WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.500 It's the 24th of December and I cannot believe it. I don't know about you guys but this year Christmas has come out of the blue for my wife and I. 00:00:10.220 --> 00:00:19.559 And so on Sunday evening, in a desperate attempt to get into the spirit of Christmas, whatever that thing is, we sat down and watched a Christmas movie. 00:00:19.559 --> 00:00:26.359 And there was a song in that movie that caught both of our attentions and it started off like this. 00:00:26.359 --> 00:00:35.439 You can keep your peace on earth. You can keep your holy birth. Keep your frankincense and myrrh. Christmas cheer. What's that worth? 00:00:36.340 --> 00:00:45.980 I want something I can use. Designer clothes or groovy shoes. I want diamonds big and rough. All I want is Christmas stuff. 00:00:47.399 --> 00:00:53.600 Now most people probably wouldn't say this or express it in such a blunt way. 00:00:53.600 --> 00:01:00.740 But the sentiment is probably there on many of our hearts and minds this time of year. 00:01:01.439 --> 00:01:10.280 The focus of Christmas has become the big red man in a suit or the big man in a red suit rather than the baby in a manger. 00:01:11.420 --> 00:01:17.480 The focus is the number and worth of gifts that we have sitting under the Christmas tree at home. 00:01:17.480 --> 00:01:21.560 Sure we like to throw in the nativity scene here and there. 00:01:22.520 --> 00:01:24.600 To add that little bit of romance. 00:01:25.180 --> 00:01:27.040 We like to see pictures like this. 00:01:27.680 --> 00:01:31.260 Of a cute little baby Jesus who's sleeping away in a manger. 00:01:32.640 --> 00:01:39.820 Of cattle sitting in the corner munching on hay all contently, not making a sound to wake the little baby. 00:01:39.819 --> 00:01:46.219 And Mary and Joseph all happy and smiling as they stare down at their newborn baby son. 00:01:48.519 --> 00:01:55.399 But that's the extent that people are happy to let the real meaning of Christmas invade their lives, isn't it? 00:01:55.400 --> 00:02:03.580 People are happy to include Jesus in Christmas as long as he doesn't go beyond the boundaries that we set for him. 00:02:04.880 --> 00:02:12.319 As long as he doesn't cause offense or call us to do something uncomfortable or upset our view of Christmas. 00:02:12.319 --> 00:02:17.560 But this evening I want to introduce you to a Jesus. 00:02:18.439 --> 00:02:20.719 Not the Christmas add-on Jesus. 00:02:21.280 --> 00:02:24.979 But the Jesus who we have sung about in some of these carols this evening. 00:02:25.719 --> 00:02:26.719 Jesus the King. 00:02:27.840 --> 00:02:28.859 Jesus the Lord. 00:02:29.039 --> 00:02:30.240 The Prince of Peace. 00:02:30.359 --> 00:02:31.539 God with us. 00:02:31.620 --> 00:02:33.359 Jesus God in the flesh. 00:02:35.859 --> 00:02:37.719 Jesus our Saviour. 00:02:37.719 --> 00:02:42.800 If we see Jesus for who he really is this evening. 00:02:43.180 --> 00:02:47.840 If we truly understand who this baby in a manger is. 00:02:47.919 --> 00:02:51.400 Then our focus won't be on what is at home underneath the Christmas tree. 00:02:52.199 --> 00:02:55.639 But our focus will change to the gifts that we can give him. 00:02:56.159 --> 00:03:00.780 As we like the Magi come before him in adoration and worship. 00:03:01.840 --> 00:03:06.500 Giving him our prized possessions and worshipping him for who he is. 00:03:07.099 --> 00:03:07.520 God. 00:03:07.719 --> 00:03:07.840 God. 00:03:09.039 --> 00:03:15.120 So join me for a few minutes as we dive into the passage that Susan read out to us earlier in the service. 00:03:15.280 --> 00:03:16.800 From Colossians 1. 00:03:17.439 --> 00:03:23.259 And we'll think about some magnificent truths about the person of Jesus and who he really is. 00:03:24.419 --> 00:03:26.979 So as we look at this baby in a manger. 00:03:28.620 --> 00:03:30.319 We know it's Jesus. 00:03:31.560 --> 00:03:33.800 But the question is who is he? 00:03:33.800 --> 00:03:43.660 Paul the writer of the letter to the Colossians presents us with a very different picture from the sanitized nativity scene that we've grown to love. 00:03:43.659 --> 00:03:51.060 He tells us in verse 15 that Jesus is the image of the invisible God. 00:03:51.060 --> 00:03:56.039 And in verse 19 that the fullness of God dwells in him. 00:03:56.039 --> 00:04:00.759 Now I've been a Christian now for about 10 years. 00:04:01.120 --> 00:04:07.159 And I still cannot even begin to comprehend what that means and how it works. 00:04:07.159 --> 00:04:08.900 That God. 00:04:09.280 --> 00:04:10.859 The eternal one. 00:04:10.939 --> 00:04:12.780 The one who made all things. 00:04:13.719 --> 00:04:14.599 Humbled himself. 00:04:15.560 --> 00:04:16.800 Takes on flesh. 00:04:17.439 --> 00:04:19.699 And became a defenseless little baby. 00:04:19.699 --> 00:04:25.019 One of the questions I get asked a lot is what is God like? 00:04:26.019 --> 00:04:28.079 And that's a phenomenal question to ask. 00:04:28.139 --> 00:04:32.279 And the truth is that we can only understand a fraction of who he really is. 00:04:33.659 --> 00:04:38.539 But what these verses say is that if you want to know what God is like. 00:04:39.300 --> 00:04:43.779 Look at the person of Jesus Christ because the fullness of God dwells in him. 00:04:45.240 --> 00:04:46.599 Now think about that for a second. 00:04:46.600 --> 00:04:52.800 The Bible gives descriptions of God as the very nature of holiness. 00:04:53.240 --> 00:04:56.360 Meaning that no person can come near or even look at him. 00:04:58.000 --> 00:05:03.840 Descriptions of God's glory that would invoke no other response than immediate worship. 00:05:05.640 --> 00:05:08.840 And descriptions of love and protection. 00:05:09.740 --> 00:05:14.040 That even the most imaginative mind cannot begin to ponder. 00:05:14.040 --> 00:05:18.680 And all of these mind-blowing wonderful truths. 00:05:20.080 --> 00:05:22.240 Find themselves in this little baby in a manger. 00:05:23.540 --> 00:05:25.180 I can't wrap my head around it. 00:05:26.560 --> 00:05:29.379 But isn't it wonderful news that we're not left guessing. 00:05:30.280 --> 00:05:32.060 About what God is like. 00:05:32.560 --> 00:05:34.379 Because all we need to do is look at Jesus. 00:05:35.660 --> 00:05:37.200 And we can see who God is. 00:05:37.199 --> 00:05:41.979 God revealed himself to the world in the person of his son Jesus. 00:05:42.399 --> 00:05:43.939 God in the flesh. 00:05:45.339 --> 00:05:47.839 But Paul keeps on going in verse 16. 00:05:48.240 --> 00:05:53.899 And he says that all things were created through Jesus and for Jesus. 00:05:53.899 --> 00:05:57.579 So as you leave the building this evening. 00:05:57.699 --> 00:05:59.039 Maybe you'll look up at the sky. 00:05:59.859 --> 00:06:01.859 And you'll see stars. 00:06:01.959 --> 00:06:02.839 Too many to count. 00:06:04.199 --> 00:06:09.139 Think about all the other Christmas services going on across the globe this evening. 00:06:09.659 --> 00:06:13.359 All the different cities and towns and scenery that surround them. 00:06:13.360 --> 00:06:17.139 Even just the ability to think about all of that. 00:06:17.480 --> 00:06:21.139 Is only possible through this little baby in a manger. 00:06:21.759 --> 00:06:23.460 God in the flesh. 00:06:25.340 --> 00:06:27.540 Jesus is the creator of all things. 00:06:27.699 --> 00:06:28.699 And verse 17. 00:06:28.840 --> 00:06:30.980 The sustainer of all things. 00:06:32.639 --> 00:06:36.100 So the hands that reached up for his mother from the crib. 00:06:36.900 --> 00:06:40.340 Were the hands that flung stars and put them in their place. 00:06:40.339 --> 00:06:45.219 That little baby is the one who keeps our world turning. 00:06:46.819 --> 00:06:50.879 The one who knows all things and maintains all things. 00:06:52.079 --> 00:06:54.099 As the carol Mary did you know says. 00:06:54.199 --> 00:06:59.199 Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation. 00:07:00.599 --> 00:07:01.639 That's who he is. 00:07:03.139 --> 00:07:05.579 And that's what Paul says in verse 15. 00:07:05.699 --> 00:07:08.039 That he is the first born of all creation. 00:07:08.040 --> 00:07:11.600 He is saying that Jesus is the most important person. 00:07:11.600 --> 00:07:12.980 Because he is the son of God. 00:07:14.300 --> 00:07:18.060 Jesus existence didn't start in Bethlehem when he was born. 00:07:18.439 --> 00:07:20.080 Around 2000 years ago. 00:07:20.600 --> 00:07:22.420 He has always existed. 00:07:23.580 --> 00:07:26.660 In perfect harmony and relationship with God the father. 00:07:27.180 --> 00:07:29.040 And together with God the Holy Spirit. 00:07:29.480 --> 00:07:31.460 They have made life as we know it possible. 00:07:31.459 --> 00:07:35.279 And on top of all of that. 00:07:35.919 --> 00:07:36.759 Verse 18. 00:07:37.560 --> 00:07:39.539 Jesus is the first born from the dead. 00:07:40.919 --> 00:07:45.180 Meaning that he is the first to have been raised from death. 00:07:45.740 --> 00:07:47.199 Never to die again. 00:07:48.979 --> 00:07:51.539 Jesus is the beginning of something completely new. 00:07:51.540 --> 00:07:55.920 Now these aren't normally the things that we think about. 00:07:56.280 --> 00:07:58.000 When we come to the Christmas story. 00:07:58.480 --> 00:07:58.879 Are they? 00:08:00.540 --> 00:08:03.480 But these all point to the true identity of Jesus. 00:08:04.260 --> 00:08:05.879 That he is God in the flesh. 00:08:06.120 --> 00:08:07.700 God with us. 00:08:09.520 --> 00:08:10.820 And so if that is who he is. 00:08:11.100 --> 00:08:13.320 The question I find myself asking is. 00:08:13.400 --> 00:08:14.379 Well why did he come? 00:08:14.379 --> 00:08:19.600 Imagine you live in the most beautiful place you can imagine. 00:08:20.259 --> 00:08:22.560 You have a wonderful big home. 00:08:23.319 --> 00:08:24.759 You have people who look after you. 00:08:24.800 --> 00:08:27.019 Who tend to your every single need. 00:08:28.839 --> 00:08:29.759 You're respected. 00:08:30.779 --> 00:08:31.560 You're honoured. 00:08:32.779 --> 00:08:34.580 And then you have the option to move. 00:08:36.039 --> 00:08:39.340 But this move means that you're going to a place where you're hated. 00:08:40.139 --> 00:08:42.039 Where everybody wants rid of you. 00:08:44.379 --> 00:08:46.039 Which of us would be up for doing that? 00:08:47.259 --> 00:08:48.500 I know I certainly wouldn't. 00:08:50.220 --> 00:08:51.820 That's exactly what Jesus did. 00:08:53.220 --> 00:08:53.799 See he did. 00:08:53.879 --> 00:08:56.159 He had everything at the right hand of God. 00:08:56.659 --> 00:08:58.200 In his place of glory. 00:08:58.320 --> 00:09:01.519 In perfect harmony and relationship with the Godhead. 00:09:02.179 --> 00:09:04.200 Yet he chose to step down. 00:09:04.820 --> 00:09:05.939 Into the world. 00:09:06.539 --> 00:09:07.360 That would hate him. 00:09:08.940 --> 00:09:11.159 And the reason Jesus came. 00:09:11.539 --> 00:09:12.899 And the details of what he did. 00:09:12.899 --> 00:09:15.000 Are told to us plainly in verse 20. 00:09:16.120 --> 00:09:16.899 To reconcile. 00:09:17.439 --> 00:09:18.079 To himself. 00:09:18.259 --> 00:09:18.779 That is God. 00:09:19.340 --> 00:09:20.240 All things. 00:09:20.699 --> 00:09:22.079 Whether things on earth. 00:09:22.439 --> 00:09:24.000 Or things in heaven. 00:09:24.120 --> 00:09:26.159 By making peace through his blood. 00:09:26.340 --> 00:09:27.759 Shed on the cross. 00:09:30.159 --> 00:09:33.519 This verse suggests something that we know to be true. 00:09:34.519 --> 00:09:37.539 That there is something wrong with our world. 00:09:37.539 --> 00:09:41.539 We have so much hunger. 00:09:42.259 --> 00:09:43.279 So much war. 00:09:43.399 --> 00:09:44.259 So much hatred. 00:09:46.519 --> 00:09:48.259 But there's also a problem in us. 00:09:48.319 --> 00:09:48.740 Isn't there? 00:09:50.000 --> 00:09:51.419 Our own terrible thoughts. 00:09:51.480 --> 00:09:53.980 How easy and natural it is for us to lie. 00:09:55.419 --> 00:09:57.099 And how selfish we can be. 00:09:57.100 --> 00:10:01.759 One of the times that we feel this brokenness. 00:10:01.820 --> 00:10:02.960 Is actually now at Christmas. 00:10:04.420 --> 00:10:05.860 Families all gather together. 00:10:05.980 --> 00:10:08.580 And sadly arguments can kick off very easily. 00:10:09.420 --> 00:10:11.600 And family disputes ruin the festivities. 00:10:13.540 --> 00:10:15.460 And all of these things the Bible says. 00:10:15.460 --> 00:10:16.460 Are a result of sin. 00:10:17.740 --> 00:10:19.279 So in the beginning of the Bible. 00:10:19.279 --> 00:10:21.279 We're presented with a problem of sin. 00:10:21.279 --> 00:10:25.819 The moment Adam and Eve said no to God's rule. 00:10:25.879 --> 00:10:26.959 And they rejected him. 00:10:28.500 --> 00:10:29.419 And from then on. 00:10:30.019 --> 00:10:31.679 Every single human being. 00:10:31.860 --> 00:10:33.339 Has been marked by that same rebellion. 00:10:35.419 --> 00:10:37.659 And the devastating news about sin. 00:10:38.019 --> 00:10:39.699 Is that it makes us enemies of God. 00:10:40.500 --> 00:10:42.039 That's what Paul says in verse 21. 00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:44.059 Once you were alienated from God. 00:10:44.419 --> 00:10:46.059 And were enemies in your minds. 00:10:46.059 --> 00:10:48.220 Because of your evil behavior. 00:10:48.220 --> 00:10:52.600 That is the fatal diagnosis. 00:10:53.460 --> 00:10:55.740 That is true for every single human heart. 00:10:58.080 --> 00:11:00.680 And our temptation is to try and work on ourselves. 00:11:00.740 --> 00:11:02.000 To make ourselves better. 00:11:02.980 --> 00:11:04.480 We think the more we do. 00:11:04.600 --> 00:11:05.820 Maybe just maybe. 00:11:06.080 --> 00:11:07.840 We can get back in God's good books. 00:11:09.379 --> 00:11:12.240 And that's why bookshops are filled with self-help books. 00:11:12.920 --> 00:11:14.220 We know there's a problem. 00:11:14.360 --> 00:11:15.899 We know something isn't right. 00:11:15.899 --> 00:11:18.419 We just don't know how to fix it. 00:11:20.279 --> 00:11:22.059 And so we turn to ourselves. 00:11:22.059 --> 00:11:23.679 And we try to be better people. 00:11:25.459 --> 00:11:26.799 But the truth is. 00:11:27.259 --> 00:11:29.779 That we will never do enough. 00:11:30.159 --> 00:11:32.199 To be right with God. 00:11:33.159 --> 00:11:35.120 We can never work hard enough. 00:11:35.399 --> 00:11:36.480 To be right with God. 00:11:36.480 --> 00:11:40.180 But the best news. 00:11:40.779 --> 00:11:42.500 Is that God doesn't cast us off. 00:11:44.019 --> 00:11:45.500 Instead he comes down. 00:11:45.840 --> 00:11:46.279 To us. 00:11:47.580 --> 00:11:49.259 God promised to send one. 00:11:49.340 --> 00:11:50.320 Who would defeat sin. 00:11:51.060 --> 00:11:52.080 One who would right. 00:11:52.220 --> 00:11:53.639 Every single wrong. 00:11:55.340 --> 00:11:57.019 And one who would make it possible. 00:11:57.539 --> 00:11:58.800 For a broken humanity. 00:11:59.519 --> 00:12:00.980 To be reconciled. 00:12:01.100 --> 00:12:02.100 To be made right. 00:12:02.320 --> 00:12:03.539 With a holy God. 00:12:03.539 --> 00:12:03.579 God. 00:12:05.699 --> 00:12:06.919 That is what we see. 00:12:07.599 --> 00:12:08.939 In baby Jesus in the manger. 00:12:10.059 --> 00:12:11.439 That is what the Magi. 00:12:11.579 --> 00:12:12.860 Understood to an extent. 00:12:12.980 --> 00:12:14.679 As they traveled from a distant land. 00:12:14.779 --> 00:12:15.579 Bringing gifts. 00:12:16.299 --> 00:12:17.059 To worship. 00:12:17.559 --> 00:12:18.599 This little baby. 00:12:20.740 --> 00:12:21.799 At Bethlehem. 00:12:21.899 --> 00:12:23.799 God stepped down into our mess. 00:12:25.179 --> 00:12:26.819 To make forgiveness possible. 00:12:26.939 --> 00:12:27.620 And to reconcile. 00:12:28.379 --> 00:12:29.179 Us with God. 00:12:29.179 --> 00:12:29.219 God. 00:12:31.459 --> 00:12:32.679 How is that possible? 00:12:34.859 --> 00:12:36.399 How could this little baby. 00:12:36.399 --> 00:12:37.799 Do such a great thing? 00:12:40.120 --> 00:12:41.559 Well as Paul says. 00:12:41.659 --> 00:12:42.319 In verse 20. 00:12:42.439 --> 00:12:43.259 He did it by. 00:12:43.919 --> 00:12:45.279 Making peace. 00:12:45.620 --> 00:12:46.539 Through his blood. 00:12:46.799 --> 00:12:47.839 Shed on the cross. 00:12:49.359 --> 00:12:50.599 Because of our sin. 00:12:50.699 --> 00:12:51.679 We are naturally born. 00:12:51.679 --> 00:12:52.639 Into the status. 00:12:52.639 --> 00:12:53.959 Of being enemies. 00:12:54.179 --> 00:12:54.559 Of God. 00:12:54.559 --> 00:12:54.599 God. 00:12:56.479 --> 00:12:57.979 But Jesus made it possible. 00:12:58.159 --> 00:12:59.339 For our status to change. 00:12:59.979 --> 00:13:01.779 And to be children of God. 00:13:02.139 --> 00:13:03.519 The chance to be forgiven. 00:13:03.759 --> 00:13:04.519 And made right. 00:13:04.599 --> 00:13:05.099 With God. 00:13:05.179 --> 00:13:05.619 The way. 00:13:06.079 --> 00:13:07.159 Things were supposed to be. 00:13:09.939 --> 00:13:12.119 That is the only possibility. 00:13:12.979 --> 00:13:14.019 And is only possible. 00:13:14.299 --> 00:13:15.379 Because of Jesus. 00:13:16.719 --> 00:13:17.859 Who went on. 00:13:18.219 --> 00:13:18.839 From the manger. 00:13:19.019 --> 00:13:20.359 To live the perfect life. 00:13:20.439 --> 00:13:21.679 That we never could. 00:13:21.679 --> 00:13:24.479 And then to die the death. 00:13:24.639 --> 00:13:25.959 That we all deserve. 00:13:27.439 --> 00:13:29.019 Bearing the weight of sin. 00:13:29.620 --> 00:13:30.879 And the wrath of God. 00:13:32.459 --> 00:13:34.359 But then three days later. 00:13:35.000 --> 00:13:36.879 Rose triumphant from the grave. 00:13:37.000 --> 00:13:38.000 Defeating sin. 00:13:38.739 --> 00:13:40.219 Conquering death. 00:13:40.759 --> 00:13:43.779 So that everyone who calls him Lord. 00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:45.479 And confesses him as king. 00:13:46.259 --> 00:13:47.659 As peace with God. 00:13:47.659 --> 00:13:51.699 Is made right. 00:13:51.699 --> 00:13:52.519 With God. 00:13:55.839 --> 00:13:56.279 Friends. 00:13:56.360 --> 00:13:57.639 That is the real meaning of Christmas. 00:13:59.500 --> 00:14:01.240 But don't just take my word for it. 00:14:02.000 --> 00:14:03.620 On the pews in front of you. 00:14:03.699 --> 00:14:04.779 You'll find a little booklet. 00:14:04.919 --> 00:14:06.240 Called Jesus the fact. 00:14:07.159 --> 00:14:08.039 And in that. 00:14:08.159 --> 00:14:10.240 You have the account of the life of Jesus. 00:14:10.240 --> 00:14:12.360 Written by doctor turned historian. 00:14:12.819 --> 00:14:14.899 Who checked the stories for himself. 00:14:14.899 --> 00:14:18.179 Shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus. 00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:21.360 See for yourself. 00:14:22.959 --> 00:14:23.879 This Christmas. 00:14:24.059 --> 00:14:26.480 Exactly who this little baby in the manger is. 00:14:27.600 --> 00:14:29.199 And see what he has done. 00:14:30.139 --> 00:14:32.259 And how you too can be made right with God. 00:14:33.439 --> 00:14:33.919 Friends. 00:14:33.959 --> 00:14:34.959 As we draw to a close. 00:14:35.019 --> 00:14:36.299 If we see Jesus. 00:14:36.819 --> 00:14:38.299 For who he really is. 00:14:38.299 --> 00:14:41.419 If we truly understand. 00:14:41.539 --> 00:14:43.159 Who this baby in a manger is. 00:14:43.259 --> 00:14:44.139 Then our focus. 00:14:44.519 --> 00:14:46.219 Won't be on Christmas stuff. 00:14:46.319 --> 00:14:48.019 That's sitting under the tree at home. 00:14:49.439 --> 00:14:49.839 Instead. 00:14:50.039 --> 00:14:51.259 Our focus will be on the gifts. 00:14:51.359 --> 00:14:52.319 That we can bring him. 00:14:52.819 --> 00:14:54.199 As we worship him. 00:14:55.579 --> 00:14:56.699 And adore him. 00:14:58.659 --> 00:15:00.199 As we look forward to time. 00:15:00.259 --> 00:15:01.299 With friends and family. 00:15:01.379 --> 00:15:02.299 In the coming days. 00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:04.000 Let's remember. 00:15:04.779 --> 00:15:06.519 That we actually celebrate. 00:15:06.519 --> 00:15:07.439 The birth of Jesus. 00:15:08.299 --> 00:15:10.740 But not just the baby in a manger. 00:15:11.379 --> 00:15:14.019 We celebrate him as God with us. 00:15:14.979 --> 00:15:17.059 As the one who came into the world. 00:15:17.139 --> 00:15:19.059 So that we can be reconciled with God. 00:15:21.859 --> 00:15:23.719 Wouldn't it be great if this year. 00:15:24.319 --> 00:15:26.299 Instead of the song of our lives. 00:15:26.299 --> 00:15:28.219 Being like the lyrics of that in the movie. 00:15:28.759 --> 00:15:31.139 All about stuff that we want to get. 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:33.679 All about money and possessions. 00:15:33.679 --> 00:15:36.379 But instead. 00:15:36.899 --> 00:15:38.679 If the song for our Christmas. 00:15:38.679 --> 00:15:41.019 If the song for the rest of our lives. 00:15:41.399 --> 00:15:43.899 Was the lyrics that we're just about to sing. 00:15:44.120 --> 00:15:45.039 Lord we greet thee. 00:15:45.120 --> 00:15:46.579 Born this happy morning. 00:15:47.479 --> 00:15:49.919 Lord Jesus to thee be glory given. 00:15:50.120 --> 00:15:51.319 Word of the Father. 00:15:52.099 --> 00:15:53.299 Now in flesh. 00:15:53.679 --> 00:15:54.239 Appearing. 00:15:54.359 --> 00:15:54.939 Oh come. 00:15:55.359 --> 00:15:56.739 Let us adore him. 00:15:56.740 --> 00:16:00.799 Let's come and adore him together. 00:16:01.019 --> 00:16:01.700 As we pray. 00:16:02.060 --> 00:16:02.799 Let's pray together. 00:16:06.080 --> 00:16:08.360 Jesus you are God in the flesh. 00:16:09.899 --> 00:16:11.320 And we gather this evening. 00:16:11.320 --> 00:16:12.860 And over the next few days. 00:16:12.860 --> 00:16:14.759 We will be celebrating that birth. 00:16:16.620 --> 00:16:17.419 Heavenly Father. 00:16:17.419 --> 00:16:19.740 We thank you that your plan of salvation. 00:16:20.460 --> 00:16:21.100 Happened. 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:23.759 We thank you that you're a faithful God. 00:16:24.340 --> 00:16:26.060 Who fulfills his promises. 00:16:27.200 --> 00:16:31.120 And Jesus we thank you that you were willing to step down into our mess. 00:16:31.440 --> 00:16:32.519 And our broken world. 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:34.800 So that sinners like us. 00:16:35.379 --> 00:16:37.659 Can be made right with a holy God. 00:16:38.480 --> 00:16:39.440 What a privilege. 00:16:41.399 --> 00:16:45.639 Jesus help us keep our focus and our eyes on you this Christmas time. 00:16:46.320 --> 00:16:47.460 We ask this. 00:16:47.860 --> 00:16:48.700 For your glory. 00:16:49.160 --> 00:16:50.100 And in the name of Jesus. 00:16:50.100 --> 00:16:51.100 Amen.