WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.199 All right, well, our children can be dismissed to Children's Church at this time if they'd like to be. 00:00:08.199 --> 00:00:17.740 ! That's kindergarten through second grade. As they go, I want to ask you, how many of you like stocking stuffers? 00:00:17.740 --> 00:00:19.879 Does anybody like stocking stuffers? 00:00:22.460 --> 00:00:27.300 I have an abnormal obsession with stocking stuffers. I love them. 00:00:27.300 --> 00:00:33.600 I prefer them over the presents under the tree. I really do. It's those little knickknacks. 00:00:34.439 --> 00:00:43.079 I just love how handy they are. My favorite part of Christmas morning is when all the big presents are unwrapped and we can finally get to the stockings, man. 00:00:43.260 --> 00:00:48.939 It is awesome. Growing up, there was always a Christmas orange on top. Anybody do the Christmas orange thing? 00:00:50.000 --> 00:00:53.920 Yes. All right. I like you. Thank you. We got one. 00:00:53.920 --> 00:01:00.460 For some reason, they always tasted better. Something about it. 00:01:00.820 --> 00:01:06.780 Anyway, I was wondering, maybe there's a Christmas orange shop that my dad would go to and find them every year. 00:01:06.799 --> 00:01:08.159 I don't know, but they were great. 00:01:09.120 --> 00:01:14.859 That's a little bit of a rabbit trail, but I do want to get back to the stockings because I have to admit something. 00:01:14.859 --> 00:01:21.680 Over the last few years, my wife got me two of the same stocking stuffer. 00:01:22.920 --> 00:01:24.840 It's an Amazon smart plug. 00:01:26.000 --> 00:01:29.060 Anybody use an Amazon smart plug? Or it doesn't have to be Amazon. 00:01:29.319 --> 00:01:31.280 Anybody use smart plugs in your house? 00:01:32.879 --> 00:01:37.739 Some of you are looking at me like I was when I first saw that thing in my stocking. 00:01:37.739 --> 00:01:41.099 Like, what is this and what am I going to do with it? 00:01:42.780 --> 00:01:47.799 I'll have to admit to you, listen, I've already cleared the air with my wife, okay? 00:01:49.799 --> 00:01:57.719 That thing went in a drawer and then a couple years later, I got another one and that joined to the other one in the drawer. 00:01:57.719 --> 00:02:08.379 I'm like thinking I'm going to get a pocket knife or a mini screwdriver set or sunglasses or, you know, new cologne that she likes. 00:02:08.479 --> 00:02:11.400 I don't know. Something, you know, that I'm going to use, right? 00:02:11.479 --> 00:02:13.039 What am I going to do with these smart plugs? 00:02:14.139 --> 00:02:19.560 Look, I'm a terrible millennial because we're supposed to know how to use the smart plug deal. 00:02:19.919 --> 00:02:21.800 And I had a hard time with it. 00:02:22.020 --> 00:02:23.680 How could I not figure out sooner? 00:02:23.680 --> 00:02:31.760 Now, listen, I'll admit to you, this year, I finally figured out that you can plug those things into an outlet. 00:02:32.560 --> 00:02:34.800 You can link them to your Alexa. 00:02:34.960 --> 00:02:36.500 Anybody have an Alexa in your home? 00:02:37.460 --> 00:02:39.640 Anybody have like the Google version of it? 00:02:39.659 --> 00:02:42.379 Anybody have a smart speaker type deal in your house? 00:02:42.500 --> 00:02:42.840 All right. 00:02:43.180 --> 00:02:47.780 If you have and you're not using them with your smart plugs, you're missing out, okay? 00:02:47.780 --> 00:02:53.780 If y'all are looking for stocking stuffer ideas, go find a smart plug somewhere. 00:02:54.360 --> 00:02:54.879 I don't know. 00:02:55.099 --> 00:02:55.379 Walmart? 00:02:56.120 --> 00:02:56.620 Ask Holly. 00:02:56.699 --> 00:02:57.420 She knows where to get them. 00:02:57.900 --> 00:02:58.199 Anyway. 00:03:01.400 --> 00:03:04.420 But I figured out you can link them to your Alexa. 00:03:04.680 --> 00:03:07.680 And now guess what happens every morning in our house? 00:03:08.120 --> 00:03:09.580 I walk into the kitchen. 00:03:09.979 --> 00:03:11.180 That's where our Alexa is. 00:03:11.180 --> 00:03:14.439 And I say, Alexa, turn on Christmas tree. 00:03:15.480 --> 00:03:18.060 And the Christmas tree turns on all the lights. 00:03:18.879 --> 00:03:25.080 We've got a lit up garland in our little foyer area in our house that turns on lights. 00:03:25.140 --> 00:03:26.740 And I say, Alexa, turn on foyer. 00:03:27.300 --> 00:03:29.120 And then I say, Alexa, turn on lamp. 00:03:30.140 --> 00:03:31.340 It's a wonderful thing. 00:03:32.340 --> 00:03:33.219 I love it. 00:03:34.439 --> 00:03:35.800 I feel like we're living in the future. 00:03:36.140 --> 00:03:36.480 Anyway. 00:03:37.560 --> 00:03:38.980 And then the boys have gotten into it. 00:03:38.979 --> 00:03:41.159 They'll tell Alexa to turn the lights on and off. 00:03:41.359 --> 00:03:42.039 It's great. 00:03:42.519 --> 00:03:44.219 Now I've got to collect more smart plugs. 00:03:44.479 --> 00:03:48.379 And listen, your parsonage over there, we have turned it into a full-scale smart home, people. 00:03:49.839 --> 00:03:50.799 That was on us. 00:03:50.839 --> 00:03:51.679 You didn't have to do it. 00:03:53.139 --> 00:03:53.679 All right. 00:03:55.599 --> 00:03:56.560 Here's what hit me. 00:03:56.719 --> 00:03:58.019 Why didn't I figure that out? 00:03:58.079 --> 00:04:01.479 Why didn't I appreciate that gift when it was given to me? 00:04:01.479 --> 00:04:04.120 Because I didn't see the value in it. 00:04:04.959 --> 00:04:06.539 But my wife did. 00:04:07.159 --> 00:04:08.539 The giver did. 00:04:08.539 --> 00:04:11.840 She knew that that is something that I would love to do. 00:04:12.739 --> 00:04:15.739 It just took me a while to see it. 00:04:17.259 --> 00:04:20.300 Does that make you think of anything else? 00:04:21.120 --> 00:04:25.680 A gift that was given that maybe wasn't appreciated at first. 00:04:25.680 --> 00:04:30.900 Because the people didn't realize just how valuable it was. 00:04:31.639 --> 00:04:33.500 Just how much they needed it. 00:04:34.220 --> 00:04:40.500 Just how much it would bring joy and fulfillment to their lives. 00:04:40.500 --> 00:04:47.139 Now my Alexa smart plug experience has brought a tiny bit of joy and fulfillment to my life. 00:04:47.139 --> 00:04:55.300 But the greatest gift ever given to us brings unspeakable joy and ultimate fulfillment to our lives. 00:04:55.360 --> 00:04:57.699 That's what we've been talking about this season. 00:04:57.819 --> 00:04:59.099 We've been going through this series. 00:04:59.259 --> 00:05:01.219 Christmas, the gift is waiting. 00:05:01.220 --> 00:05:04.420 We've been jumping in along with the kids' Advent presentation. 00:05:04.420 --> 00:05:08.680 And kind of hitting home every Advent theme this Sunday. 00:05:09.380 --> 00:05:11.420 From joy to hope to peace. 00:05:12.260 --> 00:05:15.620 And now finally we're settling on love. 00:05:15.620 --> 00:05:18.939 That is the final theme of our Advent season. 00:05:19.340 --> 00:05:20.840 So let's go to Matthew's gospel. 00:05:20.959 --> 00:05:22.199 Would you take your Bibles? 00:05:22.300 --> 00:05:24.800 If you don't have one, there should be one in the seat back in front of you. 00:05:25.120 --> 00:05:26.920 You can pull out the Bible app on your phone. 00:05:27.019 --> 00:05:28.220 Whatever works for you. 00:05:28.259 --> 00:05:30.840 But let's get everybody looking at a copy of God's word. 00:05:30.959 --> 00:05:33.079 Matthew chapter 1. 00:05:33.079 --> 00:05:39.359 For sake of time, I'm going to go ahead and read as you're turning. 00:05:39.719 --> 00:05:44.099 We're going to begin in verse 18 and read down through verse 25. 00:05:44.259 --> 00:05:47.120 The birth of Jesus came about this way. 00:05:47.839 --> 00:05:49.979 After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, 00:05:50.319 --> 00:05:54.539 it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 00:05:55.219 --> 00:05:56.979 Only time that's ever happened, folks. 00:05:58.379 --> 00:05:59.339 Verse 19. 00:05:59.339 --> 00:06:03.639 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, 00:06:04.099 --> 00:06:06.339 decided to divorce her secretly. 00:06:07.299 --> 00:06:09.039 But after he'd considered these things, 00:06:09.539 --> 00:06:12.039 an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying, 00:06:12.199 --> 00:06:17.579 Joseph, son of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife. 00:06:18.120 --> 00:06:21.819 Because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 00:06:22.099 --> 00:06:23.879 She will give birth to a son. 00:06:23.879 --> 00:06:25.899 And you are to name him Jesus. 00:06:25.899 --> 00:06:29.659 Because he will save his people from their sins. 00:06:30.179 --> 00:06:31.319 And all this took place. 00:06:31.839 --> 00:06:34.479 To fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet. 00:06:34.939 --> 00:06:38.120 See, the virgin will become pregnant and will give birth to a son. 00:06:38.299 --> 00:06:39.859 And they will name him Emmanuel. 00:06:40.120 --> 00:06:43.339 Which is translated, God is with us. 00:06:43.419 --> 00:06:44.979 Remember that song we just heard? 00:06:45.099 --> 00:06:47.000 O come, O come, Emmanuel. 00:06:47.279 --> 00:06:49.179 We lifted our voices and sang it together. 00:06:50.219 --> 00:06:52.639 And I love last Christmas Eve service. 00:06:52.719 --> 00:06:55.399 By the way, Christmas Eve service this Wednesday, 6 o'clock. 00:06:55.399 --> 00:06:56.879 Okay, 30 minutes and we're out. 00:06:56.919 --> 00:06:57.560 It's going to be great. 00:06:57.919 --> 00:06:58.939 We're going to have a good time together. 00:06:59.060 --> 00:07:02.759 Last year at Christmas Eve, we all gathered and sang, 00:07:02.859 --> 00:07:03.879 O come, O come, Emmanuel. 00:07:03.979 --> 00:07:05.459 And we closed with the words, 00:07:06.719 --> 00:07:10.060 Emmanuel has come to you, O Israel. 00:07:11.639 --> 00:07:12.599 He did come. 00:07:14.039 --> 00:07:16.919 God is now with us. 00:07:16.920 --> 00:07:19.900 So this is the first time that we hear it. 00:07:19.900 --> 00:07:23.699 And Joseph hears it directly from this angel. 00:07:23.900 --> 00:07:26.060 And then he wakes up in verse 24. 00:07:26.740 --> 00:07:29.060 And he did as the Lord's angel had commanded him. 00:07:29.220 --> 00:07:30.240 And he married her. 00:07:30.780 --> 00:07:35.300 And he didn't even have marital relations with her until she gave birth to the son. 00:07:35.620 --> 00:07:38.000 And he named him Jesus. 00:07:38.800 --> 00:07:40.740 Right in the middle of that story. 00:07:40.740 --> 00:07:45.780 We see something that Joseph had to learn the hard way. 00:07:45.860 --> 00:07:48.680 Maybe he didn't fully appreciate it at first. 00:07:49.560 --> 00:07:55.540 Until God had fully revealed to him just how precious this gift was. 00:07:56.360 --> 00:07:57.680 Had to blow his mind. 00:07:58.400 --> 00:08:04.500 Mary, this sweet, precious fiancee that he was planning on spending the rest of his life with, 00:08:04.660 --> 00:08:07.120 suddenly became pregnant. 00:08:07.120 --> 00:08:09.819 He knew it wasn't from him. 00:08:10.939 --> 00:08:12.120 His world was rocked. 00:08:13.680 --> 00:08:14.860 She cheated on me? 00:08:15.160 --> 00:08:16.319 She was unfaithful to me? 00:08:17.199 --> 00:08:18.160 What in the world? 00:08:18.759 --> 00:08:22.240 But he did not want to go and have her suffer the consequences, 00:08:22.639 --> 00:08:28.259 which ultimately would be stoning for being unfaithful to her espoused husband-to-be. 00:08:29.220 --> 00:08:30.480 So he kept it quiet. 00:08:30.899 --> 00:08:34.779 He was going to protect her even though he thought she had committed this great sin. 00:08:34.779 --> 00:08:37.839 He was going to divorce her quietly. 00:08:39.740 --> 00:08:41.379 But he had to learn this truth. 00:08:42.559 --> 00:08:47.799 That number one, God's love rarely arrives in the way we expect. 00:08:48.059 --> 00:08:51.620 But it always arrives in the way that we need. 00:08:52.319 --> 00:08:57.279 How many of you can testify that God's love or his expressions of love or his blessings to us 00:08:57.279 --> 00:09:00.299 have rarely come in your life in the way that you expected, 00:09:00.519 --> 00:09:01.879 but always in the way you needed? 00:09:01.879 --> 00:09:04.179 Can you just wave at me by testimony? 00:09:04.519 --> 00:09:04.799 Yes. 00:09:05.100 --> 00:09:07.899 That's what, listen, that's my testimony as well. 00:09:09.019 --> 00:09:11.799 What I expected from God was rarely what happened, 00:09:11.919 --> 00:09:15.580 but it was always, with the benefit of hindsight, what I needed. 00:09:16.360 --> 00:09:18.460 And that is a truth that Joseph had to learn. 00:09:18.700 --> 00:09:20.879 It's a truth that all of us have to learn. 00:09:21.259 --> 00:09:22.299 Crystal Evans Hurst said, 00:09:22.299 --> 00:09:27.019 I serve a God who loves to give us gifts we aren't expecting. 00:09:27.139 --> 00:09:28.319 By the way, if you're wondering who that is, 00:09:28.379 --> 00:09:32.620 that was a well-known pastor down in Dallas, Tony Evans, that's his daughter. 00:09:33.199 --> 00:09:37.459 I serve a God who loves to give us gifts we aren't expecting. 00:09:39.459 --> 00:09:42.019 Boy, God is a God of surprises, isn't he? 00:09:42.639 --> 00:09:44.740 He's a God who catches us off guard. 00:09:44.740 --> 00:09:46.899 He often does things we aren't expecting. 00:09:47.340 --> 00:09:52.480 He certainly sent the Savior of Israel in ways that they were not expecting. 00:09:53.019 --> 00:09:54.060 What were they looking for? 00:09:55.740 --> 00:09:56.560 Anybody know? 00:09:58.500 --> 00:09:59.299 Say it louder. 00:10:00.120 --> 00:10:00.600 King! 00:10:00.740 --> 00:10:01.460 That's right, Taylor. 00:10:01.560 --> 00:10:02.120 Good job, buddy. 00:10:02.539 --> 00:10:04.159 They were looking for a king. 00:10:04.580 --> 00:10:06.460 They were looking for a conqueror. 00:10:06.680 --> 00:10:08.039 They were looking for a warrior, 00:10:08.039 --> 00:10:12.399 someone who would defeat Rome and free them from Roman occupation 00:10:12.399 --> 00:10:16.219 and allow them to have the fulfillment of their kingdom on earth. 00:10:16.799 --> 00:10:18.620 God's people are going to rule the world. 00:10:19.819 --> 00:10:21.120 That wasn't God's plan. 00:10:21.799 --> 00:10:22.559 He said, yes. 00:10:23.179 --> 00:10:25.379 God's people are going to rule the world in the end, 00:10:25.459 --> 00:10:27.159 but it's going to be according to my timeline. 00:10:27.439 --> 00:10:30.019 It's going to be according to the kingdom that I set up. 00:10:31.159 --> 00:10:32.740 It's not going to be right now. 00:10:33.319 --> 00:10:36.000 All they could see was their immediate problem, 00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:37.799 their immediate distress, 00:10:38.039 --> 00:10:42.339 and they said, God, send us a king. 00:10:42.819 --> 00:10:44.599 They did that in the Old Testament, didn't they? 00:10:45.219 --> 00:10:48.539 When God's prophets were the ones who would hear from God 00:10:48.539 --> 00:10:50.639 and they would legislate among the people, 00:10:50.959 --> 00:10:52.740 but that was not enough for the people. 00:10:52.839 --> 00:10:53.839 They said, we need a king. 00:10:54.399 --> 00:10:57.139 We go out and we see all these other nations with their own king. 00:10:57.219 --> 00:10:58.000 We don't have anybody. 00:10:58.079 --> 00:10:59.120 All we have is these prophets. 00:11:00.139 --> 00:11:01.480 God finally gave them a king. 00:11:02.819 --> 00:11:04.819 And if you've studied up on the house of Saul, 00:11:05.419 --> 00:11:07.159 boy, that didn't work out very well, did it? 00:11:08.039 --> 00:11:18.819 We always have our ideas of how we're going to get past the problems that are facing us, 00:11:18.860 --> 00:11:21.360 these immediate problems that we can't see around, 00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:23.759 and we can't figure out a way under them or over them. 00:11:23.819 --> 00:11:25.980 We can't figure out how to get through this. 00:11:25.980 --> 00:11:36.460 And so God's love and his answers and his solutions often rise in the ways that we least expect, 00:11:36.800 --> 00:11:40.220 but they're always in the ways that we need. 00:11:40.659 --> 00:11:41.500 Isaiah 55. 00:11:42.180 --> 00:11:44.600 God explains a little bit of his reasoning for this. 00:11:44.820 --> 00:11:47.259 He says, look, my thoughts are not your thoughts. 00:11:48.060 --> 00:11:49.779 Your ways are not my ways. 00:11:49.779 --> 00:11:51.480 This is the Lord's declaration. 00:11:51.959 --> 00:11:55.779 As heaven is higher than earth, my ways are higher than your ways. 00:11:55.919 --> 00:11:58.459 My thoughts are higher than your thoughts. 00:11:59.279 --> 00:12:02.240 If you want it in the New Testament, Paul writes a little bit about this. 00:12:02.339 --> 00:12:04.620 He says, brothers and sisters, consider your calling. 00:12:05.100 --> 00:12:07.419 Not many are wise from a human perspective. 00:12:07.839 --> 00:12:08.879 Not many powerful. 00:12:09.639 --> 00:12:11.139 Not many noble birth. 00:12:11.720 --> 00:12:16.339 Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. 00:12:16.340 --> 00:12:19.840 He's chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. 00:12:20.399 --> 00:12:24.759 He's chosen what's insignificant and despised in this world. 00:12:25.100 --> 00:12:26.740 What is viewed as nothing. 00:12:27.019 --> 00:12:30.379 Maybe a little baby born in a manger. 00:12:32.160 --> 00:12:34.440 The most insignificant thing. 00:12:36.340 --> 00:12:39.360 To bring to nothing what is viewed as something. 00:12:39.360 --> 00:12:47.899 No king could surpass what Jesus brought to God's people. 00:12:49.620 --> 00:12:51.060 All their efforts. 00:12:52.100 --> 00:12:54.200 All their human capabilities. 00:12:55.580 --> 00:12:59.779 Paled in comparison to God coming to earth. 00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:02.500 This was his solution. 00:13:03.039 --> 00:13:05.000 And it was exactly what we needed. 00:13:05.320 --> 00:13:07.360 But it wasn't what we expected. 00:13:07.360 --> 00:13:10.480 And so I want to leave you with this thought. 00:13:10.680 --> 00:13:11.919 From point number one. 00:13:12.700 --> 00:13:13.879 Love may surprise you. 00:13:14.419 --> 00:13:15.779 But it never fails you. 00:13:16.639 --> 00:13:18.019 Love may surprise you. 00:13:18.399 --> 00:13:20.220 But it never fails you. 00:13:22.919 --> 00:13:26.120 In the time honored passage. 00:13:26.779 --> 00:13:28.320 In 1 Corinthians chapter 13. 00:13:30.100 --> 00:13:31.700 We call it the love chapter. 00:13:31.700 --> 00:13:34.620 We get to read all about love. 00:13:34.920 --> 00:13:35.960 And at the very end. 00:13:36.060 --> 00:13:38.100 It has all these attributes of love. 00:13:38.220 --> 00:13:38.840 Love is patient. 00:13:38.980 --> 00:13:39.640 Love is kind. 00:13:40.259 --> 00:13:42.200 Love doesn't think evil of someone else. 00:13:42.240 --> 00:13:43.900 And at the very end of this list. 00:13:44.160 --> 00:13:46.080 On the power of love. 00:13:46.600 --> 00:13:48.620 Shown in the son of God himself. 00:13:48.720 --> 00:13:49.000 Jesus. 00:13:49.980 --> 00:13:51.180 It says these words. 00:13:51.360 --> 00:13:53.120 Love never what? 00:13:53.240 --> 00:13:53.680 Anybody know? 00:13:54.400 --> 00:13:55.360 Let's say it together. 00:13:55.540 --> 00:13:55.740 Ready? 00:13:55.940 --> 00:13:56.620 Love never. 00:13:57.420 --> 00:13:58.920 Love never fails. 00:13:58.919 --> 00:14:01.799 Love didn't fail when Jesus came. 00:14:02.759 --> 00:14:05.219 Even though they had no room for him. 00:14:05.259 --> 00:14:05.599 And it said. 00:14:05.659 --> 00:14:06.139 Oh no. 00:14:06.599 --> 00:14:07.559 What are we going to do? 00:14:07.620 --> 00:14:09.659 There's no place for Mary to have the baby. 00:14:10.360 --> 00:14:11.959 Even when Joseph was faced. 00:14:12.019 --> 00:14:12.860 Even before that. 00:14:13.240 --> 00:14:17.620 With this idea that his fiance was unfaithful. 00:14:17.699 --> 00:14:18.439 And now she's pregnant. 00:14:18.539 --> 00:14:18.959 Oh no. 00:14:19.399 --> 00:14:20.179 What's going to happen? 00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:20.399 No. 00:14:20.439 --> 00:14:21.959 This was all part of God's plan. 00:14:22.059 --> 00:14:23.899 She was never unfaithful to Joseph. 00:14:23.899 --> 00:14:26.240 She had no sin in this situation. 00:14:26.240 --> 00:14:28.180 So. 00:14:29.560 --> 00:14:32.080 King Herod tried to stamp it out. 00:14:32.120 --> 00:14:32.440 Didn't he? 00:14:33.060 --> 00:14:36.060 Tried to go around and have all these baby boys killed. 00:14:36.820 --> 00:14:38.299 But God rescued him. 00:14:38.980 --> 00:14:40.259 Love would not fail. 00:14:41.299 --> 00:14:42.500 Love would not fail. 00:14:43.200 --> 00:14:45.419 When the Pharisees. 00:14:45.700 --> 00:14:46.399 The Sadducees. 00:14:46.500 --> 00:14:47.980 And the religious leaders of the day. 00:14:48.220 --> 00:14:51.240 Tried to silence Jesus and his teachings on this earth. 00:14:51.259 --> 00:14:51.899 As he grew up. 00:14:51.899 --> 00:14:54.120 And started fulfilling God's mission for him. 00:14:54.279 --> 00:14:56.159 During his 33 years on this earth. 00:14:56.779 --> 00:14:58.000 But love didn't fail then. 00:14:58.519 --> 00:15:01.000 He shamed them and silenced them at every step. 00:15:01.639 --> 00:15:03.840 Still showing them the love of God. 00:15:04.899 --> 00:15:06.120 Love did not fail. 00:15:06.740 --> 00:15:08.460 When they got the Romans involved. 00:15:09.080 --> 00:15:10.480 And they finally arrested him. 00:15:10.539 --> 00:15:11.639 And put him on the cross. 00:15:12.220 --> 00:15:14.700 And had to suffer this terrible death. 00:15:15.360 --> 00:15:17.519 And it looked like love had finally failed. 00:15:18.039 --> 00:15:19.019 But it didn't fail. 00:15:19.960 --> 00:15:20.919 And as a church. 00:15:20.980 --> 00:15:22.179 As the followers of Jesus. 00:15:22.659 --> 00:15:25.079 Easter has such a special meaning for us. 00:15:25.139 --> 00:15:26.460 Y'all I think Easter and Christmas. 00:15:26.659 --> 00:15:28.019 Just go hand in hand. 00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:30.019 It's the beginning of God's story on earth. 00:15:30.179 --> 00:15:33.720 And it's the end of Jesus' story on earth. 00:15:33.720 --> 00:15:36.080 But it's the beginning of our story. 00:15:36.540 --> 00:15:37.180 With him. 00:15:37.519 --> 00:15:39.500 Because love did not fail. 00:15:39.740 --> 00:15:41.560 And Jesus did rise from the dead. 00:15:41.779 --> 00:15:43.720 You and I get to wake up every morning with hope. 00:15:44.360 --> 00:15:46.259 You and I get to wake up every morning and say. 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:47.340 God is alive. 00:15:47.440 --> 00:15:48.560 He hears me when I pray. 00:15:48.740 --> 00:15:49.680 He's going to lead me. 00:15:49.779 --> 00:15:50.720 He's going to guide me. 00:15:50.920 --> 00:15:51.800 He's going to be with me. 00:15:51.860 --> 00:15:52.660 He's going to protect me. 00:15:52.700 --> 00:15:53.540 He's going to comfort me. 00:15:53.660 --> 00:15:54.840 He's going to give me fulfillment. 00:15:54.840 --> 00:15:55.920 And joy on this earth. 00:15:56.060 --> 00:15:58.519 Because I know that he lives. 00:15:59.480 --> 00:16:01.399 My redeemer lives. 00:16:02.699 --> 00:16:04.480 So the way love comes. 00:16:04.899 --> 00:16:06.340 Might be unexpected. 00:16:06.500 --> 00:16:07.579 It might be surprising. 00:16:08.279 --> 00:16:10.960 But it will not fail. 00:16:11.799 --> 00:16:12.299 Number two. 00:16:12.439 --> 00:16:13.460 God's love came. 00:16:14.259 --> 00:16:15.620 Wrapped in weakness. 00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:17.840 So it could reach us. 00:16:18.480 --> 00:16:19.399 In our weakness. 00:16:20.620 --> 00:16:21.340 Now look. 00:16:22.019 --> 00:16:24.259 I've recently started going to the gym again. 00:16:24.759 --> 00:16:25.659 I know y'all can tell. 00:16:27.199 --> 00:16:28.279 That was a joke. 00:16:28.519 --> 00:16:33.120 I haven't been going long enough to really make you tell. 00:16:33.519 --> 00:16:33.840 Anyway. 00:16:34.399 --> 00:16:37.579 I am reminded every time I start pushing weight around. 00:16:37.679 --> 00:16:39.279 Of how weak I am. 00:16:40.620 --> 00:16:41.059 Wow. 00:16:42.100 --> 00:16:44.860 And I'll see people that have been doing this for a while. 00:16:44.939 --> 00:16:45.679 And I'm like man. 00:16:46.460 --> 00:16:48.779 I should be able to lift what he's lifting over there. 00:16:48.840 --> 00:16:49.779 But I am weak. 00:16:50.819 --> 00:16:52.159 Look the reality is. 00:16:52.259 --> 00:16:53.519 We are all weak. 00:16:53.639 --> 00:16:55.980 You might have been going to the gym for a long time. 00:16:56.240 --> 00:16:58.159 You might be physically strong. 00:16:58.159 --> 00:16:59.600 Some of these football boys. 00:17:00.159 --> 00:17:01.319 Some of these other athletes. 00:17:01.480 --> 00:17:02.740 Jaylee Tiller is sitting back there. 00:17:02.819 --> 00:17:05.339 She's probably one of the strongest people in the state of Texas. 00:17:05.480 --> 00:17:05.720 All right. 00:17:08.359 --> 00:17:10.960 Some of these people are really strong. 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:14.940 But there are other ways that you are weak. 00:17:16.440 --> 00:17:19.700 Every one of us are weak on the inside. 00:17:20.279 --> 00:17:23.220 One of the greatest Christians who ever lived was Paul. 00:17:23.559 --> 00:17:25.700 And he said I am weak. 00:17:26.279 --> 00:17:28.440 And it's good that I'm weak. 00:17:28.500 --> 00:17:32.480 Because in my weakness God gets to show his strength. 00:17:32.480 --> 00:17:34.460 You all have a weakness. 00:17:34.460 --> 00:17:36.299 I have my weakness. 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:41.779 It might be areas that we fall to temptation more regularly than anything else. 00:17:42.640 --> 00:17:45.339 Somebody might have an addiction as a weakness. 00:17:46.299 --> 00:17:48.799 Somebody might have a weak mind. 00:17:48.799 --> 00:17:51.259 And the devil gets in there. 00:17:51.319 --> 00:17:52.359 And he exploits it. 00:17:52.579 --> 00:17:53.839 And he fills you with fear. 00:17:55.519 --> 00:17:56.680 Every one of us. 00:17:56.879 --> 00:17:58.599 Our flesh is weak. 00:18:00.759 --> 00:18:02.119 But God's spirit. 00:18:02.799 --> 00:18:04.079 Is strong enough. 00:18:06.879 --> 00:18:08.299 Scripture tells us this. 00:18:09.299 --> 00:18:10.799 Where sin abounds. 00:18:10.799 --> 00:18:14.759 Not just where sin is present. 00:18:15.539 --> 00:18:18.079 But where sin starts to take over. 00:18:18.759 --> 00:18:21.259 Where sin overflows in you. 00:18:21.359 --> 00:18:23.700 By the way there is an area in your life. 00:18:23.759 --> 00:18:24.559 At least one. 00:18:24.779 --> 00:18:25.799 Where sin overflows. 00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:29.579 And the people around you know. 00:18:29.799 --> 00:18:31.519 What those areas are most likely. 00:18:32.319 --> 00:18:34.220 The people around you experience it. 00:18:35.220 --> 00:18:37.000 They feel when you're moody. 00:18:37.000 --> 00:18:39.059 They feel when everything's not okay. 00:18:40.799 --> 00:18:42.500 Where sin abounds. 00:18:43.279 --> 00:18:44.419 You know what the follow up to that is? 00:18:45.180 --> 00:18:46.099 God's grace. 00:18:46.819 --> 00:18:48.500 Much more abounds. 00:18:49.539 --> 00:18:54.440 God's grace is able to help you win the battle over those areas. 00:18:55.180 --> 00:18:59.180 God's grace is able to give you victory that he already won. 00:18:59.319 --> 00:19:00.419 When he hung on the cross. 00:19:00.659 --> 00:19:01.740 He was buried in the grave. 00:19:02.059 --> 00:19:04.579 And then in God's power he raised him up. 00:19:05.659 --> 00:19:06.619 To life. 00:19:06.839 --> 00:19:07.279 Eternal. 00:19:08.079 --> 00:19:10.359 And now he offers you that same kind of life. 00:19:10.359 --> 00:19:12.439 But it's not just a living forever. 00:19:13.159 --> 00:19:14.740 It is living forever. 00:19:14.740 --> 00:19:16.319 With God's fullness. 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:20.339 We talked a couple weeks ago about shalom. 00:19:21.019 --> 00:19:22.500 About the completeness. 00:19:22.939 --> 00:19:23.779 The wholeness. 00:19:24.139 --> 00:19:24.899 Of peace. 00:19:25.139 --> 00:19:26.439 That God wants to offer. 00:19:26.959 --> 00:19:27.979 Every one of us. 00:19:28.179 --> 00:19:29.679 He says you find this. 00:19:29.799 --> 00:19:30.279 In me. 00:19:31.740 --> 00:19:33.259 This is what he's talking about. 00:19:33.339 --> 00:19:34.339 When he says grace. 00:19:34.839 --> 00:19:36.319 Abounds so much more. 00:19:36.899 --> 00:19:38.779 In those areas where sin. 00:19:39.179 --> 00:19:39.619 Abounds. 00:19:39.619 --> 00:19:42.919 That's your weakness. 00:19:44.000 --> 00:19:45.339 That's your weak areas. 00:19:46.000 --> 00:19:48.379 That's the places that you can't be strong. 00:19:49.099 --> 00:19:49.539 Come on. 00:19:49.599 --> 00:19:50.459 Just be strong. 00:19:52.959 --> 00:19:55.159 It's like speaking to a rock and say. 00:19:56.000 --> 00:19:56.899 Fall down. 00:19:57.099 --> 00:19:57.639 Break apart. 00:19:59.099 --> 00:20:00.139 Can't do it. 00:20:00.619 --> 00:20:01.579 Without God's power. 00:20:01.579 --> 00:20:04.139 Now with God's power. 00:20:04.799 --> 00:20:05.539 In the Old Testament. 00:20:05.699 --> 00:20:07.759 We read of Moses grabbing his rod. 00:20:07.960 --> 00:20:09.359 And striking a stone. 00:20:09.619 --> 00:20:10.939 And water comes out of it. 00:20:11.279 --> 00:20:13.379 God has power over all of it. 00:20:14.679 --> 00:20:18.159 But God can't make your weak areas strong. 00:20:19.960 --> 00:20:20.659 Unless you let him. 00:20:20.660 --> 00:20:24.040 He uses our faith. 00:20:24.040 --> 00:20:24.640 He uses our faith. 00:20:26.140 --> 00:20:28.420 So you don't have to win the battle over your weakness. 00:20:30.279 --> 00:20:35.740 But you have to have faith enough to let him give you the victory over your weaknesses. 00:20:35.740 --> 00:20:37.680 I've seen that in my life. 00:20:38.400 --> 00:20:42.819 I believe and I know for a fact that many of you have seen that in your life. 00:20:43.819 --> 00:20:46.539 So I pray that by God's spirit you would look inward. 00:20:46.839 --> 00:20:49.099 In the next few minutes as we prepare to close. 00:20:50.319 --> 00:20:52.259 And say God what are my weaknesses? 00:20:52.960 --> 00:20:54.279 What are my weak areas? 00:20:54.319 --> 00:20:56.639 There might be something that pops in your head right away. 00:20:57.039 --> 00:20:58.099 I know what that is. 00:20:59.919 --> 00:21:00.919 There might be more. 00:21:01.500 --> 00:21:03.220 That God wants to bring up and say listen. 00:21:03.819 --> 00:21:05.220 You struggle with doubt. 00:21:05.879 --> 00:21:07.399 You struggle with self-confidence. 00:21:08.220 --> 00:21:09.799 You struggle with trust. 00:21:09.799 --> 00:21:14.599 There might be all these different areas that are true weaknesses. 00:21:14.919 --> 00:21:19.000 That are not only holding you back from the life that God has for you. 00:21:19.139 --> 00:21:22.599 But they're also affecting others within your realm of influence. 00:21:23.779 --> 00:21:26.579 But God's love came wrapped in weakness. 00:21:26.899 --> 00:21:27.700 A little baby. 00:21:27.839 --> 00:21:30.000 Jesus couldn't do anything in that moment. 00:21:30.599 --> 00:21:33.339 He set aside his throne. 00:21:33.799 --> 00:21:35.379 He set aside his power. 00:21:35.519 --> 00:21:36.500 Read about it in Philippians. 00:21:36.500 --> 00:21:40.019 And he came down and allowed himself to be vulnerable. 00:21:40.339 --> 00:21:44.500 Allowed himself to enter this world as the weakest of all creatures. 00:21:46.660 --> 00:21:49.859 So that we could identify with our weaknesses. 00:21:50.720 --> 00:21:54.500 And Paul teaches us there's nothing that we would experience. 00:21:55.240 --> 00:21:55.500 No temptation. 00:21:56.279 --> 00:21:56.940 No failure. 00:21:57.119 --> 00:21:57.700 No weakness. 00:21:57.700 --> 00:22:01.299 That we would experience on this earth that Jesus didn't also taste. 00:22:01.920 --> 00:22:03.579 That Jesus didn't also experience. 00:22:03.579 --> 00:22:06.439 He came wrapped in weakness. 00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:09.319 So he could reach us in our weakness. 00:22:11.199 --> 00:22:13.339 Would you go over with me to Philippians chapter 2. 00:22:16.639 --> 00:22:17.819 Philippians chapter 2. 00:22:19.559 --> 00:22:21.919 For sake of time I'm going to go ahead and read verse 5. 00:22:22.480 --> 00:22:25.699 Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus. 00:22:25.799 --> 00:22:27.259 I referenced this just a moment ago. 00:22:27.259 --> 00:22:30.240 Who existing in the form of God. 00:22:31.180 --> 00:22:35.400 Did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 00:22:36.059 --> 00:22:37.720 Instead he gave it up. 00:22:38.740 --> 00:22:39.960 He emptied himself. 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:42.859 By assuming the form of a servant. 00:22:43.180 --> 00:22:43.779 A human. 00:22:45.299 --> 00:22:47.440 Taking on the likeness of humanity. 00:22:48.440 --> 00:22:50.099 And when he had come as a man. 00:22:50.200 --> 00:22:50.619 Verse 8. 00:22:50.619 --> 00:22:52.159 He humbled himself. 00:22:52.839 --> 00:22:55.519 By becoming obedient to the point of death. 00:22:55.819 --> 00:22:57.719 Even death on a cross. 00:22:57.839 --> 00:23:00.019 The most shameful death possible. 00:23:00.179 --> 00:23:01.599 Reserved for the worst criminals. 00:23:02.759 --> 00:23:05.859 2 Corinthians chapter 8 and verse 9. 00:23:05.919 --> 00:23:06.779 We've got it on the screen. 00:23:07.079 --> 00:23:09.779 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus. 00:23:10.099 --> 00:23:11.519 Though he was rich. 00:23:12.459 --> 00:23:14.339 With all that God has. 00:23:15.199 --> 00:23:16.419 For your sake. 00:23:17.000 --> 00:23:18.000 For my sake. 00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:20.339 He became poor. 00:23:21.240 --> 00:23:22.779 He wrapped himself in weakness. 00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:25.220 So that by his poverty. 00:23:25.680 --> 00:23:26.299 You. 00:23:26.960 --> 00:23:27.559 And I. 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:29.799 Might become rich. 00:23:30.660 --> 00:23:32.880 Rich in the fullness of God. 00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:34.779 Rich in hope. 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:36.180 Rich in joy. 00:23:36.599 --> 00:23:37.619 Rich in peace. 00:23:37.960 --> 00:23:39.039 Rich in love. 00:23:39.299 --> 00:23:40.759 These are the themes of Christmas. 00:23:40.940 --> 00:23:43.380 They're the themes of what we call the Advent season. 00:23:44.839 --> 00:23:47.240 This is what God offers to us. 00:23:47.240 --> 00:23:49.079 This is what God is full of. 00:23:49.279 --> 00:23:51.240 This is where we find these things. 00:23:51.700 --> 00:23:52.900 In God alone. 00:23:53.140 --> 00:23:55.000 And he offers now richness. 00:23:55.220 --> 00:23:56.779 He said trade your poverty. 00:23:57.140 --> 00:23:58.339 For my richness. 00:23:58.839 --> 00:23:59.900 Trade your weakness. 00:24:00.359 --> 00:24:01.380 For my strength. 00:24:01.500 --> 00:24:03.900 I will come down and identify with you. 00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:06.099 And show you how you can do this. 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:08.180 How you can have faith in me. 00:24:08.440 --> 00:24:10.559 How you can follow this new way. 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:12.920 That goes against everything you're being taught. 00:24:13.279 --> 00:24:14.019 In this world. 00:24:14.019 --> 00:24:14.079 In this world. 00:24:15.420 --> 00:24:16.720 So I'll leave you with this thought. 00:24:16.819 --> 00:24:17.599 The perfect gift. 00:24:18.400 --> 00:24:19.400 May not have. 00:24:19.900 --> 00:24:20.599 The prettiest wrapping. 00:24:21.539 --> 00:24:22.299 I don't know about y'all. 00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:24.259 The kids like to go look at. 00:24:25.180 --> 00:24:26.500 The presents under the tree. 00:24:27.960 --> 00:24:28.680 And you know. 00:24:29.559 --> 00:24:31.160 My kids certainly wouldn't count. 00:24:31.279 --> 00:24:32.960 How many presents do I have with my name on it. 00:24:32.980 --> 00:24:33.759 And how many presents does. 00:24:34.059 --> 00:24:34.960 He have with his name. 00:24:35.200 --> 00:24:36.079 They wouldn't do that. 00:24:36.079 --> 00:24:39.279 Except that for that reason. 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:42.099 We had to go change the names on the boxes. 00:24:42.099 --> 00:24:43.240 To Santa's reindeer. 00:24:43.439 --> 00:24:44.339 So we've got Donder. 00:24:44.519 --> 00:24:45.240 We got Blitzen. 00:24:45.379 --> 00:24:46.019 We got Comet. 00:24:46.179 --> 00:24:46.819 We got Cupid. 00:24:47.720 --> 00:24:48.419 It's great. 00:24:48.599 --> 00:24:49.799 So they have no idea. 00:24:50.220 --> 00:24:51.599 And Austin keeps bartering with me. 00:24:51.659 --> 00:24:52.220 Trying to figure out. 00:24:52.259 --> 00:24:53.240 So which one is which. 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:55.000 I'll play in this game. 00:24:55.039 --> 00:24:55.779 And whoever wins. 00:24:55.819 --> 00:24:57.519 You have to tell me which of these. 00:24:58.199 --> 00:24:58.720 Like nope. 00:24:58.819 --> 00:24:59.579 Not going to work man. 00:24:59.859 --> 00:25:00.919 You'll find out Chris this morning. 00:25:00.920 --> 00:25:05.039 Because they judge what's inside. 00:25:05.180 --> 00:25:06.320 By how good they look. 00:25:06.400 --> 00:25:07.340 How many there are. 00:25:07.519 --> 00:25:07.740 Listen. 00:25:09.120 --> 00:25:10.259 The perfect gift. 00:25:10.800 --> 00:25:13.140 May not look perfect on the outside. 00:25:13.380 --> 00:25:15.800 It may not be dressed up in the prettiest wrapping. 00:25:16.980 --> 00:25:19.779 Jesus was the perfect gift for God's people. 00:25:20.380 --> 00:25:22.519 But he didn't look like it when he came. 00:25:25.140 --> 00:25:26.340 God's presence. 00:25:26.800 --> 00:25:28.279 Or will in your life. 00:25:28.279 --> 00:25:31.279 Life will be perfect for you. 00:25:32.539 --> 00:25:34.279 But it may not look perfect. 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:36.220 When you first hear of it. 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:38.440 When you first taste it. 00:25:39.519 --> 00:25:40.680 Might be difficult. 00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:44.019 Might take you through a trial. 00:25:44.759 --> 00:25:45.799 Might be tough. 00:25:46.740 --> 00:25:47.700 I've experienced that. 00:25:48.139 --> 00:25:49.039 I know many of you have. 00:25:50.579 --> 00:25:51.559 But it's perfect. 00:25:52.559 --> 00:25:54.119 It's exactly what you need. 00:25:54.119 --> 00:25:56.459 It will offer everything. 00:25:56.459 --> 00:25:58.359 That your heart is yearning for. 00:25:58.479 --> 00:25:59.739 And you don't even realize. 00:25:59.899 --> 00:26:01.579 Everything that your heart is yearning for. 00:26:01.579 --> 00:26:02.679 But God knows. 00:26:02.939 --> 00:26:03.559 He designed you. 00:26:03.659 --> 00:26:04.379 He created you. 00:26:04.639 --> 00:26:06.639 And he's got the perfect gift for you. 00:26:07.199 --> 00:26:07.819 Number one. 00:26:07.859 --> 00:26:08.399 In his son. 00:26:09.159 --> 00:26:09.759 Number two. 00:26:10.019 --> 00:26:11.679 By increasing your faith in him. 00:26:11.799 --> 00:26:12.919 As you live. 00:26:13.079 --> 00:26:14.639 This life with Jesus. 00:26:14.979 --> 00:26:15.899 As you walk. 00:26:16.199 --> 00:26:17.039 The Jesus way. 00:26:17.639 --> 00:26:18.579 The perfect gift. 00:26:18.919 --> 00:26:20.039 May not always have. 00:26:21.279 --> 00:26:22.379 The prettiest wrapping. 00:26:24.119 --> 00:26:25.679 These texts. 00:26:26.459 --> 00:26:27.079 From Philippians. 00:26:27.179 --> 00:26:28.079 From 2nd Corinthians. 00:26:29.079 --> 00:26:30.459 Even back in Isaiah. 00:26:30.639 --> 00:26:31.379 And 1st Corinthians. 00:26:31.579 --> 00:26:32.239 They remind us. 00:26:32.319 --> 00:26:33.399 That Jesus humbled himself. 00:26:34.479 --> 00:26:35.359 He became poor. 00:26:36.099 --> 00:26:38.059 He stepped all the way down. 00:26:38.119 --> 00:26:39.000 From heaven's throne. 00:26:39.399 --> 00:26:40.259 To earth. 00:26:41.259 --> 00:26:42.459 To show us. 00:26:42.459 --> 00:26:43.719 That he could lift us. 00:26:43.879 --> 00:26:44.359 All the way up. 00:26:45.859 --> 00:26:46.959 The perfect gift. 00:26:47.219 --> 00:26:47.959 May not have. 00:26:48.519 --> 00:26:49.259 The prettiest wrapping. 00:26:49.359 --> 00:26:50.399 When you put all this together. 00:26:50.400 --> 00:26:52.620 Understanding that. 00:26:53.180 --> 00:26:54.540 God's gift of love to us. 00:26:54.620 --> 00:26:55.920 May not always be what we expect. 00:26:56.360 --> 00:26:57.259 It may not be. 00:26:57.700 --> 00:26:58.780 Come in a way that. 00:26:59.320 --> 00:27:00.220 We would even appreciate. 00:27:00.500 --> 00:27:00.980 At first. 00:27:01.820 --> 00:27:02.720 Like those smart plugs. 00:27:03.160 --> 00:27:04.180 I didn't even appreciate them. 00:27:04.259 --> 00:27:04.580 At first. 00:27:07.300 --> 00:27:08.580 But the surprise of it. 00:27:08.740 --> 00:27:09.880 The unexpectedness of it. 00:27:09.920 --> 00:27:10.920 And the weakness of it. 00:27:11.960 --> 00:27:12.980 You begin to see. 00:27:13.460 --> 00:27:14.160 What Christmas. 00:27:14.640 --> 00:27:15.200 Is really. 00:27:15.440 --> 00:27:15.860 All about. 00:27:15.859 --> 00:27:18.299 A few weeks ago. 00:27:18.399 --> 00:27:19.019 We looked at hope. 00:27:20.099 --> 00:27:20.899 That waiting. 00:27:21.219 --> 00:27:21.899 Is not. 00:27:22.439 --> 00:27:22.740 Wasting. 00:27:24.679 --> 00:27:25.919 We looked at peace. 00:27:27.519 --> 00:27:29.139 That Jesus brings a truce. 00:27:29.539 --> 00:27:30.879 To our troubled hearts. 00:27:31.099 --> 00:27:31.939 We looked at joy. 00:27:32.439 --> 00:27:33.639 That canceled debt. 00:27:34.039 --> 00:27:34.779 Frees us. 00:27:35.099 --> 00:27:35.799 To do the same. 00:27:35.919 --> 00:27:36.639 For someone else. 00:27:37.179 --> 00:27:37.759 And today. 00:27:38.419 --> 00:27:39.219 We realize. 00:27:39.539 --> 00:27:40.619 That the gift of love. 00:27:40.979 --> 00:27:42.000 Does not always look. 00:27:42.319 --> 00:27:43.599 Like what we think we wanted. 00:27:43.599 --> 00:27:44.980 But it is. 00:27:45.319 --> 00:27:46.719 Exactly what our soul needs. 00:27:47.159 --> 00:27:47.519 Every. 00:27:48.079 --> 00:27:48.319 Time. 00:27:49.279 --> 00:27:49.579 Hope. 00:27:50.119 --> 00:27:50.439 Peace. 00:27:50.959 --> 00:27:51.259 Joy. 00:27:51.839 --> 00:27:52.199 Love. 00:27:52.779 --> 00:27:53.679 They're waiting for you. 00:27:54.959 --> 00:27:55.399 Receive. 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:56.259 God's gift. 00:27:57.299 --> 00:27:57.919 This day. 00:27:58.480 --> 00:27:59.219 Would you bow your heads. 00:27:59.279 --> 00:27:59.759 And pray with me. 00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:00.939 God. 00:28:01.000 --> 00:28:01.859 This is what we pray. 00:28:01.959 --> 00:28:02.719 Over this. 00:28:03.039 --> 00:28:03.879 Group of people today. 00:28:04.459 --> 00:28:05.779 We pray it over this church. 00:28:05.879 --> 00:28:06.619 Over this community. 00:28:07.539 --> 00:28:08.699 That you would fill. 00:28:08.819 --> 00:28:09.099 Us. 00:28:09.199 --> 00:28:09.740 With hope. 00:28:09.859 --> 00:28:10.439 With peace. 00:28:10.559 --> 00:28:11.139 With joy. 00:28:11.779 --> 00:28:12.980 And with your love. 00:28:12.980 --> 00:28:14.200 You even write in the scriptures. 00:28:14.200 --> 00:28:16.420 That all the other commandments. 00:28:17.360 --> 00:28:18.380 All the other. 00:28:20.120 --> 00:28:21.079 Attributes of you. 00:28:21.779 --> 00:28:23.079 Come from this one. 00:28:23.400 --> 00:28:24.360 Which is your love. 00:28:25.360 --> 00:28:27.720 That's how we're able to have a relationship with you. 00:28:28.400 --> 00:28:30.460 That's how the bridge is able. 00:28:31.019 --> 00:28:31.819 To be crossed. 00:28:33.299 --> 00:28:34.460 God in our sin. 00:28:35.339 --> 00:28:36.579 We can't approach you. 00:28:36.660 --> 00:28:37.240 In our sin. 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:39.860 We have no relationship with you. 00:28:40.440 --> 00:28:41.759 But because of your love. 00:28:41.759 --> 00:28:44.319 You died on the cross. 00:28:44.440 --> 00:28:45.400 You rose from the dead. 00:28:45.700 --> 00:28:46.559 And you made a way. 00:28:47.720 --> 00:28:48.720 For that gap. 00:28:49.420 --> 00:28:50.379 To be bridged. 00:28:52.140 --> 00:28:53.619 It's by your love. 00:28:54.019 --> 00:28:54.940 Because of your love. 00:28:55.319 --> 00:28:56.799 We get to offer love to others. 00:28:56.940 --> 00:28:57.740 Because of your love. 00:28:57.819 --> 00:28:58.480 We get to have hope. 00:28:58.680 --> 00:28:59.460 Because of your love. 00:28:59.519 --> 00:29:01.779 We get to experience peace in our souls. 00:29:02.039 --> 00:29:03.299 Because of our love. 00:29:05.099 --> 00:29:06.220 Your love for us. 00:29:06.220 --> 00:29:08.019 We get to have joy. 00:29:09.680 --> 00:29:11.440 Help us to have a hopeful. 00:29:11.980 --> 00:29:12.380 Peaceful. 00:29:12.880 --> 00:29:13.240 Joyful. 00:29:13.460 --> 00:29:14.740 Loving Christmas this week. 00:29:15.380 --> 00:29:16.559 We ask it in your name. 00:29:17.400 --> 00:29:17.680 Amen. 00:29:17.819 --> 00:29:18.500 With your heads bowed. 00:29:18.539 --> 00:29:19.140 And your eyes closed. 00:29:19.220 --> 00:29:20.100 Would you remain seated. 00:29:22.240 --> 00:29:23.740 In the moments we have left. 00:29:23.740 --> 00:29:25.960 I would love to spend a time. 00:29:26.019 --> 00:29:26.859 Of just quiet prayer. 00:29:30.460 --> 00:29:31.539 If you need to slip out. 00:29:31.620 --> 00:29:32.039 Slip out. 00:29:32.140 --> 00:29:32.700 If you can. 00:29:32.779 --> 00:29:33.420 If you can wait. 00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:34.680 For whatever needs to be done. 00:29:35.120 --> 00:29:36.099 Try to keep your seat. 00:29:36.140 --> 00:29:36.680 In this moment. 00:29:37.759 --> 00:29:38.700 Open your heart. 00:29:40.960 --> 00:29:41.759 To Jesus. 00:29:43.019 --> 00:29:44.019 The one who came. 00:29:44.099 --> 00:29:45.099 The one who humbled himself. 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:46.299 Wrapped himself in weakness. 00:29:46.680 --> 00:29:47.240 For you. 00:29:49.859 --> 00:29:50.660 Open your heart. 00:29:50.660 --> 00:29:51.900 To the Christ child. 00:29:54.100 --> 00:29:54.900 Savior of the world. 00:29:57.300 --> 00:29:57.660 Say God. 00:29:57.740 --> 00:29:58.900 Teach me what you want to teach me. 00:29:58.980 --> 00:29:59.820 Show me my weaknesses. 00:30:00.820 --> 00:30:02.460 I want to trade them for your strength. 00:30:04.360 --> 00:30:05.440 Thank you for identifying. 00:30:06.259 --> 00:30:07.279 With my weakness. 00:30:17.400 --> 00:30:18.620 Ask a couple of questions. 00:30:18.980 --> 00:30:19.600 First of all. 00:30:19.599 --> 00:30:20.899 There's somebody here. 00:30:21.000 --> 00:30:22.059 Who would like to make the decision. 00:30:22.059 --> 00:30:22.619 This morning. 00:30:22.719 --> 00:30:24.099 To place their faith in Jesus. 00:30:24.619 --> 00:30:25.899 Say I want to follow Jesus. 00:30:26.039 --> 00:30:26.599 I believe. 00:30:28.519 --> 00:30:29.399 I choose. 00:30:30.419 --> 00:30:31.959 His forgiveness of my sins. 00:30:33.799 --> 00:30:35.000 Put all my faith in him. 00:30:35.619 --> 00:30:36.759 If that's you this morning. 00:30:36.819 --> 00:30:37.659 Would you slip your hand up. 00:30:37.719 --> 00:30:38.500 I'd love to pray for you. 00:30:39.079 --> 00:30:40.019 Love to pray with you. 00:30:40.079 --> 00:30:40.579 And talk with you. 00:30:40.659 --> 00:30:41.419 A little more about that. 00:30:43.539 --> 00:30:44.079 Thank you. 00:30:45.899 --> 00:30:47.159 As a follow-up question. 00:30:47.779 --> 00:30:48.659 How many of you would say. 00:30:48.660 --> 00:30:50.220 God is working on my heart. 00:30:50.640 --> 00:30:51.640 Maybe there's a weakness. 00:30:51.840 --> 00:30:54.680 Maybe there's something that I need to hand over to him. 00:30:55.680 --> 00:30:57.620 Maybe I just need to be filled with gratefulness. 00:30:57.620 --> 00:30:58.320 Or appreciation. 00:30:59.120 --> 00:31:00.480 For what he's done with me. 00:31:01.980 --> 00:31:03.519 And I want my Christmas this week. 00:31:03.580 --> 00:31:04.200 To reflect that. 00:31:05.019 --> 00:31:05.960 How many of you would say. 00:31:06.040 --> 00:31:07.279 God's working on my heart right now. 00:31:07.360 --> 00:31:07.920 Slip your head up. 00:31:07.960 --> 00:31:08.759 And I'll pray for you as well. 00:31:09.019 --> 00:31:09.380 Thank you. 00:31:09.600 --> 00:31:09.940 Thank you. 00:31:10.300 --> 00:31:10.620 Thank you. 00:31:11.000 --> 00:31:12.160 God you see these hands. 00:31:12.259 --> 00:31:13.320 But better than I do. 00:31:13.620 --> 00:31:15.220 You know so much more. 00:31:15.220 --> 00:31:16.460 Of what's going on in their hearts. 00:31:16.500 --> 00:31:17.140 You know intimately. 00:31:17.140 --> 00:31:17.839 What we're thinking. 00:31:18.200 --> 00:31:19.299 What we're struggling with. 00:31:20.500 --> 00:31:21.740 I pray that your peace. 00:31:22.440 --> 00:31:23.460 Would surround them. 00:31:23.539 --> 00:31:24.440 That you would wrap them. 00:31:25.339 --> 00:31:26.160 In your arms. 00:31:28.600 --> 00:31:29.660 Fill them with the joy. 00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:30.279 That comes. 00:31:31.519 --> 00:31:32.740 From fully grasping. 00:31:32.839 --> 00:31:33.740 What you've done for us. 00:31:33.799 --> 00:31:34.640 What you offer us. 00:31:35.740 --> 00:31:36.819 And how you're here for us. 00:31:36.819 --> 00:31:37.400 In every moment. 00:31:39.500 --> 00:31:40.559 Let their Christmases. 00:31:40.559 --> 00:31:41.159 This season. 00:31:41.359 --> 00:31:41.740 Reflect. 00:31:42.399 --> 00:31:43.460 These four themes. 00:31:43.599 --> 00:31:44.379 These four gifts. 00:31:45.440 --> 00:31:46.179 That you've given to us. 00:31:46.240 --> 00:31:47.259 It's in Jesus name we pray. 00:31:48.059 --> 00:31:48.319 Amen.