WEBVTT 00:00:00.140 --> 00:00:06.640 Well, good morning, church. We are looking this morning at Luke chapter 2, verses 1 through 20. 00:00:06.719 --> 00:00:09.519 That's page 857 in the Pew Bible. 00:00:16.559 --> 00:00:18.580 Luke chapter 2, verses 1 through 20. 00:00:25.120 --> 00:00:26.640 Let me read this text for us. 00:00:26.640 --> 00:00:32.880 In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 00:00:33.859 --> 00:00:36.880 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 00:00:37.920 --> 00:00:40.420 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 00:00:43.240 --> 00:00:48.200 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David, 00:00:48.740 --> 00:00:52.299 which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 00:00:52.299 --> 00:00:55.900 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 00:00:57.100 --> 00:00:59.840 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 00:01:00.500 --> 00:01:05.859 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, 00:01:06.439 --> 00:01:08.239 because there was no place for them in the inn. 00:01:10.019 --> 00:01:14.500 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 00:01:14.500 --> 00:01:19.640 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, 00:01:19.819 --> 00:01:21.379 and they were filled with great fear. 00:01:22.680 --> 00:01:24.939 And the angel said to them, Fear not. 00:01:25.760 --> 00:01:30.700 For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 00:01:31.439 --> 00:01:35.379 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 00:01:35.920 --> 00:01:37.640 And this will be a sign for you. 00:01:37.640 --> 00:01:41.599 You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. 00:01:42.719 --> 00:01:46.280 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, 00:01:47.099 --> 00:01:50.680 praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, 00:01:51.099 --> 00:01:53.620 and unearth peace among those with whom he is pleased. 00:01:54.900 --> 00:01:58.099 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 00:01:58.359 --> 00:02:01.340 Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, 00:02:01.579 --> 00:02:02.980 which the Lord has made known to us. 00:02:02.980 --> 00:02:07.320 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and a baby lying in a manger. 00:02:08.080 --> 00:02:11.879 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 00:02:12.640 --> 00:02:15.159 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 00:02:15.819 --> 00:02:18.680 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 00:02:19.520 --> 00:02:24.680 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen 00:02:24.680 --> 00:02:26.500 as it had been told them. 00:02:27.599 --> 00:02:28.480 Let's pray together. 00:02:28.480 --> 00:02:28.540 Let's pray together. 00:02:32.979 --> 00:02:42.079 Our God, we are grateful that we can gather this morning together under your grace, 00:02:42.199 --> 00:02:46.419 as your family, in the bonds of your church. 00:02:47.679 --> 00:02:53.639 And Lord, we thank you that it is your word that causes us to be, 00:02:54.239 --> 00:02:59.379 that it is your word that calls us into life and gives us spiritual strength. 00:02:59.379 --> 00:03:03.460 So, God, we pray that as we attend to your word this morning, 00:03:03.599 --> 00:03:07.000 you would indeed be speaking by your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, 00:03:07.840 --> 00:03:10.180 to open our eyes to see you and know you better. 00:03:11.199 --> 00:03:15.460 Lord, perhaps even for some of us here to realize and to see you for the first time. 00:03:16.699 --> 00:03:20.139 God, so we ask that by your Holy Spirit, you would be at work among us, 00:03:20.780 --> 00:03:23.699 helping us to understand this text before us 00:03:23.699 --> 00:03:26.079 and to hear the message that you have for us today. 00:03:26.080 --> 00:03:30.700 We pray all this, Father, in the name of Jesus, our Savior. 00:03:31.020 --> 00:03:31.320 Amen. 00:03:34.480 --> 00:03:35.580 Well, I don't know about you, 00:03:36.220 --> 00:03:42.800 but I think that the Christmas season is almost inseparable from music. 00:03:44.260 --> 00:03:47.700 On the one hand, I think some of our best music is Christmas music. 00:03:48.020 --> 00:03:48.600 I don't know about you. 00:03:49.240 --> 00:03:50.580 Just think of Handel's Messiah. 00:03:51.400 --> 00:03:52.720 It's not too bad, right? 00:03:52.719 --> 00:03:56.400 Or some of our great carols that we sing this time of year. 00:03:56.500 --> 00:03:57.960 Some of our best music is Christmas music. 00:03:58.199 --> 00:04:03.860 On the other hand, I think some of our worst music is Christmas music as a people, as a culture. 00:04:04.560 --> 00:04:06.740 I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus. 00:04:08.000 --> 00:04:09.840 Grandma got run over by a reindeer, 00:04:10.400 --> 00:04:16.060 which I think I heard every single day on the bus growing up in elementary school during the month of December. 00:04:16.060 --> 00:04:20.920 And my personal least favorite, the 80s classic, 00:04:21.420 --> 00:04:23.300 Do They Know It's Christmas Time. 00:04:25.399 --> 00:04:27.259 I mean, we could probably all sing it, right? 00:04:27.439 --> 00:04:29.860 Feed the world. 00:04:30.139 --> 00:04:32.920 Oh, I think I need to take a shower every time I hear that song. 00:04:34.560 --> 00:04:37.879 Anyway, whatever your favorite or least favorites might be, 00:04:38.199 --> 00:04:42.220 it does seem that Christmas time is almost inseparable from music. 00:04:42.220 --> 00:04:46.620 And that connection seems to have gone back to the very beginning. 00:04:47.500 --> 00:04:52.440 This Advent, we've been studying some of the earliest Christmas songs, as it were. 00:04:53.060 --> 00:04:57.480 These songs that are found in the opening chapter of Luke's Gospel. 00:04:58.400 --> 00:05:02.820 Two weeks ago, we studied Mary's song, sometimes known as the Magnificat. 00:05:03.620 --> 00:05:07.960 Last week, we looked at Zechariah's song, sometimes known as the Benedictus. 00:05:07.959 --> 00:05:15.039 And this morning, we're focusing on the angel song, found here in chapter 2, verse 14. 00:05:15.839 --> 00:05:22.659 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased. 00:05:24.560 --> 00:05:28.319 Now, consider the context of this song. 00:05:29.699 --> 00:05:32.839 Jesus has literally just been born. 00:05:32.839 --> 00:05:36.899 The long-awaited king has come. 00:05:37.000 --> 00:05:40.459 The turning point of history is taking place right here, right now. 00:05:40.579 --> 00:05:41.219 This is it. 00:05:42.560 --> 00:05:46.679 And suddenly, with these shepherds out in the field, we get a glimpse 00:05:46.679 --> 00:05:55.319 of what heaven itself is singing at this critical, world-changing moment. 00:05:56.599 --> 00:05:59.459 A multitude of the heavenly host, we're told. 00:05:59.459 --> 00:06:05.819 Now, I don't know about you, but when I hear the word angel or heavenly host, 00:06:06.099 --> 00:06:09.180 the first thing that comes to mind isn't actually all that awe-inspiring. 00:06:10.379 --> 00:06:11.019 How about you? 00:06:11.060 --> 00:06:14.099 I wonder what mental images come to mind when you think of angels. 00:06:15.000 --> 00:06:19.979 Maybe a gentle-faced woman from the Victorian era in a long white robe 00:06:19.979 --> 00:06:23.500 with a soft glow just sort of radiating all about her. 00:06:25.179 --> 00:06:28.099 Someone that you might want to make you warm milk and put you to bed, 00:06:28.100 --> 00:06:30.460 not someone that's going to strike fear into your heart. 00:06:30.500 --> 00:06:32.439 But that's not actually the biblical image at all. 00:06:33.280 --> 00:06:35.600 This is a heavenly host, we're told. 00:06:37.060 --> 00:06:37.920 What is a host? 00:06:37.980 --> 00:06:39.360 A host, friends, is an army. 00:06:41.360 --> 00:06:44.320 These are the forces of heaven. 00:06:46.820 --> 00:06:50.340 And the rough and tumble shepherds fall down in fear. 00:06:50.339 --> 00:06:53.679 Now, shepherds were sort of like the construction workers of today. 00:06:54.339 --> 00:06:55.239 They were tough. 00:06:55.619 --> 00:06:57.119 They worked late hours. 00:06:57.500 --> 00:06:59.299 They had calluses on their hands. 00:06:59.500 --> 00:07:02.359 They worked, and they were rough around the edges. 00:07:03.699 --> 00:07:07.479 And what would make a group of guys like that tremble in fear? 00:07:09.139 --> 00:07:11.599 Probably, humanly speaking, not much. 00:07:11.600 --> 00:07:19.379 But when the sky rips open and a commander of the army of heaven brings them a message, 00:07:19.480 --> 00:07:20.980 they are deathly afraid. 00:07:22.939 --> 00:07:28.160 And so you see, friends, this song in verse 14 is not the pretty verses of a children's choir. 00:07:30.960 --> 00:07:33.800 This is the rumbling chant of warriors. 00:07:33.800 --> 00:07:37.980 This is the victory song of soldiers. 00:07:39.600 --> 00:07:45.220 And they are singing because their king has gone into the field. 00:07:46.400 --> 00:07:48.819 He has entered the battle. 00:07:48.980 --> 00:07:51.160 He has gone forth into the fray. 00:07:51.240 --> 00:07:54.379 The Lord Jesus Christ has been born. 00:07:57.620 --> 00:08:01.220 And so the hosts of light sing their song. 00:08:01.220 --> 00:08:05.960 God the Son has assumed human flesh. 00:08:06.520 --> 00:08:08.100 And the armies of heaven sing. 00:08:09.800 --> 00:08:12.660 And you notice here that they sing of two things. 00:08:13.300 --> 00:08:15.440 Our song has two lines. 00:08:15.540 --> 00:08:15.960 It's a couplet. 00:08:17.140 --> 00:08:20.620 And these two lines show us what the birth of Christ brings about. 00:08:20.740 --> 00:08:21.480 What does it mean? 00:08:21.580 --> 00:08:26.080 What's the point of this thing we call Christmas? 00:08:27.480 --> 00:08:29.620 Well, let's look at each of these two lines in turn. 00:08:31.220 --> 00:08:38.139 First, the birth of Jesus Christ brings about the glory of God. 00:08:38.639 --> 00:08:40.740 The birth of Jesus brings glory to God. 00:08:40.820 --> 00:08:43.740 Glory to God in the highest, they sing. 00:08:45.200 --> 00:08:48.360 Now, most commentators are agreed that this phrase, in the highest, 00:08:48.700 --> 00:08:51.420 is describing not the sort of quality of the glory, 00:08:51.840 --> 00:08:57.320 but actually it's a way of describing in exalted language the dwelling place of God. 00:08:57.320 --> 00:09:00.220 God dwells in the highest of heavens. 00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:06.360 And to this one, true, awesome, supreme God who dwells on high. 00:09:06.820 --> 00:09:10.560 And as such, because he dwells on high, he fills all things. 00:09:11.080 --> 00:09:13.800 The one in whom we live and move and have our being. 00:09:13.879 --> 00:09:16.580 To this God the angels sing glory. 00:09:16.580 --> 00:09:21.100 Because of what they have witnessed in the birth of Jesus Christ. 00:09:23.100 --> 00:09:26.740 So the birth of Jesus, first and foremost, is about the glory of God. 00:09:29.000 --> 00:09:34.400 The supreme purpose, the point, the driving goal of Christmas, friends, 00:09:34.399 --> 00:09:39.100 is to display God's manifold perfection. 00:09:40.939 --> 00:09:46.279 To show how great he is beyond all comparison. 00:09:49.439 --> 00:09:51.879 Well, how does the birth of Jesus bring glory to God? 00:09:51.980 --> 00:09:55.579 Consider some of the ways that we see that here in Luke chapter 2. 00:09:56.980 --> 00:10:00.659 First, the birth of Jesus shows us that God is faithful to his word. 00:10:00.759 --> 00:10:02.879 It's a display of God's faithfulness. 00:10:02.879 --> 00:10:09.100 Notice in verse 4 and in verse 11, we're told that Bethlehem, again and again, is the city of David. 00:10:10.759 --> 00:10:12.379 Luke doesn't want us to miss that fact. 00:10:13.179 --> 00:10:18.059 And with that phrase, Luke is reminding us of the fact that God, long ago, made a promise. 00:10:18.320 --> 00:10:21.419 A promise that one of David's sons would rule over Israel. 00:10:21.700 --> 00:10:26.240 A promise that this Davidic king would come from Bethlehem, from the city of David. 00:10:27.399 --> 00:10:30.940 If you go back to the prophet Micah, chapter 5, verse 2, you can read this. 00:10:30.940 --> 00:10:40.120 But you, O Bethlehem, Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me, one who is to be ruler in Israel. 00:10:40.740 --> 00:10:43.340 Whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient of days. 00:10:45.400 --> 00:10:47.240 God's faithfulness to his word. 00:10:47.500 --> 00:10:53.800 And of course, this text from Micah is just one of the many overt prophecies that were fulfilled when Jesus was born. 00:10:53.799 --> 00:10:59.059 But not just specific, explicit prophecies were fulfilled. 00:10:59.159 --> 00:11:04.279 You see, friends, the whole tenor of the Old Testament points in this direction as well. 00:11:04.379 --> 00:11:08.479 All the lines, all the threads, all the promises, all the longings, all the hopes. 00:11:08.799 --> 00:11:14.299 The whole storyline of God's revelation has been leading up to this moment. 00:11:14.299 --> 00:11:20.639 And now, at last, God demonstrates his faithfulness. 00:11:22.259 --> 00:11:25.459 That his covenant will stand and be upheld. 00:11:25.579 --> 00:11:28.099 That his word will not return void. 00:11:28.740 --> 00:11:29.799 That it will stand. 00:11:29.799 --> 00:11:35.919 That unlike the false gods of the nations. 00:11:36.120 --> 00:11:37.759 And unlike you and I. 00:11:38.639 --> 00:11:40.819 Who so rarely keep our promises. 00:11:43.319 --> 00:11:47.139 Unlike us, God keeps every single one. 00:11:48.799 --> 00:11:53.599 And so the birth of Jesus demonstrates God's faithfulness to his word. 00:11:53.600 --> 00:12:01.560 But the birth of Jesus displays God's glory because it also shows us God's providential control of his world. 00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:06.600 The first chapter begins with Caesar Augustus. 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:11.120 The first and greatest Roman emperor. 00:12:12.180 --> 00:12:13.620 And what is Caesar doing here? 00:12:14.060 --> 00:12:15.180 He's issuing a decree. 00:12:15.600 --> 00:12:18.680 A decree that everyone in his empire should be registered. 00:12:18.800 --> 00:12:20.700 Registered, no doubt, for the purposes of taxation. 00:12:21.740 --> 00:12:23.019 And here, what is Luke doing? 00:12:23.019 --> 00:12:27.740 Luke's connecting the story of Jesus to this broader history of the world. 00:12:27.980 --> 00:12:31.799 As if to say in no uncertain terms that what happened in Bethlehem. 00:12:31.980 --> 00:12:34.879 In that far flung corner of the Roman Empire. 00:12:35.100 --> 00:12:37.799 Was an event of universal proportions. 00:12:40.600 --> 00:12:43.980 All of history was going to be changed because of the birth of Jesus. 00:12:46.639 --> 00:12:48.819 But notice this decree of Caesar. 00:12:48.819 --> 00:12:51.819 This imperial attempt to control. 00:12:51.820 --> 00:12:54.360 And to quantify and subdue. 00:12:54.860 --> 00:12:57.720 This attempt of Rome to administer. 00:12:58.280 --> 00:12:59.400 And even to dominate. 00:12:59.600 --> 00:13:01.520 This decree of Caesar. 00:13:03.280 --> 00:13:05.400 Was ultimately subservient. 00:13:05.740 --> 00:13:07.680 To the purposes of God Almighty. 00:13:10.280 --> 00:13:11.720 For through this decree. 00:13:12.560 --> 00:13:15.740 Joseph is led to return to his ancestral city. 00:13:15.740 --> 00:13:18.120 And while there in the city of David. 00:13:18.120 --> 00:13:19.759 Mary gives birth to Jesus. 00:13:20.019 --> 00:13:21.659 And the promise is fulfilled. 00:13:24.600 --> 00:13:26.440 You see what Luke is showing us here? 00:13:26.940 --> 00:13:30.899 Caesar intends to control and to dominate. 00:13:31.299 --> 00:13:35.799 But God uses that same decree to bring forth at just the right time. 00:13:35.860 --> 00:13:36.419 The savior. 00:13:36.580 --> 00:13:37.340 The liberator. 00:13:37.419 --> 00:13:38.940 The one who frees us from all oppression. 00:13:38.940 --> 00:13:42.860 The kingdom of man tries to dominate. 00:13:42.980 --> 00:13:45.260 But God uses that very act to liberate. 00:13:45.720 --> 00:13:47.000 One tries to oppress. 00:13:47.100 --> 00:13:48.860 The other uses it to release. 00:13:50.680 --> 00:13:52.080 One is there to attack. 00:13:52.240 --> 00:13:52.880 To tax. 00:13:53.020 --> 00:13:53.920 And to push down. 00:13:54.000 --> 00:13:55.360 And to drive into debt. 00:13:56.360 --> 00:13:58.180 And God uses it to forgive. 00:13:58.179 --> 00:14:03.399 So the birth of Jesus brings glory to God. 00:14:03.439 --> 00:14:07.979 Because it demonstrates God's providential control of his world. 00:14:10.319 --> 00:14:12.659 Let's make just one more observation here on this point. 00:14:12.739 --> 00:14:14.039 Of course there are many that we could make. 00:14:14.120 --> 00:14:15.239 But let's point out just one more. 00:14:15.899 --> 00:14:18.359 The entry of Christ into the world glorifies God. 00:14:18.620 --> 00:14:19.659 In his faithfulness. 00:14:19.779 --> 00:14:20.299 In his power. 00:14:20.379 --> 00:14:21.639 But also third in his mercy. 00:14:23.339 --> 00:14:26.759 And don't the details of the text all point ultimately in this direction. 00:14:28.179 --> 00:14:31.199 Christ is born and laid in a manger. 00:14:31.959 --> 00:14:33.299 In a feeding trough. 00:14:34.419 --> 00:14:39.319 And the first ones to hear the good news of his birth are not the powerful and the important. 00:14:39.699 --> 00:14:40.639 But the shepherds. 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:43.000 The outsiders. 00:14:43.899 --> 00:14:45.479 The morally questionable ones. 00:14:45.539 --> 00:14:46.879 You know this week I was pondering. 00:14:47.339 --> 00:14:49.279 Why shepherds of all things? 00:14:50.120 --> 00:14:52.019 And of course commentators sort of speculate. 00:14:52.299 --> 00:14:54.179 Well you know David was a shepherd. 00:14:54.179 --> 00:14:57.000 So maybe this is sort of a way of sort of alluding to that fact. 00:14:57.000 --> 00:14:59.360 Or you know blah blah blah blah blah. 00:15:01.220 --> 00:15:03.019 But I think part of it is just. 00:15:03.659 --> 00:15:04.960 They're shepherds. 00:15:05.600 --> 00:15:08.559 They're just regular guys. 00:15:09.960 --> 00:15:12.120 And it's these regular guys. 00:15:12.860 --> 00:15:14.600 Going about their work. 00:15:15.980 --> 00:15:17.399 That God comes. 00:15:19.440 --> 00:15:20.080 J.C. Ryle. 00:15:20.840 --> 00:15:23.419 The 19th century English bishop. 00:15:23.500 --> 00:15:24.240 Put it this way. 00:15:24.240 --> 00:15:28.120 We see here the grace and condescension of Christ. 00:15:30.060 --> 00:15:32.919 Had he come to save mankind with royal majesty. 00:15:33.100 --> 00:15:34.560 Surrounded by his father's angels. 00:15:34.680 --> 00:15:36.899 It would have been an act of undeserved mercy. 00:15:37.899 --> 00:15:40.159 Had he chosen to dwell in a palace. 00:15:40.299 --> 00:15:42.000 With power and great authority. 00:15:42.460 --> 00:15:44.759 We should still have reason enough to wonder. 00:15:44.759 --> 00:15:47.600 But to become poor. 00:15:48.139 --> 00:15:49.700 As the very poorest of mankind. 00:15:50.039 --> 00:15:50.519 And lowly. 00:15:50.580 --> 00:15:51.639 As the very lowliest. 00:15:52.379 --> 00:15:53.559 This is a love. 00:15:54.139 --> 00:15:55.340 That passeth knowledge. 00:15:56.059 --> 00:15:57.220 It is unspeakable. 00:15:58.299 --> 00:15:59.200 And unsearchable. 00:16:01.559 --> 00:16:03.559 Friends we praise those who give generously. 00:16:03.559 --> 00:16:04.080 Don't we? 00:16:04.819 --> 00:16:06.899 When we hear of how much Bill and Melinda Gates. 00:16:06.899 --> 00:16:08.539 Give through their foundation every year. 00:16:08.639 --> 00:16:09.700 We're sort of shocked. 00:16:10.139 --> 00:16:11.299 And we give them praise. 00:16:11.859 --> 00:16:13.859 When we hear of people giving their time. 00:16:13.939 --> 00:16:16.059 And their careers to help people in developing nations. 00:16:16.219 --> 00:16:17.559 And places of poverty and need. 00:16:17.639 --> 00:16:18.339 We praise them. 00:16:18.659 --> 00:16:19.519 And rightfully so. 00:16:21.099 --> 00:16:22.839 And yet here with Christ. 00:16:25.019 --> 00:16:28.939 The magnitude of the self-giving is unparalleled. 00:16:28.940 --> 00:16:35.080 For the son of God who existed in the eternal equality of the Godhead. 00:16:35.180 --> 00:16:36.780 With the father and with the Holy Spirit. 00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:39.120 Did not cling to that equality. 00:16:39.260 --> 00:16:40.460 But made himself nothing. 00:16:40.920 --> 00:16:42.400 And took the form of a servant. 00:16:43.180 --> 00:16:44.880 As Paul says in Philippians 2. 00:16:47.040 --> 00:16:49.640 Friends this is nothing short of astounding. 00:16:50.360 --> 00:16:51.860 To give that much. 00:16:51.940 --> 00:16:53.240 To go that low. 00:16:54.860 --> 00:16:58.440 Is that not the greatest display of mercy and love? 00:16:58.940 --> 00:17:03.200 And is this not all to God's glory? 00:17:04.980 --> 00:17:06.799 Glory to God in the highest. 00:17:07.860 --> 00:17:09.940 This is what the regiments of heaven sing. 00:17:10.019 --> 00:17:11.240 That's what the birth of Christ. 00:17:11.600 --> 00:17:12.860 That's what Christmas is all about. 00:17:15.180 --> 00:17:16.340 So friends how about us? 00:17:18.120 --> 00:17:21.580 Does Christmas take our eyes off of ourselves. 00:17:21.960 --> 00:17:23.200 And our own hunger. 00:17:23.580 --> 00:17:24.400 For our own glory. 00:17:24.519 --> 00:17:25.240 And our own worth. 00:17:25.299 --> 00:17:26.059 And our own praise. 00:17:26.059 --> 00:17:30.440 And does it redirect our eyes back to the glory of God? 00:17:31.839 --> 00:17:33.599 To God's great worth. 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:35.960 Glory to God in the highest. 00:17:38.960 --> 00:17:39.879 I wonder friends. 00:17:39.919 --> 00:17:44.220 Have you considered that a great many of our problems arise? 00:17:44.319 --> 00:17:44.839 Personally. 00:17:44.839 --> 00:17:45.839 Relationally. 00:17:45.839 --> 00:17:45.879 Relationally. 00:17:46.319 --> 00:17:46.919 Emotionally. 00:17:47.639 --> 00:17:53.019 Because we spend so much time wanting people to make much of us. 00:17:54.240 --> 00:17:55.679 To think of us. 00:17:55.839 --> 00:17:56.759 To regard us. 00:17:57.179 --> 00:18:00.819 We spend so much time wanting people to praise us. 00:18:01.139 --> 00:18:02.220 And make much of us. 00:18:02.379 --> 00:18:05.079 Rather than making much of God. 00:18:05.079 --> 00:18:09.240 But here. 00:18:09.899 --> 00:18:11.079 At last. 00:18:11.859 --> 00:18:14.799 Is the chance to get off the hamster wheel. 00:18:14.939 --> 00:18:16.279 Of needing human approval. 00:18:16.819 --> 00:18:18.159 Of living your life. 00:18:18.199 --> 00:18:20.579 Always at the mercy of what other people think of you. 00:18:22.279 --> 00:18:24.339 Put your eyes on Christ. 00:18:26.439 --> 00:18:27.559 See him there. 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:29.679 In the manger made low. 00:18:30.759 --> 00:18:32.179 The glory of God. 00:18:32.179 --> 00:18:33.099 In the flesh. 00:18:33.099 --> 00:18:36.419 Because on the one hand. 00:18:36.519 --> 00:18:36.919 If you're honest. 00:18:37.019 --> 00:18:37.859 You break your promises. 00:18:38.219 --> 00:18:39.159 And you let people down. 00:18:39.240 --> 00:18:40.939 But he is faithful to every word. 00:18:41.879 --> 00:18:44.019 And you aren't able to keep things under control. 00:18:44.119 --> 00:18:46.079 You don't have the power to control yourself. 00:18:46.219 --> 00:18:47.279 Let alone other people. 00:18:47.659 --> 00:18:48.759 And your circumstances. 00:18:48.919 --> 00:18:51.240 But here is one who is utterly in control. 00:18:51.859 --> 00:18:53.279 Of the entire world. 00:18:53.480 --> 00:18:54.639 Of all of its history. 00:18:54.759 --> 00:18:56.199 And completely under his direction. 00:18:59.480 --> 00:19:00.539 And you if you're honest. 00:19:00.539 --> 00:19:02.639 Are not merciful and loving at all times. 00:19:02.640 --> 00:19:03.660 But look at Christ. 00:19:06.020 --> 00:19:07.540 Taking up human flesh. 00:19:07.759 --> 00:19:08.660 Not for himself. 00:19:08.800 --> 00:19:09.480 But for you. 00:19:11.920 --> 00:19:13.180 Not for the insiders. 00:19:13.280 --> 00:19:14.180 But for the outsiders. 00:19:14.860 --> 00:19:16.340 Doing it not for the righteous. 00:19:16.520 --> 00:19:17.240 But for sinners. 00:19:19.420 --> 00:19:20.759 Take your eyes friends. 00:19:20.840 --> 00:19:21.820 Off of yourself. 00:19:22.040 --> 00:19:23.259 And put them on him. 00:19:23.259 --> 00:19:28.140 That famous opening of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. 00:19:28.140 --> 00:19:28.799 Goes like this. 00:19:28.859 --> 00:19:30.539 The chief end of man. 00:19:30.879 --> 00:19:32.599 Is to glorify God. 00:19:32.680 --> 00:19:33.640 And enjoy him. 00:19:34.000 --> 00:19:34.480 Forever. 00:19:35.640 --> 00:19:37.259 That's what you were created for. 00:19:38.839 --> 00:19:40.420 And that is your greatest good. 00:19:42.420 --> 00:19:44.119 And that is what Christmas is all about. 00:19:44.240 --> 00:19:44.680 Glory. 00:19:45.039 --> 00:19:45.960 To God. 00:19:46.339 --> 00:19:47.259 In the highest. 00:19:47.259 --> 00:19:47.400 Christ. 00:19:51.879 --> 00:19:52.480 But of course. 00:19:52.579 --> 00:19:53.779 We've fallen short of God's glory. 00:19:53.839 --> 00:19:54.220 Haven't we? 00:19:56.539 --> 00:19:58.940 We are all guilty of failing to glorify God. 00:19:58.980 --> 00:19:59.440 As we should. 00:20:00.920 --> 00:20:02.240 And if we pause and think about it. 00:20:02.279 --> 00:20:03.740 That's actually a massive problem. 00:20:05.740 --> 00:20:06.619 Think just for a moment. 00:20:06.700 --> 00:20:08.980 If I refuse to acknowledge the worth. 00:20:09.220 --> 00:20:10.859 Of something of little value. 00:20:11.480 --> 00:20:12.839 There's little problem with that. 00:20:12.900 --> 00:20:13.099 Right? 00:20:13.099 --> 00:20:15.319 If I throw away a soda can. 00:20:15.379 --> 00:20:16.599 Rather than cashing it in. 00:20:16.679 --> 00:20:17.319 For the deposit. 00:20:17.899 --> 00:20:18.819 I'm losing what? 00:20:19.339 --> 00:20:20.059 Five cents? 00:20:20.879 --> 00:20:21.859 Ten cents in Michigan? 00:20:21.939 --> 00:20:22.559 Or whatever it is? 00:20:23.259 --> 00:20:24.099 Not a big deal. 00:20:25.759 --> 00:20:26.279 Growing up. 00:20:26.339 --> 00:20:26.919 I always was like. 00:20:26.980 --> 00:20:27.119 Man. 00:20:27.159 --> 00:20:28.459 I wish we could take these things to Michigan. 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:29.399 We get twice as much. 00:20:29.459 --> 00:20:30.000 For these things. 00:20:32.539 --> 00:20:34.039 But what if I refuse to acknowledge. 00:20:34.039 --> 00:20:34.639 The worth something. 00:20:34.719 --> 00:20:35.659 Of a little higher value. 00:20:36.679 --> 00:20:37.959 Say a valuable work of art. 00:20:38.179 --> 00:20:39.019 I visit a museum. 00:20:39.279 --> 00:20:40.899 And push over a piece. 00:20:40.899 --> 00:20:41.899 Of priceless renaissance. 00:20:41.900 --> 00:20:43.140 Sculpture. 00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:44.140 Smashing it to pieces. 00:20:45.720 --> 00:20:47.360 Well that carries a much greater cost. 00:20:47.420 --> 00:20:48.480 And a much weightier penalty. 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:48.960 Doesn't it? 00:20:49.580 --> 00:20:51.120 I'm probably going to be fined. 00:20:51.160 --> 00:20:52.019 A very large sum. 00:20:52.100 --> 00:20:53.180 And probably not allowed back. 00:20:53.220 --> 00:20:54.500 Into any museum anytime soon. 00:20:56.200 --> 00:20:57.620 But what if I refuse to acknowledge. 00:20:57.620 --> 00:20:58.300 The worth of something. 00:20:58.380 --> 00:20:59.440 Of even greater value. 00:20:59.700 --> 00:21:00.240 What about. 00:21:00.580 --> 00:21:01.980 A human person say. 00:21:03.820 --> 00:21:05.000 What if I were to neglect. 00:21:05.220 --> 00:21:05.740 My children. 00:21:06.440 --> 00:21:07.700 And refuse to give them. 00:21:07.780 --> 00:21:08.160 The honor. 00:21:08.360 --> 00:21:08.840 And support. 00:21:09.000 --> 00:21:09.500 And care. 00:21:09.900 --> 00:21:10.780 That they need. 00:21:10.860 --> 00:21:11.300 And deserve. 00:21:11.900 --> 00:21:14.120 That would carry. 00:21:14.200 --> 00:21:15.140 An even greater guilt. 00:21:15.320 --> 00:21:15.880 Would it not? 00:21:17.320 --> 00:21:19.060 I wouldn't just be fined. 00:21:19.220 --> 00:21:20.300 I might be imprisoned. 00:21:21.340 --> 00:21:22.420 I might never be allowed. 00:21:22.420 --> 00:21:23.180 To see them again. 00:21:27.340 --> 00:21:28.320 But what if. 00:21:28.900 --> 00:21:29.920 Pushing a little further. 00:21:30.060 --> 00:21:31.380 I refuse to acknowledge. 00:21:31.380 --> 00:21:32.140 The worth. 00:21:32.640 --> 00:21:33.400 Of something. 00:21:33.500 --> 00:21:34.519 Of infinite value. 00:21:36.860 --> 00:21:38.120 Would that not carry. 00:21:38.540 --> 00:21:39.840 An eternal penalty. 00:21:39.839 --> 00:21:42.659 Would that guilt. 00:21:42.720 --> 00:21:43.839 Not be measureless. 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:45.759 Would I not owe. 00:21:45.819 --> 00:21:47.000 An infinite cost. 00:21:49.559 --> 00:21:50.399 And yet friends. 00:21:50.519 --> 00:21:51.819 That is who God is. 00:21:52.359 --> 00:21:54.019 The one of infinite worth. 00:21:54.059 --> 00:21:54.599 And value. 00:21:55.599 --> 00:21:56.679 To fall short. 00:21:56.799 --> 00:21:57.939 In our glory of him. 00:21:59.319 --> 00:22:00.919 Carries the supreme penalty. 00:22:00.920 --> 00:22:03.800 It is to put ourselves. 00:22:03.800 --> 00:22:04.460 At enmity. 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:05.700 With the very source. 00:22:05.700 --> 00:22:06.500 Of our existence. 00:22:10.039 --> 00:22:10.920 And that is why. 00:22:11.019 --> 00:22:11.480 We need to hear. 00:22:11.560 --> 00:22:12.519 The second line. 00:22:12.900 --> 00:22:14.060 Of the angel song. 00:22:15.140 --> 00:22:16.300 The birth of Christ. 00:22:16.300 --> 00:22:17.100 Brings glory. 00:22:17.100 --> 00:22:17.800 To God. 00:22:18.660 --> 00:22:19.500 But second. 00:22:19.620 --> 00:22:20.140 It brings. 00:22:20.800 --> 00:22:21.200 Peace. 00:22:21.200 --> 00:22:22.120 On earth. 00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:25.099 When we had incurred. 00:22:25.099 --> 00:22:26.579 God's just judgment. 00:22:26.579 --> 00:22:27.679 Because we had rebelled. 00:22:27.679 --> 00:22:28.259 Against him. 00:22:28.339 --> 00:22:29.819 Refusing to glorify him. 00:22:29.819 --> 00:22:30.259 As God. 00:22:30.399 --> 00:22:31.519 God in mercy. 00:22:31.519 --> 00:22:32.599 Sent his son. 00:22:32.719 --> 00:22:33.399 To bring us. 00:22:33.799 --> 00:22:34.199 Peace. 00:22:34.879 --> 00:22:35.279 That is. 00:22:35.839 --> 00:22:36.519 Reconciliation. 00:22:36.719 --> 00:22:37.279 A right. 00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:38.719 Healed relationship. 00:22:38.719 --> 00:22:39.579 Between us. 00:22:39.859 --> 00:22:40.219 Sinners. 00:22:40.319 --> 00:22:40.779 And him. 00:22:41.059 --> 00:22:41.439 God. 00:22:42.059 --> 00:22:43.459 And in that peace. 00:22:43.539 --> 00:22:44.219 To know. 00:22:44.500 --> 00:22:45.079 That God. 00:22:45.299 --> 00:22:45.699 Finally. 00:22:45.819 --> 00:22:46.239 At last. 00:22:46.299 --> 00:22:47.759 Holds nothing against us. 00:22:48.259 --> 00:22:49.219 That he regards us. 00:22:49.339 --> 00:22:50.559 No longer in anger. 00:22:50.559 --> 00:22:51.239 But in love. 00:22:51.240 --> 00:22:53.859 And that he makes us. 00:22:54.900 --> 00:22:55.460 Outcasts. 00:22:55.859 --> 00:22:57.339 He makes us his children. 00:22:59.160 --> 00:23:00.359 Do you know what it is like. 00:23:00.400 --> 00:23:01.720 To have that kind of peace. 00:23:02.519 --> 00:23:03.039 Friends. 00:23:04.200 --> 00:23:06.400 The peace of a clean conscience. 00:23:08.339 --> 00:23:10.940 The peace of a meaningful existence. 00:23:12.839 --> 00:23:15.220 The peace of having nothing to fear. 00:23:17.380 --> 00:23:19.339 Like the peace of the warm sunshine. 00:23:19.339 --> 00:23:20.740 Through the bedroom window. 00:23:20.740 --> 00:23:22.180 Early on a Saturday morning. 00:23:22.859 --> 00:23:24.400 Coming through like a gift. 00:23:25.120 --> 00:23:25.640 Unmerited. 00:23:26.579 --> 00:23:27.019 Undeserved. 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:28.299 Bringing light. 00:23:28.960 --> 00:23:29.559 And warmth. 00:23:30.039 --> 00:23:30.839 And calm. 00:23:33.539 --> 00:23:34.859 Where on earth. 00:23:35.120 --> 00:23:36.680 Could we find that peace? 00:23:38.819 --> 00:23:40.779 Perhaps you've tried lots of things on earth. 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:43.099 Maybe you've tried moral effort. 00:23:43.339 --> 00:23:44.200 Being a good person. 00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:47.079 Maybe you've tried religious activity. 00:23:47.220 --> 00:23:47.680 That is you know. 00:23:47.759 --> 00:23:48.400 Spiritual stuff. 00:23:48.480 --> 00:23:49.019 Going to church. 00:23:49.019 --> 00:23:49.460 Praying. 00:23:49.559 --> 00:23:50.759 Doing some meditation here or there. 00:23:50.859 --> 00:23:51.500 Why not try it all? 00:23:51.539 --> 00:23:51.980 Who knows? 00:23:52.519 --> 00:23:53.119 Whatever works. 00:23:53.879 --> 00:23:55.099 Maybe you've tried different religions. 00:23:55.279 --> 00:23:57.039 Maybe you've tried getting rid of religion altogether. 00:23:57.279 --> 00:23:58.279 But for all that. 00:23:58.359 --> 00:23:59.379 Nothing on earth. 00:23:59.500 --> 00:24:01.079 Has brought you peace with God. 00:24:03.599 --> 00:24:04.420 And yet here. 00:24:04.519 --> 00:24:05.460 The angels sing. 00:24:06.139 --> 00:24:07.099 Of peace. 00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:08.519 On earth. 00:24:09.359 --> 00:24:10.259 Down here. 00:24:10.259 --> 00:24:11.160 In the chaos. 00:24:11.359 --> 00:24:12.079 And the enmity. 00:24:12.079 --> 00:24:13.019 Of our confused. 00:24:13.119 --> 00:24:14.359 And rebellious human hearts. 00:24:14.359 --> 00:24:15.099 At last. 00:24:15.679 --> 00:24:16.839 They sing of peace. 00:24:19.899 --> 00:24:21.559 For unto you is born this day. 00:24:21.639 --> 00:24:22.519 In the city of David. 00:24:22.619 --> 00:24:23.179 A savior. 00:24:23.759 --> 00:24:25.000 Who is Christ. 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:25.879 The Lord. 00:24:27.519 --> 00:24:29.259 The Lord of all. 00:24:30.339 --> 00:24:30.819 Born. 00:24:31.359 --> 00:24:32.319 A human being. 00:24:34.399 --> 00:24:35.159 You see friends. 00:24:35.219 --> 00:24:35.759 If we. 00:24:35.759 --> 00:24:36.399 Oh God. 00:24:36.500 --> 00:24:37.559 This infinite debt. 00:24:37.559 --> 00:24:39.259 Then we as humans. 00:24:39.259 --> 00:24:40.059 Must pay it. 00:24:41.500 --> 00:24:43.619 But if it is an infinite debt. 00:24:44.179 --> 00:24:46.559 Then only God could possibly pay it. 00:24:49.559 --> 00:24:51.099 And mystery of mysteries. 00:24:51.319 --> 00:24:51.519 Here. 00:24:51.679 --> 00:24:52.599 God the son. 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:54.839 Assumes human nature. 00:24:55.879 --> 00:24:57.980 He becomes fully human. 00:24:57.980 --> 00:24:59.299 In order as a human. 00:24:59.399 --> 00:25:00.279 To rightfully pay. 00:25:00.379 --> 00:25:01.480 What we as humans owe. 00:25:01.480 --> 00:25:04.579 But at the same time. 00:25:04.680 --> 00:25:05.579 Being fully God. 00:25:05.740 --> 00:25:06.759 He is the one. 00:25:06.860 --> 00:25:07.839 Who can actually. 00:25:08.519 --> 00:25:08.980 Pay it. 00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:12.099 The God. 00:25:12.480 --> 00:25:12.799 Man. 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:13.799 Jesus Christ. 00:25:13.880 --> 00:25:14.240 The Lord. 00:25:14.360 --> 00:25:15.059 Through his life. 00:25:15.400 --> 00:25:15.700 Death. 00:25:15.819 --> 00:25:16.420 And resurrection. 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:17.460 Paying. 00:25:17.599 --> 00:25:18.259 The cost. 00:25:18.259 --> 00:25:18.880 Of our rebellion. 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:19.880 In our place. 00:25:20.279 --> 00:25:21.900 He is our peace. 00:25:25.000 --> 00:25:26.259 And that's why the angel. 00:25:26.599 --> 00:25:27.360 Told the shepherds. 00:25:27.460 --> 00:25:27.900 I bring you. 00:25:28.079 --> 00:25:28.740 Good news. 00:25:29.059 --> 00:25:30.039 Of great joy. 00:25:30.400 --> 00:25:31.099 That will be for. 00:25:31.099 --> 00:25:32.099 For all the people. 00:25:33.859 --> 00:25:34.719 On the one hand. 00:25:34.759 --> 00:25:35.779 The peace that Christ brings. 00:25:35.959 --> 00:25:36.879 Cannot but result. 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:37.379 In great. 00:25:37.639 --> 00:25:38.480 Unyielding joy. 00:25:39.079 --> 00:25:39.480 Right? 00:25:40.899 --> 00:25:41.919 Peace with God. 00:25:44.359 --> 00:25:45.379 And on the other hand. 00:25:45.419 --> 00:25:46.019 It is indeed. 00:25:46.339 --> 00:25:47.240 For all. 00:25:47.599 --> 00:25:47.879 People. 00:25:49.559 --> 00:25:50.899 It is for shepherds. 00:25:51.599 --> 00:25:52.959 And it is for scholars. 00:25:53.839 --> 00:25:55.139 It is for parents. 00:25:55.659 --> 00:25:56.879 And it is for singles. 00:25:57.019 --> 00:25:57.759 It's for young. 00:25:57.939 --> 00:25:58.559 And old. 00:25:59.240 --> 00:26:00.039 Luke will show us. 00:26:00.079 --> 00:26:00.639 In his gospel. 00:26:00.640 --> 00:26:01.640 That it is for Jew. 00:26:01.640 --> 00:26:02.620 And Gentile. 00:26:02.620 --> 00:26:03.140 Man. 00:26:03.140 --> 00:26:03.180 Man. 00:26:03.180 --> 00:26:03.780 And woman. 00:26:03.780 --> 00:26:04.540 For the religious. 00:26:04.540 --> 00:26:05.860 For the irreligious. 00:26:05.860 --> 00:26:07.860 For the people who are morally together. 00:26:07.860 --> 00:26:10.520 And for the people who are complete moral failures. 00:26:10.520 --> 00:26:11.759 It's for everyone. 00:26:12.400 --> 00:26:14.500 Because we are all sinners. 00:26:15.300 --> 00:26:19.340 And this peace depends not on our human doing. 00:26:19.680 --> 00:26:22.320 But on God's good pleasure. 00:26:22.319 --> 00:26:22.919 Nothing. 00:26:22.919 --> 00:26:23.319 Nothing. 00:26:23.319 --> 00:26:24.319 Nothing. 00:26:24.319 --> 00:26:29.240 But his good pleasure. 00:26:29.539 --> 00:26:31.519 Wholly apart from our works. 00:26:33.039 --> 00:26:34.919 That's how the angel song ends actually. 00:26:35.919 --> 00:26:36.279 On earth. 00:26:36.579 --> 00:26:37.000 Peace. 00:26:37.200 --> 00:26:39.480 Among those with whom he is pleased. 00:26:40.759 --> 00:26:43.679 Now you might be thinking that's a little different than I've heard these lines before. 00:26:43.680 --> 00:26:46.220 I thought it was peace on earth. 00:26:46.299 --> 00:26:47.960 Good will to men. 00:26:48.060 --> 00:26:48.220 Right? 00:26:48.299 --> 00:26:49.380 That's how it's supposed to go. 00:26:49.700 --> 00:26:52.039 But that's not actually what the text says. 00:26:54.500 --> 00:26:56.160 Literally it just says on earth. 00:26:56.420 --> 00:26:56.779 Peace. 00:26:57.080 --> 00:26:57.799 Among humans. 00:26:58.060 --> 00:26:58.620 Of good pleasure. 00:27:01.259 --> 00:27:06.920 And that word good pleasure in Luke's gospel nearly always means God's good pleasure. 00:27:06.920 --> 00:27:14.940 God's good pleasure that he freely places upon us by his own grace, by his own decision, apart from our works. 00:27:16.820 --> 00:27:24.600 So the angels aren't talking about some good will that we as humans might share with each other because, hey, it's Christmas time and we better go feed the world. 00:27:25.920 --> 00:27:32.019 They aren't talking about some general kindness that God shows towards the world as its creator. 00:27:32.180 --> 00:27:32.460 No. 00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:33.500 Here. 00:27:34.539 --> 00:27:39.360 They are singing about the redemptive will of God. 00:27:40.039 --> 00:27:47.559 His saving, gracious, effectual, good pleasure that is for all who place their faith in Christ. 00:27:48.319 --> 00:27:53.120 The good pleasure of God that loves us and saves us apart from our works. 00:27:53.120 --> 00:28:00.220 That found us when we were dead in our trespasses and sins and made us alive together with Christ and granted us peace. 00:28:02.460 --> 00:28:04.799 That's what the angels are singing of here, friends. 00:28:08.140 --> 00:28:11.000 Well, let me end with a few points of application first. 00:28:12.120 --> 00:28:13.500 Friends, you know this peace. 00:28:17.720 --> 00:28:23.299 Is Christmas for you merely a time of sentimentality, of presence, of family gatherings, good things all? 00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:26.579 There's nothing wrong with those things. 00:28:26.620 --> 00:28:29.200 There's nothing wrong with wanting to do good during this time of year. 00:28:29.759 --> 00:28:31.319 We should probably do a little more of it. 00:28:32.460 --> 00:28:35.240 But don't you see that it's about so much more? 00:28:36.539 --> 00:28:39.380 It's about the solution to our greatest need. 00:28:39.640 --> 00:28:40.460 Peace with God. 00:28:42.299 --> 00:28:44.700 Do you think you're too undeserving for that peace? 00:28:46.680 --> 00:28:53.559 That your background or your moral record puts you out of place for it? 00:28:53.559 --> 00:28:58.299 But Luke is showing us here that Christ came for the undeserving. 00:28:59.019 --> 00:29:02.859 It's not about your merits or your desserts, but it's about God's good pleasure. 00:29:03.559 --> 00:29:04.519 You bring nothing. 00:29:04.879 --> 00:29:05.980 God gives everything. 00:29:06.179 --> 00:29:08.319 That's how real Christianity works. 00:29:08.319 --> 00:29:15.819 And the invitation is for you to come and to call upon Christ and to receive this peace. 00:29:16.700 --> 00:29:19.720 To receive him who is our peace. 00:29:19.720 --> 00:29:26.819 Second, for us Christians, consider this song of heaven. 00:29:27.539 --> 00:29:28.440 Take a step back. 00:29:29.220 --> 00:29:31.980 The glory of God and the peace of Christ for us sinners. 00:29:32.100 --> 00:29:36.579 I submit to you that the angels in heaven are smarter than us. 00:29:37.500 --> 00:29:38.960 They are wiser than us. 00:29:39.140 --> 00:29:41.759 They see more of the scope of history than us. 00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:45.599 They have seen more beautiful glories in heaven than us. 00:29:46.960 --> 00:29:50.299 And yet this is what captures their imagination. 00:29:51.379 --> 00:29:53.859 This is what fuels their songs. 00:29:53.980 --> 00:29:56.819 The glory of God and the peace of Christ. 00:29:58.660 --> 00:30:01.200 So should we not follow their example? 00:30:03.119 --> 00:30:07.299 What ought to galvanize us as a church body corporately? 00:30:07.379 --> 00:30:10.500 What ought to drive our lives as individual Christians? 00:30:10.500 --> 00:30:13.680 What should be the theme of our song as it were? 00:30:15.420 --> 00:30:20.480 Should it not be the glory of God and the peace of Christ? 00:30:22.859 --> 00:30:25.680 This is what it means to be centered in the gospel. 00:30:26.380 --> 00:30:31.680 To not let secondary issues detract us and distract us from the primary thing. 00:30:32.039 --> 00:30:36.960 To keep the glory of God and the peace of Christ the burning center of all that we do. 00:30:36.960 --> 00:30:47.180 What a mistake to have the church on earth singing a different song than the church in heaven. 00:30:49.700 --> 00:30:53.340 Would we not then stop in some sense being the church? 00:30:53.339 --> 00:31:02.099 And is there not enough in these two themes to capture our hearts for eternity? 00:31:02.099 --> 00:31:05.500 If the angels are singing about the glory of God and the peace of Christ, 00:31:05.559 --> 00:31:08.299 then surely there is enough there for all of our needs. 00:31:09.319 --> 00:31:11.019 For all our hearts delight. 00:31:11.119 --> 00:31:12.099 For all eternity. 00:31:12.099 --> 00:31:20.439 Third and last, if we as the church know the peace of Christ, 00:31:21.519 --> 00:31:24.319 then we ought to be a people who live lives of peace. 00:31:26.139 --> 00:31:30.240 This is the trajectory of Luke's gospel and the whole New Testament really. 00:31:30.959 --> 00:31:34.279 The peace of Christ you see begins by reconciling us to God. 00:31:34.379 --> 00:31:36.779 It's a vertical peace first and foremost. 00:31:36.959 --> 00:31:39.500 But then it begins to take shape horizontally. 00:31:39.500 --> 00:31:42.500 It begins to reconcile us to one another. 00:31:44.480 --> 00:31:48.740 You see friends, if our infinite debt of sin has been paid in full through our Savior, 00:31:49.079 --> 00:31:50.220 Jesus Christ the Lord, 00:31:51.019 --> 00:31:53.180 then through his Holy Spirit within us, 00:31:53.339 --> 00:31:56.160 we now have the power to forgive others. 00:31:57.920 --> 00:31:59.960 We've been set free as it were. 00:32:02.559 --> 00:32:04.680 To forgive in return. 00:32:04.680 --> 00:32:14.640 After all, what is that offense or that hurt that I've experienced compared to what I've already been forgiven? 00:32:17.820 --> 00:32:20.900 If Jesus has gone into the stable for me, 00:32:21.740 --> 00:32:24.000 if he's taken me, a dirty shepherd, 00:32:24.000 --> 00:32:27.920 and covered me in his good pleasure, 00:32:28.119 --> 00:32:30.200 and given me a place in his kingdom, 00:32:30.259 --> 00:32:31.420 if he's done all that for me, 00:32:31.539 --> 00:32:33.759 why am I hanging on 00:32:33.759 --> 00:32:35.500 to these old grudges? 00:32:38.759 --> 00:32:39.960 Why am I not forgiving 00:32:39.960 --> 00:32:41.660 even the great wrongs that I've suffered? 00:32:44.740 --> 00:32:45.980 Friends, the way of Christ 00:32:45.980 --> 00:32:46.980 is the way of peace. 00:32:47.940 --> 00:32:50.059 The peace that he has freely given to you 00:32:50.059 --> 00:32:51.960 is meant then to change your heart 00:32:51.960 --> 00:32:53.500 and to be given to others. 00:32:54.500 --> 00:32:55.539 And by his Holy Spirit, 00:32:55.620 --> 00:32:57.680 that is exactly what he is doing in you. 00:33:02.700 --> 00:33:03.600 So brothers and sisters, 00:33:03.700 --> 00:33:05.700 what song are we going to sing this Christmas? 00:33:05.840 --> 00:33:06.700 There are lots of good ones. 00:33:07.100 --> 00:33:08.120 There are lots of bad ones. 00:33:10.380 --> 00:33:12.079 Listen to the hosts of heaven once more. 00:33:12.200 --> 00:33:13.500 Glory to God in the highest. 00:33:13.980 --> 00:33:14.600 And on earth, 00:33:14.940 --> 00:33:16.980 peace among those on whom his favor rests. 00:33:17.579 --> 00:33:18.579 Glory to God. 00:33:19.440 --> 00:33:20.319 Peace on earth. 00:33:20.319 --> 00:33:22.539 Let that be your song. 00:33:23.839 --> 00:33:24.480 Let's pray. 00:33:31.359 --> 00:33:32.019 Our Father, 00:33:32.119 --> 00:33:33.759 as we have glimpsed 00:33:33.759 --> 00:33:36.500 into the heights of heaven 00:33:36.500 --> 00:33:39.659 and have heard the song 00:33:39.659 --> 00:33:41.519 that the heavenly hosts are singing, 00:33:42.659 --> 00:33:44.200 God, we confess 00:33:44.200 --> 00:33:46.000 that we only scratch the surface 00:33:46.000 --> 00:33:49.900 of the great and wonderful 00:33:49.900 --> 00:33:52.700 mysteries and majesties that are there. 00:33:54.380 --> 00:33:56.700 God, your glory and your peace. 00:33:58.700 --> 00:34:00.700 Oh, Lord, forgive our cold hearts 00:34:00.700 --> 00:34:04.019 that they are not drawn to these things 00:34:04.019 --> 00:34:05.779 with wonder and awe and joy. 00:34:07.519 --> 00:34:09.000 Oh, Father, by your spirit, 00:34:09.579 --> 00:34:10.559 we pray that you would 00:34:10.559 --> 00:34:12.659 kindle in us, 00:34:13.500 --> 00:34:14.519 renew in us, 00:34:14.779 --> 00:34:16.279 a love for your glory 00:34:16.279 --> 00:34:19.799 and great gratitude for your peace. 00:34:21.860 --> 00:34:22.679 Oh, Lord Jesus, 00:34:22.820 --> 00:34:23.900 make us a church 00:34:23.900 --> 00:34:26.139 that sings this song, 00:34:26.779 --> 00:34:28.880 that this is the theme 00:34:28.880 --> 00:34:31.159 of all that we do, 00:34:31.239 --> 00:34:32.320 the undercurrent 00:34:32.320 --> 00:34:33.980 of all that we are 00:34:33.980 --> 00:34:34.660 and say 00:34:34.660 --> 00:34:36.019 and strive to do. 00:34:37.240 --> 00:34:38.640 Your glory, God. 00:34:39.780 --> 00:34:40.680 Your peace, 00:34:40.820 --> 00:34:41.260 Lord Jesus. 00:34:44.100 --> 00:34:44.680 Oh, Lord, 00:34:44.740 --> 00:34:46.200 help us in this Christmas time, 00:34:46.300 --> 00:34:46.780 we pray, 00:34:47.519 --> 00:34:49.120 to be people of peace. 00:34:50.640 --> 00:34:51.720 Lord, many of us are gathering 00:34:51.720 --> 00:34:52.920 with family and friends, 00:34:52.920 --> 00:34:54.220 and God, 00:34:54.280 --> 00:34:55.119 we confess that some 00:34:55.119 --> 00:34:56.139 of our deepest wounds 00:34:56.139 --> 00:34:57.579 come from those 00:34:57.579 --> 00:34:58.780 who are closest to us. 00:35:00.480 --> 00:35:01.340 Father, we pray 00:35:01.340 --> 00:35:02.720 for a healing work 00:35:02.720 --> 00:35:03.720 in our souls, 00:35:04.579 --> 00:35:05.680 that the peace 00:35:05.680 --> 00:35:06.559 that you have given us 00:35:06.559 --> 00:35:07.500 would begin to mend 00:35:07.500 --> 00:35:08.480 and restore 00:35:08.480 --> 00:35:09.599 and strengthen 00:35:09.599 --> 00:35:11.519 and dignify us 00:35:11.519 --> 00:35:14.860 so that we might then turn 00:35:14.860 --> 00:35:17.200 and extend peace 00:35:17.200 --> 00:35:17.720 and forgiveness 00:35:17.720 --> 00:35:19.200 even to those 00:35:19.200 --> 00:35:20.039 who have wronged us. 00:35:22.180 --> 00:35:22.840 Oh, Lord, 00:35:22.920 --> 00:35:23.800 heal us, we pray. 00:35:27.480 --> 00:35:28.460 And may it all be done 00:35:28.460 --> 00:35:29.059 to the glory 00:35:29.059 --> 00:35:30.019 of your great name. 00:35:31.119 --> 00:35:31.420 Amen. 00:35:40.480 --> 00:35:41.420 Please stand with us 00:35:41.420 --> 00:35:42.039 one more time 00:35:42.039 --> 00:35:42.599 as we sing. 00:35:42.599 --> 00:35:42.680 Amen. 00:35:42.680 --> 00:35:42.740 Amen. 00:35:42.740 --> 00:35:43.180 Amen. 00:35:43.180 --> 00:35:43.680 Amen. 00:35:43.680 --> 00:35:44.680 Amen. 00:35:44.680 --> 00:35:45.180 Amen. 00:35:45.180 --> 00:35:45.680 Amen. 00:35:45.680 --> 00:35:46.680 Amen. 00:35:46.680 --> 00:35:46.740 Amen. 00:35:46.740 --> 00:35:46.800 Amen. 00:35:46.800 --> 00:35:46.860 Amen. 00:35:46.860 --> 00:35:47.240 Amen. 00:35:47.240 --> 00:35:47.300 Amen. 00:35:47.300 --> 00:35:47.860 Amen. 00:35:47.860 --> 00:35:48.800 Amen. 00:35:48.800 --> 00:35:48.860 Amen. 00:35:48.860 --> 00:35:48.880 Amen. 00:35:48.880 --> 00:35:48.940 Amen. 00:35:48.940 --> 00:35:48.960 Amen. 00:35:52.920 --> 00:35:53.740 Amen. 00:35:53.800 --> 00:35:54.420 Amen. 00:35:54.420 --> 00:35:58.180 He is a redeemed 00:35:58.180 --> 00:36:01.920 Hark the herald angels sing 00:36:01.920 --> 00:36:05.900 Glory to the newborn King 00:36:05.900 --> 00:36:06.599 and fleecy 00:36:06.599 --> 00:36:07.700 mommy to the newborn King 00:36:07.840 --> 00:36:08.559 and fleecy 00:36:08.559 --> 00:36:12.800 Lord the herald angels sing 00:36:12.800 --> 00:36:12.840 glory to the newborn King 00:36:12.840 --> 00:36:13.880 glory to the newborn King 00:36:13.880 --> 00:36:22.900 Xin lòng with us