's pray. 00:29:37.240 --> 00:29:38.960 Heavenly Father, as we come before you this morning, 00:29:39.039 --> 00:29:39.880 Lord, we just thank you 00:29:39.880 --> 00:29:40.920 and praise you for the day, 00:29:41.000 --> 00:29:41.500 for the opportunity.