WEBVTT 00:00:00.420 --> 00:00:12.400 Well, good morning everyone. It's great to be back for, as I also said, a little introduction to what we're going to be doing over the next few weeks in church as we build up to the 25th. 00:00:12.759 --> 00:00:21.120 But to get us thinking this morning, I wonder if everybody could hold up nine fingers. Nine fingers. Here's the challenge to get us thinking this morning. 00:00:21.120 --> 00:00:26.000 I want you to turn to your neighbour, or anybody sitting around you if you're on your own, you can do it yourself. 00:00:26.000 --> 00:00:30.640 I want you to try and describe yourself in nine words. Describe yourself in nine words. 00:00:30.980 --> 00:00:34.039 Now, let me just clarify the rules so there's no cheating. 00:00:34.920 --> 00:00:37.399 Because remember, Santa, he sees if you've been bad or good. 00:00:38.019 --> 00:00:40.980 So let me just clarify the rules. If you're Scottish, that is one word. 00:00:41.799 --> 00:00:43.439 If you're Northern Irish, that is two words. 00:00:44.100 --> 00:00:47.420 If you're from the Democratic Republic of Congo, then all the best. 00:00:47.780 --> 00:00:52.260 So have a go, 30 seconds to your neighbour. Can you describe yourself in nine words? 00:00:56.000 --> 00:00:59.500 Okay. Are we all set? 00:01:00.820 --> 00:01:05.400 So I must say, from the front, from the front, I heard an awful lot of laughing. 00:01:05.620 --> 00:01:11.680 So I don't know what you were saying in those nine words, but it was great to hear, just as having some fun, 00:01:11.739 --> 00:01:14.560 getting us thinking about how we describe ourselves. 00:01:14.560 --> 00:01:18.159 Because here's what we're going to do, is we're going to build up to the 25th over the next few weeks. 00:01:18.240 --> 00:01:20.680 We're going to think as a church about nine words. 00:01:21.599 --> 00:01:23.420 Nine words, okay. Nine words. 00:01:23.420 --> 00:01:30.579 Nine words that we often, frequently, we read and we think about at this time of year. 00:01:31.540 --> 00:01:38.320 Nine words that God spoke through the prophet Isaiah to a people in despair and darkness. 00:01:38.460 --> 00:01:40.900 Nine words that described the saviour that he would send them. 00:01:41.939 --> 00:01:47.620 Nine words that God spoke to a troubled and doubting people about the king who would come. 00:01:47.620 --> 00:01:53.460 And these are nine words that if we could grasp them in this time of year, if we could grasp them just that little bit more, 00:01:54.160 --> 00:01:59.359 if we can mine the depths of them just that little bit more, it would have the power to radically transform our lives. 00:01:59.420 --> 00:02:04.520 Because these are nine words that God uses to describe the bairn who would be born. 00:02:04.719 --> 00:02:10.840 These are nine words that God uses to describe who his son, Jesus Christ, is. 00:02:10.840 --> 00:02:13.879 Here they are. Let's get them on the screen. 00:02:15.460 --> 00:02:16.620 Wonderful counselor. 00:02:18.159 --> 00:02:19.259 Mighty God. 00:02:20.680 --> 00:02:21.800 Everlasting Father. 00:02:22.879 --> 00:02:24.680 And Prince of Peace. 00:02:25.560 --> 00:02:28.400 Nine words to describe the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:02:28.500 --> 00:02:31.039 As we're going to see over the next few weeks, nine beautiful words. 00:02:31.800 --> 00:02:34.800 That help us understand who he is. 00:02:34.800 --> 00:02:39.920 So if you've got a Bible there, then Isaiah chapters 8 and 9, this is where we're going to be this morning. 00:02:41.020 --> 00:02:44.660 Margo's going to come in a minute and just read the verses to us. 00:02:44.780 --> 00:02:48.420 Chapter 8, verse 11 through to verse 7 of chapter 9. 00:02:48.480 --> 00:02:53.700 That's going to give us the context that we'll consider this morning in which we find these nine words. 00:02:54.640 --> 00:02:56.080 Margo's going to come and read them to us. 00:02:56.080 --> 00:03:00.180 The band are going to perform a song to help us think about Jesus. 00:03:00.180 --> 00:03:05.540 And then we're going to get thinking about the first couple of these nine words. 00:03:05.680 --> 00:03:06.920 So I'll hand over to Margo now. 00:03:11.580 --> 00:03:13.159 Well, thank you so much, band. 00:03:13.280 --> 00:03:15.460 That's a great modern Christmas carol. 00:03:15.800 --> 00:03:16.040 It is. 00:03:16.140 --> 00:03:21.120 That's a great one that hopefully we're going to see linked so well with what we're going to be seeing in Isaiah this morning. 00:03:22.340 --> 00:03:29.600 But to begin, I had a funny moment a few weeks ago that reminded me of just how brutal it is in Scotland at winter. 00:03:30.180 --> 00:03:33.960 So I went to wake my two-year-old daughter from sleep in the morning. 00:03:34.159 --> 00:03:38.439 And the first thing that she said to me with all sincerity and with such optimism was, 00:03:38.560 --> 00:03:40.520 Daddy, is it summer yet? 00:03:42.540 --> 00:03:49.280 And I didn't have the heart to tell her that our one month of summer, June, is an awful long way away. 00:03:49.360 --> 00:03:52.280 I mean, it's hard, is it not, to live here in wintertime. 00:03:53.060 --> 00:03:55.680 You wake up in the morning, it's dark. 00:03:56.260 --> 00:03:58.200 You go to work and it's dark. 00:03:58.199 --> 00:03:59.959 You're at work and it's dark. 00:04:00.159 --> 00:04:01.119 There's a little bit of sun. 00:04:01.479 --> 00:04:06.000 And then you come home and it's dark until it goes round and round again. 00:04:06.099 --> 00:04:06.599 It's difficult. 00:04:06.739 --> 00:04:08.560 Is it not living in darkness? 00:04:09.259 --> 00:04:12.859 But if you find that difficult, if you find it difficult living here, 00:04:12.959 --> 00:04:16.279 then thank your lucky stars that you don't live in Reykjavik in Iceland. 00:04:16.279 --> 00:04:20.859 Because at this time of year, the sun rises close to half eleven. 00:04:22.139 --> 00:04:23.219 Imagine that, half eleven. 00:04:23.339 --> 00:04:29.319 And it sets just after half three, which means there are just over four hours of sunlight a day in winter. 00:04:30.079 --> 00:04:30.879 That is difficult. 00:04:31.919 --> 00:04:32.179 Is it? 00:04:32.459 --> 00:04:34.459 Darkness is difficult. 00:04:34.459 --> 00:04:42.159 But this morning, as we dive into Isaiah chapters eight and nine, we meet a people who will soon find themselves living, 00:04:43.019 --> 00:04:47.479 not just in, well, not in physical darkness, but in spiritual darkness. 00:04:47.480 --> 00:04:53.920 Here are Isaiah's words prophesying to this little kingdom of Judah. 00:04:55.000 --> 00:04:59.060 The two tribes that are in the south where Jerusalem is located, 00:04:59.240 --> 00:05:03.819 who had become distinct from the ten tribes' big brother in the north, Israel. 00:05:04.460 --> 00:05:07.080 And these are trying times for the little nation of Judah. 00:05:07.580 --> 00:05:08.379 Isaiah eight and nine. 00:05:08.560 --> 00:05:09.420 Trying times. 00:05:09.420 --> 00:05:13.319 But the thing about Judah is that in their trying times, 00:05:13.420 --> 00:05:15.900 and this is what we need to see here, in their trying times, 00:05:16.360 --> 00:05:19.199 they're searching for saviors in all the wrong places. 00:05:20.020 --> 00:05:21.000 All the wrong places. 00:05:23.080 --> 00:05:24.720 And this is the first thing that we see. 00:05:25.740 --> 00:05:29.439 Judah are a people, verses 11 to 22 of chapter eight, 00:05:29.500 --> 00:05:30.900 they're a people in need of light. 00:05:31.720 --> 00:05:34.780 So externally, they're searching for saviors in all the wrong places. 00:05:34.779 --> 00:05:39.339 At the time, the king on the throne in Judah, his name is King Ahaz. 00:05:39.439 --> 00:05:41.859 Now, he is a young, he's an intelligent king, 00:05:42.579 --> 00:05:45.219 but he lacks experience and he lacks wisdom. 00:05:45.299 --> 00:05:50.199 And he is being politically bullied by the northern kingdom of Israel and by Syria 00:05:50.199 --> 00:05:53.379 to join forces against the superpower of the day, 00:05:53.500 --> 00:05:55.919 who is Assyria up, way up in the north. 00:05:56.699 --> 00:06:02.839 And Ahaz is making the foolish mistake of thinking that the security of his nation 00:06:02.839 --> 00:06:06.099 is to be found in the brokering of a deal. 00:06:06.859 --> 00:06:07.919 So this is what he thinks. 00:06:07.959 --> 00:06:10.079 That if I can somehow secure an alliance, 00:06:10.919 --> 00:06:14.099 if I can do that, then the nation of Judah will be okay. 00:06:14.219 --> 00:06:16.539 Now, if you want to turn back to chapter seven and verse nine, 00:06:17.739 --> 00:06:23.019 you'll see God's words to this king Ahaz, who's on the throne. 00:06:24.120 --> 00:06:26.159 This is what God says, chapter seven and verse nine. 00:06:27.019 --> 00:06:27.799 Really simply. 00:06:30.679 --> 00:06:31.879 Stand firm in your faith. 00:06:33.239 --> 00:06:34.599 Stand firm in your faith. 00:06:36.019 --> 00:06:38.959 Ahaz be a king who builds his life on my words 00:06:38.959 --> 00:06:41.779 and who leads based on my promises, 00:06:42.439 --> 00:06:44.679 especially the ones that I have made to David, 00:06:44.759 --> 00:06:46.479 about the king who was set on his throne. 00:06:48.379 --> 00:06:51.279 Now, the only reason that you think the political powers of the day, 00:06:51.339 --> 00:06:52.939 the only reason you think that they are superpowers 00:06:52.939 --> 00:06:54.519 is because you've taken your eyes off me, 00:06:54.599 --> 00:06:56.199 who is the superpower of superpowers. 00:06:57.479 --> 00:06:59.879 And in case you hadn't noticed, I am your covenant God. 00:06:59.879 --> 00:07:02.139 I am for you. 00:07:02.439 --> 00:07:03.339 I'm not against you. 00:07:03.399 --> 00:07:04.240 I am for you. 00:07:04.439 --> 00:07:07.139 You are my people and I am your God. 00:07:08.079 --> 00:07:10.060 You see, externally, Judah are all over the place. 00:07:10.139 --> 00:07:12.180 They are searching for saviors in all the wrong places. 00:07:12.300 --> 00:07:15.699 And internally, Judah are searching for saviors in all the wrong places. 00:07:15.800 --> 00:07:17.759 You see it there, verse 19 of chapter eight. 00:07:18.980 --> 00:07:20.800 In search of answers, where are the people going? 00:07:20.800 --> 00:07:24.480 They are going to mediums. 00:07:25.420 --> 00:07:27.860 They are trying to get in contact with the dead 00:07:27.860 --> 00:07:31.240 because they think that somehow that will be the channel 00:07:31.240 --> 00:07:35.040 that will help me understand and explain the questions of my life. 00:07:38.160 --> 00:07:44.740 Judah are a people searching for saviors in all the wrong places. 00:07:44.920 --> 00:07:45.620 Here's what they're doing. 00:07:45.680 --> 00:07:46.280 They're looking out. 00:07:46.639 --> 00:07:47.280 They're looking in. 00:07:47.439 --> 00:07:48.019 They're looking down. 00:07:48.120 --> 00:07:48.840 Do you know where they're not looking? 00:07:49.360 --> 00:07:50.220 They're not looking up. 00:07:50.800 --> 00:07:55.579 That is the problem for Judah. 00:07:56.759 --> 00:07:57.660 He has his problem. 00:07:58.079 --> 00:08:01.120 And the people's problem is that in their minds, 00:08:01.460 --> 00:08:03.420 God is too small for this. 00:08:04.100 --> 00:08:04.800 He's too small. 00:08:06.439 --> 00:08:07.980 As J.B. Phillips once said, 00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:09.819 your God is too small. 00:08:10.920 --> 00:08:11.900 Your God is too small. 00:08:11.960 --> 00:08:12.340 That's Judah. 00:08:13.800 --> 00:08:14.939 So let me ask you this morning, 00:08:15.000 --> 00:08:15.879 is your God too small? 00:08:17.460 --> 00:08:18.420 Is he too small? 00:08:18.420 --> 00:08:21.640 Can you fit him in your top pocket? 00:08:22.640 --> 00:08:26.120 Can you put him on the dashboard of your car? 00:08:26.680 --> 00:08:29.180 Is he simply an icon on the desktop of your life? 00:08:29.280 --> 00:08:29.379 I mean, 00:08:29.439 --> 00:08:30.319 how big is your God? 00:08:32.399 --> 00:08:33.899 If you're struggling with that this morning, 00:08:33.960 --> 00:08:34.480 if you're thinking, 00:08:34.639 --> 00:08:36.759 I need to get a bigger picture of God, 00:08:36.840 --> 00:08:37.480 do you know what I recommend? 00:08:37.480 --> 00:08:39.720 I recommend you watch Blue Planet. 00:08:40.759 --> 00:08:41.019 Right? 00:08:41.080 --> 00:08:41.940 You get yourself down, 00:08:42.080 --> 00:08:43.019 you get a cup of coffee, 00:08:43.139 --> 00:08:44.360 you get on BBC iPlayer, 00:08:44.399 --> 00:08:45.800 and you have a date with Uncle Dave. 00:08:46.340 --> 00:08:47.320 At and Brissetta again, 00:08:47.379 --> 00:08:49.019 and Blue Planet is absolutely incredible. 00:08:49.139 --> 00:08:49.920 I love the show. 00:08:50.620 --> 00:08:51.399 Love the show. 00:08:51.480 --> 00:08:52.460 And as I watch it, 00:08:52.960 --> 00:08:54.460 as I see the glory of the world, 00:08:54.639 --> 00:08:55.960 I'm reminded of two things. 00:08:56.399 --> 00:08:56.800 Firstly, 00:08:56.799 --> 00:08:57.839 isn't God big? 00:08:58.899 --> 00:08:59.579 You see it. 00:08:59.639 --> 00:09:01.679 Isn't his creation magnificent? 00:09:01.979 --> 00:09:03.879 Isn't his design unparalleled? 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:04.899 Isn't God big? 00:09:05.240 --> 00:09:06.179 Second thing I think, 00:09:06.879 --> 00:09:07.599 I'm an eye small. 00:09:08.979 --> 00:09:10.379 As I see Attenborough, 00:09:11.159 --> 00:09:12.799 as I see him describe the oceans 00:09:12.799 --> 00:09:15.620 that we've not even begun to understand the depths of, 00:09:15.699 --> 00:09:18.559 as I see him discovering creatures, 00:09:18.799 --> 00:09:20.500 that we're still discovering creatures, 00:09:22.059 --> 00:09:24.039 even as I looked at the supermoon the other night, 00:09:24.039 --> 00:09:24.659 did you see it? 00:09:25.240 --> 00:09:25.779 The supermoon? 00:09:26.399 --> 00:09:26.579 I thought, 00:09:26.659 --> 00:09:28.019 how big is that moon? 00:09:28.839 --> 00:09:29.339 And yet, 00:09:29.439 --> 00:09:32.379 how many thousands of miles am I between that and that moon? 00:09:32.500 --> 00:09:33.799 How big must that moon be? 00:09:35.079 --> 00:09:36.120 And I started thinking, 00:09:36.199 --> 00:09:36.879 if that moon's big, 00:09:36.939 --> 00:09:39.039 then just think how big the God who created it is. 00:09:40.159 --> 00:09:41.399 And you sit there and you think, 00:09:41.539 --> 00:09:41.819 wow, 00:09:43.219 --> 00:09:44.039 isn't God big? 00:09:44.319 --> 00:09:45.139 And am an eye small? 00:09:46.399 --> 00:09:48.599 How often is it the other way around in our minds? 00:09:49.259 --> 00:09:50.659 And I read in scripture, 00:09:50.879 --> 00:09:52.719 the seamless ease at which God spoke 00:09:52.719 --> 00:09:53.959 and things just came into being, 00:09:54.039 --> 00:09:54.839 they just happened. 00:09:54.919 --> 00:09:56.079 You'll see it there as an afterthought. 00:09:56.139 --> 00:09:57.139 He created the stars. 00:09:57.240 --> 00:09:58.299 It was no problem for him. 00:09:59.559 --> 00:10:00.240 And as I read 00:10:00.240 --> 00:10:01.980 that the nations 00:10:01.980 --> 00:10:03.399 are a drop 00:10:03.399 --> 00:10:04.879 in the bucket to him, 00:10:05.620 --> 00:10:08.139 then surely we're moved to sing in our hearts, 00:10:08.240 --> 00:10:08.980 O Lord my God, 00:10:09.039 --> 00:10:10.219 when I am awesome wonder, 00:10:10.319 --> 00:10:12.659 consider all the works thy hand have made. 00:10:12.719 --> 00:10:13.539 Then sings my soul, 00:10:13.620 --> 00:10:14.240 my Saviour God, 00:10:14.299 --> 00:10:14.539 to thee, 00:10:14.539 --> 00:10:16.179 how great thou art. 00:10:17.759 --> 00:10:18.699 As you hear this morning, 00:10:18.799 --> 00:10:20.719 and your God is too small. 00:10:22.059 --> 00:10:22.860 He's too small. 00:10:22.860 --> 00:10:23.159 Do you see, 00:10:23.240 --> 00:10:24.659 Judah's problem is that their God, 00:10:24.740 --> 00:10:25.580 their view of God, 00:10:25.659 --> 00:10:26.539 their grasp of God, 00:10:26.600 --> 00:10:27.080 in their minds, 00:10:27.159 --> 00:10:28.100 he is too small. 00:10:29.860 --> 00:10:31.240 And God gives his opinion 00:10:31.240 --> 00:10:33.600 on the nation's Saviour search 00:10:33.600 --> 00:10:35.200 at verse 13 of chapter 8. 00:10:36.480 --> 00:10:37.320 Here's what he says. 00:10:37.320 --> 00:10:41.300 The Lord Almighty 00:10:41.300 --> 00:10:44.820 is the one you are to regard as holy. 00:10:46.200 --> 00:10:47.920 He is the one you are to fear. 00:10:48.620 --> 00:10:50.440 And he is the one you are to dread. 00:10:51.240 --> 00:10:51.500 Do you see, 00:10:51.560 --> 00:10:52.800 God's summons to the king 00:10:52.800 --> 00:10:53.600 and to the people 00:10:53.600 --> 00:10:55.340 is trust me. 00:10:56.260 --> 00:10:57.379 Trust me that I'm big. 00:10:57.720 --> 00:10:58.540 Trust me that I'm bigger 00:10:58.540 --> 00:10:59.620 than you think I am. 00:11:00.120 --> 00:11:00.680 Trust me. 00:11:00.920 --> 00:11:02.200 And God's challenge to the king 00:11:02.200 --> 00:11:02.780 and to the people 00:11:02.780 --> 00:11:03.380 is will you? 00:11:05.120 --> 00:11:05.500 Will you? 00:11:05.580 --> 00:11:06.320 Well, some of them will. 00:11:06.320 --> 00:11:08.260 But on the whole, 00:11:08.379 --> 00:11:09.040 Judah won't. 00:11:10.160 --> 00:11:11.100 Israel in the north, 00:11:11.220 --> 00:11:12.600 their day will soon come. 00:11:12.780 --> 00:11:13.500 Judah's day 00:11:13.500 --> 00:11:15.600 will follow not so long after 00:11:15.600 --> 00:11:16.960 at the hands of another superpower 00:11:16.960 --> 00:11:17.620 called Babylon. 00:11:17.940 --> 00:11:18.660 But you'll see it 00:11:18.660 --> 00:11:20.080 in verses 21 and 22 00:11:20.080 --> 00:11:21.840 describing Judah in exile. 00:11:24.120 --> 00:11:24.720 Distress, 00:11:25.560 --> 00:11:26.000 gloom, 00:11:26.840 --> 00:11:27.400 anguish, 00:11:27.399 --> 00:11:29.220 all of this to show 00:11:29.220 --> 00:11:29.240 all of this to show 00:11:29.240 --> 00:11:30.459 that God, 00:11:30.559 --> 00:11:31.439 holy God, 00:11:31.519 --> 00:11:32.959 he takes sin and rebellion 00:11:32.959 --> 00:11:34.299 against him seriously. 00:11:35.120 --> 00:11:36.439 He takes it seriously. 00:11:37.699 --> 00:11:38.779 It's a theme that runs 00:11:38.779 --> 00:11:39.740 all the way through 00:11:39.740 --> 00:11:40.559 the Bible story, 00:11:40.679 --> 00:11:41.939 all the way through Scripture, 00:11:42.039 --> 00:11:42.899 beginning in the garden 00:11:42.899 --> 00:11:44.879 with Adam and Eve. 00:11:45.459 --> 00:11:46.539 And since then, 00:11:46.620 --> 00:11:47.579 the sin and rebellion 00:11:47.579 --> 00:11:48.299 against God 00:11:48.299 --> 00:11:49.340 comes all too naturally 00:11:49.340 --> 00:11:50.199 to all of us. 00:11:50.240 --> 00:11:51.500 And it's the reason behind 00:11:51.500 --> 00:11:53.019 not just our own 00:11:53.019 --> 00:11:53.939 individual darkness, 00:11:54.139 --> 00:11:55.379 our own individual brokenness, 00:11:55.379 --> 00:11:56.220 it's the reason behind 00:11:56.220 --> 00:11:57.559 the world's brokenness. 00:11:59.519 --> 00:11:59.740 See, 00:11:59.820 --> 00:12:00.139 Christmas, 00:12:00.259 --> 00:12:01.320 as we look at the baby 00:12:01.320 --> 00:12:01.980 in the manger, 00:12:02.139 --> 00:12:03.139 it screams to us 00:12:03.139 --> 00:12:04.100 that we need saving. 00:12:05.679 --> 00:12:06.759 We need saving. 00:12:07.620 --> 00:12:07.919 And so, 00:12:07.960 --> 00:12:08.679 as we look at this 00:12:08.679 --> 00:12:09.759 little nation of Judah, 00:12:10.960 --> 00:12:11.799 let me ask you, 00:12:11.820 --> 00:12:12.919 if you're here this morning 00:12:12.919 --> 00:12:15.059 and you're looking for saviors 00:12:15.059 --> 00:12:16.159 in all the wrong places, 00:12:17.840 --> 00:12:18.419 are you looking for them 00:12:18.419 --> 00:12:19.240 in all the wrong places? 00:12:19.779 --> 00:12:20.559 Are you just like Judah? 00:12:21.500 --> 00:12:22.139 Are you looking out? 00:12:22.440 --> 00:12:23.100 Are you looking in? 00:12:23.340 --> 00:12:23.980 Are you looking down? 00:12:24.100 --> 00:12:24.700 Are you looking up? 00:12:25.379 --> 00:12:25.700 Now, 00:12:26.919 --> 00:12:27.879 will God do anything 00:12:27.879 --> 00:12:28.639 to lift his people 00:12:28.639 --> 00:12:29.700 from their sin and darkness? 00:12:30.039 --> 00:12:31.179 Will this be the end 00:12:31.179 --> 00:12:32.080 of the story for Judah? 00:12:32.519 --> 00:12:32.799 No, 00:12:33.200 --> 00:12:33.899 it won't be the end 00:12:33.899 --> 00:12:34.379 of the story. 00:12:34.480 --> 00:12:35.720 Not because they deserve it, 00:12:35.980 --> 00:12:36.720 but rather because 00:12:36.720 --> 00:12:37.820 he will move to save 00:12:37.820 --> 00:12:39.419 simply because of who God is. 00:12:40.100 --> 00:12:40.860 Right at the heart 00:12:40.860 --> 00:12:41.399 of who he is, 00:12:41.439 --> 00:12:42.139 he is gracious 00:12:42.139 --> 00:12:43.580 and he is full 00:12:43.580 --> 00:12:44.840 of unending 00:12:44.840 --> 00:12:46.519 and steadfast love. 00:12:46.899 --> 00:12:48.419 We read verses 1 to 5 00:12:48.419 --> 00:12:49.100 of chapter 9 00:12:49.100 --> 00:12:50.399 of a God who sends light. 00:12:51.659 --> 00:12:52.019 You see, 00:12:52.120 --> 00:12:52.840 on this people 00:12:52.840 --> 00:12:54.039 living in great darkness, 00:12:54.220 --> 00:12:54.960 God's great light 00:12:54.960 --> 00:12:56.139 is going to supernaturally 00:12:56.139 --> 00:12:57.820 and it's going to surprisingly 00:12:57.820 --> 00:12:58.900 break in. 00:12:59.940 --> 00:13:00.800 And when this light 00:13:00.800 --> 00:13:01.320 breaks in, 00:13:01.420 --> 00:13:02.420 when God's light 00:13:02.420 --> 00:13:03.240 breaks in here, 00:13:03.320 --> 00:13:04.180 look at what it will mean 00:13:04.180 --> 00:13:05.340 for the faithful people 00:13:05.340 --> 00:13:05.720 of Judah 00:13:05.720 --> 00:13:06.480 who have put their 00:13:06.480 --> 00:13:07.460 lives 00:13:07.460 --> 00:13:09.660 in the hands of God 00:13:09.660 --> 00:13:10.360 and his promises. 00:13:10.500 --> 00:13:11.160 It will mean joy. 00:13:12.120 --> 00:13:12.980 It will mean joy. 00:13:12.980 --> 00:13:14.180 like when there is 00:13:14.180 --> 00:13:15.019 an abundant harvest. 00:13:15.120 --> 00:13:15.539 You see him try 00:13:15.539 --> 00:13:16.240 to describe it, 00:13:16.300 --> 00:13:16.460 Isaiah? 00:13:17.320 --> 00:13:18.300 Like when spoil 00:13:18.300 --> 00:13:19.100 is divided 00:13:19.100 --> 00:13:20.039 after a great victory 00:13:20.039 --> 00:13:20.600 over an enemy. 00:13:20.879 --> 00:13:21.060 You see, 00:13:21.120 --> 00:13:21.539 God's light, 00:13:21.620 --> 00:13:22.180 when it comes, 00:13:22.240 --> 00:13:23.200 it will cause the people 00:13:23.200 --> 00:13:24.120 to rejoice 00:13:24.120 --> 00:13:25.460 like they've never 00:13:25.460 --> 00:13:26.440 rejoiced before. 00:13:27.940 --> 00:13:28.720 The yoke 00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:29.659 that burdened them 00:13:29.659 --> 00:13:31.680 smashed. 00:13:32.539 --> 00:13:33.259 The rod 00:13:33.259 --> 00:13:33.720 that we use 00:13:33.720 --> 00:13:35.000 to oppress them 00:13:35.000 --> 00:13:36.159 broken. 00:13:36.340 --> 00:13:37.019 And how will God 00:13:37.019 --> 00:13:37.639 do this? 00:13:39.000 --> 00:13:39.519 How will God 00:13:39.519 --> 00:13:40.019 do this? 00:13:41.120 --> 00:13:41.360 Well, 00:13:41.360 --> 00:13:41.899 he will do it 00:13:41.899 --> 00:13:42.320 like he did 00:13:42.320 --> 00:13:42.820 at Midian. 00:13:44.060 --> 00:13:44.539 It's a reference 00:13:44.539 --> 00:13:45.379 back to the book 00:13:45.379 --> 00:13:45.940 of Judges. 00:13:46.019 --> 00:13:46.340 We were there 00:13:46.340 --> 00:13:47.000 over the summer 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:47.620 to a time 00:13:47.620 --> 00:13:48.340 when God's people 00:13:48.340 --> 00:13:49.120 were in slavery 00:13:49.120 --> 00:13:50.019 to their enemies. 00:13:50.860 --> 00:13:51.600 What did God do 00:13:51.600 --> 00:13:52.320 out of his grace 00:13:52.320 --> 00:13:52.860 and compassion 00:13:52.860 --> 00:13:53.279 for his people? 00:13:53.360 --> 00:13:54.360 He raised up judges. 00:13:55.440 --> 00:13:56.360 Raised up many 00:13:56.360 --> 00:13:56.800 saviors, 00:13:56.919 --> 00:13:57.340 if you like, 00:13:57.539 --> 00:13:58.960 to save his people. 00:13:59.139 --> 00:13:59.620 One of which 00:13:59.620 --> 00:14:00.180 was Gideon. 00:14:01.200 --> 00:14:01.740 It's the story. 00:14:01.840 --> 00:14:02.580 Gideon is set 00:14:02.580 --> 00:14:03.759 on marching 00:14:03.759 --> 00:14:04.800 against the Midianites 00:14:04.800 --> 00:14:05.480 with his army. 00:14:05.680 --> 00:14:07.600 He's got 32,000 men. 00:14:07.720 --> 00:14:08.200 God says, 00:14:08.279 --> 00:14:08.360 no, 00:14:08.399 --> 00:14:08.940 that's too many. 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:10.060 You make it 10,000 men. 00:14:10.059 --> 00:14:11.619 So Gideon 00:14:11.619 --> 00:14:12.559 gets 10,000 men. 00:14:12.639 --> 00:14:13.179 He's ready to go 00:14:13.179 --> 00:14:13.579 and God says, 00:14:13.659 --> 00:14:13.719 no, 00:14:13.779 --> 00:14:14.679 that's still too many. 00:14:14.759 --> 00:14:15.819 You make it 300 men. 00:14:17.739 --> 00:14:18.299 And what happens? 00:14:18.399 --> 00:14:19.259 Gideon and his army, 00:14:19.339 --> 00:14:20.000 they march against 00:14:20.000 --> 00:14:20.500 the Midianites. 00:14:20.579 --> 00:14:20.859 They win. 00:14:21.359 --> 00:14:22.019 Why do they win? 00:14:22.299 --> 00:14:23.119 What's the message? 00:14:23.439 --> 00:14:24.399 The message is 00:14:24.399 --> 00:14:25.659 that the victory 00:14:25.659 --> 00:14:26.419 was the Lord's, 00:14:26.479 --> 00:14:27.159 not Gideon's. 00:14:27.759 --> 00:14:28.759 The message is 00:14:28.759 --> 00:14:29.919 that the victory, 00:14:30.079 --> 00:14:30.519 the glory, 00:14:30.639 --> 00:14:31.299 goes to God 00:14:31.299 --> 00:14:32.059 and it doesn't go 00:14:32.059 --> 00:14:33.039 to Gideon. 00:14:34.879 --> 00:14:36.339 So here is the same promise. 00:14:36.439 --> 00:14:37.019 In the same way, 00:14:37.079 --> 00:14:38.079 God is going to break in 00:14:38.080 --> 00:14:40.460 and he's going to bring you 00:14:40.460 --> 00:14:42.759 a quite unexplainable 00:14:42.759 --> 00:14:45.460 and a quite unexpected victory. 00:14:46.080 --> 00:14:47.060 This is what God's going to do 00:14:47.060 --> 00:14:47.620 for his people. 00:14:48.400 --> 00:14:49.560 And how is God going to do it? 00:14:50.040 --> 00:14:51.180 Verses 6 and 7. 00:14:51.860 --> 00:14:52.600 We read of a king 00:14:52.600 --> 00:14:53.360 who is light. 00:14:54.520 --> 00:14:55.720 Now I love this here. 00:14:56.820 --> 00:14:57.740 Will God pick the brightest? 00:14:58.480 --> 00:14:58.720 No. 00:14:59.600 --> 00:15:00.440 Will God pick, 00:15:01.020 --> 00:15:01.940 choose the strongest? 00:15:02.400 --> 00:15:02.640 No. 00:15:03.360 --> 00:15:04.660 Will God select 00:15:04.660 --> 00:15:05.340 the bravest? 00:15:05.660 --> 00:15:05.940 No. 00:15:06.200 --> 00:15:06.639 Because here's what 00:15:06.639 --> 00:15:07.080 I would have done 00:15:07.080 --> 00:15:07.700 if I'm God 00:15:07.700 --> 00:15:08.480 and that's a phrase 00:15:08.480 --> 00:15:09.580 that I use far too often 00:15:09.580 --> 00:15:10.460 in my sinful heart. 00:15:10.980 --> 00:15:11.780 Here's what I would have done. 00:15:11.860 --> 00:15:12.600 I would have fashioned 00:15:12.600 --> 00:15:13.860 Superman out of clay. 00:15:14.019 --> 00:15:14.560 So I would have done, 00:15:14.780 --> 00:15:15.460 there's your saviour. 00:15:16.660 --> 00:15:17.960 But here's how God works. 00:15:19.019 --> 00:15:19.600 But he doesn't pick 00:15:19.600 --> 00:15:20.000 the brightest. 00:15:20.139 --> 00:15:20.580 He doesn't pick 00:15:20.580 --> 00:15:20.960 the strongest. 00:15:21.080 --> 00:15:21.780 He doesn't pick 00:15:21.780 --> 00:15:22.160 the bravest. 00:15:22.280 --> 00:15:23.379 He gives the smallest. 00:15:24.639 --> 00:15:25.580 He gives the smallest. 00:15:25.720 --> 00:15:26.200 It's incredible. 00:15:26.320 --> 00:15:27.440 His means of salvation 00:15:27.440 --> 00:15:28.480 will come in the form 00:15:28.480 --> 00:15:29.400 of a helpless baby. 00:15:30.440 --> 00:15:31.700 His agent of transformation 00:15:31.700 --> 00:15:32.780 will come in the shape 00:15:32.780 --> 00:15:33.340 of a son 00:15:33.340 --> 00:15:34.500 and he will be a king 00:15:34.500 --> 00:15:35.320 who will be the ruler 00:15:35.320 --> 00:15:36.000 of all rulers. 00:15:36.860 --> 00:15:37.659 He will be a king 00:15:37.659 --> 00:15:38.399 whose reign 00:15:38.399 --> 00:15:39.139 will be the reign 00:15:39.139 --> 00:15:39.980 of all reigns 00:15:39.980 --> 00:15:40.580 and this baby 00:15:40.580 --> 00:15:42.139 will be the invincible figure 00:15:42.139 --> 00:15:43.340 that spans the ages 00:15:43.340 --> 00:15:44.580 and his kingdom 00:15:44.580 --> 00:15:45.940 that he establishes 00:15:45.940 --> 00:15:46.860 will never be toppled 00:15:46.860 --> 00:15:47.340 and the throne 00:15:47.340 --> 00:15:48.139 that he occupies 00:15:48.139 --> 00:15:49.000 will never be vacated. 00:15:49.139 --> 00:15:50.000 This is God's king. 00:15:51.980 --> 00:15:53.299 An incredible thing 00:15:53.299 --> 00:15:54.879 is that Isaiah 00:15:54.879 --> 00:15:55.940 is speaking roughly, 00:15:56.059 --> 00:15:56.539 give or take, 00:15:56.639 --> 00:15:57.240 eight centuries 00:15:57.240 --> 00:15:57.919 before Jesus 00:15:57.919 --> 00:15:58.740 was even born. 00:15:59.639 --> 00:16:00.799 And he's declaring it. 00:16:00.899 --> 00:16:01.700 Doesn't he even see it there 00:16:01.700 --> 00:16:02.759 like it's already happened? 00:16:04.500 --> 00:16:05.360 How does that work? 00:16:05.460 --> 00:16:06.460 Well, here's the wonderful truth. 00:16:08.139 --> 00:16:09.379 Is that that's what happens 00:16:09.379 --> 00:16:10.139 when God speaks. 00:16:11.179 --> 00:16:12.240 When God declares 00:16:12.240 --> 00:16:13.299 something to be true, 00:16:13.399 --> 00:16:14.120 when God says 00:16:14.120 --> 00:16:15.019 he will do something, 00:16:15.139 --> 00:16:16.000 there is no speculative 00:16:16.000 --> 00:16:16.980 word for the future, 00:16:17.340 --> 00:16:18.820 it is a cast iron guarantee 00:16:18.820 --> 00:16:19.659 for these people 00:16:19.659 --> 00:16:21.259 that they can live 00:16:21.259 --> 00:16:21.940 in light of 00:16:21.940 --> 00:16:23.480 what God has said 00:16:23.480 --> 00:16:24.179 is going to happen 00:16:24.179 --> 00:16:25.179 and they can live 00:16:25.179 --> 00:16:25.980 in light of the fact 00:16:25.980 --> 00:16:26.799 that it's a done deal. 00:16:28.539 --> 00:16:29.320 800 years 00:16:29.320 --> 00:16:30.399 before Jesus 00:16:30.399 --> 00:16:31.139 is even on the scene, 00:16:31.379 --> 00:16:32.299 these people are told 00:16:32.299 --> 00:16:33.240 they can stake 00:16:33.240 --> 00:16:34.060 their lives on it. 00:16:35.139 --> 00:16:35.600 And what will this 00:16:35.600 --> 00:16:36.980 king of light be like? 00:16:38.500 --> 00:16:39.200 Well, it states this 00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:40.240 to the first few words 00:16:40.240 --> 00:16:41.460 that we see in verse 6. 00:16:42.500 --> 00:16:43.279 God's king of light 00:16:43.279 --> 00:16:44.060 will be called 00:16:44.060 --> 00:16:46.060 wonderful counsellor. 00:16:47.139 --> 00:16:47.720 Be called 00:16:47.720 --> 00:16:48.600 wonderful counsellor. 00:16:49.720 --> 00:16:50.120 Now, like me, 00:16:50.159 --> 00:16:50.820 I wonder if you've been 00:16:50.820 --> 00:16:52.159 to many Christmas services 00:16:52.159 --> 00:16:52.919 down the years 00:16:52.919 --> 00:16:54.419 and you've heard 00:16:54.419 --> 00:16:55.500 these words 00:16:55.500 --> 00:16:57.379 read countless times 00:16:57.379 --> 00:16:57.879 before. 00:16:58.279 --> 00:16:58.820 But have you ever 00:16:58.820 --> 00:16:59.759 stopped to ask yourself 00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:01.180 why God uses that word, 00:17:01.659 --> 00:17:02.360 those two words? 00:17:03.180 --> 00:17:03.940 Why does God call 00:17:03.940 --> 00:17:04.360 his son 00:17:04.360 --> 00:17:06.099 the wonderful counsellor? 00:17:07.579 --> 00:17:08.720 But here's two things 00:17:08.720 --> 00:17:09.420 that I want us to see 00:17:09.420 --> 00:17:09.860 this morning, 00:17:09.960 --> 00:17:10.420 two truths 00:17:10.420 --> 00:17:10.759 that I think 00:17:10.759 --> 00:17:12.019 are so brilliant 00:17:12.019 --> 00:17:12.740 for us to see. 00:17:12.799 --> 00:17:13.539 Here's the first truth, 00:17:14.140 --> 00:17:15.000 that he is a king 00:17:15.000 --> 00:17:15.860 in whom you can trust. 00:17:17.240 --> 00:17:17.819 He's a king 00:17:17.819 --> 00:17:18.660 in whom you can trust. 00:17:19.660 --> 00:17:20.720 See, this Judah generation, 00:17:20.819 --> 00:17:21.279 what are they doing? 00:17:21.339 --> 00:17:22.240 They're searching for saviors 00:17:22.240 --> 00:17:23.180 in all the wrong places. 00:17:23.940 --> 00:17:24.799 All the wrong places. 00:17:24.900 --> 00:17:25.640 Why are they doing that? 00:17:25.700 --> 00:17:27.160 Well, a big reason 00:17:27.160 --> 00:17:27.779 is because they've got 00:17:27.779 --> 00:17:28.480 so many voices 00:17:28.480 --> 00:17:29.519 competing for their attention. 00:17:30.180 --> 00:17:31.019 So many voices. 00:17:31.099 --> 00:17:31.960 Who should they listen to? 00:17:31.960 --> 00:17:33.019 Well, here is God saying 00:17:33.019 --> 00:17:34.579 that I'm sending you 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:36.220 the wonderful counsellor. 00:17:36.960 --> 00:17:38.259 I'm sending you 00:17:38.259 --> 00:17:39.299 him 00:17:39.299 --> 00:17:40.420 and his words 00:17:40.420 --> 00:17:41.180 will be flawless, 00:17:41.360 --> 00:17:41.880 his counsel 00:17:41.880 --> 00:17:42.799 will be unfailing, 00:17:42.900 --> 00:17:43.380 his wisdom 00:17:43.380 --> 00:17:44.019 will be perfect 00:17:44.019 --> 00:17:44.779 and his judgments 00:17:44.779 --> 00:17:45.900 will always be righteous. 00:17:46.480 --> 00:17:47.620 And you can confidently 00:17:47.620 --> 00:17:48.759 place your hands, 00:17:50.620 --> 00:17:51.460 place your life 00:17:51.460 --> 00:17:52.759 in the hands 00:17:52.759 --> 00:17:54.440 of my wonderful counsellor. 00:17:54.440 --> 00:17:57.180 I remember when I was 00:17:57.180 --> 00:17:58.240 a young lawyer 00:17:58.240 --> 00:18:01.000 and I walked into the office 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:01.559 every morning 00:18:01.559 --> 00:18:02.559 to my desk. 00:18:02.620 --> 00:18:03.100 One of the things 00:18:03.100 --> 00:18:03.880 that put me at ease 00:18:03.880 --> 00:18:04.660 every morning 00:18:04.660 --> 00:18:05.660 was the fact 00:18:05.660 --> 00:18:06.400 that there was a library 00:18:06.400 --> 00:18:07.279 just down the corridor. 00:18:07.559 --> 00:18:08.000 Now, here's why 00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:08.740 that put me at ease 00:18:08.740 --> 00:18:09.480 for three reasons. 00:18:10.620 --> 00:18:11.460 One, because I knew 00:18:11.460 --> 00:18:12.559 people would ask me questions. 00:18:14.039 --> 00:18:14.880 Two, because I knew 00:18:14.880 --> 00:18:15.539 I didn't have the answers 00:18:15.539 --> 00:18:16.320 to those questions. 00:18:17.100 --> 00:18:17.720 And three, 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:18.720 I knew that the books 00:18:18.720 --> 00:18:19.440 did have the answers 00:18:19.440 --> 00:18:20.100 to those questions. 00:18:20.259 --> 00:18:20.580 Somewhere, 00:18:20.579 --> 00:18:21.579 somehow, 00:18:22.220 --> 00:18:23.240 the answer was in the books. 00:18:24.259 --> 00:18:24.819 Now, I had that 00:18:24.819 --> 00:18:26.240 beautiful plan worked out 00:18:26.240 --> 00:18:27.419 until one day 00:18:27.419 --> 00:18:29.039 somebody rang me 00:18:29.039 --> 00:18:29.859 from another side 00:18:29.859 --> 00:18:30.579 and he challenged me 00:18:30.579 --> 00:18:31.039 on a point. 00:18:31.119 --> 00:18:31.980 So I did my three things. 00:18:32.059 --> 00:18:32.259 I thought, 00:18:32.339 --> 00:18:33.000 I don't have the answers 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:33.759 but the books are the answers. 00:18:33.819 --> 00:18:34.679 I went to get to the books 00:18:34.679 --> 00:18:35.439 and it turned out 00:18:35.439 --> 00:18:36.139 the guy on the other side 00:18:36.139 --> 00:18:36.759 had written the book. 00:18:40.839 --> 00:18:41.720 But here's the thing 00:18:41.720 --> 00:18:43.639 as we read about Jesus 00:18:43.639 --> 00:18:44.359 in the Gospels, 00:18:44.460 --> 00:18:45.220 as we encounter him 00:18:45.220 --> 00:18:45.919 in the Gospels, 00:18:46.519 --> 00:18:47.199 he's never reaching 00:18:47.199 --> 00:18:47.799 for the books. 00:18:49.139 --> 00:18:49.899 He's never reaching 00:18:49.899 --> 00:18:50.519 for the books. 00:18:51.539 --> 00:18:52.379 Why is he never reaching 00:18:52.379 --> 00:18:53.000 for the books? 00:18:53.939 --> 00:18:54.299 Because 00:18:54.299 --> 00:18:57.000 there's no problem 00:18:57.000 --> 00:18:57.639 that he needs 00:18:57.639 --> 00:18:58.460 to study up on. 00:18:59.879 --> 00:19:00.980 There is no question 00:19:00.980 --> 00:19:01.460 that he needs 00:19:01.460 --> 00:19:02.159 to outsource. 00:19:02.299 --> 00:19:03.019 There is no issue 00:19:03.019 --> 00:19:03.639 in which he needs 00:19:03.639 --> 00:19:04.519 to consult an expert. 00:19:04.639 --> 00:19:05.319 There is no person 00:19:05.319 --> 00:19:06.319 that he does not know. 00:19:06.639 --> 00:19:07.000 Why? 00:19:07.159 --> 00:19:07.919 Because Jesus 00:19:07.919 --> 00:19:10.859 is wisdom personified. 00:19:12.220 --> 00:19:14.139 He is wisdom personified. 00:19:14.259 --> 00:19:15.000 He is wisdom, 00:19:15.000 --> 00:19:15.859 God's wisdom, 00:19:16.379 --> 00:19:17.500 in flesh. 00:19:19.159 --> 00:19:20.159 Later on in Isaiah, 00:19:20.160 --> 00:19:20.759 we'll see Isaiah 00:19:20.759 --> 00:19:21.440 speak of him 00:19:21.440 --> 00:19:23.800 as the spirit 00:19:23.800 --> 00:19:24.400 of wisdom 00:19:24.400 --> 00:19:25.140 and understanding 00:19:25.140 --> 00:19:25.759 and counsel 00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:26.620 is upon him. 00:19:27.360 --> 00:19:28.860 Here is Jesus. 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:30.720 That's exactly 00:19:30.720 --> 00:19:31.500 what we'd expect 00:19:31.500 --> 00:19:32.180 from one 00:19:32.180 --> 00:19:32.860 through whom 00:19:32.860 --> 00:19:33.420 the cosmos 00:19:33.420 --> 00:19:34.220 was created 00:19:34.220 --> 00:19:35.940 and in whom 00:19:35.940 --> 00:19:37.080 all things hold together 00:19:37.080 --> 00:19:38.440 and for whom 00:19:38.440 --> 00:19:40.019 all things exist. 00:19:41.460 --> 00:19:42.200 Jesus Christ 00:19:42.200 --> 00:19:43.800 is wisdom personified 00:19:43.800 --> 00:19:44.360 and here's what 00:19:44.360 --> 00:19:45.019 that means. 00:19:45.019 --> 00:19:47.119 that means 00:19:47.119 --> 00:19:48.700 if we're told 00:19:48.700 --> 00:19:49.299 in scripture, 00:19:49.440 --> 00:19:49.940 if we know 00:19:49.940 --> 00:19:50.619 that this wonderful 00:19:50.619 --> 00:19:51.240 counselor holds 00:19:51.240 --> 00:19:51.660 the world 00:19:51.660 --> 00:19:52.420 in his hands, 00:19:53.920 --> 00:19:54.740 surely that means 00:19:54.740 --> 00:19:55.339 that you and I 00:19:55.339 --> 00:19:56.519 can trust our todays 00:19:56.519 --> 00:19:57.319 to his hands 00:19:57.319 --> 00:19:58.619 and we can trust 00:19:58.619 --> 00:19:59.339 our tomorrows 00:19:59.339 --> 00:20:00.319 to his hands. 00:20:01.920 --> 00:20:02.180 You see, 00:20:02.220 --> 00:20:03.000 the baby in the manger, 00:20:03.119 --> 00:20:04.099 the arrival of whom 00:20:04.099 --> 00:20:05.200 we celebrate at Christmas 00:20:05.200 --> 00:20:05.960 doesn't just come 00:20:05.960 --> 00:20:07.059 to give us the answers. 00:20:08.299 --> 00:20:09.200 He is the answer. 00:20:10.240 --> 00:20:11.119 He doesn't just come 00:20:11.119 --> 00:20:12.339 to show us grace. 00:20:13.299 --> 00:20:14.279 He is grace. 00:20:15.559 --> 00:20:16.519 He doesn't just come 00:20:16.519 --> 00:20:17.299 to say 00:20:17.299 --> 00:20:18.240 that he is the way 00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:18.539 and the truth 00:20:18.539 --> 00:20:18.699 and the life. 00:20:18.779 --> 00:20:19.439 He is the way 00:20:19.439 --> 00:20:19.819 and the truth 00:20:19.819 --> 00:20:20.299 and the life. 00:20:20.379 --> 00:20:20.740 Do you see? 00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:22.459 God's wisdom 00:20:22.459 --> 00:20:24.539 in flesh. 00:20:25.099 --> 00:20:26.539 Jesus Christ. 00:20:26.740 --> 00:20:27.439 He is the answer. 00:20:27.539 --> 00:20:28.480 Here's the second thing 00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:29.839 that he is a king 00:20:29.839 --> 00:20:30.799 to whom you can turn. 00:20:31.859 --> 00:20:32.359 He's a king 00:20:32.359 --> 00:20:33.139 in whom you can trust. 00:20:33.220 --> 00:20:33.599 He's a king 00:20:33.599 --> 00:20:34.439 to whom you can turn. 00:20:34.939 --> 00:20:35.419 When we're going 00:20:35.419 --> 00:20:36.259 through difficult times 00:20:36.259 --> 00:20:36.919 in our lives, 00:20:37.939 --> 00:20:38.819 what is it we pray? 00:20:39.000 --> 00:20:39.740 What is it we long 00:20:39.740 --> 00:20:40.839 for more than anything else? 00:20:40.939 --> 00:20:41.720 We long for somebody 00:20:41.720 --> 00:20:42.220 who understands. 00:20:43.199 --> 00:20:44.099 We long for someone 00:20:44.099 --> 00:20:44.699 who understands 00:20:44.699 --> 00:20:45.559 and can do something 00:20:45.559 --> 00:20:45.980 about it. 00:20:46.019 --> 00:20:46.720 We long for somebody 00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:47.339 who can help. 00:20:49.199 --> 00:20:49.779 And this takes us 00:20:49.779 --> 00:20:50.899 to the staggering truth 00:20:50.899 --> 00:20:51.740 right at the heart 00:20:51.740 --> 00:20:52.699 of the Christian faith. 00:20:53.039 --> 00:20:53.679 And it's a truth 00:20:53.679 --> 00:20:54.439 that sets it apart 00:20:54.439 --> 00:20:55.439 from all other religions 00:20:55.439 --> 00:20:56.439 and it's a truth 00:20:56.439 --> 00:20:58.339 that comes into sharp focus 00:20:58.339 --> 00:20:59.839 at Christmas time. 00:20:59.959 --> 00:21:00.579 And it's this. 00:21:02.220 --> 00:21:04.619 That God took on flesh. 00:21:05.959 --> 00:21:07.939 That Jesus took on our humanity. 00:21:08.099 --> 00:21:08.619 That Jesus, 00:21:09.539 --> 00:21:10.359 while not ceasing 00:21:10.359 --> 00:21:11.500 to be fully God, 00:21:12.179 --> 00:21:13.819 became fully man. 00:21:13.919 --> 00:21:14.740 The incarnation, 00:21:14.899 --> 00:21:15.639 that's what that's called. 00:21:15.740 --> 00:21:15.899 Friends, 00:21:15.919 --> 00:21:17.019 if you think the Pacific Ocean 00:21:17.019 --> 00:21:17.919 is deep, 00:21:18.159 --> 00:21:19.000 get your trunks on 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:19.439 and go swimming 00:21:19.439 --> 00:21:20.139 in that truth. 00:21:20.679 --> 00:21:21.619 The incarnation 00:21:21.619 --> 00:21:24.000 that God became human. 00:21:25.599 --> 00:21:26.619 The words of that song 00:21:26.619 --> 00:21:27.019 that the band 00:21:27.019 --> 00:21:27.879 performed for us, 00:21:28.319 --> 00:21:29.119 who would have dreamed 00:21:29.119 --> 00:21:31.279 or ever foreseen 00:21:31.279 --> 00:21:33.419 that we could hold God 00:21:33.419 --> 00:21:34.199 in our hands? 00:21:34.200 --> 00:21:36.600 It's incredible. 00:21:37.720 --> 00:21:37.880 You see, 00:21:37.940 --> 00:21:39.279 Jesus didn't just look on 00:21:39.279 --> 00:21:40.000 from a distance 00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:40.720 at our darkness. 00:21:40.860 --> 00:21:42.480 He didn't just dip a toe 00:21:42.480 --> 00:21:43.960 in our brokenness. 00:21:44.019 --> 00:21:45.759 He got involved. 00:21:48.480 --> 00:21:49.840 I was in Glasgow on Friday 00:21:49.840 --> 00:21:51.680 and took a walk down 00:21:51.680 --> 00:21:52.460 Buchanan Street. 00:21:52.600 --> 00:21:53.279 I wonder if you saw this 00:21:53.279 --> 00:21:54.220 in the news the other day. 00:21:54.319 --> 00:21:55.220 There's a statue 00:21:55.220 --> 00:21:56.180 that's just gone up 00:21:56.180 --> 00:21:57.940 by a Canadian Christian 00:21:57.940 --> 00:21:59.480 called Timothy Schmaltz 00:21:59.480 --> 00:22:00.519 and it's called 00:22:00.519 --> 00:22:01.420 The Homeless Jesus. 00:22:02.420 --> 00:22:03.140 Basically what it is, 00:22:03.180 --> 00:22:05.140 it's just a little bench 00:22:05.140 --> 00:22:06.660 and there's a figure 00:22:06.660 --> 00:22:07.300 on the bench 00:22:07.300 --> 00:22:07.980 in a hood, 00:22:08.240 --> 00:22:08.620 cloaked, 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:09.700 shivering away 00:22:09.700 --> 00:22:10.900 and you can just see 00:22:10.900 --> 00:22:11.440 his feet 00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:12.860 and in the feet 00:22:12.860 --> 00:22:14.039 are the two holes. 00:22:15.220 --> 00:22:16.360 Here is Jesus. 00:22:17.380 --> 00:22:18.019 Now it's deliberately 00:22:18.019 --> 00:22:18.500 provocative. 00:22:18.680 --> 00:22:19.220 It's meant to get us 00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:19.759 to think about 00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:20.660 how we treat those 00:22:20.660 --> 00:22:21.500 who are less fortunate 00:22:21.500 --> 00:22:22.600 than us at Christmas time 00:22:22.600 --> 00:22:24.420 but it strikes 00:22:24.420 --> 00:22:25.019 at the heart 00:22:25.019 --> 00:22:26.160 of a wonderful truth 00:22:26.160 --> 00:22:30.039 that Jesus knew 00:22:30.039 --> 00:22:32.200 the brokenness 00:22:32.200 --> 00:22:33.659 of our world 00:22:33.659 --> 00:22:34.240 and that's why 00:22:34.240 --> 00:22:34.859 we can sing 00:22:34.859 --> 00:22:36.039 Yes he walked my road 00:22:36.039 --> 00:22:37.180 and he felt my pain 00:22:37.180 --> 00:22:38.599 Joys and sorrows 00:22:38.599 --> 00:22:39.879 that I know so well. 00:22:41.200 --> 00:22:42.000 Later in Isaiah 00:22:42.000 --> 00:22:43.000 you see it spelled out 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:43.619 more clearly 00:22:43.619 --> 00:22:44.159 that Jesus 00:22:44.159 --> 00:22:45.599 he was a man of sorrows 00:22:45.599 --> 00:22:47.240 and he was acquainted 00:22:47.240 --> 00:22:47.960 with grief. 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:49.339 Now what does that tell us? 00:22:50.519 --> 00:22:51.059 As we look at 00:22:51.059 --> 00:22:51.799 the baby in the manger 00:22:51.799 --> 00:22:53.180 what does that tell us? 00:22:54.240 --> 00:22:54.759 It tells us 00:22:54.759 --> 00:22:55.720 that Jesus knows 00:22:55.720 --> 00:22:58.099 and above all else 00:22:58.099 --> 00:22:58.539 it tells us 00:22:58.539 --> 00:22:59.200 that God loves 00:22:59.200 --> 00:23:01.080 God cares. 00:23:04.120 --> 00:23:04.920 Like he knows 00:23:04.920 --> 00:23:05.580 Jesus knows 00:23:05.580 --> 00:23:06.480 he knows what it's like 00:23:06.480 --> 00:23:07.140 to be abandoned 00:23:07.140 --> 00:23:08.640 that Jesus knows 00:23:08.640 --> 00:23:09.220 what it's like 00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:09.860 to be betrayed 00:23:09.860 --> 00:23:11.160 by those closest to you 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:11.700 that he knows 00:23:11.700 --> 00:23:12.160 what it means 00:23:12.160 --> 00:23:13.120 to lose a loved one 00:23:13.120 --> 00:23:14.340 that he knows 00:23:14.340 --> 00:23:15.160 what it means to suffer 00:23:15.160 --> 00:23:15.700 that he knows 00:23:15.700 --> 00:23:16.580 what it means to be mocked 00:23:16.580 --> 00:23:16.960 that he knows 00:23:16.960 --> 00:23:17.880 what it means to die 00:23:17.880 --> 00:23:20.059 and notice that 00:23:20.059 --> 00:23:20.580 he's not just 00:23:20.580 --> 00:23:21.539 a counsellor 00:23:21.539 --> 00:23:24.580 he is the wonderful counsellor 00:23:24.580 --> 00:23:25.200 he in fact 00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:26.160 if you want to put it like this 00:23:26.160 --> 00:23:27.920 he is the counsellor 00:23:27.920 --> 00:23:28.660 of counsellors 00:23:28.660 --> 00:23:29.580 that's what is trying 00:23:29.580 --> 00:23:30.660 to be conveyed there 00:23:30.660 --> 00:23:32.080 because he is not one 00:23:32.080 --> 00:23:33.480 who simply sympathises 00:23:33.480 --> 00:23:34.540 with us 00:23:34.540 --> 00:23:35.340 in our darkness 00:23:35.340 --> 00:23:36.140 you see Jesus 00:23:36.140 --> 00:23:36.800 didn't just come 00:23:36.800 --> 00:23:37.740 to pat us on the back 00:23:37.740 --> 00:23:38.040 and say 00:23:38.040 --> 00:23:38.580 there there 00:23:38.580 --> 00:23:39.480 keep on going 00:23:39.480 --> 00:23:40.680 actually 00:23:40.680 --> 00:23:42.240 he is 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:43.440 a counsellor 00:23:43.440 --> 00:23:44.540 a wonderful counsellor 00:23:44.540 --> 00:23:44.980 who has come 00:23:44.980 --> 00:23:45.960 to save us 00:23:45.960 --> 00:23:47.400 from our 00:23:47.400 --> 00:23:48.240 darkness 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:50.019 his life 00:23:50.019 --> 00:23:50.660 his life of service 00:23:50.660 --> 00:23:51.960 his life of obedience 00:23:51.960 --> 00:23:52.480 that would be 00:23:52.480 --> 00:23:53.960 given voluntarily 00:23:53.960 --> 00:23:54.680 and freely 00:23:54.680 --> 00:23:55.400 would see him 00:23:55.400 --> 00:23:56.200 end up where 00:23:56.200 --> 00:23:56.940 on a cross 00:23:56.940 --> 00:23:58.819 on a cross 00:23:58.819 --> 00:24:01.000 because he loved us 00:24:01.000 --> 00:24:01.460 too much 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:02.240 to let us wander 00:24:02.240 --> 00:24:03.099 in our darkness 00:24:03.099 --> 00:24:05.079 that he loved us 00:24:05.079 --> 00:24:05.599 too much 00:24:05.599 --> 00:24:06.480 to see us stay 00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:07.059 in our sin 00:24:07.059 --> 00:24:08.220 and he gave his life 00:24:08.220 --> 00:24:09.400 his perfect life 00:24:09.400 --> 00:24:11.700 so we were singing earlier 00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:12.319 he became 00:24:12.319 --> 00:24:13.420 a curse for us 00:24:13.420 --> 00:24:14.160 so that our curse 00:24:14.160 --> 00:24:14.920 he would reverse 00:24:14.920 --> 00:24:18.380 to redeem us 00:24:18.380 --> 00:24:19.259 from our darkness 00:24:19.259 --> 00:24:21.080 friends you see 00:24:21.080 --> 00:24:22.000 the wonderful 00:24:22.000 --> 00:24:23.660 truth about the baby 00:24:23.660 --> 00:24:24.360 in the manger 00:24:24.360 --> 00:24:25.360 here it is truly 00:24:25.360 --> 00:24:27.180 he is a wonderful counsellor 00:24:27.180 --> 00:24:29.900 it's difficult 00:24:29.900 --> 00:24:30.640 living in darkness 00:24:30.640 --> 00:24:31.300 is it not 00:24:31.300 --> 00:24:33.039 it's difficult 00:24:33.039 --> 00:24:33.980 living in darkness 00:24:33.980 --> 00:24:35.519 Rejavik in winter 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:36.860 no thank you for me 00:24:36.860 --> 00:24:38.440 no thank you for me 00:24:38.440 --> 00:24:38.779 but 00:24:38.779 --> 00:24:39.740 here's the thing 00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:40.440 about Rejavik 00:24:40.440 --> 00:24:42.519 it's a different story 00:24:42.519 --> 00:24:42.940 in June 00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:44.820 different story 00:24:44.819 --> 00:24:45.200 in June 00:24:45.200 --> 00:24:46.500 looked it up 00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:46.919 this week 00:24:46.919 --> 00:24:48.759 the sun rises 00:24:48.759 --> 00:24:49.439 before three 00:24:49.439 --> 00:24:49.939 in the morning 00:24:49.939 --> 00:24:52.179 three in the morning 00:24:52.179 --> 00:24:53.980 and it sets 00:24:53.980 --> 00:24:55.220 just after midnight 00:24:55.220 --> 00:24:56.419 so in the summer 00:24:56.419 --> 00:24:58.000 there are 21 hours 00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:58.679 of sunlight 00:24:58.679 --> 00:24:59.619 in Iceland 00:24:59.619 --> 00:25:00.419 it's incredible 00:25:00.419 --> 00:25:01.379 21 hours 00:25:01.379 --> 00:25:01.839 I think it's the 00:25:01.839 --> 00:25:02.879 coolest thing 00:25:02.879 --> 00:25:03.899 I love about living here 00:25:03.899 --> 00:25:04.819 in the summers 00:25:04.819 --> 00:25:05.399 it's great 00:25:05.399 --> 00:25:06.319 but if you think 00:25:06.319 --> 00:25:07.259 that is cool 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:08.879 then let me 00:25:08.879 --> 00:25:10.119 take you to the city 00:25:10.119 --> 00:25:11.139 that John describes 00:25:11.139 --> 00:25:12.259 in Revelation 21 00:25:12.259 --> 00:25:13.980 just the words 00:25:13.980 --> 00:25:14.440 on the screen 00:25:14.440 --> 00:25:14.920 don't worry 00:25:14.920 --> 00:25:15.460 about looking it up 00:25:15.460 --> 00:25:16.000 you can look it up 00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:16.220 later 00:25:16.220 --> 00:25:17.180 Revelation 21 00:25:17.180 --> 00:25:17.960 this is what 00:25:17.960 --> 00:25:18.720 John sees 00:25:18.720 --> 00:25:20.579 I did not see 00:25:20.579 --> 00:25:20.960 a temple 00:25:20.960 --> 00:25:21.640 in the city 00:25:21.640 --> 00:25:23.140 because the Lord 00:25:23.140 --> 00:25:24.039 God Almighty 00:25:24.039 --> 00:25:25.539 and the Lamb 00:25:25.539 --> 00:25:26.240 are its temple 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:27.620 the city 00:25:27.620 --> 00:25:28.299 does not need 00:25:28.299 --> 00:25:28.819 the sun 00:25:28.819 --> 00:25:29.759 or the moon 00:25:29.759 --> 00:25:30.440 to shine in it 00:25:30.440 --> 00:25:30.779 why? 00:25:32.779 --> 00:25:33.539 for the glory 00:25:33.539 --> 00:25:33.980 of God 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:34.700 gives it light 00:25:34.700 --> 00:25:36.660 and the Lamb 00:25:36.660 --> 00:25:37.920 is its lamp 00:25:37.920 --> 00:25:39.620 the nations 00:25:39.620 --> 00:25:40.100 will walk 00:25:40.100 --> 00:25:40.940 by its light 00:25:40.940 --> 00:25:42.220 and the kings 00:25:42.220 --> 00:25:42.740 of the earth 00:25:42.740 --> 00:25:43.080 will bring 00:25:43.080 --> 00:25:43.740 their splendor 00:25:43.740 --> 00:25:44.420 into it 00:25:44.420 --> 00:25:45.660 on no day 00:25:45.660 --> 00:25:46.600 will its gates 00:25:46.600 --> 00:25:47.460 ever be shut 00:25:47.460 --> 00:25:48.420 for 00:25:48.420 --> 00:25:49.580 there will be 00:25:49.580 --> 00:25:50.680 no night 00:25:50.680 --> 00:25:51.400 there 00:25:51.400 --> 00:25:54.539 here is God 00:25:54.539 --> 00:25:55.500 dwelling with his people 00:25:55.500 --> 00:25:55.779 where? 00:25:55.880 --> 00:25:56.480 in the city 00:25:56.480 --> 00:25:57.800 of unending light 00:25:57.800 --> 00:25:58.320 why? 00:25:59.320 --> 00:26:00.320 because the darkness 00:26:00.320 --> 00:26:01.740 has been banished 00:26:01.740 --> 00:26:02.580 forever 00:26:02.580 --> 00:26:04.820 sin is a distant memory 00:26:04.820 --> 00:26:05.680 all oppression 00:26:05.680 --> 00:26:06.240 has ceased 00:26:06.240 --> 00:26:06.980 every tear 00:26:06.980 --> 00:26:07.519 has been wiped 00:26:07.519 --> 00:26:08.740 from every single eye 00:26:08.740 --> 00:26:09.680 and all of it 00:26:09.680 --> 00:26:10.299 has been replaced 00:26:10.299 --> 00:26:11.380 by all out worship 00:26:11.380 --> 00:26:12.039 of the God 00:26:12.039 --> 00:26:12.759 who is eternally 00:26:12.759 --> 00:26:13.859 worthy of all praise 00:26:13.859 --> 00:26:15.059 this is his city 00:26:15.059 --> 00:26:15.420 of light 00:26:15.420 --> 00:26:16.319 this is God's city 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:18.559 we should read 00:26:18.559 --> 00:26:19.240 Isaiah 9 00:26:19.240 --> 00:26:19.960 rightly 00:26:19.960 --> 00:26:21.880 we should look 00:26:21.880 --> 00:26:22.420 back 00:26:22.420 --> 00:26:23.279 today 00:26:23.279 --> 00:26:23.779 and see its 00:26:23.779 --> 00:26:24.680 wonderful fulfillment 00:26:24.680 --> 00:26:25.519 in the king of light 00:26:25.519 --> 00:26:26.519 who came at Christmas time 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:27.359 Jesus Christ 00:26:27.359 --> 00:26:29.279 but we also need 00:26:29.279 --> 00:26:30.559 to read Isaiah 9 00:26:30.559 --> 00:26:31.359 and look forward 00:26:31.359 --> 00:26:32.339 to its complete 00:26:32.339 --> 00:26:32.839 fulfillment 00:26:32.839 --> 00:26:34.799 on that day 00:26:34.799 --> 00:26:35.799 when the rain 00:26:35.799 --> 00:26:37.440 of Jesus Christ 00:26:37.440 --> 00:26:38.180 the victory 00:26:38.180 --> 00:26:39.460 of this returning king 00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:40.519 the reign 00:26:40.519 --> 00:26:41.139 of this wonderful 00:26:41.139 --> 00:26:41.559 counselor 00:26:41.559 --> 00:26:42.339 will be seen 00:26:42.339 --> 00:26:43.539 by all 00:26:43.539 --> 00:26:45.960 and of the greatness 00:26:45.960 --> 00:26:47.159 of his government 00:26:47.159 --> 00:26:48.339 and peace 00:26:48.339 --> 00:26:49.359 there will be 00:26:49.359 --> 00:26:50.799 no end 00:26:50.799 --> 00:26:52.819 praise God 00:26:52.819 --> 00:26:53.079 friends 00:26:53.079 --> 00:26:53.659 that God 00:26:53.659 --> 00:26:54.579 sent us 00:26:54.579 --> 00:26:56.339 the wonderful 00:26:56.339 --> 00:26:57.539 counselor 00:26:57.539 --> 00:27:00.240 the words 00:27:00.240 --> 00:27:00.579 that we're going 00:27:00.579 --> 00:27:01.159 to finish with 00:27:01.159 --> 00:27:01.619 in a moment 00:27:01.619 --> 00:27:03.539 beautiful savior 00:27:03.539 --> 00:27:05.720 wonderful counselor 00:27:05.720 --> 00:27:07.539 clothed in majesty 00:27:07.539 --> 00:27:08.859 lord of history 00:27:08.859 --> 00:27:10.200 you're the way 00:27:10.200 --> 00:27:10.639 the truth 00:27:10.639 --> 00:27:11.139 the life 00:27:11.139 --> 00:27:12.839 star of the morning 00:27:12.839 --> 00:27:14.000 glorious 00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:15.180 in holiness 00:27:15.180 --> 00:27:17.379 you are the risen one 00:27:17.379 --> 00:27:18.920 heaven's champion 00:27:18.920 --> 00:27:19.799 and you reign 00:27:19.799 --> 00:27:20.980 you reign 00:27:20.980 --> 00:27:21.480 over 00:27:21.480 --> 00:27:22.519 all 00:27:22.519 --> 00:27:24.379 let me pray 00:27:24.380 --> 00:27:27.440 for us 00:27:27.440 --> 00:27:28.200 as we close 00:27:28.200 --> 00:27:32.420 and maybe 00:27:32.420 --> 00:27:33.040 as we've been 00:27:33.040 --> 00:27:34.260 hearing God 00:27:34.260 --> 00:27:35.000 speak through 00:27:35.000 --> 00:27:35.620 his word 00:27:35.620 --> 00:27:36.320 this morning 00:27:36.320 --> 00:27:38.400 you are here 00:27:38.400 --> 00:27:38.940 and you think 00:27:38.940 --> 00:27:39.640 I've never really 00:27:39.640 --> 00:27:40.280 thought about this 00:27:40.280 --> 00:27:40.660 stuff 00:27:40.660 --> 00:27:43.140 you're sitting here 00:27:43.140 --> 00:27:43.920 aware of your own 00:27:43.920 --> 00:27:44.360 darkness 00:27:44.360 --> 00:27:47.680 and God 00:27:47.680 --> 00:27:48.460 would invite you 00:27:48.460 --> 00:27:49.400 to reach out 00:27:49.400 --> 00:27:50.420 to the king of light 00:27:50.420 --> 00:27:51.260 Jesus Christ 00:27:51.260 --> 00:27:51.800 this morning 00:27:51.799 --> 00:27:58.740 dear father 00:27:58.740 --> 00:28:00.799 thank you 00:28:00.799 --> 00:28:01.839 for the privilege 00:28:01.839 --> 00:28:03.200 that we get 00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:04.419 at this time 00:28:04.419 --> 00:28:04.879 of year 00:28:04.879 --> 00:28:06.700 to remember 00:28:06.700 --> 00:28:08.619 and to thank you 00:28:08.619 --> 00:28:09.779 for sending 00:28:09.779 --> 00:28:10.619 your son 00:28:10.619 --> 00:28:11.379 Jesus 00:28:11.379 --> 00:28:12.700 to earth 00:28:12.700 --> 00:28:14.200 to be our 00:28:14.200 --> 00:28:14.720 savior 00:28:14.720 --> 00:28:16.799 and our king 00:28:16.799 --> 00:28:18.539 and to be our 00:28:18.539 --> 00:28:19.460 wonderful 00:28:19.460 --> 00:28:20.559 counselor 00:28:20.559 --> 00:28:20.679 father 00:28:20.679 --> 00:28:23.000 and so dear 00:28:23.000 --> 00:28:23.399 lord 00:28:23.399 --> 00:28:24.559 whatever we are 00:28:24.559 --> 00:28:25.159 at this morning 00:28:25.159 --> 00:28:25.519 with you 00:28:25.519 --> 00:28:26.179 we ask 00:28:26.179 --> 00:28:26.980 that you would 00:28:26.980 --> 00:28:27.700 help us 00:28:27.700 --> 00:28:28.839 to leave here 00:28:28.839 --> 00:28:29.399 this morning 00:28:29.399 --> 00:28:30.139 and to walk 00:28:30.139 --> 00:28:30.919 in light of 00:28:30.919 --> 00:28:32.200 a bigger picture 00:28:32.200 --> 00:28:33.119 of who you are 00:28:33.119 --> 00:28:34.259 and a more 00:28:34.259 --> 00:28:35.200 beautiful picture 00:28:35.200 --> 00:28:35.859 of who your 00:28:35.859 --> 00:28:36.419 son Jesus 00:28:36.419 --> 00:28:37.139 Christ really 00:28:37.139 --> 00:28:37.539 is 00:28:37.539 --> 00:28:39.519 father thank you 00:28:39.519 --> 00:28:39.899 that you are 00:28:39.899 --> 00:28:40.539 the god of all 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:40.940 grace 00:28:40.940 --> 00:28:42.059 and we pray 00:28:42.059 --> 00:28:42.599 these things 00:28:42.599 --> 00:28:43.159 through Jesus 00:28:43.159 --> 00:28:43.599 name 00:28:43.599 --> 00:28:44.539 amen 00:28:44.539 --> 00:28:55.799 T 00:28:55.799 --> 00:28:57.859 so 00:28:57.859 --> 00:28:58.480 thank you