WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.339 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, where we are encouraging, equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:08.339 --> 00:00:14.640 ! I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and you're listening to week four of our Advent series here in 2025. 00:00:14.640 --> 00:00:19.100 Before we go into today's message, I want to give you a little context. 00:00:19.100 --> 00:00:28.500 We started Advent exploring in Revelation 21, then we looked at the peace flowing like a river from God's throne in Revelation 22. 00:00:29.000 --> 00:00:33.500 Last week, we explored joy that breaks through the wilderness from Isaiah 35. 00:00:34.179 --> 00:00:39.980 And today, in Advent week four, we are concluding our Advent series with the theme of love. 00:00:39.979 --> 00:00:45.000 And the central message is this, Emmanuel, God with us. 00:00:45.659 --> 00:00:53.179 You know, Advent love is not just a feeling we get at Christmastime with the holiday music and the shopping and all of the busyness. 00:00:53.719 --> 00:01:00.159 Advent invites us to look deeper and to recognize that God draws near to us with his presence. 00:01:00.759 --> 00:01:08.280 We remember in this season how God came close to dwell with humanity, the birth of baby Jesus in the manger. 00:01:08.280 --> 00:01:16.400 God came into our dark and our broken world, and he showed us a better way through his Son, Jesus Christ. 00:01:16.900 --> 00:01:23.560 What I want you to listen for today is this simple but profound truth that you are not alone. 00:01:24.180 --> 00:01:25.260 God is with you. 00:01:25.640 --> 00:01:33.420 He has saved you, and he calls for you to trust in him, to place your faith in him, to receive his salvation, 00:01:33.859 --> 00:01:37.280 to grow in him, and to do good in his holy name. 00:01:37.280 --> 00:01:38.900 So let's settle in. 00:01:39.239 --> 00:01:41.060 Let's dive into this message together. 00:01:41.620 --> 00:01:43.480 Here is the love of Emmanuel. 00:01:45.659 --> 00:01:47.060 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:01:47.820 --> 00:01:50.780 Just a few more days before Christmas. 00:01:51.200 --> 00:01:53.379 If you haven't been counting, it's just a couple more days here. 00:01:53.659 --> 00:01:55.480 It's all coming together. 00:01:57.240 --> 00:01:58.260 Let's pray together. 00:01:58.260 --> 00:02:05.080 Father God, we are so grateful that we can come together. 00:02:06.219 --> 00:02:14.379 We know that there, when we think of this year and we think of how there is this Christmas time, this Advent season, 00:02:14.379 --> 00:02:24.799 there's the busyness, there's the rushing from one place to the next, the pressures of life, family obligations, 00:02:24.799 --> 00:02:28.639 and getting a good deal on some presents. 00:02:28.639 --> 00:02:32.439 But we come before you today. 00:02:33.059 --> 00:02:42.079 We ask, Father, that you will bless this time together as we're continuing through faithfully through this Advent season. 00:02:42.080 --> 00:02:56.800 I pray, Father, that we can calm our hearts, that we can take this moment and this time and offer our burdens to you. 00:02:56.800 --> 00:03:09.320 Advent, Father, you remind us, is such a time for us to reflect on the nativity scene, the Christmas story, 00:03:09.719 --> 00:03:19.340 and these Advent themes of peace, love, joy, hope, all of these things. 00:03:20.580 --> 00:03:23.960 We ask, Father, bless this time together. 00:03:23.960 --> 00:03:29.540 If there's anything that's going on in our mind, in our heart, we want to offer that to you this morning. 00:03:30.760 --> 00:03:32.760 May your words speak to us. 00:03:33.500 --> 00:03:41.379 And may your Holy Spirit move in and through this place, much like how the Holy Spirit works in and through our lives. 00:03:42.439 --> 00:03:43.360 We love you. 00:03:43.980 --> 00:03:44.740 We praise you. 00:03:44.840 --> 00:03:45.700 We glorify you. 00:03:45.760 --> 00:03:46.620 And we honor you. 00:03:47.420 --> 00:03:49.319 Be with us this morning. 00:03:49.939 --> 00:03:51.760 It is in Jesus' name that we pray. 00:03:51.759 --> 00:03:53.739 We all say together, amen, church. 00:03:54.699 --> 00:04:02.879 You know, in Advent, love is not just a feeling that we get in Christmastime. 00:04:03.439 --> 00:04:05.519 I know there's the holiday music. 00:04:06.219 --> 00:04:07.419 There's the shopping. 00:04:07.599 --> 00:04:09.479 There's all the things that's going on. 00:04:09.479 --> 00:04:24.360 We think of this Advent time as a time for reflection, a time to look deeper and to recognize that God draws near to us with his presence. 00:04:24.360 --> 00:04:33.259 We remember that in this season, it is how God came to dwell with humanity. 00:04:33.920 --> 00:04:37.220 The birth of baby Jesus in the manger. 00:04:37.220 --> 00:04:49.380 We think about that and how the Lord came into our dark and broken world and how we needed him back then. 00:04:49.660 --> 00:04:52.280 And we certainly need him now in our life. 00:04:52.279 --> 00:04:58.179 And the Lord showed us a better way through his son, Jesus Christ. 00:04:58.779 --> 00:05:00.239 And we think about it. 00:05:01.519 --> 00:05:07.459 We think of the name Emmanuel, God with us. 00:05:07.459 --> 00:05:11.379 And that has been what God has desired for. 00:05:12.039 --> 00:05:13.599 To be with us. 00:05:14.339 --> 00:05:20.859 Not to force us to respond, but to give us that opportunity to respond. 00:05:21.419 --> 00:05:23.279 For us to choose him. 00:05:23.279 --> 00:05:27.000 And as we went over in our interactive reading. 00:05:27.639 --> 00:05:30.479 That God loved us first and foremost. 00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:34.419 And we are to respond to this love. 00:05:34.659 --> 00:05:36.719 By loving him in return. 00:05:37.139 --> 00:05:40.559 And to extend that love to other people. 00:05:41.599 --> 00:05:46.399 And in the same way that this love came down to dwell with us. 00:05:46.399 --> 00:05:54.459 And we look forward to the day where we will be in the presence of the Lord. 00:05:55.779 --> 00:05:57.019 That's where I want to be. 00:05:57.099 --> 00:06:00.000 And I hope that that is where you wish to be. 00:06:00.379 --> 00:06:02.139 To be connected with the Lord. 00:06:02.259 --> 00:06:03.599 To be in his presence. 00:06:04.560 --> 00:06:05.759 And for some of you. 00:06:06.419 --> 00:06:09.459 You may be longing to connect. 00:06:10.039 --> 00:06:11.859 Or to reconnect with the Lord. 00:06:12.379 --> 00:06:13.620 And with his presence. 00:06:13.620 --> 00:06:15.180 For others. 00:06:15.740 --> 00:06:19.040 You may feel a sense of overwhelm or exhausted. 00:06:19.220 --> 00:06:22.560 Just ready to reconnect. 00:06:23.300 --> 00:06:25.819 And to be refreshed by the Lord. 00:06:26.759 --> 00:06:28.259 God is with us. 00:06:29.079 --> 00:06:30.319 He has never been absent. 00:06:31.160 --> 00:06:32.519 He is always there. 00:06:33.040 --> 00:06:34.840 And the love that he has for us. 00:06:34.920 --> 00:06:36.519 Is an invitation for us. 00:06:36.899 --> 00:06:39.139 To enter into his love. 00:06:39.699 --> 00:06:41.899 To respond to his salvation. 00:06:41.899 --> 00:06:44.719 And to enter into his presence. 00:06:45.739 --> 00:06:46.539 And one day. 00:06:46.759 --> 00:06:48.139 We will be with them. 00:06:48.579 --> 00:06:51.299 Just as he is near to us. 00:06:52.019 --> 00:06:56.019 And so we have our scripture reading from Isaiah. 00:06:56.539 --> 00:06:59.339 It's going to be from Isaiah chapter 7. 00:07:01.000 --> 00:07:04.639 Verses 10 through 16. 00:07:04.639 --> 00:07:07.500 And what you see here. 00:07:07.680 --> 00:07:08.039 Is that. 00:07:08.620 --> 00:07:09.159 Isaiah. 00:07:09.879 --> 00:07:11.319 Is sent to. 00:07:12.120 --> 00:07:12.399 King. 00:07:13.019 --> 00:07:13.539 Ahaz. 00:07:15.500 --> 00:07:16.860 And as we're turning there. 00:07:16.979 --> 00:07:18.459 It's on page 679. 00:07:18.560 --> 00:07:19.800 In your ESV Pew Bible. 00:07:22.039 --> 00:07:22.519 That. 00:07:22.779 --> 00:07:23.819 As you're turning there. 00:07:26.639 --> 00:07:27.800 It says that. 00:07:28.439 --> 00:07:29.860 The Lord said to Isaiah. 00:07:29.979 --> 00:07:30.779 I'm reading right before. 00:07:30.959 --> 00:07:32.579 Go out and meet Ahaz. 00:07:32.839 --> 00:07:33.060 Right. 00:07:33.060 --> 00:07:35.139 Speak to him. 00:07:35.280 --> 00:07:35.819 Be careful. 00:07:35.920 --> 00:07:36.399 Be quiet. 00:07:36.500 --> 00:07:37.259 Do not fear. 00:07:38.060 --> 00:07:39.480 And it's this conversation. 00:07:39.480 --> 00:07:40.319 That's happening. 00:07:43.720 --> 00:07:44.980 The Lord spoke. 00:07:45.459 --> 00:07:46.620 To Ahaz. 00:07:48.300 --> 00:07:49.399 Ask a sign. 00:07:49.399 --> 00:07:50.639 Of the Lord your God. 00:07:50.899 --> 00:07:51.959 This is from verse 10. 00:07:52.959 --> 00:07:53.879 Let it be deep. 00:07:54.060 --> 00:07:55.019 As Sheol. 00:07:55.180 --> 00:07:56.240 Or as high as heaven. 00:07:56.920 --> 00:07:57.879 But Ahaz says. 00:07:58.360 --> 00:07:59.459 I will not ask. 00:07:59.959 --> 00:08:01.439 And I will not put the Lord. 00:08:01.439 --> 00:08:02.180 To the test. 00:08:02.180 --> 00:08:04.060 And he said. 00:08:04.780 --> 00:08:05.199 Here then. 00:08:05.340 --> 00:08:06.240 Oh house of David. 00:08:06.720 --> 00:08:07.780 Is it too little. 00:08:07.780 --> 00:08:08.400 For you. 00:08:09.160 --> 00:08:10.000 To weary men. 00:08:10.379 --> 00:08:11.459 That you weary. 00:08:11.620 --> 00:08:12.519 My God also. 00:08:13.620 --> 00:08:13.900 Therefore. 00:08:14.139 --> 00:08:14.620 The Lord. 00:08:15.079 --> 00:08:15.500 Himself. 00:08:15.660 --> 00:08:16.860 Will give you a sign. 00:08:17.819 --> 00:08:18.899 This is very interesting. 00:08:19.500 --> 00:08:20.300 So you see it. 00:08:21.920 --> 00:08:22.439 Behold. 00:08:22.639 --> 00:08:23.860 What does it say church. 00:08:24.600 --> 00:08:25.399 The virgin. 00:08:25.600 --> 00:08:26.519 Shall conceive. 00:08:27.180 --> 00:08:28.399 And bear a son. 00:08:28.399 --> 00:08:30.439 And shall call his name. 00:08:30.519 --> 00:08:30.759 What? 00:08:31.639 --> 00:08:32.159 Emmanuel. 00:08:32.779 --> 00:08:33.500 He shall. 00:08:33.500 --> 00:08:35.139 Eat curds and honey. 00:08:35.559 --> 00:08:36.899 When he knows. 00:08:36.899 --> 00:08:37.220 How. 00:08:37.679 --> 00:08:38.740 To refuse evil. 00:08:39.220 --> 00:08:39.819 And choose. 00:08:40.079 --> 00:08:40.439 The good. 00:08:41.559 --> 00:08:42.759 For before the boy knows. 00:08:42.939 --> 00:08:43.939 How to refuse the evil. 00:08:44.000 --> 00:08:44.579 And choose good. 00:08:44.659 --> 00:08:45.159 The land. 00:08:45.220 --> 00:08:46.379 Whose two kings you dread. 00:08:46.439 --> 00:08:47.340 Will be deserted. 00:08:47.340 --> 00:08:48.920 So it's foretelling. 00:08:50.660 --> 00:08:51.720 About Emmanuel. 00:08:52.820 --> 00:08:54.519 About God being with us. 00:08:55.160 --> 00:08:59.120 And I always love how in scripture you find little pieces. 00:08:59.840 --> 00:09:02.540 Little snippets throughout the Old Testament that is pointing. 00:09:02.539 --> 00:09:04.339 To the coming of Christ. 00:09:05.159 --> 00:09:07.120 And how powerful that is. 00:09:07.959 --> 00:09:11.240 We can see that in this particular scripture. 00:09:11.819 --> 00:09:15.500 How it's connected with other verses within scripture. 00:09:16.360 --> 00:09:20.399 That it is referenced later on in the gospel of Matthew. 00:09:21.620 --> 00:09:25.500 Where it is a fulfillment of prophecy. 00:09:27.039 --> 00:09:28.639 God being with us. 00:09:28.799 --> 00:09:30.519 His name being Emmanuel. 00:09:30.719 --> 00:09:31.500 Think about that. 00:09:31.500 --> 00:09:34.360 Just one of many connections. 00:09:35.299 --> 00:09:35.779 Foretelling. 00:09:35.919 --> 00:09:36.899 And I just love that. 00:09:37.019 --> 00:09:38.759 Where there shall be a sign. 00:09:38.899 --> 00:09:40.200 A virgin shall conceive. 00:09:40.379 --> 00:09:41.419 And bear a son. 00:09:42.279 --> 00:09:45.299 That's the main verse I want you to focus on from Isaiah. 00:09:45.740 --> 00:09:48.480 And how it's connected with the Advent story. 00:09:48.840 --> 00:09:51.139 How it's connected with the Christmas story. 00:09:51.779 --> 00:09:53.559 And how it was foretold. 00:09:54.000 --> 00:09:55.700 The first coming of Christ. 00:09:56.240 --> 00:09:58.039 And how in the same way. 00:09:59.000 --> 00:10:00.559 We wait upon the Lord. 00:10:00.559 --> 00:10:02.919 For the second coming of Christ. 00:10:03.559 --> 00:10:05.839 It's this sense of anticipation. 00:10:05.839 --> 00:10:09.259 It's this sense of preparing the way for the Lord. 00:10:09.859 --> 00:10:12.279 Knowing that our hope is in Christ. 00:10:12.959 --> 00:10:15.979 That there is peace that surpasses all understanding. 00:10:15.980 --> 00:10:19.060 And there is joy in the Lord. 00:10:19.060 --> 00:10:19.060 00:10:20.320 --> 00:10:24.659 We also are reminded how in Psalm 80. 00:10:25.279 --> 00:10:29.320 That the psalmist cries out to God to restore his people. 00:10:29.759 --> 00:10:32.539 And make his face shine upon them. 00:10:32.539 --> 00:10:36.159 Much like how we pray at benediction. 00:10:36.679 --> 00:10:37.000 Right? 00:10:37.819 --> 00:10:40.620 To have the Lord's face shine upon you. 00:10:41.559 --> 00:10:43.240 To be gracious to you. 00:10:43.319 --> 00:10:44.519 We think of these things. 00:10:45.279 --> 00:10:47.759 And how this is even connected to how. 00:10:47.759 --> 00:10:52.000 The apostle Paul writes in Romans. 00:10:53.039 --> 00:10:56.500 Describing God's son being a descendant of David. 00:10:57.500 --> 00:11:00.240 Declared as the son of God. 00:11:01.200 --> 00:11:03.059 So it's all connected here. 00:11:03.340 --> 00:11:04.819 What we see in Isaiah. 00:11:05.000 --> 00:11:06.500 And how it's connected with everything. 00:11:06.600 --> 00:11:07.620 And all of these texts. 00:11:08.039 --> 00:11:10.740 Are pointing us to one central truth church. 00:11:10.740 --> 00:11:13.060 Emmanuel. 00:11:14.039 --> 00:11:15.580 God is with us. 00:11:15.639 --> 00:11:16.639 Can we say that together? 00:11:17.700 --> 00:11:18.220 Emmanuel. 00:11:18.860 --> 00:11:20.340 God is with us. 00:11:20.919 --> 00:11:21.899 And how powerful. 00:11:22.740 --> 00:11:23.940 Those verses are. 00:11:24.399 --> 00:11:24.600 Right? 00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:26.659 Just like we have this image. 00:11:28.659 --> 00:11:29.580 This idea. 00:11:29.759 --> 00:11:30.980 This concept of. 00:11:31.419 --> 00:11:31.940 The star. 00:11:32.100 --> 00:11:32.200 Right? 00:11:32.240 --> 00:11:33.360 I always love that part. 00:11:33.460 --> 00:11:34.919 Where you have the wise men. 00:11:35.060 --> 00:11:35.740 That are traveling. 00:11:36.480 --> 00:11:37.820 And seeing the star. 00:11:38.700 --> 00:11:39.419 It's just such a. 00:11:39.779 --> 00:11:40.600 Wonderful thing. 00:11:40.600 --> 00:11:40.759 And. 00:11:41.519 --> 00:11:43.659 I love how it's connected to. 00:11:44.300 --> 00:11:46.240 When we've talked about revelation. 00:11:46.920 --> 00:11:47.879 How Christ. 00:11:48.180 --> 00:11:48.540 Is. 00:11:49.080 --> 00:11:50.060 The morning star. 00:11:50.860 --> 00:11:51.420 And we look. 00:11:51.779 --> 00:11:53.060 In the direction of Christ. 00:11:53.779 --> 00:11:54.320 And just like. 00:11:54.560 --> 00:11:55.300 The wise men. 00:11:55.759 --> 00:11:57.360 That were following the star. 00:11:58.040 --> 00:11:59.019 To get to Jesus. 00:11:59.300 --> 00:11:59.980 We follow. 00:12:00.800 --> 00:12:01.720 The morning star. 00:12:02.120 --> 00:12:02.879 Isn't that kind of cool? 00:12:02.980 --> 00:12:03.139 That. 00:12:04.019 --> 00:12:05.440 Very unusual connection. 00:12:05.560 --> 00:12:06.620 But a connection nonetheless. 00:12:07.779 --> 00:12:08.300 And so. 00:12:08.480 --> 00:12:09.259 In these verses. 00:12:09.259 --> 00:12:09.700 It's. 00:12:10.519 --> 00:12:11.379 It's Isaiah. 00:12:12.019 --> 00:12:13.220 From Psalms. 00:12:13.360 --> 00:12:13.960 From Romans. 00:12:14.279 --> 00:12:15.100 And from Matthew. 00:12:15.220 --> 00:12:16.279 But the primary text. 00:12:16.360 --> 00:12:17.240 Being from Isaiah. 00:12:17.980 --> 00:12:19.740 What do all these things mean? 00:12:19.819 --> 00:12:20.480 Let's go to that. 00:12:20.939 --> 00:12:21.860 What is happening? 00:12:22.019 --> 00:12:22.840 This interpretation. 00:12:23.240 --> 00:12:23.600 Is that. 00:12:24.799 --> 00:12:25.240 Yeah. 00:12:25.319 --> 00:12:26.179 We can go to that. 00:12:26.340 --> 00:12:26.980 Next one then. 00:12:28.639 --> 00:12:29.319 Is that. 00:12:29.419 --> 00:12:29.759 Love. 00:12:29.919 --> 00:12:30.519 Means. 00:12:30.960 --> 00:12:31.379 God. 00:12:31.539 --> 00:12:31.980 Comes. 00:12:32.220 --> 00:12:32.480 Near. 00:12:32.480 --> 00:12:34.879 The name. 00:12:34.980 --> 00:12:35.420 Emmanuel. 00:12:35.420 --> 00:12:35.980 Means. 00:12:36.080 --> 00:12:36.639 That God. 00:12:36.639 --> 00:12:36.639 00:12:36.639 --> 00:12:37.259 Is. 00:12:37.259 --> 00:12:38.519 With us. 00:12:40.039 --> 00:12:41.399 He is with us. 00:12:41.560 --> 00:12:42.539 In our very lives. 00:12:43.300 --> 00:12:45.240 No matter what situation. 00:12:46.159 --> 00:12:47.800 You have gone through. 00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:50.100 Or what situation. 00:12:50.100 --> 00:12:50.960 You're going to. 00:12:51.940 --> 00:12:52.940 When we think. 00:12:53.100 --> 00:12:53.379 Of. 00:12:53.720 --> 00:12:54.480 This season. 00:12:55.039 --> 00:12:56.379 We are to be reminded. 00:12:56.580 --> 00:12:57.080 That God. 00:12:57.159 --> 00:12:57.879 Is with us. 00:12:57.960 --> 00:12:58.180 God. 00:12:58.340 --> 00:12:58.720 Sending. 00:12:59.139 --> 00:13:00.139 His only son. 00:13:00.139 --> 00:13:01.179 To the earth. 00:13:02.480 --> 00:13:03.240 That God. 00:13:03.319 --> 00:13:04.139 Is not distant. 00:13:04.720 --> 00:13:05.319 And God. 00:13:05.439 --> 00:13:05.759 Makes. 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:06.299 A way. 00:13:07.100 --> 00:13:07.879 For us. 00:13:08.559 --> 00:13:09.580 That he is here. 00:13:09.659 --> 00:13:09.759 And. 00:13:10.100 --> 00:13:10.740 We think of the. 00:13:11.179 --> 00:13:11.659 Incarnation. 00:13:11.779 --> 00:13:12.000 Right. 00:13:12.919 --> 00:13:13.860 Being proof. 00:13:13.860 --> 00:13:15.100 Of God's love. 00:13:16.240 --> 00:13:17.299 You think about it. 00:13:17.899 --> 00:13:18.539 That God. 00:13:18.679 --> 00:13:19.139 Enters. 00:13:19.259 --> 00:13:19.539 The. 00:13:20.259 --> 00:13:20.580 Dark. 00:13:21.460 --> 00:13:22.159 And the broken. 00:13:22.159 --> 00:13:22.639 World. 00:13:23.779 --> 00:13:24.740 We think of that. 00:13:24.840 --> 00:13:25.120 Then. 00:13:25.860 --> 00:13:26.679 We think of that. 00:13:26.779 --> 00:13:27.639 Even from the beginning. 00:13:27.799 --> 00:13:28.039 Right. 00:13:28.439 --> 00:13:29.779 When I've mentioned before. 00:13:29.779 --> 00:13:30.779 And I'll mention it again. 00:13:30.779 --> 00:13:31.980 In the Genesis account. 00:13:32.779 --> 00:13:34.159 How there is the darkness. 00:13:34.959 --> 00:13:35.360 The. 00:13:35.839 --> 00:13:36.360 Scene. 00:13:36.419 --> 00:13:36.879 Of the. 00:13:37.240 --> 00:13:37.759 Stormy. 00:13:38.240 --> 00:13:38.980 And chaotic. 00:13:39.159 --> 00:13:39.539 Waters. 00:13:39.699 --> 00:13:40.699 And then God saying. 00:13:40.819 --> 00:13:41.759 Let there be light. 00:13:41.819 --> 00:13:42.740 And there was light. 00:13:43.480 --> 00:13:43.959 Representing. 00:13:44.819 --> 00:13:45.620 The light. 00:13:45.799 --> 00:13:46.019 Love. 00:13:46.059 --> 00:13:46.559 And truth. 00:13:46.559 --> 00:13:47.279 Of Christ. 00:13:47.459 --> 00:13:47.919 Entering. 00:13:48.039 --> 00:13:48.740 Into the world. 00:13:49.199 --> 00:13:50.120 And I always find it. 00:13:50.279 --> 00:13:50.839 Fascinating. 00:13:51.120 --> 00:13:52.539 In the Genesis account. 00:13:52.740 --> 00:13:52.980 How. 00:13:55.459 --> 00:13:56.120 Some of you. 00:13:56.159 --> 00:13:56.740 Bible scholars. 00:13:56.879 --> 00:13:57.539 May know this one. 00:13:57.539 --> 00:14:00.199 In the creation account. 00:14:00.679 --> 00:14:01.360 God says. 00:14:01.419 --> 00:14:02.019 Let there be light. 00:14:02.039 --> 00:14:02.759 And there was light. 00:14:03.199 --> 00:14:03.919 But the sun. 00:14:03.919 --> 00:14:04.919 Doesn't even show up. 00:14:05.000 --> 00:14:05.439 On the scene. 00:14:05.480 --> 00:14:06.379 Until later on. 00:14:06.959 --> 00:14:07.779 I always found that. 00:14:07.819 --> 00:14:08.459 To be interesting. 00:14:09.279 --> 00:14:10.500 But it's a representation. 00:14:11.079 --> 00:14:12.039 Of the light. 00:14:12.159 --> 00:14:13.319 That comes from the Lord. 00:14:13.519 --> 00:14:13.719 To. 00:14:14.379 --> 00:14:14.759 Make. 00:14:15.099 --> 00:14:15.500 Things. 00:14:15.959 --> 00:14:16.219 Greater. 00:14:17.799 --> 00:14:18.959 We think of our own. 00:14:19.199 --> 00:14:19.639 Context. 00:14:20.319 --> 00:14:21.120 The world. 00:14:21.199 --> 00:14:22.059 In which we live in. 00:14:22.139 --> 00:14:23.120 How there is so much. 00:14:23.240 --> 00:14:23.639 Darkness. 00:14:23.860 --> 00:14:24.480 And hatred. 00:14:24.699 --> 00:14:25.299 And anger. 00:14:25.419 --> 00:14:25.959 And division. 00:14:26.079 --> 00:14:26.939 Amongst each other. 00:14:26.940 --> 00:14:28.160 You know. 00:14:28.220 --> 00:14:28.760 Last night. 00:14:28.840 --> 00:14:29.160 I was. 00:14:29.860 --> 00:14:31.180 I met a family. 00:14:32.080 --> 00:14:33.120 Who was talking about. 00:14:33.200 --> 00:14:34.460 They had just gotten married. 00:14:34.580 --> 00:14:34.840 And yet. 00:14:34.960 --> 00:14:35.440 They were. 00:14:35.960 --> 00:14:36.400 Facing. 00:14:37.560 --> 00:14:37.940 Hatred. 00:14:38.040 --> 00:14:39.100 From their own family. 00:14:39.980 --> 00:14:41.000 And from the community. 00:14:41.260 --> 00:14:42.740 And I don't know the context. 00:14:42.740 --> 00:14:44.220 Of what was going on. 00:14:44.660 --> 00:14:45.820 But I would think that. 00:14:46.320 --> 00:14:47.160 In a time. 00:14:47.640 --> 00:14:48.120 Especially. 00:14:48.120 --> 00:14:49.920 In the Christmas season. 00:14:52.320 --> 00:14:53.520 Maybe not so much. 00:14:53.620 --> 00:14:54.440 Hatred and division. 00:14:54.600 --> 00:14:55.020 Now maybe. 00:14:55.019 --> 00:14:55.939 The reason. 00:14:55.939 --> 00:14:56.840 Why they got married. 00:14:56.960 --> 00:14:57.259 It could. 00:14:57.340 --> 00:14:57.899 It could have been. 00:14:58.019 --> 00:14:58.899 Many different things. 00:14:59.559 --> 00:15:00.639 But just the way. 00:15:00.720 --> 00:15:01.419 The story was. 00:15:01.579 --> 00:15:02.539 Explained to me. 00:15:03.439 --> 00:15:04.639 Just reminded me. 00:15:04.639 --> 00:15:05.199 Of how. 00:15:06.199 --> 00:15:07.460 What a terrible time. 00:15:07.539 --> 00:15:08.439 For there to be division. 00:15:09.240 --> 00:15:10.139 A terrible time. 00:15:10.199 --> 00:15:11.079 For there to be hatred. 00:15:11.079 --> 00:15:11.740 It's a time. 00:15:11.740 --> 00:15:12.799 For us to reflect. 00:15:13.019 --> 00:15:13.759 On the love. 00:15:13.860 --> 00:15:14.679 That God has. 00:15:15.039 --> 00:15:15.539 For each. 00:15:15.579 --> 00:15:16.559 And every one of us. 00:15:17.299 --> 00:15:18.039 How God. 00:15:18.039 --> 00:15:19.419 enters our own. 00:15:20.299 --> 00:15:20.819 Messiness. 00:15:21.500 --> 00:15:23.240 And our own chaos. 00:15:23.559 --> 00:15:24.559 Who here is a mess. 00:15:24.740 --> 00:15:25.019 Don't. 00:15:25.099 --> 00:15:25.939 Don't raise your hand. 00:15:26.219 --> 00:15:26.699 Please. 00:15:27.019 --> 00:15:27.360 Right. 00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:28.679 We got a few. 00:15:29.039 --> 00:15:29.519 Right. 00:15:30.259 --> 00:15:31.939 We certainly are a mess. 00:15:32.459 --> 00:15:33.839 And God enters. 00:15:33.959 --> 00:15:34.719 Into the scene. 00:15:35.719 --> 00:15:36.459 Showing us. 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:37.699 His love. 00:15:38.059 --> 00:15:38.740 His light. 00:15:38.799 --> 00:15:39.740 And his truth. 00:15:40.740 --> 00:15:41.779 And that God. 00:15:41.919 --> 00:15:43.219 Comes near to us. 00:15:43.220 --> 00:15:46.139 He enters in our mess. 00:15:46.540 --> 00:15:47.740 But he loves us. 00:15:47.779 --> 00:15:48.820 And he dwells with us. 00:15:48.860 --> 00:15:49.600 And he gives us. 00:15:49.700 --> 00:15:50.000 All. 00:15:50.259 --> 00:15:51.060 That opportunity. 00:15:51.060 --> 00:15:51.899 To respond. 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:53.139 And whenever we look. 00:15:53.779 --> 00:15:54.660 At baby Jesus. 00:15:54.879 --> 00:15:55.759 Entering the world. 00:15:57.100 --> 00:15:57.940 Think of how. 00:15:58.740 --> 00:15:59.680 God enters. 00:15:59.680 --> 00:16:00.779 Our own life. 00:16:02.340 --> 00:16:03.420 And dwells. 00:16:04.040 --> 00:16:04.820 In our hearts. 00:16:05.879 --> 00:16:07.500 What a beautiful image. 00:16:08.340 --> 00:16:09.120 And representation. 00:16:09.120 --> 00:16:10.660 Not only of what we see. 00:16:10.899 --> 00:16:12.399 From the bigger world. 00:16:12.399 --> 00:16:14.019 But also. 00:16:14.279 --> 00:16:14.939 In our own. 00:16:15.220 --> 00:16:15.740 World. 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:16.399 So to speak. 00:16:16.459 --> 00:16:17.439 In our own lives. 00:16:18.379 --> 00:16:19.419 God entering. 00:16:20.019 --> 00:16:20.840 Into our life. 00:16:22.100 --> 00:16:23.340 And it's my prayer. 00:16:23.459 --> 00:16:24.679 For all of us. 00:16:25.319 --> 00:16:26.259 That we all come. 00:16:26.319 --> 00:16:26.939 To know Jesus. 00:16:27.740 --> 00:16:28.879 That we all come. 00:16:28.980 --> 00:16:29.720 To respond. 00:16:29.899 --> 00:16:30.679 To his love. 00:16:31.439 --> 00:16:32.139 And that God. 00:16:32.240 --> 00:16:32.620 Has. 00:16:33.220 --> 00:16:33.720 A much. 00:16:33.980 --> 00:16:34.600 Greater way. 00:16:35.559 --> 00:16:36.360 And I want you. 00:16:37.199 --> 00:16:38.159 To ask yourself. 00:16:38.159 --> 00:16:39.059 This question. 00:16:39.939 --> 00:16:40.980 Think about it. 00:16:40.980 --> 00:16:43.740 How is your relationship. 00:16:43.740 --> 00:16:44.460 With the Lord. 00:16:45.259 --> 00:16:46.399 For some people. 00:16:46.399 --> 00:16:47.240 You may think. 00:16:47.240 --> 00:16:48.180 You may answer. 00:16:48.320 --> 00:16:49.039 And you may say. 00:16:49.120 --> 00:16:50.320 I believe that God. 00:16:50.759 --> 00:16:51.720 Is distant. 00:16:52.519 --> 00:16:53.899 Or I feel that God. 00:16:54.000 --> 00:16:54.740 Is far away. 00:16:55.200 --> 00:16:56.039 And certainly. 00:16:56.039 --> 00:16:56.700 There are moments. 00:16:56.700 --> 00:16:57.740 Where we feel that way. 00:16:59.340 --> 00:17:00.620 But maybe you can. 00:17:01.759 --> 00:17:02.519 Answer by. 00:17:03.019 --> 00:17:03.899 Asking yourself. 00:17:04.000 --> 00:17:05.059 Is he truly. 00:17:05.059 --> 00:17:05.960 Near with me. 00:17:05.960 --> 00:17:07.220 And I'm here. 00:17:07.220 --> 00:17:07.860 To tell you. 00:17:08.460 --> 00:17:08.900 The Lord. 00:17:08.900 --> 00:17:09.700 Is here. 00:17:10.100 --> 00:17:10.779 With us. 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:11.860 Even when we. 00:17:11.860 --> 00:17:12.700 Don't see it. 00:17:13.400 --> 00:17:14.460 When we face. 00:17:14.700 --> 00:17:15.059 Storms. 00:17:15.059 --> 00:17:15.640 In our life. 00:17:16.400 --> 00:17:17.259 When we face. 00:17:17.980 --> 00:17:18.539 Situations. 00:17:18.539 --> 00:17:19.240 That are happening. 00:17:19.640 --> 00:17:20.539 We're focused. 00:17:20.660 --> 00:17:21.279 In at the moment. 00:17:22.079 --> 00:17:23.039 But just know. 00:17:23.120 --> 00:17:23.460 That God. 00:17:23.559 --> 00:17:24.279 Is there with you. 00:17:25.160 --> 00:17:26.000 In every. 00:17:26.400 --> 00:17:26.799 Season. 00:17:27.400 --> 00:17:28.360 Every storm. 00:17:28.500 --> 00:17:29.180 Every trial. 00:17:29.980 --> 00:17:31.440 And that's the beauty. 00:17:31.880 --> 00:17:33.400 Of the Christmas story. 00:17:33.400 --> 00:17:35.040 The Lord. 00:17:35.180 --> 00:17:35.860 Drawing near. 00:17:36.060 --> 00:17:36.720 To us. 00:17:37.600 --> 00:17:38.700 We also see. 00:17:38.800 --> 00:17:39.460 In the second thing. 00:17:39.460 --> 00:17:39.720 Here. 00:17:39.820 --> 00:17:40.440 Is that love. 00:17:40.600 --> 00:17:41.300 Saves us. 00:17:41.580 --> 00:17:42.840 From our what church. 00:17:43.540 --> 00:17:44.680 From our sins. 00:17:44.780 --> 00:17:45.019 Right. 00:17:45.800 --> 00:17:46.840 Jesus name. 00:17:47.680 --> 00:17:48.000 Meaning. 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:49.300 The Lord saves. 00:17:50.200 --> 00:17:51.200 And that his mission. 00:17:52.160 --> 00:17:52.900 His mission. 00:17:53.080 --> 00:17:53.720 Was very clear. 00:17:53.840 --> 00:17:54.420 To provide. 00:17:54.620 --> 00:17:55.180 Salvation. 00:17:55.400 --> 00:17:55.720 For all. 00:17:55.840 --> 00:17:56.480 Him being. 00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:57.940 The sacrificial. 00:17:58.360 --> 00:17:58.680 Lamb. 00:18:00.960 --> 00:18:02.040 It was. 00:18:02.300 --> 00:18:03.380 To fulfill. 00:18:04.300 --> 00:18:04.960 Prophecy. 00:18:05.840 --> 00:18:06.900 Just like how. 00:18:07.140 --> 00:18:07.820 We were reading. 00:18:07.820 --> 00:18:08.540 In Isaiah. 00:18:10.840 --> 00:18:11.820 The virgin. 00:18:12.680 --> 00:18:13.500 And the child. 00:18:14.320 --> 00:18:15.500 I think that's very. 00:18:15.500 --> 00:18:16.160 Specific. 00:18:16.280 --> 00:18:16.720 Prophecy. 00:18:16.820 --> 00:18:17.259 For sure. 00:18:17.980 --> 00:18:18.680 And to see. 00:18:18.800 --> 00:18:19.759 That that is fulfilled. 00:18:20.540 --> 00:18:21.560 Is wonderful. 00:18:22.220 --> 00:18:23.340 It's to show us. 00:18:23.560 --> 00:18:24.360 A different way. 00:18:25.340 --> 00:18:26.220 Not by. 00:18:26.759 --> 00:18:27.200 Force. 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:29.019 Or not by. 00:18:29.180 --> 00:18:30.080 What we can do. 00:18:30.180 --> 00:18:30.480 Either. 00:18:31.580 --> 00:18:32.620 But what has been. 00:18:32.619 --> 00:18:32.979 Done. 00:18:33.419 --> 00:18:34.139 For us. 00:18:35.039 --> 00:18:36.279 And you think about it. 00:18:37.379 --> 00:18:38.419 How wonderful. 00:18:38.419 --> 00:18:39.339 Is it to know. 00:18:40.139 --> 00:18:40.579 That. 00:18:45.579 --> 00:18:46.179 Because. 00:18:46.179 --> 00:18:47.299 God loves us. 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:49.179 He gives all of us. 00:18:49.239 --> 00:18:49.779 A choice. 00:18:50.279 --> 00:18:51.099 Whether or not. 00:18:51.219 --> 00:18:52.000 To respond. 00:18:52.359 --> 00:18:53.599 Or to not respond. 00:18:54.719 --> 00:18:55.059 You know. 00:18:55.059 --> 00:18:56.679 I've given this example. 00:18:56.679 --> 00:18:57.119 Before. 00:18:57.279 --> 00:18:57.819 And I certainly. 00:18:57.819 --> 00:18:58.940 Will give it many times. 00:18:59.940 --> 00:19:00.859 I can't force. 00:19:00.859 --> 00:19:01.259 My wife. 00:19:01.319 --> 00:19:01.779 To love me. 00:19:02.919 --> 00:19:03.960 Just being honest. 00:19:04.079 --> 00:19:04.200 Here. 00:19:04.240 --> 00:19:04.440 Right. 00:19:04.899 --> 00:19:06.179 I can't force. 00:19:06.779 --> 00:19:07.539 My children. 00:19:07.539 --> 00:19:08.259 To obey me. 00:19:08.259 --> 00:19:08.599 Even though. 00:19:08.599 --> 00:19:09.259 I can certainly. 00:19:09.259 --> 00:19:09.779 Try. 00:19:09.779 --> 00:19:10.059 And. 00:19:11.019 --> 00:19:11.980 Still discipline. 00:19:12.219 --> 00:19:13.179 And do all these things. 00:19:13.339 --> 00:19:14.419 But at the end of the day. 00:19:16.659 --> 00:19:17.579 How many of us. 00:19:17.699 --> 00:19:19.059 Even try to control ourselves. 00:19:20.019 --> 00:19:20.459 Right. 00:19:22.659 --> 00:19:23.899 We think of how. 00:19:24.899 --> 00:19:25.959 We fundamentally. 00:19:26.179 --> 00:19:27.399 Can't control people. 00:19:28.899 --> 00:19:29.480 And yet. 00:19:29.939 --> 00:19:30.319 God. 00:19:30.659 --> 00:19:31.119 Gives us. 00:19:31.299 --> 00:19:32.219 That same chance. 00:19:32.339 --> 00:19:32.639 For us. 00:19:32.759 --> 00:19:33.819 To choose him. 00:19:34.679 --> 00:19:35.099 Certainly. 00:19:35.240 --> 00:19:36.159 The wise decision. 00:19:36.159 --> 00:19:37.099 When it comes to children. 00:19:37.099 --> 00:19:38.279 Is to listen to their parents. 00:19:38.339 --> 00:19:38.579 Amen. 00:19:38.939 --> 00:19:39.200 Right. 00:19:39.919 --> 00:19:40.799 And certainly. 00:19:40.799 --> 00:19:42.059 It's a better thing. 00:19:42.059 --> 00:19:42.759 If my wife. 00:19:42.899 --> 00:19:43.799 Chooses to love me. 00:19:43.799 --> 00:19:44.879 As opposed to my wife. 00:19:44.879 --> 00:19:45.960 Being forced to love me. 00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:46.599 I would never. 00:19:47.099 --> 00:19:47.819 Encourage that. 00:19:48.599 --> 00:19:49.439 But certainly. 00:19:49.439 --> 00:19:50.599 It's so much better. 00:19:51.000 --> 00:19:52.159 When it's chosen. 00:19:52.439 --> 00:19:53.099 That love. 00:19:53.799 --> 00:19:54.439 Is chosen. 00:19:55.359 --> 00:19:56.240 And we think of how. 00:19:56.339 --> 00:19:56.659 Christ. 00:19:56.799 --> 00:19:57.379 Is giving us. 00:19:57.519 --> 00:19:58.019 This chance. 00:19:58.139 --> 00:19:58.839 To respond. 00:19:59.099 --> 00:19:59.519 To him. 00:20:00.559 --> 00:20:01.659 Let that be a call. 00:20:01.740 --> 00:20:02.179 For you. 00:20:02.919 --> 00:20:03.799 To respond. 00:20:04.419 --> 00:20:05.139 And that God. 00:20:05.220 --> 00:20:06.019 Desires for us. 00:20:06.079 --> 00:20:06.720 To choose him. 00:20:07.259 --> 00:20:07.539 Right. 00:20:08.679 --> 00:20:09.740 Let us not. 00:20:11.059 --> 00:20:11.899 Let us know. 00:20:11.980 --> 00:20:12.519 The difference. 00:20:13.619 --> 00:20:14.039 God. 00:20:14.220 --> 00:20:14.919 Allows for us. 00:20:14.919 --> 00:20:15.419 To choose. 00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:16.259 And this love. 00:20:17.179 --> 00:20:18.599 It doesn't overlook. 00:20:18.599 --> 00:20:19.039 Sin. 00:20:19.879 --> 00:20:20.299 But. 00:20:20.859 --> 00:20:22.159 It rescues us. 00:20:22.819 --> 00:20:23.339 From sin. 00:20:24.279 --> 00:20:25.119 The call. 00:20:25.119 --> 00:20:25.879 Is for us. 00:20:26.039 --> 00:20:26.220 To. 00:20:26.899 --> 00:20:27.399 Recognize. 00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:28.139 That Jesus. 00:20:29.240 --> 00:20:30.319 Paid for it all. 00:20:30.899 --> 00:20:31.720 On the cross. 00:20:31.720 --> 00:20:33.480 And. 00:20:33.480 --> 00:20:34.059 It doesn't give us. 00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:34.420 A ticket. 00:20:34.480 --> 00:20:34.980 To just sin. 00:20:35.019 --> 00:20:35.319 As much. 00:20:35.319 --> 00:20:35.960 As we want. 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:37.839 But it gives us. 00:20:37.860 --> 00:20:38.220 A call. 00:20:38.339 --> 00:20:38.680 For us. 00:20:38.740 --> 00:20:39.360 To become more. 00:20:39.420 --> 00:20:40.180 Like him. 00:20:40.900 --> 00:20:41.660 And to know. 00:20:41.740 --> 00:20:41.880 That. 00:20:43.000 --> 00:20:43.960 In your heart. 00:20:44.160 --> 00:20:45.120 And in your mind. 00:20:45.380 --> 00:20:45.740 Following. 00:20:45.740 --> 00:20:46.400 The ways. 00:20:46.400 --> 00:20:46.400 00:20:46.400 --> 00:20:46.940 Of the Lord. 00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:47.440 And becoming. 00:20:47.440 --> 00:20:48.259 More like him. 00:20:48.380 --> 00:20:48.539 To. 00:20:49.140 --> 00:20:49.640 Sin. 00:20:49.880 --> 00:20:50.240 Less. 00:20:52.079 --> 00:20:52.700 We're not. 00:20:52.900 --> 00:20:53.299 Sinless. 00:20:53.839 --> 00:20:54.339 We're going to. 00:20:54.420 --> 00:20:54.559 Sin. 00:20:54.620 --> 00:20:54.920 Less. 00:20:55.400 --> 00:20:55.940 And it goes. 00:20:56.019 --> 00:20:56.400 To show. 00:20:56.480 --> 00:20:57.019 That we rely. 00:20:57.140 --> 00:20:57.559 On the Lord. 00:20:58.339 --> 00:20:58.839 We think. 00:20:58.900 --> 00:20:59.640 About these things. 00:20:59.779 --> 00:20:59.880 And. 00:21:00.660 --> 00:21:01.359 Ask yourself. 00:21:01.359 --> 00:21:02.000 That question. 00:21:02.079 --> 00:21:02.960 Have I accepted. 00:21:02.960 --> 00:21:04.319 Jesus's love. 00:21:04.440 --> 00:21:05.200 That saves. 00:21:05.840 --> 00:21:06.360 Or. 00:21:06.460 --> 00:21:07.400 Am I still trying. 00:21:07.480 --> 00:21:08.500 To save myself. 00:21:10.279 --> 00:21:11.160 Ask yourself. 00:21:11.279 --> 00:21:11.460 That. 00:21:12.240 --> 00:21:13.100 The third thing. 00:21:13.180 --> 00:21:13.420 Then. 00:21:13.559 --> 00:21:14.039 Is to. 00:21:14.700 --> 00:21:15.220 Response. 00:21:15.220 --> 00:21:16.000 To this love. 00:21:16.000 --> 00:21:17.140 Is trust. 00:21:17.680 --> 00:21:18.000 And you think. 00:21:18.059 --> 00:21:18.600 Of the story. 00:21:18.600 --> 00:21:18.900 Of. 00:21:19.240 --> 00:21:19.799 Mary. 00:21:19.920 --> 00:21:20.480 And Joseph. 00:21:21.840 --> 00:21:22.620 You think. 00:21:22.700 --> 00:21:23.000 How. 00:21:24.440 --> 00:21:24.920 Inconvenience. 00:21:25.000 --> 00:21:25.420 They were. 00:21:26.920 --> 00:21:27.440 Going. 00:21:27.559 --> 00:21:27.860 Against. 00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:28.460 Tradition. 00:21:28.559 --> 00:21:29.240 And the cultural. 00:21:29.440 --> 00:21:30.039 Norms. 00:21:30.759 --> 00:21:31.240 Mary. 00:21:31.360 --> 00:21:31.700 You're going. 00:21:31.799 --> 00:21:32.500 To be pregnant. 00:21:33.700 --> 00:21:34.680 What do you mean? 00:21:35.420 --> 00:21:36.660 What's going on here? 00:21:37.259 --> 00:21:38.340 And how Mary. 00:21:38.460 --> 00:21:39.579 Had to make the decision. 00:21:39.579 --> 00:21:40.440 To follow. 00:21:40.880 --> 00:21:41.600 What God had. 00:21:41.680 --> 00:21:42.039 In store. 00:21:42.160 --> 00:21:42.519 For her. 00:21:42.860 --> 00:21:43.720 It's the same thing. 00:21:43.720 --> 00:21:44.279 For Joseph. 00:21:44.279 --> 00:21:44.740 Right? 00:21:45.299 --> 00:21:46.279 I can't imagine. 00:21:47.660 --> 00:21:48.500 Being in that. 00:21:48.600 --> 00:21:49.559 Kind of situation. 00:21:51.600 --> 00:21:52.360 But yet. 00:21:53.200 --> 00:21:54.120 They trusted. 00:21:54.120 --> 00:21:54.799 In the Lord. 00:21:55.620 --> 00:21:56.640 And sometimes. 00:21:56.640 --> 00:21:57.319 It takes. 00:21:57.400 --> 00:21:58.299 Some divine intervention. 00:21:58.480 --> 00:21:58.840 A little bit. 00:21:58.860 --> 00:21:59.480 Of persuading. 00:21:59.640 --> 00:21:59.799 To. 00:22:01.180 --> 00:22:01.920 We think. 00:22:02.000 --> 00:22:02.500 About that. 00:22:02.960 --> 00:22:04.180 They followed. 00:22:04.579 --> 00:22:05.779 They trusted God. 00:22:05.880 --> 00:22:06.900 Even when it seemed. 00:22:07.220 --> 00:22:07.740 Impossible. 00:22:08.240 --> 00:22:09.160 When it seemed. 00:22:09.519 --> 00:22:10.079 Confusing. 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:11.880 And when you couldn't. 00:22:11.960 --> 00:22:12.799 Really sleep at night. 00:22:12.799 --> 00:22:13.100 Either. 00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:16.079 To follow God. 00:22:16.700 --> 00:22:17.680 That's an example. 00:22:17.680 --> 00:22:18.340 For us. 00:22:18.980 --> 00:22:20.200 Even when we don't. 00:22:20.340 --> 00:22:20.860 Understand. 00:22:22.460 --> 00:22:23.380 Many times. 00:22:23.380 --> 00:22:24.160 In our life. 00:22:24.160 --> 00:22:25.039 We will be placed. 00:22:25.039 --> 00:22:25.920 In a situation. 00:22:25.920 --> 00:22:26.579 Where we don't know. 00:22:26.700 --> 00:22:27.180 What in the world. 00:22:27.180 --> 00:22:27.880 Is going on. 00:22:27.880 --> 00:22:29.980 We may not even know. 00:22:30.160 --> 00:22:30.420 Why. 00:22:30.560 --> 00:22:31.360 Something's happening. 00:22:31.960 --> 00:22:32.920 But when we think. 00:22:32.920 --> 00:22:33.560 About this. 00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:35.520 We are. 00:22:35.680 --> 00:22:36.460 To respond. 00:22:37.420 --> 00:22:38.080 To the Lord. 00:22:39.680 --> 00:22:40.640 God's love. 00:22:41.220 --> 00:22:42.400 Is beyond us. 00:22:43.100 --> 00:22:43.620 And love. 00:22:43.760 --> 00:22:44.600 Responds. 00:22:45.060 --> 00:22:46.100 To God's plan. 00:22:46.900 --> 00:22:47.960 By following. 00:22:48.420 --> 00:22:48.940 The Lord. 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:50.200 Saying yes. 00:22:50.260 --> 00:22:50.640 To him. 00:22:51.560 --> 00:22:52.200 We think. 00:22:52.260 --> 00:22:52.760 About that. 00:22:53.580 --> 00:22:54.340 This then. 00:22:54.420 --> 00:22:55.160 Leads us then. 00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:56.360 Into our application. 00:22:56.359 --> 00:22:57.240 Is how. 00:22:57.479 --> 00:22:58.459 Should we live then. 00:23:03.500 --> 00:23:04.339 What do we do. 00:23:04.339 --> 00:23:05.000 About this. 00:23:06.779 --> 00:23:07.879 What do we do. 00:23:07.959 --> 00:23:08.500 About this. 00:23:09.779 --> 00:23:10.779 This concept. 00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:11.559 This idea. 00:23:11.879 --> 00:23:12.639 Of Emmanuel. 00:23:13.179 --> 00:23:13.679 God. 00:23:13.779 --> 00:23:14.699 Being with us. 00:23:15.639 --> 00:23:16.139 Well. 00:23:16.179 --> 00:23:16.759 The first thing. 00:23:16.859 --> 00:23:17.659 Is to what church. 00:23:18.179 --> 00:23:18.899 Three words. 00:23:22.259 --> 00:23:22.819 Embrace. 00:23:23.439 --> 00:23:24.319 Emmanuel's presence. 00:23:24.319 --> 00:23:26.819 How can you practice. 00:23:27.319 --> 00:23:28.519 How can you recognize. 00:23:29.099 --> 00:23:30.579 That God is with us. 00:23:30.659 --> 00:23:31.480 To be aware. 00:23:31.639 --> 00:23:32.099 That God. 00:23:33.059 --> 00:23:34.579 Is here in this place. 00:23:35.619 --> 00:23:36.779 God is present. 00:23:37.039 --> 00:23:37.779 With us. 00:23:38.779 --> 00:23:39.819 That should give us. 00:23:40.059 --> 00:23:40.740 Not only comfort. 00:23:40.859 --> 00:23:41.480 But confidence. 00:23:41.480 --> 00:23:42.480 At the same time. 00:23:42.539 --> 00:23:43.099 And certainly. 00:23:43.720 --> 00:23:44.639 Also conviction. 00:23:44.639 --> 00:23:45.299 At times. 00:23:46.299 --> 00:23:47.220 When you rise. 00:23:47.299 --> 00:23:47.740 In the morning. 00:23:48.799 --> 00:23:49.799 When you get up. 00:23:50.740 --> 00:23:51.579 Take some time. 00:23:51.579 --> 00:23:51.879 To know. 00:23:51.879 --> 00:23:52.299 That God. 00:23:52.299 --> 00:23:53.119 Is there with you. 00:23:54.079 --> 00:23:54.699 Or maybe. 00:23:54.699 --> 00:23:55.980 It's before you go to bed. 00:23:56.399 --> 00:23:57.000 Some of us. 00:23:57.000 --> 00:23:57.559 Have to get up. 00:23:57.699 --> 00:23:58.339 Really early. 00:23:58.419 --> 00:23:58.939 I get it. 00:23:59.939 --> 00:24:00.720 Maybe it's. 00:24:01.519 --> 00:24:02.919 Right before you go to bed. 00:24:03.460 --> 00:24:04.500 Taking some time. 00:24:04.500 --> 00:24:04.960 To know. 00:24:04.960 --> 00:24:05.539 That God. 00:24:05.539 --> 00:24:06.699 Is near with you. 00:24:07.699 --> 00:24:08.299 That God. 00:24:08.359 --> 00:24:08.919 Is present. 00:24:09.960 --> 00:24:10.399 Acknowledging. 00:24:10.519 --> 00:24:11.259 And thanking him. 00:24:11.419 --> 00:24:12.439 For his presence. 00:24:13.439 --> 00:24:14.220 Or maybe. 00:24:14.460 --> 00:24:15.279 How many of you guys. 00:24:15.359 --> 00:24:16.480 Like going for a drive. 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:17.919 Anybody. 00:24:17.920 --> 00:24:18.360 Sometimes. 00:24:19.259 --> 00:24:19.580 Sometimes. 00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:20.440 When I need time. 00:24:20.440 --> 00:24:21.019 To think. 00:24:21.220 --> 00:24:21.920 Or to pray. 00:24:22.340 --> 00:24:23.640 Or just to calm down. 00:24:23.800 --> 00:24:24.779 Or get the kids. 00:24:24.779 --> 00:24:25.620 To go to sleep. 00:24:26.000 --> 00:24:27.080 I go for a drive. 00:24:27.400 --> 00:24:28.160 It's become my. 00:24:28.300 --> 00:24:29.320 Favorite pastime. 00:24:29.740 --> 00:24:30.759 Kids will all go nap. 00:24:30.800 --> 00:24:31.900 It's a really wonderful thing. 00:24:31.980 --> 00:24:32.580 Try it sometime. 00:24:33.440 --> 00:24:33.920 But. 00:24:34.180 --> 00:24:34.960 In that. 00:24:35.420 --> 00:24:35.740 Time. 00:24:37.100 --> 00:24:38.580 That can be a good opportunity. 00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:42.080 God is with me. 00:24:42.860 --> 00:24:43.840 Wherever I go. 00:24:45.279 --> 00:24:46.460 And it's also important. 00:24:46.460 --> 00:24:49.420 To not forget that. 00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:52.019 So find a way. 00:24:52.220 --> 00:24:52.840 In your own. 00:24:53.240 --> 00:24:53.640 Life. 00:24:54.259 --> 00:24:54.900 This week. 00:24:55.039 --> 00:24:55.160 Or. 00:24:56.539 --> 00:24:56.840 You know. 00:24:56.880 --> 00:24:57.799 The year is almost over. 00:24:57.900 --> 00:24:58.799 I'd like to encourage you. 00:24:58.880 --> 00:24:59.799 Before the year ends. 00:24:59.900 --> 00:25:00.740 Take some time. 00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:02.160 And recognize. 00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:02.600 That. 00:25:02.980 --> 00:25:03.880 God's presence. 00:25:04.720 --> 00:25:05.279 Is here. 00:25:05.700 --> 00:25:06.340 That God. 00:25:06.400 --> 00:25:07.180 Is with us. 00:25:08.680 --> 00:25:09.180 God. 00:25:09.259 --> 00:25:09.900 With me. 00:25:10.140 --> 00:25:10.660 Awareness. 00:25:11.640 --> 00:25:12.440 Take time. 00:25:12.519 --> 00:25:13.000 To pause. 00:25:13.079 --> 00:25:13.740 Throughout the day. 00:25:13.900 --> 00:25:15.059 Acknowledge his nearness. 00:25:15.059 --> 00:25:17.139 God is here. 00:25:17.599 --> 00:25:18.119 Present. 00:25:18.819 --> 00:25:19.720 With us today. 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:21.559 We think. 00:25:21.639 --> 00:25:22.799 Of the Christmas story. 00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:23.720 As a representation. 00:25:23.720 --> 00:25:24.639 Of God. 00:25:24.879 --> 00:25:26.119 Entering into the world. 00:25:26.220 --> 00:25:26.919 His presence. 00:25:27.079 --> 00:25:27.679 Being here. 00:25:28.379 --> 00:25:29.519 But just because. 00:25:29.899 --> 00:25:30.220 Christ. 00:25:30.379 --> 00:25:31.720 Isn't physically here. 00:25:32.240 --> 00:25:32.940 Doesn't mean. 00:25:33.059 --> 00:25:33.899 That he's not here. 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:34.740 With us today. 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:36.380 That's why. 00:25:36.380 --> 00:25:36.960 We always. 00:25:37.400 --> 00:25:38.140 Pray to the Lord. 00:25:38.259 --> 00:25:38.859 And ask him. 00:25:38.980 --> 00:25:39.680 To bless. 00:25:39.819 --> 00:25:40.620 Our time. 00:25:41.420 --> 00:25:41.759 Together. 00:25:43.759 --> 00:25:44.620 And so. 00:25:46.980 --> 00:25:48.160 Share with someone. 00:25:49.220 --> 00:25:50.380 How you connect. 00:25:50.480 --> 00:25:51.079 With the Lord. 00:25:51.720 --> 00:25:52.680 How you're able. 00:25:52.839 --> 00:25:54.279 To be in God's presence. 00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:55.900 I can tell you. 00:25:55.980 --> 00:25:56.579 For some of us. 00:25:56.620 --> 00:25:57.660 It may be completely. 00:25:57.660 --> 00:25:58.960 Different than the next person. 00:26:00.160 --> 00:26:00.620 And Advent. 00:26:00.779 --> 00:26:01.859 Is a perfect time. 00:26:01.859 --> 00:26:03.199 To quiet your soul. 00:26:04.479 --> 00:26:05.740 To take some time. 00:26:05.839 --> 00:26:06.399 In reflection. 00:26:08.399 --> 00:26:09.479 And ask yourself. 00:26:09.599 --> 00:26:10.439 That question then. 00:26:11.599 --> 00:26:13.039 Do you live your life. 00:26:13.719 --> 00:26:14.639 Knowing that God. 00:26:14.719 --> 00:26:15.219 Is with you. 00:26:16.279 --> 00:26:16.899 Do you. 00:26:17.979 --> 00:26:18.419 Or. 00:26:19.219 --> 00:26:20.019 Do you act like. 00:26:20.079 --> 00:26:20.679 He's not there. 00:26:22.079 --> 00:26:23.039 For some of us. 00:26:23.119 --> 00:26:23.819 We may live life. 00:26:23.899 --> 00:26:24.939 As though God's not there. 00:26:25.719 --> 00:26:26.719 Let us recognize. 00:26:27.319 --> 00:26:28.240 God's presence. 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:30.140 That Emmanuel. 00:26:30.440 --> 00:26:30.799 God. 00:26:31.079 --> 00:26:31.779 With us. 00:26:33.319 --> 00:26:34.759 The second thing then. 00:26:35.380 --> 00:26:36.079 Is to. 00:26:37.519 --> 00:26:38.120 Receive. 00:26:39.160 --> 00:26:39.779 The gift. 00:26:39.779 --> 00:26:40.620 Of salvation. 00:26:41.259 --> 00:26:41.480 Right. 00:26:43.680 --> 00:26:45.299 We think of this theme. 00:26:45.299 --> 00:26:46.059 Of love. 00:26:47.539 --> 00:26:48.779 Love being transcendent. 00:26:49.980 --> 00:26:51.240 Love being beyond. 00:26:51.240 --> 00:26:52.720 Our human understanding. 00:26:53.759 --> 00:26:54.279 And certainly. 00:26:54.960 --> 00:26:57.279 We think of how we love one another. 00:26:57.279 --> 00:26:59.160 How we love our pets. 00:26:59.339 --> 00:26:59.480 Right. 00:26:59.539 --> 00:27:01.259 There's all these different types of love. 00:27:01.379 --> 00:27:02.220 But God's love. 00:27:02.339 --> 00:27:03.759 Being transcendent. 00:27:04.019 --> 00:27:05.680 From our human understanding. 00:27:07.259 --> 00:27:09.259 Think of John 3.16. 00:27:10.299 --> 00:27:11.960 For God so loved the world. 00:27:12.599 --> 00:27:14.200 That he gave his only son. 00:27:14.359 --> 00:27:14.539 That. 00:27:15.339 --> 00:27:17.240 Only a select amount of people. 00:27:19.899 --> 00:27:20.379 Exactly. 00:27:20.619 --> 00:27:20.980 Whoever. 00:27:21.240 --> 00:27:21.460 Right. 00:27:22.399 --> 00:27:23.099 Does that. 00:27:23.200 --> 00:27:24.399 Does that mean the tall. 00:27:24.539 --> 00:27:25.000 Or the short. 00:27:25.619 --> 00:27:26.740 Means everybody. 00:27:26.740 --> 00:27:27.339 Right. 00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:29.160 Whosoever. 00:27:29.480 --> 00:27:31.059 Some translations say all. 00:27:31.220 --> 00:27:31.420 Right. 00:27:31.920 --> 00:27:32.400 Everybody. 00:27:33.819 --> 00:27:34.940 Whoever believes. 00:27:35.640 --> 00:27:36.559 Shall not perish. 00:27:37.019 --> 00:27:38.500 But have eternal life. 00:27:39.339 --> 00:27:40.240 It's that simple. 00:27:41.700 --> 00:27:42.700 Believe in the Lord. 00:27:42.779 --> 00:27:43.500 And be saved. 00:27:44.700 --> 00:27:46.039 And if you want to know specifically. 00:27:46.039 --> 00:27:46.839 What to believe. 00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:47.759 Believe in the death. 00:27:47.880 --> 00:27:48.180 Burial. 00:27:48.180 --> 00:27:48.799 And resurrection. 00:27:48.799 --> 00:27:49.380 Of Jesus. 00:27:50.339 --> 00:27:51.720 How simple is that? 00:27:52.779 --> 00:27:54.380 It defies logic. 00:27:54.380 --> 00:27:55.000 And reason. 00:27:55.000 --> 00:27:55.279 Right. 00:27:55.339 --> 00:27:57.279 We think of how the world works. 00:27:57.279 --> 00:27:59.099 And we live in a world of. 00:27:59.480 --> 00:28:00.359 Check boxes. 00:28:00.359 --> 00:28:01.359 And checklists. 00:28:01.359 --> 00:28:03.400 And bullet points. 00:28:03.400 --> 00:28:04.400 And all the things. 00:28:05.099 --> 00:28:06.400 When it comes to God. 00:28:06.460 --> 00:28:08.460 His love is very different. 00:28:08.460 --> 00:28:10.400 And we praise God. 00:28:10.400 --> 00:28:11.819 And we thank God for that. 00:28:12.559 --> 00:28:14.740 Compared to just the constant checklist. 00:28:15.059 --> 00:28:15.840 You got to do this. 00:28:16.019 --> 00:28:16.259 That. 00:28:16.740 --> 00:28:16.920 Oh. 00:28:16.940 --> 00:28:17.700 You forgot that. 00:28:17.860 --> 00:28:18.620 Try again. 00:28:18.700 --> 00:28:18.920 Right. 00:28:19.680 --> 00:28:20.220 Thank God. 00:28:20.259 --> 00:28:21.079 It's not like that. 00:28:22.579 --> 00:28:23.019 If you. 00:28:24.019 --> 00:28:25.940 Have never had a relationship with the Lord. 00:28:26.019 --> 00:28:27.160 Let this be a call for you. 00:28:27.240 --> 00:28:28.120 To believe in him. 00:28:28.620 --> 00:28:30.660 And if you have that relationship with him. 00:28:31.140 --> 00:28:31.759 Thank him. 00:28:32.579 --> 00:28:33.059 Specifically. 00:28:33.059 --> 00:28:35.799 For revealing himself to you. 00:28:36.399 --> 00:28:38.179 And never be afraid of. 00:28:39.379 --> 00:28:39.879 God. 00:28:40.519 --> 00:28:41.940 The salvation story. 00:28:42.500 --> 00:28:44.279 The Christmas story for that matter. 00:28:44.940 --> 00:28:46.619 And have confidence in him. 00:28:47.819 --> 00:28:49.019 Don't be ashamed. 00:28:49.879 --> 00:28:52.000 Of how God is working in your life. 00:28:52.659 --> 00:28:54.679 Don't be afraid of the fact that. 00:28:55.339 --> 00:28:57.259 God is present in our lives. 00:28:57.259 --> 00:29:00.240 And then finally I put here. 00:29:01.140 --> 00:29:03.099 Follow the Lord like Mary. 00:29:04.039 --> 00:29:05.000 And Joseph. 00:29:06.319 --> 00:29:07.420 As I put that. 00:29:09.119 --> 00:29:10.180 Because how. 00:29:10.879 --> 00:29:11.900 Challenging is it. 00:29:11.980 --> 00:29:14.119 We hear about Mary and Joseph. 00:29:14.400 --> 00:29:14.519 But. 00:29:15.180 --> 00:29:16.160 To think for a moment. 00:29:16.379 --> 00:29:18.339 How challenging that must be. 00:29:19.720 --> 00:29:20.759 Even today. 00:29:21.480 --> 00:29:22.740 If you were to hear. 00:29:23.460 --> 00:29:25.680 The same story happening today. 00:29:25.680 --> 00:29:27.019 I'm sure. 00:29:27.019 --> 00:29:28.980 A lot of the cultural ramifications. 00:29:28.980 --> 00:29:29.460 Right. 00:29:29.580 --> 00:29:30.640 The consequence. 00:29:30.880 --> 00:29:32.039 The kind of conversations. 00:29:32.039 --> 00:29:33.380 Of what am I going to do. 00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:34.600 Would still happen. 00:29:35.360 --> 00:29:37.140 God had his own timing. 00:29:37.140 --> 00:29:39.580 On when the storyline would happen. 00:29:41.259 --> 00:29:42.920 But it's to show us. 00:29:43.700 --> 00:29:44.759 The faithfulness. 00:29:45.380 --> 00:29:46.320 The trust. 00:29:46.980 --> 00:29:48.299 And certainly the wrestling. 00:29:50.000 --> 00:29:51.960 How many of us have wrestled. 00:29:52.740 --> 00:29:54.720 Because we didn't understand a situation. 00:29:54.720 --> 00:29:56.519 You don't have to raise your hand. 00:29:56.579 --> 00:29:57.100 Please don't. 00:29:57.539 --> 00:29:59.380 I'm just raising it for example here. 00:29:59.420 --> 00:29:59.640 Right. 00:30:00.539 --> 00:30:01.579 For many of us. 00:30:01.660 --> 00:30:02.759 We have those situations. 00:30:02.860 --> 00:30:03.920 We just don't understand. 00:30:05.100 --> 00:30:06.380 What are you doing God? 00:30:06.519 --> 00:30:07.440 I don't get it. 00:30:07.660 --> 00:30:08.660 Why is this happening? 00:30:09.579 --> 00:30:10.460 Why did this. 00:30:10.620 --> 00:30:12.079 Why did X, Y, or Z happen? 00:30:12.079 --> 00:30:12.240 And. 00:30:15.120 --> 00:30:16.799 How often do we have. 00:30:17.519 --> 00:30:18.640 More understanding. 00:30:19.319 --> 00:30:20.180 And more revelation. 00:30:20.500 --> 00:30:21.120 In hindsight. 00:30:21.119 --> 00:30:21.319 Hindsight. 00:30:22.579 --> 00:30:23.839 You kind of wish you knew. 00:30:24.419 --> 00:30:25.359 Then and there. 00:30:26.359 --> 00:30:27.719 But more often than not. 00:30:27.819 --> 00:30:28.500 We understand. 00:30:28.679 --> 00:30:29.679 Why something happened. 00:30:29.779 --> 00:30:30.879 The way that it happened. 00:30:30.879 --> 00:30:31.479 In hindsight. 00:30:32.679 --> 00:30:33.079 Oh. 00:30:34.500 --> 00:30:35.819 That's what you were doing God. 00:30:37.399 --> 00:30:38.819 I didn't understand then. 00:30:39.339 --> 00:30:40.459 But I'm sure glad. 00:30:40.459 --> 00:30:41.000 That I do. 00:30:41.339 --> 00:30:41.659 Now. 00:30:42.459 --> 00:30:43.359 And that's why. 00:30:43.359 --> 00:30:44.599 It's also important. 00:30:44.599 --> 00:30:45.859 For us to reflect on. 00:30:45.859 --> 00:30:48.279 How did God work in that. 00:30:48.979 --> 00:30:49.599 That time. 00:30:49.679 --> 00:30:49.799 And. 00:30:50.419 --> 00:30:50.879 Certainly. 00:30:51.199 --> 00:30:52.339 We may not have. 00:30:52.539 --> 00:30:53.779 All of the answers. 00:30:55.639 --> 00:30:56.479 That's okay. 00:30:57.399 --> 00:30:58.500 We continue. 00:30:59.000 --> 00:31:00.039 To stand firm. 00:31:00.139 --> 00:31:00.799 In our faith. 00:31:03.679 --> 00:31:04.240 Identify. 00:31:04.779 --> 00:31:06.399 And I challenge for you. 00:31:07.879 --> 00:31:09.119 Where is an area. 00:31:09.119 --> 00:31:10.319 That God is calling you. 00:31:11.439 --> 00:31:12.619 It might be to respond. 00:31:12.619 --> 00:31:14.019 To his salvation. 00:31:14.019 --> 00:31:14.900 It might be. 00:31:15.299 --> 00:31:16.559 Having a conversation. 00:31:16.559 --> 00:31:17.460 With a friend. 00:31:17.460 --> 00:31:18.379 Or a family member. 00:31:18.379 --> 00:31:19.160 It might be saying. 00:31:19.160 --> 00:31:19.980 Merry Christmas. 00:31:19.980 --> 00:31:21.579 To someone you haven't called in a while. 00:31:22.240 --> 00:31:23.440 I got in the mail. 00:31:23.720 --> 00:31:24.579 The other day. 00:31:24.779 --> 00:31:26.000 A letter from my uncle. 00:31:26.000 --> 00:31:27.019 And I haven't heard from him. 00:31:27.180 --> 00:31:27.259 In. 00:31:29.180 --> 00:31:30.180 Well over a year. 00:31:32.700 --> 00:31:34.359 And the fact that he thought about me. 00:31:34.579 --> 00:31:35.099 I was like. 00:31:36.599 --> 00:31:38.259 I should have been thinking about him. 00:31:38.819 --> 00:31:39.779 But you know what. 00:31:40.200 --> 00:31:41.420 I'm glad that he thought. 00:31:41.839 --> 00:31:42.700 To send a letter. 00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:44.059 To say hello. 00:31:44.059 --> 00:31:46.360 And ask for pictures of the kids too. 00:31:46.559 --> 00:31:46.799 You know. 00:31:47.019 --> 00:31:47.940 That piece helps. 00:31:49.440 --> 00:31:49.880 Right. 00:31:50.200 --> 00:31:51.360 But we think about this. 00:31:51.440 --> 00:31:53.259 That God calls all of us. 00:31:53.360 --> 00:31:54.380 To follow him. 00:31:54.660 --> 00:31:55.539 To grow. 00:31:55.720 --> 00:31:56.299 And to live. 00:31:56.440 --> 00:31:57.539 And to love like him. 00:31:58.700 --> 00:32:00.279 And I want you to think about. 00:32:00.400 --> 00:32:02.240 The story of Mary and Joseph. 00:32:03.100 --> 00:32:05.480 It took daring faith. 00:32:06.019 --> 00:32:07.779 It took bold faith. 00:32:08.600 --> 00:32:09.279 And man. 00:32:09.360 --> 00:32:09.920 What a ride. 00:32:09.920 --> 00:32:12.460 What a ride that must have been. 00:32:13.500 --> 00:32:15.400 And then we think of our own story. 00:32:16.660 --> 00:32:18.080 Has it been a wild ride? 00:32:18.860 --> 00:32:20.120 I sure hope it has. 00:32:21.180 --> 00:32:22.539 An amazing story. 00:32:22.620 --> 00:32:23.460 How God will work. 00:32:23.980 --> 00:32:25.039 In all of our lives. 00:32:26.360 --> 00:32:28.120 God works behind the scenes. 00:32:28.120 --> 00:32:29.180 In many ways. 00:32:29.580 --> 00:32:31.019 That we do not understand. 00:32:31.019 --> 00:32:33.960 So is there something in your life. 00:32:33.960 --> 00:32:35.460 That God is calling you to do. 00:32:35.559 --> 00:32:36.740 That you're not responding to. 00:32:37.519 --> 00:32:38.859 Maybe it's time for you. 00:32:39.359 --> 00:32:40.099 To respond. 00:32:40.660 --> 00:32:41.359 In that bold. 00:32:41.579 --> 00:32:42.480 And daring faith. 00:32:43.519 --> 00:32:45.059 And I want to go to this next slide. 00:32:46.559 --> 00:32:46.920 And. 00:32:48.379 --> 00:32:49.420 As we go there. 00:32:49.420 --> 00:32:53.400 The good news. 00:32:54.120 --> 00:32:55.519 Of Emmanuel. 00:32:56.779 --> 00:32:58.420 God being with us. 00:32:59.060 --> 00:33:01.120 Is knowing the simple fact. 00:33:01.779 --> 00:33:02.920 That you are not alone. 00:33:04.660 --> 00:33:06.580 God being with his people. 00:33:06.580 --> 00:33:07.880 With us collectively. 00:33:08.220 --> 00:33:10.980 But also for us individually. 00:33:12.580 --> 00:33:14.019 There's great comfort. 00:33:14.960 --> 00:33:15.960 To know. 00:33:16.460 --> 00:33:17.660 That God is there. 00:33:17.660 --> 00:33:20.620 In those moments. 00:33:20.620 --> 00:33:21.519 Where we feel. 00:33:22.680 --> 00:33:23.920 Abandoned or alone. 00:33:25.640 --> 00:33:26.640 God is there. 00:33:27.860 --> 00:33:29.519 And I have this image here. 00:33:29.560 --> 00:33:29.820 Right. 00:33:31.340 --> 00:33:32.220 Four words. 00:33:32.340 --> 00:33:32.680 Church. 00:33:33.279 --> 00:33:33.640 You. 00:33:33.960 --> 00:33:35.040 Are not alone. 00:33:35.040 --> 00:33:36.340 And if there's anything. 00:33:36.860 --> 00:33:38.920 I want you to take away from this. 00:33:39.680 --> 00:33:40.160 Is that. 00:33:40.920 --> 00:33:41.440 Emmanuel. 00:33:42.000 --> 00:33:43.200 God is with us. 00:33:43.360 --> 00:33:44.460 And because of this. 00:33:44.779 --> 00:33:45.880 You are not alone. 00:33:47.660 --> 00:33:49.080 It always saddens me. 00:33:49.080 --> 00:33:50.259 When I hear about people. 00:33:50.259 --> 00:33:51.420 Who are alone. 00:33:51.420 --> 00:33:52.279 On Christmas. 00:33:53.240 --> 00:33:54.660 Or people that have all. 00:33:54.759 --> 00:33:55.580 The family together. 00:33:55.580 --> 00:33:56.820 And yet they still feel. 00:33:57.140 --> 00:33:57.580 Empty. 00:33:58.320 --> 00:33:59.300 That hasn't happened. 00:33:59.360 --> 00:33:59.820 To any of us. 00:33:59.820 --> 00:34:00.160 Has it? 00:34:01.360 --> 00:34:02.400 It's just knowing. 00:34:02.400 --> 00:34:03.380 That God's love. 00:34:03.540 --> 00:34:04.860 Is extending to you. 00:34:05.180 --> 00:34:06.700 No matter what situation. 00:34:06.700 --> 00:34:07.080 You're in. 00:34:07.140 --> 00:34:08.180 No matter how old. 00:34:08.280 --> 00:34:08.680 You are. 00:34:08.679 --> 00:34:12.179 And it's so important for us. 00:34:12.679 --> 00:34:13.219 To think. 00:34:13.419 --> 00:34:14.599 And to consider the love. 00:34:14.759 --> 00:34:16.000 That God has for us. 00:34:17.139 --> 00:34:18.440 An everlasting love. 00:34:19.500 --> 00:34:19.819 You know. 00:34:19.879 --> 00:34:20.199 When I. 00:34:20.259 --> 00:34:21.319 I mentioned earlier. 00:34:22.099 --> 00:34:23.579 With Matt and Yai. 00:34:24.639 --> 00:34:25.419 About how. 00:34:26.099 --> 00:34:26.859 That word. 00:34:27.659 --> 00:34:29.000 The name of this city. 00:34:29.000 --> 00:34:30.039 Is Ontario. 00:34:31.039 --> 00:34:32.339 And how in Japanese. 00:34:32.339 --> 00:34:33.759 It means grace. 00:34:34.279 --> 00:34:34.799 Overflowing. 00:34:34.800 --> 00:34:36.940 And we think of. 00:34:37.340 --> 00:34:37.860 The love. 00:34:38.380 --> 00:34:39.580 That God's has for us. 00:34:39.640 --> 00:34:40.340 That it's in. 00:34:40.720 --> 00:34:41.200 Abundance. 00:34:41.640 --> 00:34:42.620 It's not like God's. 00:34:42.700 --> 00:34:43.600 Going to run out of love. 00:34:43.680 --> 00:34:43.880 And like. 00:34:43.940 --> 00:34:44.260 You know what? 00:34:44.260 --> 00:34:44.620 I'm done. 00:34:44.680 --> 00:34:45.560 I've got enough love. 00:34:45.720 --> 00:34:46.039 For you. 00:34:47.200 --> 00:34:48.160 It's that love. 00:34:48.220 --> 00:34:49.180 It keeps flowing. 00:34:50.340 --> 00:34:51.120 And it's in. 00:34:51.760 --> 00:34:52.160 It's. 00:34:54.120 --> 00:34:54.519 Unfathomable. 00:34:54.760 --> 00:34:55.680 The amount of love. 00:34:55.760 --> 00:34:56.880 That God has for us. 00:34:57.280 --> 00:34:58.720 And that we are called. 00:34:59.200 --> 00:35:00.800 To respond to that love. 00:35:01.220 --> 00:35:02.300 That we are called. 00:35:02.300 --> 00:35:03.120 To say yes. 00:35:03.119 --> 00:35:05.699 And then think further. 00:35:06.779 --> 00:35:08.039 I want to be loved. 00:35:08.099 --> 00:35:08.619 Like that. 00:35:09.799 --> 00:35:11.119 And I'm to love. 00:35:11.239 --> 00:35:11.739 Like that. 00:35:12.759 --> 00:35:14.339 We are all called. 00:35:14.519 --> 00:35:15.000 To live. 00:35:15.179 --> 00:35:15.579 And love. 00:35:15.679 --> 00:35:16.799 Like Jesus Christ. 00:35:17.259 --> 00:35:18.739 To be transformed. 00:35:19.219 --> 00:35:20.199 To become. 00:35:20.960 --> 00:35:21.279 Holy. 00:35:21.980 --> 00:35:22.859 To become more. 00:35:22.980 --> 00:35:23.480 Like him. 00:35:23.880 --> 00:35:24.839 And to know. 00:35:24.980 --> 00:35:25.339 That that. 00:35:25.980 --> 00:35:27.019 Overflowing grace. 00:35:27.259 --> 00:35:28.279 It extends. 00:35:28.400 --> 00:35:29.059 To all of us. 00:35:29.119 --> 00:35:30.339 And may we respond. 00:35:30.339 --> 00:35:31.179 To that grace. 00:35:31.179 --> 00:35:33.719 And I want you to just. 00:35:33.839 --> 00:35:35.099 Remember those words. 00:35:36.199 --> 00:35:37.119 You are not alone. 00:35:37.659 --> 00:35:39.379 Because God is with us. 00:35:39.719 --> 00:35:41.500 Because God loves us. 00:35:42.179 --> 00:35:43.599 That he sent his only son. 00:35:43.699 --> 00:35:45.259 Everything gets connected here. 00:35:48.679 --> 00:35:50.339 In this Christmas time. 00:35:51.339 --> 00:35:52.480 Let us remember. 00:35:53.440 --> 00:35:54.480 That overflowing. 00:35:55.159 --> 00:35:56.319 And that abundant love. 00:35:56.440 --> 00:35:57.719 That God has for us. 00:35:58.059 --> 00:35:59.099 Let's pray together. 00:35:59.099 --> 00:36:01.500 Father God. 00:36:01.719 --> 00:36:02.659 We thank you. 00:36:03.519 --> 00:36:04.739 For this time. 00:36:05.519 --> 00:36:06.679 And this opportunity. 00:36:08.219 --> 00:36:09.460 For us to gather. 00:36:10.119 --> 00:36:12.559 And to go over this Advent theme. 00:36:12.699 --> 00:36:13.039 Of. 00:36:14.119 --> 00:36:14.400 Love. 00:36:16.599 --> 00:36:17.599 May we. 00:36:19.079 --> 00:36:19.679 Understand. 00:36:21.079 --> 00:36:22.019 The name. 00:36:22.159 --> 00:36:22.719 Emmanuel. 00:36:23.319 --> 00:36:23.900 God. 00:36:24.219 --> 00:36:24.860 With us. 00:36:24.860 --> 00:36:26.099 May we. 00:36:26.099 --> 00:36:26.099 00:36:26.099 --> 00:36:26.660 Understand. 00:36:27.720 --> 00:36:29.200 That we are not alone. 00:36:29.840 --> 00:36:31.000 And that you love. 00:36:31.240 --> 00:36:32.760 Each and every one of us. 00:36:33.200 --> 00:36:34.180 And you call us. 00:36:34.260 --> 00:36:34.960 To salvation. 00:36:35.599 --> 00:36:36.340 You call us. 00:36:36.440 --> 00:36:37.400 To a greater life. 00:36:37.960 --> 00:36:38.860 You call us. 00:36:39.280 --> 00:36:39.960 To know you. 00:36:40.099 --> 00:36:41.099 And to grow in you. 00:36:41.400 --> 00:36:42.099 You call us. 00:36:42.180 --> 00:36:42.680 To seek. 00:36:42.880 --> 00:36:44.000 The higher things. 00:36:45.400 --> 00:36:46.840 To be transformed. 00:36:47.019 --> 00:36:47.320 And not. 00:36:47.640 --> 00:36:48.000 To be. 00:36:48.320 --> 00:36:48.920 Divided. 00:36:48.980 --> 00:36:49.360 Or to. 00:36:50.039 --> 00:36:51.559 Go into the former life. 00:36:51.559 --> 00:36:54.219 You call. 00:36:54.219 --> 00:36:55.299 For all of us. 00:36:55.820 --> 00:36:57.320 To become more like you. 00:36:57.920 --> 00:36:59.039 And I just pray. 00:36:59.179 --> 00:36:59.460 Father. 00:37:00.279 --> 00:37:01.039 If there's any. 00:37:01.380 --> 00:37:01.860 Division. 00:37:02.980 --> 00:37:04.019 Whether theological. 00:37:04.019 --> 00:37:05.099 Or political. 00:37:05.380 --> 00:37:06.500 Or family division. 00:37:06.500 --> 00:37:07.519 Or whatever it is. 00:37:08.099 --> 00:37:09.179 May we lay that aside. 00:37:10.019 --> 00:37:10.759 May we focus. 00:37:10.880 --> 00:37:11.799 And fixate on you. 00:37:11.900 --> 00:37:12.559 That is beyond. 00:37:12.799 --> 00:37:13.159 Any. 00:37:13.519 --> 00:37:14.400 Political party. 00:37:14.759 --> 00:37:15.480 Any sort of. 00:37:15.779 --> 00:37:16.559 Family division. 00:37:16.920 --> 00:37:17.119 Any. 00:37:17.340 --> 00:37:18.340 Or even our own. 00:37:18.579 --> 00:37:19.099 Situations. 00:37:19.219 --> 00:37:19.759 And problems. 00:37:19.860 --> 00:37:20.900 You are beyond that. 00:37:22.480 --> 00:37:23.079 May you give. 00:37:23.239 --> 00:37:24.299 Each and every one of us. 00:37:24.420 --> 00:37:24.820 Wisdom. 00:37:24.900 --> 00:37:25.539 And insight. 00:37:26.039 --> 00:37:26.699 To be able. 00:37:27.799 --> 00:37:28.820 To respond. 00:37:28.900 --> 00:37:29.639 To your salvation. 00:37:29.799 --> 00:37:30.639 And to live in love. 00:37:30.699 --> 00:37:31.179 Like you. 00:37:32.179 --> 00:37:33.299 We thank you. 00:37:33.299 --> 00:37:34.559 For sending your son. 00:37:34.920 --> 00:37:35.559 The word. 00:37:35.659 --> 00:37:36.619 Becoming flesh. 00:37:36.880 --> 00:37:37.360 And dwelling. 00:37:37.500 --> 00:37:38.059 Among us. 00:37:39.380 --> 00:37:40.820 May we never forget. 00:37:41.559 --> 00:37:42.179 As we. 00:37:42.420 --> 00:37:43.679 Are so close. 00:37:43.960 --> 00:37:45.219 To celebrating Christmas. 00:37:47.039 --> 00:37:48.480 That it is your son. 00:37:49.299 --> 00:37:50.179 Who is the reason. 00:37:50.380 --> 00:37:51.019 For the season. 00:37:51.559 --> 00:37:53.320 And I pray. 00:37:53.320 --> 00:37:53.940 For everyone. 00:37:55.320 --> 00:37:56.360 Who is here. 00:37:56.480 --> 00:37:57.059 In person. 00:37:57.519 --> 00:37:58.099 I pray. 00:37:58.219 --> 00:37:58.719 For everyone. 00:37:58.719 --> 00:37:59.779 Who is online. 00:38:01.259 --> 00:38:02.299 And I think. 00:38:02.539 --> 00:38:03.779 I'm just so grateful. 00:38:04.579 --> 00:38:05.619 For your love. 00:38:06.759 --> 00:38:08.299 May we all be more aware. 00:38:09.139 --> 00:38:10.159 Of your presence. 00:38:10.779 --> 00:38:11.599 Of your love. 00:38:12.119 --> 00:38:12.860 Your grace. 00:38:13.340 --> 00:38:14.340 And your truth. 00:38:15.440 --> 00:38:16.920 We thank you so much. 00:38:16.920 --> 00:38:18.920 It is in the name. 00:38:19.720 --> 00:38:20.960 Of Jesus Christ. 00:38:21.760 --> 00:38:22.720 The morning star. 00:38:22.880 --> 00:38:23.380 That we pray. 00:38:23.500 --> 00:38:24.420 And we all say together. 00:38:24.519 --> 00:38:24.900 Church. 00:38:25.579 --> 00:38:26.019 Amen. 00:38:26.019 --> 00:38:26.259 Amen. 00:38:29.780 --> 00:38:31.420 Thank you for listening. 00:38:31.559 --> 00:38:32.519 To today's message. 00:38:32.719 --> 00:38:33.619 I really hope. 00:38:33.719 --> 00:38:34.320 That this sermon. 00:38:34.559 --> 00:38:35.219 Encouraged you. 00:38:35.860 --> 00:38:36.219 You know. 00:38:36.340 --> 00:38:37.199 When I was preparing. 00:38:37.199 --> 00:38:37.880 This message. 00:38:37.980 --> 00:38:38.880 I kept coming back. 00:38:38.980 --> 00:38:39.860 To these four. 00:38:40.059 --> 00:38:40.739 Simple words. 00:38:40.860 --> 00:38:41.440 That give us. 00:38:41.780 --> 00:38:42.579 Or should give us. 00:38:42.659 --> 00:38:43.019 Comfort. 00:38:43.579 --> 00:38:43.840 You. 00:38:44.199 --> 00:38:45.000 Are not alone. 00:38:45.420 --> 00:38:46.619 And that is the heart. 00:38:46.679 --> 00:38:47.360 Of Emmanuel. 00:38:47.880 --> 00:38:48.280 God. 00:38:48.559 --> 00:38:49.119 With us. 00:38:49.119 --> 00:38:50.799 It always saddens me. 00:38:50.799 --> 00:38:51.920 When I hear about people. 00:38:52.079 --> 00:38:52.639 Who are alone. 00:38:52.639 --> 00:38:53.259 On Christmas. 00:38:53.440 --> 00:38:53.859 Or people. 00:38:54.079 --> 00:38:54.940 Who have family. 00:38:54.940 --> 00:38:55.659 Around them. 00:38:56.019 --> 00:38:57.179 But yet they still feel. 00:38:57.179 --> 00:38:58.659 This sense of emptiness. 00:38:58.980 --> 00:38:59.380 Inside. 00:38:59.980 --> 00:39:01.380 But here is the good news. 00:39:01.799 --> 00:39:02.539 God's love. 00:39:02.739 --> 00:39:03.739 Is reaching out to you. 00:39:03.819 --> 00:39:05.179 No matter what situation. 00:39:05.179 --> 00:39:05.679 You're in. 00:39:05.900 --> 00:39:07.420 No matter how old you are. 00:39:07.420 --> 00:39:08.859 Or what you will go through. 00:39:09.619 --> 00:39:10.839 Something that is fascinating. 00:39:11.000 --> 00:39:11.839 That I've always found. 00:39:11.920 --> 00:39:12.960 To be just really. 00:39:13.319 --> 00:39:13.759 Awesome. 00:39:14.219 --> 00:39:15.500 Is the fact that the name. 00:39:15.799 --> 00:39:16.279 Ontario. 00:39:16.480 --> 00:39:17.659 The name of this city. 00:39:17.659 --> 00:39:19.639 In which Ontario Community Church. 00:39:19.759 --> 00:39:20.460 Exists in. 00:39:20.940 --> 00:39:22.099 Ontario means. 00:39:22.500 --> 00:39:23.639 Grace overflowing. 00:39:23.639 --> 00:39:24.299 In Japanese. 00:39:24.940 --> 00:39:25.819 And that is such. 00:39:25.960 --> 00:39:26.500 A fitting. 00:39:26.799 --> 00:39:27.659 And encouraging. 00:39:27.659 --> 00:39:28.619 Set of words. 00:39:29.119 --> 00:39:29.899 Think about that. 00:39:30.299 --> 00:39:31.119 God's love. 00:39:31.219 --> 00:39:32.059 Is for us. 00:39:32.179 --> 00:39:33.579 And it is in abundance. 00:39:33.759 --> 00:39:34.899 It is overflowing. 00:39:35.480 --> 00:39:36.759 God is not going to run out. 00:39:36.759 --> 00:39:37.379 Of his love. 00:39:37.579 --> 00:39:38.259 That love. 00:39:38.259 --> 00:39:39.059 Keeps flowing. 00:39:39.460 --> 00:39:40.619 And it's unfathomable. 00:39:41.019 --> 00:39:41.940 The amount of love. 00:39:42.099 --> 00:39:43.239 That God has for us. 00:39:44.079 --> 00:39:45.000 All of our resources. 00:39:45.000 --> 00:39:45.639 From today. 00:39:45.799 --> 00:39:46.259 The notes. 00:39:46.379 --> 00:39:46.940 The slides. 00:39:46.940 --> 00:39:48.420 They're available for free. 00:39:48.420 --> 00:39:49.260 On our website. 00:39:49.659 --> 00:39:51.139 At Ontario Community Church. 00:39:51.340 --> 00:39:51.900 Dot org. 00:39:52.200 --> 00:39:53.960 And in the podcast description. 00:39:54.679 --> 00:39:56.159 Everything is in our sermon archive. 00:39:56.159 --> 00:39:57.280 So you can go back. 00:39:57.360 --> 00:39:58.000 And review it. 00:39:58.119 --> 00:39:59.300 Or share it with a friend. 00:39:59.720 --> 00:40:01.400 We celebrate Christmas Eve. 00:40:01.400 --> 00:40:02.700 And Christmas Day this week. 00:40:02.980 --> 00:40:03.840 But until then. 00:40:03.980 --> 00:40:04.579 Remember this. 00:40:04.980 --> 00:40:06.360 You are not alone. 00:40:06.800 --> 00:40:08.039 God is with you. 00:40:08.400 --> 00:40:09.420 He has saved you. 00:40:09.579 --> 00:40:10.659 And he calls for you. 00:40:10.780 --> 00:40:12.280 To place your faith. 00:40:12.280 --> 00:40:13.460 And trust in him. 00:40:13.460 --> 00:40:14.980 With daring faith. 00:40:14.980 --> 00:40:17.219 Just like Mary and Joseph did. 00:40:17.820 --> 00:40:19.059 Let us remember the word. 00:40:19.519 --> 00:40:20.019 The name. 00:40:20.460 --> 00:40:20.960 Emmanuel. 00:40:21.440 --> 00:40:22.440 God with us. 00:40:22.840 --> 00:40:24.740 May we all be aware of his presence. 00:40:25.099 --> 00:40:25.780 His love. 00:40:26.079 --> 00:40:26.619 His grace. 00:40:26.780 --> 00:40:27.619 And his truth. 00:40:28.179 --> 00:40:29.139 May God bless you. 00:40:29.340 --> 00:40:30.440 And we will see you. 00:40:30.699 --> 00:40:32.679 As we celebrate the birth of our Savior. 00:40:33.300 --> 00:40:33.820 Thank you. 00:40:33.820 --> 00:40:36.220 God bless you. 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220 00:40:36.220 --> 00:40:36.220