WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:10.620 Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us. 00:00:11.640 --> 00:00:17.000 We're going to read the story of the first people who got to go tell it on the mountain 00:00:17.000 --> 00:00:24.940 that Jesus Christ was born. It's the familiar Christmas story in Luke 2. But as I read it, 00:00:24.940 --> 00:00:32.380 I want you to imagine that you got a special invitation to some huge event. The royal wedding, 00:00:33.380 --> 00:00:37.880 the national championship game, I don't know, something that would be a really big deal to you. 00:00:38.100 --> 00:00:43.340 And you'd really want to be there and you weren't even looking for an invite yet. You didn't know 00:00:43.340 --> 00:00:50.240 it was happening. You're just minding your own business. And you're the only one to get a special 00:00:50.240 --> 00:00:59.020 personal invitation to the big event. That's what happens to these shepherds. The only people 00:00:59.020 --> 00:01:06.760 other than the baby's parents to get an angelic invitation to the birth of the Messiah. As far 00:01:06.760 --> 00:01:14.040 as we know, the only people other than Mary and Joseph actually at the manger. I want us to consider 00:01:14.040 --> 00:01:21.260 their story, what the birth of Jesus means to them, and also consider through that what the birth of 00:01:21.260 --> 00:01:29.260 Jesus means to each of us, ordinary people like them. Let's read this glorious account in Luke 2, 00:01:29.920 --> 00:01:34.080 beginning at verse 8. This is the very Word of God. 00:01:35.200 --> 00:01:40.500 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 00:01:40.500 --> 00:01:45.459 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they 00:01:45.459 --> 00:01:53.319 were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news 00:01:53.319 --> 00:01:59.579 of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior 00:01:59.579 --> 00:02:08.060 who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you. You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths 00:02:08.060 --> 00:02:15.039 and lying in a manger. Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising 00:02:15.039 --> 00:02:21.580 God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased. 00:02:23.280 --> 00:02:28.340 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go over 00:02:28.340 --> 00:02:34.020 to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us. And they went with 00:02:34.020 --> 00:02:42.240 haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known 00:02:42.240 --> 00:02:47.280 the saying that had been told them concerning this child, and all who heard it wondered at what the 00:02:47.280 --> 00:02:54.260 shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the 00:02:54.260 --> 00:03:01.340 shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen as it had been told them. 00:03:01.340 --> 00:03:05.680 Let us fire God's holy word. Let's pray together. 00:03:08.180 --> 00:03:16.280 Father, thank you for your word. Would you by your spirit teach it to our hearts? Would you by your 00:03:16.280 --> 00:03:23.379 spirit mold our hearts this morning, change us, that we would not merely celebrate a season 00:03:23.379 --> 00:03:33.500 with warm and good feelings, but that we would celebrate a Savior with hope and joy? 00:03:35.299 --> 00:03:41.060 Would you do that work in our hearts? Would you speak to us by your word? In Jesus' name, amen. 00:03:41.060 --> 00:03:41.180 Amen. 00:03:44.180 --> 00:03:52.140 Most of us aren't experts on shepherds, so let me give you a little window into their world to help us 00:03:52.140 --> 00:04:00.900 appreciate how the birth of Jesus would have impacted them. Shepherds in this culture were in some ways 00:04:00.900 --> 00:04:07.879 ordinary blue-collar folk. They were certainly not the upper crust of society or particularly influential 00:04:07.879 --> 00:04:18.240 in the town. In fact, they were the black sheep of Jewish society, pardon the pun. Often despised in the 00:04:18.240 --> 00:04:25.740 community, thought of as thieves, so mistrusted, in fact, that they weren't even allowed to be legal 00:04:25.740 --> 00:04:33.279 witnesses. That's who shepherds were. Perhaps the ones who looked down on them the most and made them feel 00:04:33.279 --> 00:04:41.559 the most like outsiders were the religious types. The religious churchy people made sure the 00:04:41.559 --> 00:04:48.799 the shepherds felt unworthy because they weren't in worship very often. You didn't find them at the temple 00:04:48.799 --> 00:04:56.959 much. With their crazy work schedules, long distances they had to cover, the fact they were at times 00:04:56.959 --> 00:05:03.859 ceremonially unclean from the animals or dead things they came in contact with. They were usually absent 00:05:03.859 --> 00:05:12.500 from worship. We may think of them as as sweet characters around the manger, but but nobody else thought of 00:05:12.500 --> 00:05:23.379 them that way. Everyone, themselves included, I suspect, would have been surprised, shocked to hear or read that 00:05:23.379 --> 00:05:31.959 the local shepherds were by the end of this story leading the community in glorifying God, announcing 00:05:31.959 --> 00:05:38.060 the good news of the Messiah coming to save God's people. But that's exactly what happens, isn't it? 00:05:39.659 --> 00:05:49.139 God often has the most special plans for the most unsuspecting people as we already saw with Rae. 00:05:49.139 --> 00:05:56.899 So the shepherds will show us this morning a special view of Christmas. Will show us Christmas means 00:05:56.899 --> 00:06:04.360 good news that must be celebrated and must be shared. Let's start with the first part of that. 00:06:05.279 --> 00:06:12.579 What's the good news that is worth celebrating? Something causes these shepherds who are out with 00:06:12.579 --> 00:06:23.399 their flocks by night to get really excited. But first, it scares them. An angel shows up and verse 9 says, 00:06:23.759 --> 00:06:35.199 they are filled with great fear. They were sore afraid, another translation says. Now likely, these shepherds 00:06:35.199 --> 00:06:41.500 would have known enough to know that when an angel shows up, it's either really good or really bad. 00:06:42.259 --> 00:06:46.439 And these shepherds certainly knew enough to know that if an angel was showing up to them, 00:06:46.659 --> 00:06:55.060 it was really bad, right? No chance was an angel showing up to them anything good. And so they're 00:06:55.060 --> 00:07:02.680 reasonably terrified. Well, what's going on? What's happening? But by the end of the story, 00:07:02.680 --> 00:07:10.160 verse 20 says, they're not terrified anymore. They're glorifying and praising God. They're excited. 00:07:10.300 --> 00:07:20.199 They're thrilled. They praise God. What happened? What did he tell them? He says to these fearful shepherds, 00:07:21.079 --> 00:07:30.639 fear not. I understand why you're afraid. Don't be afraid. I've got good news. It's of great joy. 00:07:30.639 --> 00:07:38.099 It's something worth celebrating. What's the content of the good news that they celebrate? What could an 00:07:38.099 --> 00:07:43.339 angel bring to these shepherds that would tell them they should celebrate? Look at verse 10. 00:07:44.180 --> 00:07:52.079 Good news of great joy that will be for all the people unto you is born this day in the city of David 00:07:52.079 --> 00:08:03.740 David. A savior who is Christ the Lord, a savior. Christ the Lord, the Messiah. Look, even the shepherds knew 00:08:03.740 --> 00:08:09.899 who that was, right? This is the one we've all been waiting for, the promised one, the anointed one. 00:08:09.979 --> 00:08:13.979 We've waited centuries and and now he's here. Are you serious? 00:08:13.980 --> 00:08:23.600 That's the first angle the shepherds get on the good news. A savior. In other words, 00:08:24.439 --> 00:08:35.720 God is making rebels his children. Now that's good news for rebels. And if you don't think of yourself 00:08:35.720 --> 00:08:42.220 as a rebel, maybe that's not really the personality type you have or how you usually think of yourself. 00:08:42.220 --> 00:08:51.360 Remember last week we saw that every time we sin, we're picking up our swords and waging war against 00:08:51.360 --> 00:09:01.560 the king. We think we'd do better on his throne. Rebels, consider your own heart and life for just a 00:09:01.560 --> 00:09:08.160 minute. Do you wake up every day thinking, I wonder what God wants me to do today? 00:09:08.159 --> 00:09:17.240 Do you ever consider your own needs ahead of others? Do you ever struggle to love even the people you picked 00:09:17.240 --> 00:09:25.039 to love? Do you ever do something just to look good to others, just to impress someone else, to avoid getting 00:09:25.039 --> 00:09:34.079 caught and punished? See, even the even the rule followers among us have hearts that rebel against the king. 00:09:34.080 --> 00:09:43.680 When we're honest about our hearts, we feel the same way the shepherds would have about being in the presence of God. 00:09:44.160 --> 00:09:47.700 Not me. I don't deserve to be there. 00:09:47.700 --> 00:09:56.480 The Bible's right, isn't it, when it says we are sinful from birth. There is no one righteous. 00:09:57.100 --> 00:10:07.120 By nature, we are all hostile to God. We are bent towards ourselves and what we want and away from God and what 00:10:07.120 --> 00:10:13.460 He's designed us for. We desperately need a Savior. 00:10:15.460 --> 00:10:25.620 And that's exactly what God sends. A Savior. While we were yet sinners, the Messiah came to die for us. 00:10:25.620 --> 00:10:33.539 At just the right time, God sent His Son so that rebels might become His sons. 00:10:33.539 --> 00:10:39.519 It's the good news of Christmas that causes these shepherds to do backflips. 00:10:40.179 --> 00:10:44.620 I mean, I made that detail up, but they're praising God. They're really excited. 00:10:44.919 --> 00:10:53.939 They're celebrating His goodness and grace. A Savior. God makes rebels His children. 00:10:56.819 --> 00:11:03.240 Chai Sun knew what it meant to be a rebel. He was part of a communist rebel 00:11:03.240 --> 00:11:13.419 militia group in Korea after World War II. He hated Christians. In 1948, he killed two sons of a local 00:11:13.419 --> 00:11:21.340 pastor in an uprising. But soon afterwards, the communist uprising was put down and troops from 00:11:21.340 --> 00:11:30.159 the National Army came in to execute justice, to mete out punishments on these rebels. Chai Sun 00:11:30.159 --> 00:11:41.459 rightfully expected he was facing death. Until Pastor Sun, the father of the two boys he had killed, 00:11:41.459 --> 00:11:52.000 stepped in. He pleaded with the military court to forgive Chai Sun. The court at first refused, but 00:11:52.000 --> 00:12:02.600 finally, the court consented when Pastor Sun offered to adopt the rebel in the place of his two murdered sons. 00:12:04.059 --> 00:12:07.879 When Pastor Sun finally saw Chai Sun, he said to him, 00:12:08.019 --> 00:12:15.360 Don't worry, I have already forgiven you, and God is longing to forgive you too. 00:12:15.360 --> 00:12:26.860 It wasn't long before Chai Sun experienced forgiveness of sins and adoption as a son from his heavenly father. He became a Christian like his new father. 00:12:27.279 --> 00:12:33.600 From rebel to son, twice. That's such good news. 00:12:33.600 --> 00:12:45.860 But then the one angel is actually joined by something that I think would be a lot scarier than just one brilliant messenger of light. 00:12:46.080 --> 00:12:52.480 There's a whole host of them, an army of angels. To add more to the message, verse 14, 00:12:52.860 --> 00:12:55.500 Glory to God in the highest, they're singing. 00:12:56.500 --> 00:13:00.460 And on earth, peace among those with whom he is pleased. 00:13:00.460 --> 00:13:02.680 They've got a message. 00:13:03.240 --> 00:13:06.440 There's glory in heaven and there's news for earth. 00:13:06.519 --> 00:13:07.500 I wonder what it will be. 00:13:07.860 --> 00:13:11.680 The armies of heaven, of the glorious God, 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:14.019 declare not war, 00:13:15.080 --> 00:13:16.780 but peace. 00:13:18.500 --> 00:13:22.620 An announcement, not that God has found some men of goodwill on earth 00:13:22.620 --> 00:13:26.040 who deserve for God to make peace with them, 00:13:26.039 --> 00:13:33.759 but rather that God has declared peace toward men currently hostile and warring against him. 00:13:33.759 --> 00:13:38.579 My enemies will be my friends, God says. 00:13:39.879 --> 00:13:41.559 Hey, that's us, right? 00:13:41.980 --> 00:13:43.179 The shepherds knew it. 00:13:43.519 --> 00:13:44.939 He's talking to us. 00:13:45.539 --> 00:13:47.159 What a glorious reality. 00:13:47.339 --> 00:13:48.360 Do you know that? 00:13:48.439 --> 00:13:49.980 That's you and me? 00:13:49.980 --> 00:13:53.840 And the holy God of the universe, 00:13:54.100 --> 00:13:57.200 at the point of his highest and greatest glory, 00:13:58.019 --> 00:14:01.800 does not wait for us to earn our way back up to him. 00:14:02.680 --> 00:14:03.560 That's not what he does. 00:14:05.800 --> 00:14:08.620 Instead, he brings us back to himself. 00:14:09.539 --> 00:14:13.180 It's the same message of grace from another angle 00:14:13.179 --> 00:14:19.659 for restless, fearful, peace-lacking people. 00:14:21.299 --> 00:14:25.819 People who scramble around trying to have a good enough life, 00:14:26.759 --> 00:14:29.059 to have a good enough family, 00:14:29.899 --> 00:14:33.459 to have a good enough Christmas this year, 00:14:34.599 --> 00:14:38.000 frantically trying to be good enough 00:14:38.000 --> 00:14:40.479 just to keep God appeased, 00:14:40.839 --> 00:14:42.779 keep him from doing anything bad to me, 00:14:42.779 --> 00:14:44.559 to make me not have to think about him. 00:14:44.819 --> 00:14:47.620 And God shows up to those people and says, 00:14:47.919 --> 00:14:48.259 Enough! 00:14:51.259 --> 00:14:51.819 Peace! 00:14:54.299 --> 00:14:58.120 And God sends hosts of angels 00:14:58.120 --> 00:15:00.399 to announce it to shepherds 00:15:00.399 --> 00:15:02.519 who would never have believed it otherwise. 00:15:04.959 --> 00:15:06.339 Listen, shepherds. 00:15:07.600 --> 00:15:09.600 A Savior has been born 00:15:09.600 --> 00:15:12.439 to you 00:15:12.440 --> 00:15:15.520 I don't want you to miss it. 00:15:15.600 --> 00:15:16.360 I want you to know 00:15:16.360 --> 00:15:17.760 beyond a shadow of a doubt 00:15:17.760 --> 00:15:20.320 that God is speaking good news 00:15:20.320 --> 00:15:21.740 to you. 00:15:22.400 --> 00:15:24.760 This will be a sign to you. 00:15:25.220 --> 00:15:26.220 How many people 00:15:26.220 --> 00:15:27.140 was the baby 00:15:27.140 --> 00:15:29.220 wrapped in swaddling cloths 00:15:29.220 --> 00:15:30.220 and lying in a manger 00:15:30.220 --> 00:15:31.260 a sign for? 00:15:33.660 --> 00:15:34.720 As far as we know, 00:15:34.780 --> 00:15:36.420 just for a few shepherds, 00:15:36.460 --> 00:15:37.420 it was a sign 00:15:37.420 --> 00:15:39.160 to them. 00:15:39.159 --> 00:15:42.259 A sign just for them 00:15:42.259 --> 00:15:43.500 from their God 00:15:43.500 --> 00:15:45.019 who wanted to make sure 00:15:45.019 --> 00:15:47.219 the outcast, rebel, 00:15:47.600 --> 00:15:49.539 undeserving shepherds 00:15:49.539 --> 00:15:51.360 knew they were welcomed 00:15:51.360 --> 00:15:53.219 in His family. 00:15:54.939 --> 00:15:56.579 That's the personal part 00:15:56.579 --> 00:15:57.539 of Christmas 00:15:57.539 --> 00:15:59.579 that I'm so glad 00:15:59.579 --> 00:16:00.959 I get to share 00:16:00.959 --> 00:16:02.240 with you this morning. 00:16:02.360 --> 00:16:03.860 If you've never heard it 00:16:03.860 --> 00:16:04.980 that way before, 00:16:04.980 --> 00:16:06.940 Jesus is born 00:16:06.940 --> 00:16:08.620 for you. 00:16:10.200 --> 00:16:10.920 Specifically, 00:16:11.920 --> 00:16:13.399 to save you. 00:16:13.879 --> 00:16:14.600 Especially, 00:16:15.000 --> 00:16:16.720 to rescue you. 00:16:17.759 --> 00:16:18.420 Can you even 00:16:18.420 --> 00:16:19.639 comprehend that? 00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:21.340 Can you imagine 00:16:21.340 --> 00:16:22.879 the God of the universe 00:16:22.879 --> 00:16:24.159 thinking that way 00:16:24.159 --> 00:16:25.100 about you? 00:16:25.100 --> 00:16:28.940 I read the story 00:16:28.940 --> 00:16:30.420 recently of a young 00:16:30.420 --> 00:16:31.460 Filipino man 00:16:31.460 --> 00:16:32.540 named Timothy. 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:35.279 Timothy grew up 00:16:35.279 --> 00:16:37.159 in deep poverty 00:16:37.159 --> 00:16:38.860 without much at all, 00:16:38.940 --> 00:16:39.960 but he had received 00:16:39.960 --> 00:16:40.540 letters 00:16:40.540 --> 00:16:41.820 and gifts 00:16:41.820 --> 00:16:43.240 and prayers 00:16:43.240 --> 00:16:44.320 from a man 00:16:44.320 --> 00:16:45.240 he had never met 00:16:45.240 --> 00:16:47.399 and knew only 00:16:47.399 --> 00:16:49.300 as George Walker. 00:16:51.000 --> 00:16:52.000 It wasn't until 00:16:52.000 --> 00:16:53.500 Timothy was 17 00:16:53.500 --> 00:16:54.720 that he learned 00:16:54.720 --> 00:16:55.620 the man 00:16:55.620 --> 00:16:56.279 who had been 00:16:56.279 --> 00:16:57.179 sending him 00:16:57.179 --> 00:16:57.960 all of these things 00:16:57.960 --> 00:16:58.759 so regularly 00:16:58.759 --> 00:16:59.740 was actually 00:16:59.740 --> 00:17:00.700 named George 00:17:00.700 --> 00:17:03.220 Herbert Walker Bush. 00:17:04.339 --> 00:17:05.440 Then the former 00:17:05.440 --> 00:17:06.980 President of the 00:17:06.980 --> 00:17:07.980 United States. 00:17:09.779 --> 00:17:10.480 The Compassion 00:17:10.480 --> 00:17:11.779 International staffer 00:17:11.779 --> 00:17:12.859 who had connected 00:17:12.859 --> 00:17:13.740 them and finally 00:17:13.740 --> 00:17:15.180 told Timothy 00:17:15.180 --> 00:17:16.700 who it was, 00:17:17.099 --> 00:17:17.759 said Timothy 00:17:17.759 --> 00:17:19.259 was dumbfounded, 00:17:19.980 --> 00:17:20.460 speechless. 00:17:21.660 --> 00:17:22.160 Timothy said, 00:17:22.240 --> 00:17:22.940 well, I knew 00:17:22.940 --> 00:17:23.680 he was a kind 00:17:23.680 --> 00:17:24.380 and encouraging, 00:17:24.660 --> 00:17:25.400 wonderful man, 00:17:25.480 --> 00:17:26.759 but I had no idea. 00:17:28.259 --> 00:17:28.740 And they write, 00:17:29.320 --> 00:17:31.000 to a child in poverty, 00:17:31.820 --> 00:17:32.820 it's amazing enough 00:17:32.820 --> 00:17:33.740 that anyone 00:17:33.740 --> 00:17:35.120 would care about them, 00:17:35.580 --> 00:17:36.820 but it was beyond 00:17:36.820 --> 00:17:38.680 his wildest imagination 00:17:38.680 --> 00:17:40.320 and even his ability 00:17:40.320 --> 00:17:41.340 to comprehend 00:17:41.340 --> 00:17:42.880 that the President 00:17:42.880 --> 00:17:44.420 of the United States 00:17:44.420 --> 00:17:46.640 knew his name. 00:17:50.360 --> 00:17:51.620 Dear friends, 00:17:51.619 --> 00:17:53.500 new friends, 00:17:53.500 --> 00:17:53.539 new friends 00:17:53.539 --> 00:17:54.439 that I've never 00:17:54.439 --> 00:17:55.799 met before. 00:17:57.500 --> 00:17:59.039 The God 00:17:59.039 --> 00:18:00.719 of the universe 00:18:00.719 --> 00:18:01.939 knows 00:18:01.939 --> 00:18:03.219 your name. 00:18:04.679 --> 00:18:06.359 And more than that, 00:18:07.059 --> 00:18:08.479 he cares 00:18:08.479 --> 00:18:10.159 for you. 00:18:10.939 --> 00:18:11.439 He has 00:18:11.439 --> 00:18:12.139 been 00:18:12.139 --> 00:18:12.739 caring 00:18:12.739 --> 00:18:13.639 for you 00:18:13.639 --> 00:18:14.439 since you were 00:18:14.439 --> 00:18:14.919 young. 00:18:16.399 --> 00:18:17.439 Can you believe 00:18:17.439 --> 00:18:17.839 that? 00:18:17.839 --> 00:18:20.079 you who have 00:18:20.079 --> 00:18:21.639 run from him, 00:18:22.339 --> 00:18:23.099 you who have 00:18:23.099 --> 00:18:24.399 pretended to know 00:18:24.399 --> 00:18:25.639 him but failed 00:18:25.639 --> 00:18:27.279 him so many times, 00:18:27.879 --> 00:18:28.539 you who have 00:18:28.539 --> 00:18:29.779 felt fearful 00:18:29.779 --> 00:18:30.839 even this morning 00:18:30.839 --> 00:18:31.599 at the idea 00:18:31.599 --> 00:18:32.619 of coming to a 00:18:32.619 --> 00:18:33.740 place like this, 00:18:34.299 --> 00:18:35.579 that if there 00:18:35.579 --> 00:18:36.799 even is a God, 00:18:37.059 --> 00:18:37.879 he certainly 00:18:37.879 --> 00:18:38.839 has no 00:18:38.839 --> 00:18:40.299 kind feelings 00:18:40.299 --> 00:18:41.419 towards me. 00:18:41.659 --> 00:18:42.500 He's certainly 00:18:42.500 --> 00:18:43.759 out to get me 00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:44.759 rather than 00:18:44.759 --> 00:18:46.159 out to help me. 00:18:46.160 --> 00:18:47.200 I know that's 00:18:47.200 --> 00:18:47.800 what I would 00:18:47.800 --> 00:18:48.860 deserve if 00:18:48.860 --> 00:18:49.519 he's even 00:18:49.519 --> 00:18:50.220 there. 00:18:51.600 --> 00:18:52.000 And the 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:52.820 good news 00:18:52.820 --> 00:18:54.000 is he is 00:18:54.000 --> 00:18:55.640 and he cares 00:18:55.640 --> 00:18:56.880 for you. 00:18:57.259 --> 00:18:57.880 He knows 00:18:57.880 --> 00:18:58.400 your name 00:18:58.400 --> 00:18:59.019 and it's not 00:18:59.019 --> 00:18:59.640 something that 00:18:59.640 --> 00:19:00.120 should make 00:19:00.120 --> 00:19:00.560 you run 00:19:00.560 --> 00:19:00.920 away. 00:19:01.920 --> 00:19:03.040 He's welcoming 00:19:03.040 --> 00:19:03.720 you in. 00:19:04.040 --> 00:19:04.480 He sent 00:19:04.480 --> 00:19:05.060 his son 00:19:05.060 --> 00:19:05.680 so that he 00:19:05.680 --> 00:19:06.259 can 00:19:06.259 --> 00:19:07.779 welcome you 00:19:07.779 --> 00:19:08.080 home. 00:19:08.820 --> 00:19:09.400 He cares 00:19:09.400 --> 00:19:10.160 so much 00:19:10.160 --> 00:19:11.900 that he sent 00:19:11.900 --> 00:19:12.300 his son 00:19:12.300 --> 00:19:13.140 to save you, 00:19:13.480 --> 00:19:14.040 to make you 00:19:14.039 --> 00:19:14.619 his friend, 00:19:14.700 --> 00:19:16.039 even to adopt 00:19:16.039 --> 00:19:17.039 you as his 00:19:17.039 --> 00:19:17.920 son. 00:19:19.539 --> 00:19:20.259 Peace. 00:19:21.579 --> 00:19:21.819 Will you 00:19:21.819 --> 00:19:23.119 embrace him 00:19:23.119 --> 00:19:24.399 in that peace? 00:19:25.799 --> 00:19:26.480 Rejoice. 00:19:27.279 --> 00:19:28.379 Good news. 00:19:28.899 --> 00:19:29.879 Great joy. 00:19:30.700 --> 00:19:32.019 Trust Jesus. 00:19:33.339 --> 00:19:33.960 Rest. 00:19:35.000 --> 00:19:35.659 Finally. 00:19:37.879 --> 00:19:38.980 Praise God 00:19:38.980 --> 00:19:40.519 for good news 00:19:40.519 --> 00:19:41.759 of great joy 00:19:41.759 --> 00:19:42.879 for you. 00:19:49.740 --> 00:19:50.299 Can you 00:19:50.299 --> 00:19:50.539 imagine 00:19:50.539 --> 00:19:50.900 Timothy 00:19:50.900 --> 00:19:51.319 keeping 00:19:51.319 --> 00:19:52.579 the news 00:19:52.579 --> 00:19:52.920 of the 00:19:52.920 --> 00:19:53.299 President 00:19:53.299 --> 00:19:53.619 of the 00:19:53.619 --> 00:19:53.920 United 00:19:53.920 --> 00:19:54.519 States 00:19:54.519 --> 00:19:55.379 being his 00:19:55.379 --> 00:19:55.759 friend 00:19:55.759 --> 00:19:56.640 to himself? 00:19:57.920 --> 00:19:58.640 No way, 00:19:58.740 --> 00:19:58.920 right? 00:19:59.660 --> 00:20:00.180 This is 00:20:00.180 --> 00:20:00.559 something I 00:20:00.559 --> 00:20:01.019 gotta tell 00:20:01.019 --> 00:20:01.599 my friends. 00:20:02.079 --> 00:20:02.559 I gotta tell 00:20:02.559 --> 00:20:02.980 everybody. 00:20:03.420 --> 00:20:04.140 It was too 00:20:04.140 --> 00:20:04.960 marvelous to 00:20:04.960 --> 00:20:05.460 contain, 00:20:05.579 --> 00:20:06.000 I'm sure. 00:20:07.480 --> 00:20:08.039 The shepherds 00:20:08.039 --> 00:20:08.440 had an even 00:20:08.440 --> 00:20:09.599 more marvelous 00:20:09.599 --> 00:20:10.839 story to tell. 00:20:10.839 --> 00:20:11.679 The angels 00:20:11.679 --> 00:20:12.399 depart. 00:20:13.459 --> 00:20:14.019 The shepherds 00:20:14.019 --> 00:20:14.500 run to 00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:15.159 Bethlehem, 00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:16.039 find the 00:20:16.039 --> 00:20:16.339 baby, 00:20:16.539 --> 00:20:17.459 and immediately 00:20:17.459 --> 00:20:17.879 what do they 00:20:17.879 --> 00:20:18.159 do? 00:20:19.240 --> 00:20:19.679 They start 00:20:19.679 --> 00:20:20.079 talking. 00:20:20.799 --> 00:20:21.319 Apparently, 00:20:21.519 --> 00:20:22.139 to any and 00:20:22.139 --> 00:20:22.699 everyone who 00:20:22.699 --> 00:20:23.139 will listen 00:20:23.139 --> 00:20:23.559 to him. 00:20:24.179 --> 00:20:25.299 Verse 17, 00:20:26.000 --> 00:20:26.419 when they 00:20:26.419 --> 00:20:26.879 saw it, 00:20:27.059 --> 00:20:27.439 they made 00:20:27.439 --> 00:20:28.319 known the 00:20:28.319 --> 00:20:28.799 saying that 00:20:28.799 --> 00:20:29.019 had been 00:20:29.019 --> 00:20:29.439 told them 00:20:29.439 --> 00:20:29.899 concerning 00:20:29.899 --> 00:20:30.459 this child, 00:20:30.559 --> 00:20:31.000 and all 00:20:31.000 --> 00:20:31.480 who heard 00:20:31.480 --> 00:20:32.079 it wondered 00:20:32.079 --> 00:20:32.500 at what 00:20:32.500 --> 00:20:33.220 the shepherds 00:20:33.220 --> 00:20:34.319 told them. 00:20:34.819 --> 00:20:35.559 All who 00:20:35.559 --> 00:20:36.119 heard it, 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:36.740 apparently 00:20:36.740 --> 00:20:37.559 no small 00:20:37.559 --> 00:20:38.179 number of 00:20:38.179 --> 00:20:39.199 people that 00:20:39.199 --> 00:20:39.720 they found, 00:20:39.720 --> 00:20:40.500 all of 00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:40.799 them were 00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:41.460 amazed, 00:20:42.240 --> 00:20:43.079 marveled. 00:20:43.160 --> 00:20:43.400 It's what 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:43.819 it means, 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:44.500 wondered. 00:20:45.660 --> 00:20:46.480 At what? 00:20:47.220 --> 00:20:47.700 What did 00:20:47.700 --> 00:20:48.100 they say? 00:20:48.460 --> 00:20:48.779 What did 00:20:48.779 --> 00:20:49.319 the shepherds 00:20:49.319 --> 00:20:49.920 share with 00:20:49.920 --> 00:20:50.140 them? 00:20:50.759 --> 00:20:51.460 The saying 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:51.799 that had 00:20:51.799 --> 00:20:52.339 been told 00:20:52.339 --> 00:20:53.420 them about 00:20:53.420 --> 00:20:54.120 the child. 00:20:54.740 --> 00:20:55.100 What was 00:20:55.100 --> 00:20:55.440 that? 00:20:55.720 --> 00:20:56.079 That the 00:20:56.079 --> 00:20:58.000 baby was 00:20:58.000 --> 00:20:58.640 the Messiah, 00:20:59.880 --> 00:21:00.500 the Savior. 00:21:02.819 --> 00:21:03.339 Wow! 00:21:03.339 --> 00:21:03.400 Wow! 00:21:06.400 --> 00:21:08.220 Angels announce 00:21:08.220 --> 00:21:08.640 it to 00:21:08.640 --> 00:21:09.059 them, 00:21:09.700 --> 00:21:10.319 and now 00:21:10.319 --> 00:21:11.140 they announce 00:21:11.140 --> 00:21:12.039 it to 00:21:12.039 --> 00:21:12.980 everyone else. 00:21:14.759 --> 00:21:15.440 Have you 00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:15.839 ever thought 00:21:15.839 --> 00:21:16.319 before how 00:21:16.319 --> 00:21:17.339 odd that is? 00:21:17.940 --> 00:21:19.160 How strange 00:21:19.160 --> 00:21:19.720 it is that 00:21:19.720 --> 00:21:20.420 God puts 00:21:20.420 --> 00:21:21.160 shepherds, 00:21:21.279 --> 00:21:22.059 rather than 00:21:22.059 --> 00:21:23.200 Bible teachers, 00:21:23.779 --> 00:21:24.779 in this 00:21:24.779 --> 00:21:25.980 position to 00:21:25.980 --> 00:21:26.640 make this 00:21:26.640 --> 00:21:27.460 announcement. 00:21:28.120 --> 00:21:28.740 Put yourself 00:21:28.740 --> 00:21:29.180 in the shoes 00:21:29.180 --> 00:21:29.620 of the people 00:21:29.620 --> 00:21:30.360 hearing from 00:21:30.360 --> 00:21:30.600 them, 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:32.160 maybe good 00:21:32.160 --> 00:21:33.059 faithful Jews 00:21:33.059 --> 00:21:33.620 waiting for 00:21:33.620 --> 00:21:34.200 the Messiah, 00:21:34.360 --> 00:21:34.960 hundreds of 00:21:34.960 --> 00:21:35.680 years waiting, 00:21:35.900 --> 00:21:36.799 and now I'm 00:21:36.799 --> 00:21:37.519 hearing about 00:21:37.519 --> 00:21:37.960 this good 00:21:37.960 --> 00:21:38.480 news from 00:21:38.480 --> 00:21:39.879 them? 00:21:40.799 --> 00:21:41.200 I don't 00:21:41.200 --> 00:21:41.419 know. 00:21:42.519 --> 00:21:42.960 That doesn't 00:21:42.960 --> 00:21:43.619 seem likely. 00:21:46.399 --> 00:21:46.919 Do you realize 00:21:46.919 --> 00:21:47.960 apparently it's 00:21:47.960 --> 00:21:49.039 not a negative 00:21:49.039 --> 00:21:50.180 thing to God 00:21:50.180 --> 00:21:51.000 that those 00:21:51.000 --> 00:21:51.879 announcing the 00:21:51.879 --> 00:21:52.599 good news of 00:21:52.599 --> 00:21:53.419 the Messiah's 00:21:53.419 --> 00:21:54.059 birth are 00:21:54.059 --> 00:21:54.899 scoundrels? 00:21:56.539 --> 00:21:58.519 People that 00:21:58.519 --> 00:21:59.000 others look 00:21:59.000 --> 00:21:59.899 down on and 00:21:59.899 --> 00:22:01.639 don't see as 00:22:01.639 --> 00:22:02.599 great success 00:22:02.599 --> 00:22:03.220 stories, 00:22:03.480 --> 00:22:04.180 paragons of 00:22:04.180 --> 00:22:04.539 virtue? 00:22:06.500 --> 00:22:06.980 In fact, 00:22:07.080 --> 00:22:07.799 His choice 00:22:07.799 --> 00:22:08.140 of the 00:22:08.140 --> 00:22:08.680 shepherds 00:22:08.680 --> 00:22:11.000 first seems 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:11.799 to underscore 00:22:11.799 --> 00:22:12.920 that this is 00:22:12.920 --> 00:22:14.100 good news of 00:22:14.100 --> 00:22:15.360 great joy for 00:22:15.360 --> 00:22:17.080 all people. 00:22:19.460 --> 00:22:20.019 Maybe God 00:22:20.019 --> 00:22:21.000 knew that the 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:21.580 shepherds would 00:22:21.580 --> 00:22:22.720 joyfully share 00:22:22.720 --> 00:22:23.740 the good news 00:22:23.740 --> 00:22:24.279 of the birth 00:22:24.279 --> 00:22:24.900 of the Savior 00:22:24.900 --> 00:22:25.539 because they 00:22:25.539 --> 00:22:26.120 knew how 00:22:26.120 --> 00:22:27.240 desperately they 00:22:27.240 --> 00:22:27.900 needed one. 00:22:29.360 --> 00:22:29.680 That would 00:22:29.680 --> 00:22:30.400 fit with what 00:22:30.400 --> 00:22:31.440 God often seems 00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:32.100 to do in 00:22:32.100 --> 00:22:33.160 sending out 00:22:33.160 --> 00:22:34.019 needy people 00:22:34.019 --> 00:22:34.519 to tell 00:22:34.519 --> 00:22:35.100 others of 00:22:35.100 --> 00:22:35.800 how God 00:22:35.800 --> 00:22:36.700 has met 00:22:36.700 --> 00:22:38.279 their needs. 00:22:39.140 --> 00:22:39.540 Needy 00:22:39.540 --> 00:22:40.460 messengers 00:22:40.460 --> 00:22:41.540 from cover 00:22:41.540 --> 00:22:42.220 to cover 00:22:42.220 --> 00:22:43.140 in this book. 00:22:43.220 --> 00:22:43.800 If you haven't 00:22:43.800 --> 00:22:44.440 read it, 00:22:44.500 --> 00:22:45.480 that describes 00:22:45.480 --> 00:22:46.740 all of them. 00:22:48.820 --> 00:22:49.360 So if you feel 00:22:49.360 --> 00:22:50.000 you're not good 00:22:50.000 --> 00:22:50.820 enough to 00:22:50.820 --> 00:22:52.180 represent Jesus 00:22:52.180 --> 00:22:53.120 to others, 00:22:54.300 --> 00:22:54.840 welcome to 00:22:54.840 --> 00:22:55.320 the club. 00:22:56.779 --> 00:22:57.259 He puts 00:22:57.259 --> 00:22:57.860 the best 00:22:57.860 --> 00:22:59.080 news ever 00:22:59.080 --> 00:23:01.220 in jars 00:23:01.220 --> 00:23:02.240 of clay. 00:23:02.240 --> 00:23:03.220 Weak, 00:23:03.779 --> 00:23:04.700 broken 00:23:04.700 --> 00:23:05.319 vessels 00:23:05.319 --> 00:23:06.220 like you 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:07.539 and me. 00:23:08.240 --> 00:23:08.900 Young 00:23:08.900 --> 00:23:09.779 kids 00:23:09.779 --> 00:23:12.079 that somewhat 00:23:12.079 --> 00:23:12.680 overlook. 00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:15.839 Elderly 00:23:15.839 --> 00:23:16.660 people 00:23:16.660 --> 00:23:18.059 leaning on 00:23:18.059 --> 00:23:18.900 walkers. 00:23:22.200 --> 00:23:22.700 Sinful, 00:23:23.920 --> 00:23:24.660 unimpressive 00:23:24.660 --> 00:23:25.600 pastors. 00:23:25.599 --> 00:23:25.819 church. 00:23:26.819 --> 00:23:27.679 And God 00:23:27.679 --> 00:23:29.279 wants us 00:23:29.279 --> 00:23:30.919 to share 00:23:30.919 --> 00:23:32.419 this news 00:23:32.419 --> 00:23:33.959 so that it 00:23:33.959 --> 00:23:34.579 will be very 00:23:34.579 --> 00:23:35.519 clear who the 00:23:35.519 --> 00:23:36.559 Savior is. 00:23:36.899 --> 00:23:37.099 Right? 00:23:37.599 --> 00:23:38.079 Not you, 00:23:38.199 --> 00:23:38.619 not me. 00:23:39.240 --> 00:23:39.719 Who the 00:23:39.719 --> 00:23:40.839 glorious one 00:23:40.839 --> 00:23:41.019 is, 00:23:41.099 --> 00:23:41.459 who the 00:23:41.459 --> 00:23:42.519 strong one 00:23:42.519 --> 00:23:43.000 is. 00:23:43.459 --> 00:23:43.779 These 00:23:43.779 --> 00:23:44.699 outcast 00:23:44.699 --> 00:23:45.559 shepherds 00:23:45.559 --> 00:23:46.759 realize the 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:47.459 marvelous, 00:23:48.399 --> 00:23:48.879 critical 00:23:48.879 --> 00:23:50.779 truth that 00:23:50.779 --> 00:23:51.439 the message 00:23:51.439 --> 00:23:52.240 of Christmas 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:53.419 is a message 00:23:53.420 --> 00:23:54.720 that must 00:23:54.720 --> 00:23:56.580 be spread. 00:23:59.100 --> 00:23:59.800 In that 00:23:59.800 --> 00:24:00.060 regard, 00:24:00.140 --> 00:24:00.519 I feel like 00:24:00.519 --> 00:24:01.019 they may be 00:24:01.019 --> 00:24:01.880 ahead of us 00:24:01.880 --> 00:24:03.240 many days. 00:24:04.620 --> 00:24:05.080 This is really 00:24:05.080 --> 00:24:05.519 where God 00:24:05.519 --> 00:24:06.539 has convicted 00:24:06.539 --> 00:24:07.240 me this 00:24:07.240 --> 00:24:07.539 week. 00:24:07.940 --> 00:24:08.700 I love 00:24:08.700 --> 00:24:09.440 celebrating 00:24:09.440 --> 00:24:10.279 the good 00:24:10.279 --> 00:24:10.680 news of 00:24:10.680 --> 00:24:11.140 Christmas. 00:24:12.519 --> 00:24:12.900 But the 00:24:12.900 --> 00:24:13.539 Spirit has 00:24:13.539 --> 00:24:14.420 been saying 00:24:14.420 --> 00:24:15.100 to my 00:24:15.100 --> 00:24:15.539 heart, 00:24:16.360 --> 00:24:17.300 you celebrate 00:24:17.300 --> 00:24:17.860 Christmas 00:24:17.860 --> 00:24:18.620 like it's 00:24:18.620 --> 00:24:19.400 worth sharing. 00:24:20.840 --> 00:24:21.640 But you 00:24:21.640 --> 00:24:22.440 share about 00:24:22.440 --> 00:24:22.980 Christmas 00:24:22.980 --> 00:24:23.680 like it's 00:24:23.680 --> 00:24:24.339 not worth 00:24:24.339 --> 00:24:25.059 celebrating. 00:24:26.500 --> 00:24:27.160 Is that 00:24:27.160 --> 00:24:27.519 ever true 00:24:27.519 --> 00:24:27.920 for you? 00:24:29.480 --> 00:24:30.279 Do you 00:24:30.279 --> 00:24:30.839 celebrate 00:24:30.839 --> 00:24:31.360 Christmas 00:24:31.360 --> 00:24:31.900 like it's 00:24:31.900 --> 00:24:32.579 worth sharing 00:24:32.579 --> 00:24:33.740 but share 00:24:33.740 --> 00:24:34.559 about Christmas 00:24:34.559 --> 00:24:35.059 like it's 00:24:35.059 --> 00:24:35.640 not worth 00:24:35.640 --> 00:24:36.460 celebrating? 00:24:38.740 --> 00:24:39.480 Would your 00:24:39.480 --> 00:24:39.860 unbelieving 00:24:39.860 --> 00:24:40.620 family member 00:24:40.620 --> 00:24:41.900 be fair in 00:24:41.900 --> 00:24:42.559 assuming the 00:24:42.559 --> 00:24:42.940 birth of 00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:43.519 Jesus is 00:24:43.519 --> 00:24:44.519 really not 00:24:44.519 --> 00:24:45.079 that big a 00:24:45.079 --> 00:24:45.360 deal? 00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:46.579 If you went 00:24:46.579 --> 00:24:47.039 the tenth 00:24:47.039 --> 00:24:48.180 straight Christmas 00:24:48.180 --> 00:24:49.079 together without 00:24:49.079 --> 00:24:49.960 mentioning Jesus 00:24:49.960 --> 00:24:50.500 at all? 00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:50.559 No. 00:24:50.559 --> 00:24:53.559 Does it 00:24:53.559 --> 00:24:54.019 really make 00:24:54.019 --> 00:24:54.859 sense to 00:24:54.859 --> 00:24:56.179 come to 00:24:56.179 --> 00:24:57.259 special services 00:24:57.259 --> 00:24:58.879 to shop 00:24:58.879 --> 00:24:59.379 and buy 00:24:59.379 --> 00:24:59.799 all these 00:24:59.799 --> 00:25:00.399 presents 00:25:00.399 --> 00:25:00.960 and wear 00:25:00.960 --> 00:25:02.019 yourself out 00:25:02.019 --> 00:25:03.059 celebrating 00:25:03.059 --> 00:25:03.579 for an 00:25:03.579 --> 00:25:04.559 entire month 00:25:04.559 --> 00:25:05.639 something that 00:25:05.639 --> 00:25:06.019 you won't 00:25:06.019 --> 00:25:07.099 walk across 00:25:07.099 --> 00:25:07.899 the driveway 00:25:07.899 --> 00:25:08.579 or the 00:25:08.579 --> 00:25:09.960 hallway to 00:25:09.960 --> 00:25:10.559 talk to 00:25:10.559 --> 00:25:11.000 your neighbor 00:25:11.000 --> 00:25:11.980 about the 00:25:11.980 --> 00:25:12.619 other eleven 00:25:12.619 --> 00:25:13.259 months? 00:25:14.639 --> 00:25:15.519 It doesn't 00:25:15.519 --> 00:25:16.220 make sense 00:25:16.220 --> 00:25:16.440 though. 00:25:16.759 --> 00:25:17.599 Is it 00:25:17.599 --> 00:25:18.279 really good 00:25:18.279 --> 00:25:19.000 news or 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:19.720 not? 00:25:23.200 --> 00:25:23.759 Shepherds 00:25:23.759 --> 00:25:24.059 didn't have 00:25:24.059 --> 00:25:24.339 to think 00:25:24.339 --> 00:25:24.980 twice did 00:25:24.980 --> 00:25:25.160 they? 00:25:25.859 --> 00:25:26.240 It just 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:27.019 made sense. 00:25:27.299 --> 00:25:27.960 Good news 00:25:27.960 --> 00:25:28.579 like this 00:25:28.579 --> 00:25:29.299 must be 00:25:29.299 --> 00:25:29.859 shared. 00:25:30.839 --> 00:25:31.539 Sometimes I 00:25:31.539 --> 00:25:31.779 think we 00:25:31.779 --> 00:25:32.359 forget how 00:25:32.359 --> 00:25:32.960 much we 00:25:32.960 --> 00:25:33.740 need it 00:25:33.740 --> 00:25:35.480 and we 00:25:35.480 --> 00:25:35.839 need to 00:25:35.839 --> 00:25:36.440 slow down 00:25:36.440 --> 00:25:37.460 and experience 00:25:37.460 --> 00:25:38.599 God's grace 00:25:38.599 --> 00:25:39.359 again for 00:25:39.359 --> 00:25:40.079 ourselves so 00:25:40.079 --> 00:25:40.399 that we 00:25:40.399 --> 00:25:41.299 celebrate it 00:25:41.299 --> 00:25:42.039 as we 00:25:42.039 --> 00:25:42.460 should. 00:25:44.460 --> 00:25:45.240 Sometimes we 00:25:45.240 --> 00:25:45.639 forget how 00:25:45.639 --> 00:25:46.200 much others 00:25:46.200 --> 00:25:47.059 need it 00:25:47.059 --> 00:25:47.619 and we 00:25:47.619 --> 00:25:47.980 need to 00:25:47.980 --> 00:25:48.559 express 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:49.059 God's 00:25:49.059 --> 00:25:49.899 grace to 00:25:49.899 --> 00:25:50.440 them so 00:25:50.440 --> 00:25:50.700 that they 00:25:50.700 --> 00:25:51.460 can celebrate 00:25:51.460 --> 00:25:52.419 with us. 00:25:53.419 --> 00:25:54.339 We talk 00:25:54.339 --> 00:25:55.159 about experience 00:25:55.159 --> 00:25:55.919 and express 00:25:55.919 --> 00:25:56.659 grace around 00:25:56.659 --> 00:25:57.179 here a lot. 00:25:57.240 --> 00:25:57.480 It's our 00:25:57.480 --> 00:25:57.879 mission. 00:25:58.419 --> 00:25:58.940 Experience 00:25:58.940 --> 00:25:59.759 and express 00:25:59.759 --> 00:26:00.179 grace. 00:26:01.059 --> 00:26:01.579 But do we 00:26:01.579 --> 00:26:02.259 talk about 00:26:02.259 --> 00:26:02.819 that with 00:26:02.819 --> 00:26:03.440 each other 00:26:03.440 --> 00:26:05.019 more than 00:26:05.019 --> 00:26:05.679 we talk 00:26:05.679 --> 00:26:06.240 about the 00:26:06.240 --> 00:26:06.799 grace, 00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:08.259 the Savior 00:26:08.259 --> 00:26:09.119 himself 00:26:09.119 --> 00:26:10.720 with others? 00:26:11.139 --> 00:26:12.119 It must 00:26:12.119 --> 00:26:12.940 be both. 00:26:12.940 --> 00:26:13.059 love. 00:26:15.700 --> 00:26:16.519 The message 00:26:16.519 --> 00:26:17.080 of Christmas 00:26:17.080 --> 00:26:17.480 we've been 00:26:17.480 --> 00:26:18.180 talking about 00:26:18.180 --> 00:26:18.779 is one that 00:26:18.779 --> 00:26:19.440 we ourselves, 00:26:20.360 --> 00:26:20.880 our loved 00:26:20.880 --> 00:26:21.500 ones, our 00:26:21.500 --> 00:26:22.140 neighbors in 00:26:22.140 --> 00:26:22.759 this world 00:26:22.759 --> 00:26:23.940 desperately 00:26:23.940 --> 00:26:24.440 need. 00:26:26.559 --> 00:26:27.259 I've shared 00:26:27.259 --> 00:26:27.519 with you 00:26:27.519 --> 00:26:28.140 before about 00:26:28.140 --> 00:26:29.259 the disease 00:26:29.259 --> 00:26:29.980 that I made 00:26:29.980 --> 00:26:30.279 up. 00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:31.360 It's called 00:26:31.360 --> 00:26:32.559 Irish Dalmatian 00:26:32.559 --> 00:26:33.440 rhinitis. 00:26:34.440 --> 00:26:34.940 It's where 00:26:34.940 --> 00:26:36.059 your nose 00:26:36.059 --> 00:26:37.140 swells up and 00:26:37.140 --> 00:26:37.539 is covered 00:26:37.539 --> 00:26:38.120 with green 00:26:38.120 --> 00:26:38.740 spots. 00:26:38.960 --> 00:26:39.420 Irish 00:26:39.420 --> 00:26:40.240 Dalmatian 00:26:40.240 --> 00:26:40.720 rhinitis. 00:26:40.720 --> 00:26:42.799 If you 00:26:42.799 --> 00:26:43.460 saw that a 00:26:43.460 --> 00:26:43.880 cure for 00:26:43.880 --> 00:26:44.460 that disease 00:26:44.460 --> 00:26:45.100 were discovered, 00:26:45.259 --> 00:26:45.759 it wouldn't 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:46.240 make you 00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:46.960 jump up or 00:26:46.960 --> 00:26:47.620 run for joy 00:26:47.620 --> 00:26:48.039 to tell 00:26:48.039 --> 00:26:48.720 someone about 00:26:48.720 --> 00:26:49.019 it, would 00:26:49.019 --> 00:26:49.180 it? 00:26:49.880 --> 00:26:50.620 Because neither 00:26:50.620 --> 00:26:51.120 you nor 00:26:51.120 --> 00:26:51.799 anyone you 00:26:51.799 --> 00:26:52.759 love suffers 00:26:52.759 --> 00:26:53.480 from this 00:26:53.480 --> 00:26:54.240 disease and 00:26:54.240 --> 00:26:54.779 needs this 00:26:54.779 --> 00:26:55.079 cure. 00:26:55.200 --> 00:26:55.480 I know 00:26:55.480 --> 00:26:55.779 because I 00:26:55.779 --> 00:26:56.059 made it 00:26:56.059 --> 00:26:56.240 up. 00:26:57.360 --> 00:26:58.480 It's not 00:26:58.480 --> 00:26:59.440 good news 00:26:59.440 --> 00:26:59.960 of great 00:26:59.960 --> 00:27:00.799 joy to 00:27:00.799 --> 00:27:01.100 you. 00:27:03.220 --> 00:27:03.839 But we 00:27:03.839 --> 00:27:04.380 absolutely 00:27:04.380 --> 00:27:05.100 share with 00:27:05.100 --> 00:27:06.160 others something 00:27:06.160 --> 00:27:06.600 that is 00:27:06.600 --> 00:27:08.160 celebratory good 00:27:08.160 --> 00:27:08.819 news, don't 00:27:08.819 --> 00:27:09.039 we? 00:27:09.640 --> 00:27:10.160 We never 00:27:10.160 --> 00:27:10.540 miss a 00:27:10.540 --> 00:27:11.160 chance it 00:27:11.160 --> 00:27:11.560 seems. 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:12.120 When 00:27:12.120 --> 00:27:12.600 Clemson 00:27:12.600 --> 00:27:13.060 wins the 00:27:13.060 --> 00:27:13.460 national 00:27:13.460 --> 00:27:14.240 championship 00:27:14.240 --> 00:27:14.640 this year, 00:27:14.840 --> 00:27:15.620 sorry, if, 00:27:15.720 --> 00:27:16.040 I should 00:27:16.040 --> 00:27:16.540 still say 00:27:16.540 --> 00:27:17.779 if, Clemson 00:27:17.779 --> 00:27:18.820 wins, I 00:27:18.820 --> 00:27:19.540 will celebrate 00:27:19.540 --> 00:27:20.320 with others 00:27:20.320 --> 00:27:21.140 who are also 00:27:21.140 --> 00:27:21.759 excited. 00:27:22.060 --> 00:27:22.460 All the 00:27:22.460 --> 00:27:23.180 Clemson and 00:27:23.180 --> 00:27:24.140 Auburn fans 00:27:24.140 --> 00:27:24.519 that I 00:27:24.519 --> 00:27:25.480 know will 00:27:25.480 --> 00:27:26.040 celebrate 00:27:26.040 --> 00:27:26.700 together. 00:27:28.320 --> 00:27:29.140 We do 00:27:29.140 --> 00:27:29.900 that naturally. 00:27:30.759 --> 00:27:31.480 Imagine you're 00:27:31.480 --> 00:27:32.100 scrolling through 00:27:32.100 --> 00:27:32.860 Facebook and 00:27:32.860 --> 00:27:33.920 you see a 00:27:33.920 --> 00:27:34.759 recipe, a 00:27:34.759 --> 00:27:36.500 video, a 00:27:36.500 --> 00:27:37.540 news story or 00:27:37.540 --> 00:27:38.259 something that 00:27:38.259 --> 00:27:40.000 you like and 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:40.500 you click 00:27:40.500 --> 00:27:40.900 like. 00:27:41.039 --> 00:27:41.259 You do 00:27:41.259 --> 00:27:41.539 that a 00:27:41.539 --> 00:27:41.819 lot. 00:27:43.519 --> 00:27:43.779 But then 00:27:43.779 --> 00:27:44.500 sometimes you 00:27:44.500 --> 00:27:45.079 see something 00:27:45.079 --> 00:27:46.259 you know many 00:27:46.259 --> 00:27:47.059 of your friends 00:27:47.059 --> 00:27:47.940 will enjoy or 00:27:47.940 --> 00:27:48.859 benefit from it. 00:27:49.019 --> 00:27:50.220 It tasted so 00:27:50.220 --> 00:27:51.019 good and they 00:27:51.019 --> 00:27:51.799 love chocolate. 00:27:53.299 --> 00:27:54.359 It encouraged 00:27:54.359 --> 00:27:55.539 you so much and 00:27:55.539 --> 00:27:56.619 you know others 00:27:56.619 --> 00:27:57.259 who are hurting. 00:27:58.740 --> 00:27:59.559 And you click 00:27:59.559 --> 00:28:01.960 share because 00:28:01.960 --> 00:28:02.900 everyone else 00:28:02.900 --> 00:28:03.700 needs to know 00:28:03.700 --> 00:28:04.619 too, right? 00:28:04.619 --> 00:28:07.879 Christmas is 00:28:07.879 --> 00:28:08.819 that kind of 00:28:08.819 --> 00:28:09.500 good news. 00:28:10.099 --> 00:28:10.379 In case you 00:28:10.379 --> 00:28:10.599 forgot. 00:28:11.439 --> 00:28:12.500 It's that kind 00:28:12.500 --> 00:28:13.439 of story. 00:28:13.639 --> 00:28:14.179 One that 00:28:14.179 --> 00:28:15.239 must be 00:28:15.239 --> 00:28:15.739 shared. 00:28:16.339 --> 00:28:17.039 It is, after 00:28:17.039 --> 00:28:17.539 all, the 00:28:17.539 --> 00:28:18.319 angel says, 00:28:18.619 --> 00:28:19.559 good news of 00:28:19.559 --> 00:28:20.459 great joy for 00:28:20.459 --> 00:28:20.899 whom? 00:28:22.039 --> 00:28:22.679 All 00:28:22.679 --> 00:28:23.819 people. 00:28:24.959 --> 00:28:25.599 Celebratory 00:28:25.599 --> 00:28:26.759 good news 00:28:26.759 --> 00:28:28.039 for everyone. 00:28:29.419 --> 00:28:29.919 See, Christmas 00:28:29.919 --> 00:28:30.779 is universal 00:28:30.779 --> 00:28:31.879 because the 00:28:31.879 --> 00:28:33.039 need for a 00:28:33.039 --> 00:28:34.440 Savior, for 00:28:34.440 --> 00:28:35.599 peace with 00:28:35.599 --> 00:28:36.399 God, for 00:28:36.399 --> 00:28:37.240 good news of 00:28:37.240 --> 00:28:38.379 great joy is 00:28:38.379 --> 00:28:39.079 universal. 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:40.480 Christmas is 00:28:40.480 --> 00:28:41.480 very personal. 00:28:43.220 --> 00:28:43.660 But as we 00:28:43.660 --> 00:28:44.440 consider people 00:28:44.440 --> 00:28:45.180 personally, 00:28:45.740 --> 00:28:46.319 consider your 00:28:46.319 --> 00:28:47.299 friends and 00:28:47.299 --> 00:28:48.539 neighbors for 00:28:48.539 --> 00:28:49.119 just a minute 00:28:49.119 --> 00:28:50.319 as we close. 00:28:52.119 --> 00:28:53.980 Our disease is 00:28:53.980 --> 00:28:54.740 no joke. 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:57.900 is eternally 00:28:57.900 --> 00:28:59.380 serious. 00:29:00.960 --> 00:29:01.720 And living in 00:29:01.720 --> 00:29:02.440 a nice 00:29:02.440 --> 00:29:03.559 neighborhood in 00:29:03.559 --> 00:29:04.440 Huntsville does 00:29:04.440 --> 00:29:05.779 not cure it. 00:29:07.160 --> 00:29:07.720 It just 00:29:07.720 --> 00:29:08.859 masks it 00:29:08.859 --> 00:29:09.799 sometimes. 00:29:12.779 --> 00:29:13.799 We live in a 00:29:13.799 --> 00:29:14.599 world full of 00:29:14.599 --> 00:29:16.039 people desperately 00:29:16.039 --> 00:29:17.120 searching for 00:29:17.120 --> 00:29:17.720 peace. 00:29:19.099 --> 00:29:19.480 Is there 00:29:19.480 --> 00:29:20.359 anyone this 00:29:20.359 --> 00:29:20.940 time of year 00:29:20.940 --> 00:29:21.819 not feeling at 00:29:21.819 --> 00:29:23.039 least some of 00:29:23.039 --> 00:29:24.140 the stress and 00:29:24.140 --> 00:29:25.740 strain of this 00:29:25.740 --> 00:29:26.300 life? 00:29:28.140 --> 00:29:28.860 Perhaps they're 00:29:28.860 --> 00:29:29.620 searching for it 00:29:29.620 --> 00:29:30.380 in other people, 00:29:31.000 --> 00:29:32.400 professional success 00:29:32.400 --> 00:29:33.480 in a controlled 00:29:33.480 --> 00:29:34.340 life, but 00:29:34.340 --> 00:29:36.500 not finding what 00:29:36.500 --> 00:29:37.320 they're ultimately 00:29:37.320 --> 00:29:38.440 searching for 00:29:38.440 --> 00:29:39.320 there. 00:29:40.460 --> 00:29:41.240 And God has 00:29:41.240 --> 00:29:42.100 given to us 00:29:42.100 --> 00:29:43.340 good news 00:29:43.340 --> 00:29:44.720 of great joy, 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:45.960 the way of 00:29:45.960 --> 00:29:46.560 peace, 00:29:47.300 --> 00:29:48.500 the child 00:29:48.500 --> 00:29:49.620 of peace, 00:29:49.720 --> 00:29:50.580 the prince 00:29:50.580 --> 00:29:52.080 of peace. 00:29:52.500 --> 00:29:53.560 We must 00:29:53.559 --> 00:29:54.859 share that. 00:29:57.059 --> 00:29:58.019 We live in a 00:29:58.019 --> 00:29:58.579 world wracked 00:29:58.579 --> 00:29:59.539 by fears, 00:30:00.700 --> 00:30:01.099 grief, 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:02.359 anxiety, 00:30:03.359 --> 00:30:03.819 depression. 00:30:05.159 --> 00:30:05.659 It's 00:30:05.659 --> 00:30:06.379 overwhelming 00:30:06.379 --> 00:30:07.419 often. 00:30:07.960 --> 00:30:08.059 We're 00:30:08.059 --> 00:30:08.700 increasingly 00:30:08.700 --> 00:30:09.419 unable to 00:30:09.419 --> 00:30:10.139 manage the 00:30:10.139 --> 00:30:10.779 pains and 00:30:10.779 --> 00:30:11.799 difficulties of 00:30:11.799 --> 00:30:13.000 life. 00:30:13.319 --> 00:30:13.659 You have 00:30:13.659 --> 00:30:14.079 neighbors 00:30:14.079 --> 00:30:14.960 overwhelmed by 00:30:14.960 --> 00:30:15.859 a sense of 00:30:15.859 --> 00:30:17.319 loneliness, a 00:30:17.319 --> 00:30:17.819 fear of 00:30:17.819 --> 00:30:18.779 failure. 00:30:19.500 --> 00:30:20.500 It's masked 00:30:20.500 --> 00:30:21.779 by workaholism, 00:30:21.779 --> 00:30:23.099 materialism, 00:30:23.819 --> 00:30:24.220 suburban 00:30:24.220 --> 00:30:25.119 isolation, 00:30:25.859 --> 00:30:26.740 any number of 00:30:26.740 --> 00:30:27.259 things, but 00:30:27.259 --> 00:30:28.859 God has given 00:30:28.859 --> 00:30:29.680 to us good 00:30:29.680 --> 00:30:30.619 news of 00:30:30.619 --> 00:30:31.559 great joy. 00:30:32.619 --> 00:30:33.099 He has been 00:30:33.099 --> 00:30:34.720 born in our 00:30:34.720 --> 00:30:35.299 world. 00:30:36.059 --> 00:30:36.579 Emmanuel, 00:30:37.859 --> 00:30:39.019 God with 00:30:39.019 --> 00:30:40.180 us in our 00:30:40.180 --> 00:30:41.720 lowest points, 00:30:42.079 --> 00:30:42.579 in our 00:30:42.579 --> 00:30:44.579 darkest places, 00:30:44.920 --> 00:30:45.799 God has 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:47.180 come in. 00:30:48.039 --> 00:30:48.940 We must 00:30:48.940 --> 00:30:50.139 share that. 00:30:50.140 --> 00:30:52.140 God has 00:30:52.140 --> 00:30:52.580 been 00:30:52.580 --> 00:30:53.560 perhaps most 00:30:53.560 --> 00:30:54.160 importantly, 00:30:54.820 --> 00:30:56.020 we live in a 00:30:56.020 --> 00:30:58.100 world full of 00:30:58.100 --> 00:30:59.200 people tormented 00:30:59.200 --> 00:31:00.180 by guilt, 00:31:01.540 --> 00:31:02.680 not having lived 00:31:02.680 --> 00:31:03.420 up to their own 00:31:03.420 --> 00:31:04.360 standards, even if 00:31:04.360 --> 00:31:05.020 they're unaware of 00:31:05.020 --> 00:31:05.759 God's. 00:31:06.700 --> 00:31:07.580 Many sitting in 00:31:07.580 --> 00:31:08.600 pews like these 00:31:08.600 --> 00:31:09.380 and worrying 00:31:09.380 --> 00:31:10.360 they've failed 00:31:10.360 --> 00:31:12.920 God, not done 00:31:12.920 --> 00:31:14.060 enough, been 00:31:14.060 --> 00:31:15.400 pretending to be 00:31:15.400 --> 00:31:16.520 okay so long 00:31:16.520 --> 00:31:17.759 they're exhausted. 00:31:18.020 --> 00:31:18.600 Maybe you know 00:31:18.599 --> 00:31:19.219 that feeling. 00:31:21.599 --> 00:31:22.159 And according 00:31:22.159 --> 00:31:22.699 to God's 00:31:22.699 --> 00:31:23.279 word, everyone 00:31:23.279 --> 00:31:24.559 not feeling 00:31:24.559 --> 00:31:25.319 that is 00:31:25.319 --> 00:31:26.579 ignoring the 00:31:26.579 --> 00:31:27.259 reality of 00:31:27.259 --> 00:31:27.659 their guilt 00:31:27.659 --> 00:31:28.179 before a 00:31:28.179 --> 00:31:28.959 holy God, 00:31:30.599 --> 00:31:31.139 seeking to be 00:31:31.139 --> 00:31:31.759 enough on their 00:31:31.759 --> 00:31:32.439 own, pretending 00:31:32.439 --> 00:31:33.279 there's no 00:31:33.279 --> 00:31:34.299 eternal problem, 00:31:34.379 --> 00:31:34.959 and in fact 00:31:34.959 --> 00:31:35.639 there is. 00:31:36.219 --> 00:31:36.980 And God has 00:31:36.980 --> 00:31:38.219 given us good 00:31:38.219 --> 00:31:39.240 news of 00:31:39.240 --> 00:31:40.139 great joy, 00:31:41.419 --> 00:31:42.139 of Savior, 00:31:42.140 --> 00:31:43.960 Savior for 00:31:43.960 --> 00:31:44.980 people just 00:31:44.980 --> 00:31:46.800 like you and 00:31:46.800 --> 00:31:48.820 me and 00:31:48.820 --> 00:31:49.160 them. 00:31:49.900 --> 00:31:51.520 Jesus, who 00:31:51.520 --> 00:31:52.980 removes our 00:31:52.980 --> 00:31:54.680 guilt and 00:31:54.680 --> 00:31:57.040 restores us to 00:31:57.040 --> 00:31:57.720 our Father. 00:31:58.200 --> 00:31:59.880 Good news of 00:31:59.880 --> 00:32:01.460 great joy for 00:32:01.460 --> 00:32:02.880 all people. 00:32:03.140 --> 00:32:05.740 We must share 00:32:05.740 --> 00:32:06.140 that. 00:32:06.140 --> 00:32:06.340 that. 00:32:08.420 --> 00:32:09.280 If you've 00:32:09.280 --> 00:32:09.660 ever really 00:32:09.660 --> 00:32:10.320 celebrated 00:32:10.320 --> 00:32:11.340 Christmas, really 00:32:11.340 --> 00:32:12.000 found your 00:32:12.000 --> 00:32:13.600 heart overwhelmed 00:32:13.600 --> 00:32:15.080 with the joy of 00:32:15.080 --> 00:32:16.400 a Savior being 00:32:16.400 --> 00:32:17.960 born to you, 00:32:19.000 --> 00:32:19.600 then know for 00:32:19.600 --> 00:32:20.820 certain that 00:32:20.820 --> 00:32:21.940 everyone you 00:32:21.940 --> 00:32:23.220 know needs 00:32:23.220 --> 00:32:24.180 that same 00:32:24.180 --> 00:32:25.340 Savior and 00:32:25.340 --> 00:32:26.560 can taste that 00:32:26.560 --> 00:32:28.320 same joy. 00:32:28.800 --> 00:32:29.360 And what a 00:32:29.360 --> 00:32:30.740 joy to share 00:32:30.740 --> 00:32:31.660 with them what 00:32:31.660 --> 00:32:32.660 has brought you 00:32:32.660 --> 00:32:34.140 such great joy. 00:32:34.140 --> 00:32:36.160 Let's pray. 00:32:42.560 --> 00:32:43.400 Jesus, your 00:32:43.400 --> 00:32:43.980 coming is 00:32:43.980 --> 00:32:44.800 indeed good 00:32:44.800 --> 00:32:45.780 news of 00:32:45.780 --> 00:32:46.400 great joy. 00:32:47.100 --> 00:32:47.740 And I pray 00:32:47.740 --> 00:32:48.520 first that we 00:32:48.520 --> 00:32:49.220 would see it 00:32:49.220 --> 00:32:50.620 for ourselves 00:32:50.620 --> 00:32:51.420 in a fresh 00:32:51.420 --> 00:32:51.800 way. 00:32:52.900 --> 00:32:53.820 We forget 00:32:53.820 --> 00:32:54.300 in the 00:32:54.300 --> 00:32:55.620 busyness what 00:32:55.620 --> 00:32:56.800 great news 00:32:56.800 --> 00:32:58.100 your love 00:32:58.100 --> 00:32:59.660 and your 00:32:59.660 --> 00:33:00.740 birth and 00:33:00.740 --> 00:33:01.200 your death 00:33:01.200 --> 00:33:01.580 and your 00:33:01.580 --> 00:33:02.140 resurrection 00:33:02.140 --> 00:33:03.700 are for us. 00:33:04.140 --> 00:33:07.180 And then 00:33:07.180 --> 00:33:07.540 might you 00:33:07.540 --> 00:33:08.160 not be able 00:33:08.160 --> 00:33:09.000 to contain 00:33:09.000 --> 00:33:09.440 us. 00:33:10.560 --> 00:33:11.320 Might the 00:33:11.320 --> 00:33:11.920 joy of 00:33:11.920 --> 00:33:12.600 our salvation, 00:33:12.840 --> 00:33:14.960 the relief 00:33:14.960 --> 00:33:16.160 of a Savior 00:33:16.160 --> 00:33:16.860 who has 00:33:16.860 --> 00:33:17.920 rescued me 00:33:17.920 --> 00:33:18.380 and given 00:33:18.380 --> 00:33:19.380 me rest 00:33:19.380 --> 00:33:22.180 be something 00:33:22.180 --> 00:33:22.800 we're so 00:33:22.800 --> 00:33:24.100 eager to 00:33:24.100 --> 00:33:24.560 share with 00:33:24.560 --> 00:33:24.900 others. 00:33:27.080 --> 00:33:27.980 We're weak 00:33:27.980 --> 00:33:28.520 and needy 00:33:28.520 --> 00:33:29.500 like the 00:33:29.500 --> 00:33:29.980 shepherds. 00:33:29.980 --> 00:33:32.019 we won't 00:33:32.019 --> 00:33:32.420 be able to 00:33:32.420 --> 00:33:33.059 impress them 00:33:33.059 --> 00:33:33.660 with stories 00:33:33.660 --> 00:33:34.620 of our 00:33:34.620 --> 00:33:35.420 goodness but 00:33:35.420 --> 00:33:38.099 we can tell 00:33:38.099 --> 00:33:38.500 them about 00:33:38.500 --> 00:33:38.799 you, 00:33:39.539 --> 00:33:39.900 about a 00:33:39.900 --> 00:33:40.180 Savior, 00:33:41.620 --> 00:33:43.279 Christ the 00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:43.500 Lord. 00:33:44.220 --> 00:33:44.860 Give us joy 00:33:44.860 --> 00:33:45.360 in that even 00:33:45.360 --> 00:33:46.160 today and this 00:33:46.160 --> 00:33:46.860 Christmas we 00:33:46.860 --> 00:33:47.440 ask in his 00:33:47.440 --> 00:33:47.700 name. 00:33:48.440 --> 00:33:48.640 Amen. 00:33:48.640 --> 00:33:48.740 Amen. 00:33:51.740 --> 00:33:52.700 For more 00:33:52.700 --> 00:33:53.220 information, 00:33:53.599 --> 00:33:54.019 visit us 00:33:54.019 --> 00:33:54.920 online at 00:33:54.920 --> 00:33:55.820 southwood.org.